Regional

Deputy County Manager Robert Companion talks about the Nassau Crossing Park Splash Pad on Wednesday at the Board of County Commissioners meeting. The board approved an amendment to a contract with ACON Construction Co. to cover the rest of the cost of design and construction of the Splash Pad, expected to be completed by summer. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Deputy County Manager Robert Companion talks about the Nassau Crossing Park Splash Pad on Wednesday at the Board of County Commissioners meeting. The board approved an amendment to a contract with ACON Construction Co. to cover the rest of the cost of design and construction of the Splash Pad, expected to be completed by summer. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Nassau County parks: Splash pad could be ready by summer

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, February 20, 2025
At Wednesday’s Nassau County Board of County Commissioners meeting, parks and recreation took center stage. A splash pad in the plans for Nassau Crossing Park will be constructed and available for use, possibly by summer.
Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Daniel Jones, left, and Corrections Deputy Jacob Deal with K9 Rip at the Valentine’s Day event Hearts and Heroes at the Callahan McDonalds. The McDonald's partnered with the NCSO to raise funds for Special Olympics in conjunction with the NCSO Law Enforcement Torch Run. Submitted photo

Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Daniel Jones, left, and Corrections Deputy Jacob Deal with K9 Rip at the Valentine’s Day event Hearts and Heroes at the Callahan McDonalds. The McDonald's partnered with the NCSO to raise funds for Special Olympics in conjunction with the NCSO Law Enforcement Torch Run. Submitted photo

Exclusive Subscriber Content

NCSO, McDonald's team up for Hearts and Heroes

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
The Callahan McDonalds partnered with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) last week to join in the Special Olympics efforts. The Hearts and Heroes event showed much love to the Special Olympics Florida and the NCSO’s Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). The event raised $584.
Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper attends a press conference Thursday to discuss the incident that occurred in Nassau County. A teenager was shot in the arm while playing Senior Assassins. Right: State Attorney for Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit Melissa Nelson. Submitted

Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper attends a press conference Thursday to discuss the incident that occurred in Nassau County. A teenager was shot in the arm while playing Senior Assassins. Right: State Attorney for Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit Melissa Nelson. Submitted

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Law enforcement calls to end ‘dangerous game’

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Law enforcement says a popular game teenagers play could have fatal consequences, as shown in a recent incident in Nassau County.
Nassau County Property Appraiser, Kevin J. Lilly

Nassau County Property Appraiser, Kevin J. Lilly

Exclusive Subscriber Content

File for Homestead Exemption by March 1

News Staff
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Nassau County property owners who occupy their home as their permanent residence may be eligible for homestead or other property tax exemptions. According to Florida Statutes, homeowners must own and occupy their residence prior to January 1, 2025, to receive the benefit for the 2025 tax year.
Monarch caterpillars depend on Milkweed plants as their host, despite the toxic sap. While Monarchs have evolved to tolerate the plant's toxicity, if Milkweed doesn’t die back in the winter, the toxins can build up to levels that surpass the caterpillars' tolerance, leading to their death. Submitted photo

Monarch caterpillars depend on Milkweed plants as their host, despite the toxic sap. While Monarchs have evolved to tolerate the plant's toxicity, if Milkweed doesn’t die back in the winter, the toxins can build up to levels that surpass the caterpillars' tolerance, leading to their death. Submitted photo

A Monarch's journey begins with native milkweed

Taylor Clem
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Monarch butterflies are more than just beautiful visitors fluttering through our gardens—they are essential pollinators that play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting agricultural production. Unfortunately, Monarch populations are declining, and their survival is at risk.
The Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking held a training session Jan. 27 at the Florida Department of Health, 1620 Nectarine St, to train those interested in becoming Human Trafficking Prevention Ambassadors. Submitted photo

The Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking held a training session Jan. 27 at the Florida Department of Health, 1620 Nectarine St, to train those interested in becoming Human Trafficking Prevention Ambassadors. Submitted photo

Exclusive Subscriber Content

‘See something, say something’: Human Trafficking Prevention training comes to Nassau

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Some locals are getting savvy on what to look for to prevent human trafficking. Nassau County recently hosted its first-ever Human Trafficking Prevention Training. Individuals who attended the event Jan.
On Tuesday the Board of County Commissioners held a joint session with the Nassau County School District. From left: District board members Kristi Simpkins, Gail Cook, Superintendent Dr. Kathy Burns, County Manager Taco Pope, County Attorney Denise May, County commissioners John Martin, Klynt Farmer, A.M. "Hupp" Huppmann, Jeff Gray and Alyson McCullough. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

On Tuesday the Board of County Commissioners held a joint session with the Nassau County School District. From left: District board members Kristi Simpkins, Gail Cook, Superintendent Dr. Kathy Burns, County Manager Taco Pope, County Attorney Denise May, County commissioners John Martin, Klynt Farmer, A.M. "Hupp" Huppmann, Jeff Gray and Alyson McCullough. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Exclusive Subscriber Content

BOCC meets with School Board: Leaders share vision

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Nassau County commissioners came together with the Nassau County School Board to continue collaboration efforts. The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners met Tuesday with the Nassau County School Board (NCSB) for its annual meeting.
County commissioners meet Feb. 10 for the Board of County Commissioner meeting in the James S. Page Governmental Complex. From left, John Martin, Klynt Farmer, A.M. “Hupp” Huppmann, Jeff Gray and Alyson McCullough. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

County commissioners meet Feb. 10 for the Board of County Commissioner meeting in the James S. Page Governmental Complex. From left, John Martin, Klynt Farmer, A.M. “Hupp” Huppmann, Jeff Gray and Alyson McCullough. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Exclusive Subscriber Content

BOCC contributes $5,000 to Hilliard's Vietnam Voices

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
On Monday, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met for a short first regular session of February to give $5,000 to the Town of Hilliard and clear a couple of 20-year code enforcement liens.
YETies from the 4-H Yet program were joined by members of Fire Rescue Station 30 on Thursday to learn search and rescue tactics. Photo by Nassau County 4-H

YETies from the 4-H Yet program were joined by members of Fire Rescue Station 30 on Thursday to learn search and rescue tactics. Photo by Nassau County 4-H

Exclusive Subscriber Content

YETies in Nassau: YET program teaches kids emergency, safety skills

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
A local 4-H safety and emergency management course that preps kids for emergency situations is gaining attention on the national stage. The YET Program was founded in 2017 by Nassau County’s 4-H program and Nassau County Emergency Management.
County Manager Taco Pope, left, and City Manager Sarah Campbell at the joint meeting between the Fernandina Beach City Commission and the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners on Thursday at the James S. Page Governmental Complex. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

County Manager Taco Pope, left, and City Manager Sarah Campbell at the joint meeting between the Fernandina Beach City Commission and the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners on Thursday at the James S. Page Governmental Complex. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

Exclusive Subscriber Content

City, county joint meeting covers parks, trails, stormwater, future

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Nassau County and Fernandina Beach commissioners held a joint meeting last week to discuss projects the two governments have a vested interest in.