Regional

Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper, bottom row second from the left, joined other state law enforcement in Miami-Dade County last week for a press conference about the 287 (g) program. All 67 Florida counties have entered into agreement with ICE to assist in serving warrants for those in the United States illegally. Submitted photo

Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper, bottom row second from the left, joined other state law enforcement in Miami-Dade County last week for a press conference about the 287 (g) program. All 67 Florida counties have entered into agreement with ICE to assist in serving warrants for those in the United States illegally. Submitted photo

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Sheriff Leeper explains ICE agreements

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Sheriff Bill Leeper was in Miami-Dade County last week with other state law enforcement to listen to Governor Ron DeSantis discuss the 287(g) program.
Myron Beachy, president of Nassau County Beekeepers Association, teaches members of the group about beekeeping Feb. 27 at a mentoring session held at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Myron Beachy, president of Nassau County Beekeepers Association, teaches members of the group about beekeeping Feb. 27 at a mentoring session held at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Nassau County's Wild Neighbors: The local buzz about bees

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, March 6, 2025
It’s that time of year. Spring is about to begin and the pollinating insects, crucial to our food production and flowering plants, are already hard at work.
Flooding in Nassau County last year. File photo

Flooding in Nassau County last year. File photo

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County: Know your flood risk, get insured

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
In recognition of Flood Awareness Week, the county is putting out tips and strategies for residents to prepare for potential flooding. The Board of County Commissioners declared this week, March 3 through 9, as Flood Awareness Week in Nassau County.
The historic Fernandina Beach courthouse. File photo/News-Leader

The historic Fernandina Beach courthouse. File photo/News-Leader

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Treasures of Nassau: Exponential growth and changing demographics

Pamela Bushnell
Friday, February 28, 2025
This is our final installment in the history series commemorating the 200th anniversary of the incorporation of Fernandina and Nassau County. The News-Leader plans to publish a compilation of the series in the near future. We will advise readers when the new publication becomes available.
Josh MacBeth presented updates to the BOCC at the Timber to Tides Design Overlay District (T2TDO) Workshop on Feb. 19. Staff said the T2TDO will be up for adoption in June. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Josh MacBeth presented updates to the BOCC at the Timber to Tides Design Overlay District (T2TDO) Workshop on Feb. 19. Staff said the T2TDO will be up for adoption in June. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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County expects to adopt Timber to Tides in June

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Nassau County is pushing to prepare for major growth in the coming decades through expansion of county infrastructure and staff and through guiding the growth in the residential, commercial and industrial areas.
Gregory Jones, middle, was recognized for his retirement from Nassau County Fire Rescue at the Feb. 19 Board of County Commissioners meeting. From left, Commissioner Alyson McCullough, Jones and Fire Chief Brady Rigdon. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Gregory Jones, middle, was recognized for his retirement from Nassau County Fire Rescue at the Feb. 19 Board of County Commissioners meeting. From left, Commissioner Alyson McCullough, Jones and Fire Chief Brady Rigdon. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Retirements, staff recognized at BOCC

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Several county staff were recognized by the BOCC in February. Gregory Jones and David Crout were recognized for their retirements and David White was recognized as the county’s Employee of the Quarter at the Feb. 19 meeting.
The Board of County Commissioners meets Monday in the Commission Chambers. From left, commissioners John Martin, Clint Farmer, A.M. “Hupp” Huppmann, Jeff Gray and Alyson McCullough. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Board of County Commissioners meets Monday in the Commission Chambers. From left, commissioners John Martin, Clint Farmer, A.M. “Hupp” Huppmann, Jeff Gray and Alyson McCullough. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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$2.8M construction contract approved for Amelia Island Parkway Trail

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
On Monday, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners highlighted flooding awareness and approved a construction contract for Amelia Island Parkway Trail (AIPT) for just under $2.8 million.  The contract is for construction of two more segments of AIPT. The $2,797,747 contract with CGC, Inc.
In April 2023, Peter Brual showed the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners and the audience a picture of the south end of Amelia Island, asking the BOCC to vote against a settlement that would allow 85-foot condominiums to be built. “This is a picture of the crown jewel of the whole area,” Brual said. “It’s why we’re here. Think about, if Riverstone wins, what this might look like. Can you see it? Towers over canopy treetops.” File photo/News-Leader

In April 2023, Peter Brual showed the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners and the audience a picture of the south end of Amelia Island, asking the BOCC to vote against a settlement that would allow 85-foot condominiums to be built. “This is a picture of the crown jewel of the whole area,” Brual said. “It’s why we’re here. Think about, if Riverstone wins, what this might look like. Can you see it? Towers over canopy treetops.” File photo/News-Leader

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Riverstone hearing tomorrow: Legal battle over plans for 85-foot towers

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Update 2/26/25 9 p.m. The Riverstone Hearing scheduled for Thursday morning has been rescheduled to later in the day.  President of Amelia Tree Conservancy Lyn Pannone said "due to a family emergency, the judge changed the time of the Riverstone hearing on Thursday, February 27 to 4:30pm.
Holly Coyle at a Board of County Commissioners meeting in October 2024. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Holly Coyle at a Board of County Commissioners meeting in October 2024. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Prosperity Alliance supports local economy

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, February 20, 2025
For the last couple of years, the Nassau County Prosperity Alliance (NPA) has worked to “support the greater economic ecosystem.” Following the 2022 creation of the county’s first strategic plan, the county joined together area leaders invested in the local economy in the NPA.