Regional

Operation Fail Festival nets unregistered sex offenders in Nassau County. Submitted

Operation Fail Festival nets unregistered sex offenders in Nassau County. Submitted

Operation Fail Festival nets unregistered sex offenders in Nassau County

Julia Roberts
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper announced Operation Fail Festival, which resulted in the arrest of several people in the county for their failure to register, or re-register, as a sexual offender. “Several of these sick individuals … failed to comply with sexual offender requirements.
North Atlantic right whale Braces swims with her calf off Nassau Sound on Dec. 23. Photo courtesy of Clearwater marine Aquarium Research Institute.

North Atlantic right whale Braces swims with her calf off Nassau Sound on Dec. 23. Photo courtesy of Clearwater marine Aquarium Research Institute.

Fifth right whale calf of season spotted

Wes Wolfe
Thursday, December 28, 2023
The numbers aren’t close to what’s needed for the survival of the species, but North Atlantic right whale calving season continues with the fourth and fifth calves of the year spotted recently off Florida.
Carlene McDuffie, president of the Coalition for the Homeless of Nassau County, welcomes all to a vigil on National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day to honor those who have passed while experiencing homelessness. Submitted

Carlene McDuffie, president of the Coalition for the Homeless of Nassau County, welcomes all to a vigil on National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day to honor those who have passed while experiencing homelessness. Submitted

National Homeless Persons' Remembrance Day

Sean Rosenthal
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Coalition for the Homeless of Nassau County (CHNassau) held a vigil at the courthouse in downtown Fernandina Beach to honor National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day held annually on Dec. 21.
Shrimp Drop time! Submitted

Shrimp Drop time! Submitted

NYE shrimp drop on Amelia Island

News Staff
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
A unique local tradition, locals and visitors alike gather along the riverfront in downtown Fernandina Beach (North Front Street) to watch a giant shrimp covered in lights fall from the sky as part of an annual tradition to welcome a new year. It happens at a family-friendly 7 p.m.
Students make Christmas decorations at the recent Sundays on Second program at the Island Art Association on Second Street. Submitted

Students make Christmas decorations at the recent Sundays on Second program at the Island Art Association on Second Street. Submitted

Sundays on Second

Guest Columnist
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Arlyse McDonald taught art at both Fernandina Beach High School and Yulee High School. She has been retired for 17 years, but her passion for teaching art has not waned. She has found the perfect place on North Second Street at the Island Art Association’s Sundays on Second program.
The University of Florida is always testing and experimenting on newer grape varieties for agricultural production, including these European grape varieties. Photo courtesy of UF/IFAS Communications and Cat Wofford.

The University of Florida is always testing and experimenting on newer grape varieties for agricultural production, including these European grape varieties. Photo courtesy of UF/IFAS Communications and Cat Wofford.

The 12 lucky grapes

Taylor Clem
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
The 12 lucky grapes 2023 is nearing its end. As family and friends congregate together, saying either “sayonara,” “good riddance,” “arrivederci” or “it was a good year,” we look forward to what the New Year will bring.
19-year-old Tyler Jordan Fuller and 18-Year-old Aaniyah Jackson were spotted breaking into cars at the Lofts at Wildlight in Yulee. Submitted

19-year-old Tyler Jordan Fuller and 18-Year-old Aaniyah Jackson were spotted breaking into cars at the Lofts at Wildlight in Yulee. Submitted

Two arrested for stealing vehicles, car break-ins

News Staff
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Early Thursday morning, Dec. 21, Nassau County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) arrested two individuals from Jacksonville, 19-year-old Tyler Jordan Fuller and 18-Year-old Aaniyah Jackson, who were spotted breaking into cars at the Lofts at Wildlight in Yulee, said a release.
Aerial surveys spotted right whale Catalog #1703 “Wolf” and her newborn calf on Dec. 22, off Atlantic Beach, near Jacksonville. Photos courtesy FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Aerial surveys spotted right whale Catalog #1703 “Wolf” and her newborn calf on Dec. 22, off Atlantic Beach, near Jacksonville. Photos courtesy FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Right whale calf No. 4 spotted

News Staff
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Aerial surveys spotted right whale Catalog #1703 “Wolf” and her newborn calf on Dec. 22, off Atlantic Beach, near Jacksonville. Wolf is 37 years old, and this is her fifth calf.  “She last gave birth nine years ago during the 2015 calving season.