Regional

Catalog #1612 Juno is the first right whale sighted with a newborn calf this winter. The calf is no more than four days old and the pair was sighted near the entrance to Winyah Bay in South Carolina on Nov. 28. Catalog #1612 is at least 38 years old and this is her eighth calf documented by researchers. Photo Credit: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, taken under NOAA permit #26919. Funded by United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Catalog #1612 Juno is the first right whale sighted with a newborn calf this winter. The calf is no more than four days old and the pair was sighted near the entrance to Winyah Bay in South Carolina on Nov. 28. Catalog #1612 is at least 38 years old and this is her eighth calf documented by researchers. Photo Credit: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, taken under NOAA permit #26919. Funded by United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Big baby born: First North Atlantic right whale calf of the season sighted

Julia Roberts
Friday, December 1, 2023
Along with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI), the Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors are celebrating the first calf sighting of the North Atlantic right whale calving season.
Fernandina City Manager, Ty Ross. File photo

Fernandina City Manager, Ty Ross. File photo

City manager apologizes for bicycle incident

Julia Roberts
Thursday, November 30, 2023
The Fernandina Beach City Manager is asking the community for understanding following an incident where he wrecked his bicycle following an evening of drinking downtown.
The City of Fernandina Beach and Nassau County Board of County Commissioners came together to proclaims the week of July 28 through August 5, 2023 as “Gullah/Geechee Nation Appreciation Week.” Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

The City of Fernandina Beach and Nassau County Board of County Commissioners came together to proclaims the week of July 28 through August 5, 2023 as “Gullah/Geechee Nation Appreciation Week.” Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

Gullah/Geechee cemetery protection grant

Sean Rosenthal
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
The Gullah/Geechee Cultural Community Trust is including a letter of support from Nassau County in its application for the Abandoned African-American Cemeteries Grant through the state of Florida, Division of Historic Resources, for their project “Restoring Crandall Cemetery: Life, Culture and...
Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper. File photo

Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper. File photo

Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper clarifies details surrounding what led to a deputy’s pursuit of theft suspects in Yulee on Wednesday afternoon.

News Staff
Friday, November 24, 2023
The following is a message from Sheriff Bill Leeper regarding the recent vehicle pursuit and traffic crash on State Road 200: “First and foremost my heart and prayers goes out to the innocent victim that was seriously hurt by reckless criminals that have no regard for human life.
Agent Doug Smith listens to public comment in opposition of his company’s application for a conditional use permit for the sale of beer and wine at a site at the southeast corner of Meadowfield Bluffs Road and SR 200. Photo by Sean Rosenthal/News-Leader

Agent Doug Smith listens to public comment in opposition of his company’s application for a conditional use permit for the sale of beer and wine at a site at the southeast corner of Meadowfield Bluffs Road and SR 200. Photo by Sean Rosenthal/News-Leader

Alcohol permit hearing gets tipsy

Sean Rosenthal
Thursday, November 23, 2023
A permit to sell alcohol in a Commercial General zone was not granted by a unanimous vote of the Conditional Use and Variance Board (CUBA), despite county staff recommendation for approval. Cross Regions Real Estate addressed the CUVB at it Nov.
Bobbie Walker speaks to the Conditional Use and Variance board on Nov. 16, and some family members can be seen behind her. Photo by Sean Rosenthal/News-Leader

Bobbie Walker speaks to the Conditional Use and Variance board on Nov. 16, and some family members can be seen behind her. Photo by Sean Rosenthal/News-Leader

Wineries, agritourism coming to Nassau County

Sean Rosenthal
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Bobbie Walker’s family has been farming muscadine grapes at Tuscan Rose Vineyards in Callahan for 75 years. Until last week they could not sell wine.

RYAM submits application to produce bioethanol

Julia Roberts
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Rayonier Performance Fibers, known as RYAM, has submitted an application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to produce bioethanol in its Fernandina Beach plant. According to the Carbon Collective, bioethanol is a fuel made from plant material, such as corn or sugarcane.
Total TDT Taxable sales over the last few years. Commissioner John Martin pointed out tourism came “roaring back” after the pandemic. Submitted photo

Total TDT Taxable sales over the last few years. Commissioner John Martin pointed out tourism came “roaring back” after the pandemic. Submitted photo

Tourism year in review

Sean Rosenthal
Friday, November 17, 2023
From October 2022 to September 2023, Amelia Island saw 771,400 visitors generate $932,888,600 in total economic impact. Bed tax collections of 5% on short-term rentals totaled $11.4 million this past fiscal year, which is a 1.5% increase from last year and a new record.
Ron Sapp, center, with his granddaughter to his left and event master of ceremonies, Robert Peters, on his right at the recent dedication ceremony. Photo by Tracy Dishman/News-Leader

Ron Sapp, center, with his granddaughter to his left and event master of ceremonies, Robert Peters, on his right at the recent dedication ceremony. Photo by Tracy Dishman/News-Leader

Egans Creek Greenway named for Ron Sapp

Julia Roberts
Friday, November 17, 2023
In an event a speaker called “The Woodstock of Fernandina,” the Fernandina Beach Woman’s Club building was filled to overflowing with people honoring Ron Sapp, a teacher, longtime city official and community leader, by naming the Egans Creek Greenway for him.