Regional

FBHS and YHS students stand in front of their art at the Purple Dove Resale Center in Fernandina Beach on March 30.  By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

FBHS and YHS students stand in front of their art at the Purple Dove Resale Center in Fernandina Beach on March 30.  By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

The Power of Art 

Marisa DeMar
Friday, April 3, 2026
In recognition of Teen Dating Violence Awareness, local domestic violence center Micah’s Place hosted their 5th annual teen art contest called The Power of Art: A Vision of Love and Respect - Imagining A Violence-Free World.
Emma Pulwers, 12-year-old Yulee Middle School student battling stage 3B Malignant Melanoma. Submitted photo

Emma Pulwers, 12-year-old Yulee Middle School student battling stage 3B Malignant Melanoma. Submitted photo

Kick Cancer for Emma

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, April 2, 2026
12-year-old Yulee Middle School student Emma Pulwers was diagnosed with stage 3B Malignant Melanoma in January. Despite her ongoing fight with the disease, Emma has remained positive through it all, according to her mother Traci McAfee. McAfee told the News-Leader about Emma’s driven personality.
Nassau County Attorney Denise May. File photo/News-Leader

Nassau County Attorney Denise May. File photo/News-Leader

BOCC updates law to allow drinking alcohol on county property during events

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Nassau County has made drinking alcohol at county events legal. To benefit the many events hosted by Nassau County, as well as the highly-anticipated Westside Regional Park, the Board of County Commissioners has approved an update to its ordinance regarding alcohol consumption on county property.
The Board of County Commissioners meets earlier this month. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Board of County Commissioners meets earlier this month. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

County approves single lane two-way alternating traffic during CR 121 construction

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
The Phase 1 makeover of County Road 121 is going to take 120 extra days after the Board of County Commissioners approved an additional $2 million to tackle concerns from west side residents. The BOCC approved a change order worth $2,387,121.61 to its contract with Anderson Columbia Co.
A goat smiles for a picture at Jaybird Hammock Farm in Yulee. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

A goat smiles for a picture at Jaybird Hammock Farm in Yulee. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Serenity and adventure

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Jaybird Hammock Farm in Yulee has added several new family-friendly events to its repertoire.
Ron Whitesides, of Purvis, Gray & Co., presents Wednesday to the Board of County Commissioners on the companies’ most recent audit of the BOCC and constitutional offices. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Ron Whitesides, of Purvis, Gray & Co., presents Wednesday to the Board of County Commissioners on the companies’ most recent audit of the BOCC and constitutional offices. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Audit firm reports county in ‘good, healthy financial condition’

Ashley Chandler
Friday, March 20, 2026
Nassau County received an assuring report on its last Fiscal Year from an external auditor. The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners heard an update from Ron Whitesides with Purvis, Gray & Co., following the company’s audit for Fiscal Year 2024/2025, which ended on Sept. 30.
The Ron Sapp Egans Creek Greenway trail is a popular outdoor spot in Fernandina Beach. Unfortunately for those who suffer from allergies, the trail is booming with blooms on the trees and flowering plants as Nassau County welcomes Spring. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Ron Sapp Egans Creek Greenway trail is a popular outdoor spot in Fernandina Beach. Unfortunately for those who suffer from allergies, the trail is booming with blooms on the trees and flowering plants as Nassau County welcomes Spring. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Blooms abound as Spring begins

Ashley Chandler
Friday, March 20, 2026
As Nassau County’s beautiful native plant species begin to show off, many people’s eyes, noses and respiratory systems are showing out. Today is the vernal equinox, also known as the first day of Spring.
The new location of Nothing Bundt Cakes at 76030 William Burgess Boulevard, Unit 4 in Yulee. By Marisa DeMar

The new location of Nothing Bundt Cakes at 76030 William Burgess Boulevard, Unit 4 in Yulee. By Marisa DeMar

Nothing Bundt Cakes opens in Yulee

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
The national chain known as Nothing Bundt Cakes opened the doors of their new location in Yulee on Monday. With several locations throughout Jacksonville, the plan to open a Nothing Bundt Cakes in Nassau County has been in the works for over a year, said District Manager Amy Good.
A roundabout is being constructed at Amelia Island Parkway and Buccaneer Trail. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

A roundabout is being constructed at Amelia Island Parkway and Buccaneer Trail. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Safety in loops: County staff discusses roundabouts

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Nassau County residents are getting used to driving 'round and 'round. As a part of its push to manage growth and safety, the county is working with its contracted companies to construct roundabouts at busy intersections.