Regional

Aerial view of the newly opened Wildlight Commerce Park. Submitted

Aerial view of the newly opened Wildlight Commerce Park. Submitted

Official opening of Wildlight Commerce Park

Under beautiful blue skies and warm temperatures on Feb. 1, more than 50 people joined Pattillo Industrial Real Estate and the Nassau County Economic Development Board for the official announcement of the opening the Wildlight Commerce Park located at Wildworks Avenue and SR 200.
Ashley Taylor was recently named Nassau County’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. Submitted photo

Ashley Taylor was recently named Nassau County’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. Submitted photo

Callahan Elementary’s Ashley Taylor named 2024 Teacher of the Year

Ashley Taylor, first-grade teacher at Callahan Elementary School, was recently named Nassau County’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. More than 400 educators and supporters attended the annual gala held at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island for the announcement.
From left, Jayla Eldell, Carley Eldell and Tressa Linzy. Submitted photo

From left, Jayla Eldell, Carley Eldell and Tressa Linzy. Submitted photo

Big Sister of the Year announced

Each year, Big Brothers Big Sisters honors our outstanding Big Brothers and Big Sisters. The nominees are the perfect illustration of how the mentoring relationship helps Littles achieve their biggest possible futures and makes a long-lasting impact on the Big, too.
National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Shedding light on human trafficking

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. As a new year begins, this month is a reminder to collectively heighten our awareness, education and advocacy to combat this pervasive issue of modern-day bondage.
Yulee’s Kevin Reyes-Ramos and Fernandina Beach’s Noah Wilson. Photo by Beth Jones/News-Leader

Yulee’s Kevin Reyes-Ramos and Fernandina Beach’s Noah Wilson. Photo by Beth Jones/News-Leader

Hornets eliminate Pirates

The host Fernandina Beach Pirates were eliminated by the Yulee Hornets Monday night in the semifinal round of the District 3-4A soccer tournament. No. 2 seed Yulee High School won 2-1 and takes on top-seed Stanton at 6 p.m. today in the championship game at Pirate Field. Purchase tickets at gofan.
Kate Vitori with her school team and family at recent school board meeting after receiving recognition as a representative for the 2024 Sunshine State Scholar program. From left, Superintendent of Nassau Schools Kathy Burns, FBHS school counselor Sarah Coombs, mathematics instructor James Glackin, Vitori’s mother, Carrie Vitori, scholarship winner Kate Vitori, Vitori’s father, David Vitori, Vitori’s grandmother, Marlene Kozak, Vitori’s grandmother, Marsha Abernathy, grandfather, Bob Abernathy. Submitted

Kate Vitori with her school team and family at recent school board meeting after receiving recognition as a representative for the 2024 Sunshine State Scholar program. From left, Superintendent of Nassau Schools Kathy Burns, FBHS school counselor Sarah Coombs, mathematics instructor James Glackin, Vitori’s mother, Carrie Vitori, scholarship winner Kate Vitori, Vitori’s father, David Vitori, Vitori’s grandmother, Marlene Kozak, Vitori’s grandmother, Marsha Abernathy, grandfather, Bob Abernathy. Submitted

School board reviews millage update and discusses labor issues

In the regular meeting of the Nassau County School Board on Thursday, a question was asked about the millage thus far and what was in the December budget.
Florida Commerce President of Business Development Laura DiBella, left, highlights the challenges of attracting businesses in Nassau County. She is joined by Nassau County Economic Development Board Executive Director Sherri Mitchell. Photo by Kathie Sciullo

Florida Commerce President of Business Development Laura DiBella, left, highlights the challenges of attracting businesses in Nassau County. She is joined by Nassau County Economic Development Board Executive Director Sherri Mitchell. Photo by Kathie Sciullo

Nassau economic development forum: ‘Money follows the innovation’

Western Nassau still lacks wastewater infrastructure to support big industry at Crawford Diamond Industrial Site, but that should change by summer. The town of Callahan has a water and wastewater facility under construction at the site.
Deirdre A. Wallace spoke at her swearing-in ceremony to become the county’s first full-time magistrate as judges Lance Day and Jenny Higginbotham look on from the bench. Images Courtesy 4th Judicial Circuit

Deirdre A. Wallace spoke at her swearing-in ceremony to become the county’s first full-time magistrate as judges Lance Day and Jenny Higginbotham look on from the bench. Images Courtesy 4th Judicial Circuit

Deirdre Wallace sworn in as magistrate

Nassau County welcomed its first full-time court magistrate this week. A swearing-in ceremony was held for Magistrate Deirdre A. Wallace on Wednesday afternoon before a packed courtroom in downtown Fernandina’s historic courthouse.
William Johnson, center, of the Road and Bridge Department was acknowledged at Wednesday’s Nassau County Board of County Commissioners meeting for 30 years of service to the county. Presenting the award were Darren Marsh, interim road director, left, and Taco Pope, county manager, right. Photo courtesy of Sabrina Robertson/Nassau County Board of Commissioners

William Johnson, center, of the Road and Bridge Department was acknowledged at Wednesday’s Nassau County Board of County Commissioners meeting for 30 years of service to the county. Presenting the award were Darren Marsh, interim road director, left, and Taco Pope, county manager, right. Photo courtesy of Sabrina Robertson/Nassau County Board of Commissioners

Nassau County recognizes employees for their service

At its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, Jan.