Regional

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

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

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, January 9, 2025
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

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

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
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

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

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, January 2, 2025
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

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Year in review: Top 10 topics of 2024

News Staff
Tuesday, December 31, 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.
Rebekah Ross, a first-grade student at Southside Elementary School. Ross captured first place with her vibrant crayon drawing of a joyful angel. Submitted photo

Rebekah Ross, a first-grade student at Southside Elementary School. Ross captured first place with her vibrant crayon drawing of a joyful angel. Submitted photo

Young artists ‘Color the News’ with Christmas spirit

Tracy Dishman
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
The spirit of Christmas came alive on the front page of the News-Leader today, thanks to the artistic talent of our community's youngest artists.
Michael Hickox, left, and John A. Crawford, right, were both recognized Dec. 18 for their retirements from Nassau County. Hickox retired as Nassau County Property Appraiser after 12 years of service, and Crawford retired as the Nassau County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller after 28 years of service. Photos by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Michael Hickox, left, and John A. Crawford, right, were both recognized Dec. 18 for their retirements from Nassau County. Hickox retired as Nassau County Property Appraiser after 12 years of service, and Crawford retired as the Nassau County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller after 28 years of service. Photos by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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BOCC recognizes Hickox, Crawford retirements

Ashley Chandler
Monday, December 23, 2024
Last week, the Board of County Commissioners recognized several “dedicated” and “hard working” individuals in Nassau County. The audience was packed at the Wednesday morning meeting as many were in attendance for the day's recognitions.
Dale Green speaks in October at the Board of County Commissioners meeting after the board recognized his retirement from Nassau County Fire Rescue. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Dale Green speaks in October at the Board of County Commissioners meeting after the board recognized his retirement from Nassau County Fire Rescue. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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'Teach one, reach one': Retired firefighter founds nonprofit that will fund students in fire school

Ashley Chandler
Monday, December 23, 2024
A recently-retired Nassau County firefighter with “a heart of gold” plans to give back in a big way. Dale Green has founded The Green and Green Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to fund fire school in Nassau County for young people in need of assistance.
From left, CNI Newspapers President Mark Major, outgoing News-Leader Publisher Foy Maloy and newly appointed interim Publisher Todd Wilson pause for a photo during Tuesday's leader-ship transition announcement at the News-Leader newspaper. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

From left, CNI Newspapers President Mark Major, outgoing News-Leader Publisher Foy Maloy and newly appointed interim Publisher Todd Wilson pause for a photo during Tuesday's leader-ship transition announcement at the News-Leader newspaper. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Wilson named Interim Publisher of News-Leader, promoted to Southeast Regional Publisher

News Staff
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Community Newspapers, Inc., has promoted Todd Wilson to Southeast Regional Publisher, a position that will oversee all of the company’s Florida newspaper holdings plus the newspaper in St. Marys, Ga., CNI President Mark W. Major announced Monday.
Deputy County Attorney Abigail Jorandby presents to the Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 18. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Deputy County Attorney Abigail Jorandby presents to the Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 18. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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County presents ‘how-to’ to residents interested in MSBU

Ashley Chandler
Saturday, December 21, 2024
County staff outlined the process for a resident interested in establishing a Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) at last week’s Nassau County Board of County Commissioners meeting. The board adopted the MSBU policies and procedures and authorized the county manager to implement and adjust them.