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Bicyclist killed in late-night crash Jan. 3

A bicyclist was struck and killed in Nassau County earlier this month.  Marcus Lee Rose, 38, was pronounced dead on the scene by Nassau County Fire Rescue.  The crash report by the Florida Highway Patrol said late on Jan.
A Nassau County graphic shows the site location for Westside Regional Park. Construction for the highly-anticipated park is set to begin Jan. 20. Submitted

A Nassau County graphic shows the site location for Westside Regional Park. Construction for the highly-anticipated park is set to begin Jan. 20. Submitted

Westside Regional Park construction to begin Jan. 20

What the county says will be a top-notch recreational hub for northeast Florida is set to begin construction next week.  On Thursday, the county held what it called a pre-construction meeting for Phase One of Westside Regional Park (WSRP).
From left, commissioners Klynt Farmer, Jeff Gray, A.M. "Hupp" Huppmann, John Martin and Alyson McCullough pose for a photo Dec. 9 following the BOCC's annual reorganizational meeting. News-Leader

From left, commissioners Klynt Farmer, Jeff Gray, A.M. "Hupp" Huppmann, John Martin and Alyson McCullough pose for a photo Dec. 9 following the BOCC's annual reorganizational meeting. News-Leader

BOCC to meet with FBC and NCSB

Nassau County announced its joint meetings with the school board and city to kick off 2025. The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners will meet with the Fernandina Beach Commission at 3 p.m. on Feb. 6 in the Commission Chambers at James S. Page Governmental Complex.
Commissioner Alyson McCullough attends the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners meeting Monday in the Commission Chambers. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Commissioner Alyson McCullough attends the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners meeting Monday in the Commission Chambers. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Working-mom McCullough claims BOCC bias

Commissioner Alyson McCullough on Monday claimed the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners showed bias in not nominating her to be vice chair for 2025.
County staff and commissioner meet for the final meeting of 2024. From left, Assistant County Manager Marshall Eyerman, County Manager Taco Pope, County Attorney Denise May, commissioners A.M. "Hupp" Huppmann, Klynt Farmer, John Martin, Jeff Gray and Alyson McCullough. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

County staff and commissioner meet for the final meeting of 2024. From left, Assistant County Manager Marshall Eyerman, County Manager Taco Pope, County Attorney Denise May, commissioners A.M. "Hupp" Huppmann, Klynt Farmer, John Martin, Jeff Gray and Alyson McCullough. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

County commissioners look to coming year

County commissioners say they will continue forward momentum on parks, infrastructure, conservation and future planning in 2025.  Next week the Board of County Commissioners will meet for the first time this year.
Patience Dowling named the January 2025 4-H'er of the month. Submitted

Patience Dowling named the January 2025 4-H'er of the month. Submitted

4-H seeks fertilized eggs, announces public speaking workshop

Nassau County has announced a few updates for the University of Florida Extension 4-H program — a youth project is in need of fertilized eggs, and registration is open for a youth public speaking workshop and January’s 4-H’er of the month.
Kathy Russell, conservation and environmental manager for city of Fernandina Beach, leads volunteers during an Invader Raiders cleanup event in December on city conservation land. The group was working to clear trash, debris and invasive plant species from the property. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Kathy Russell, conservation and environmental manager for city of Fernandina Beach, leads volunteers during an Invader Raiders cleanup event in December on city conservation land. The group was working to clear trash, debris and invasive plant species from the property. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Nassau County's Wild Neighbors: Invasive plants disturb local ecosystems

For thousands of years, people have cultivated plants for decorative purposes, giving these rooted beings arms, legs and, eventually, boats and planes. It has become a common practice to pick a plant that offers nothing but appeal to the senses and take it home.
Monday evening on American Beach. The National Park Service has commissioned a National Historic Landmark study to determine what makes American Beach historically unique. The study could result in the designation of a National Historic Landmark. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Monday evening on American Beach. The National Park Service has commissioned a National Historic Landmark study to determine what makes American Beach historically unique. The study could result in the designation of a National Historic Landmark. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Roots in the sand: NPS study to decide American Beach landmark status

American Beach could receive a National Historic Landmark (NHL) designation following an ongoing National Park Service (NPS) study. The NPS helps to preserve NHLs and works with preservation officials, private property owners and other partners interested in nominating properties for designation.
Nassau County staff received this photo from a resident concerned that people had been burning pallets on the beaches. Submitted photo

Nassau County staff received this photo from a resident concerned that people had been burning pallets on the beaches. Submitted photo

County warns: Don’t burn pallets on beaches, or at all

On Monday, Nassau County shared a photo on its blog, originally shared by a resident to county staff. The photo was of a bag full of nails, covered in sand and rust. The county said the resident had concerns some people had been burning pallets on the beaches.
A Nassau County Bicentennial Challenge Coin and a Vision 2050 sticker. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

A Nassau County Bicentennial Challenge Coin and a Vision 2050 sticker. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Year in review: Top 10 topics of 2024

The News-Leader newsroom chose what we believe were the top 10 topics that shaped Nassau County in 2024. These topics generated ongoing coverage throughout the year, sparking important conversations and decisions in our community.