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: Sam Johnson holds ball pythons for sale at Sam's Flying Frog Ranch in Yulee. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

: Sam Johnson holds ball pythons for sale at Sam's Flying Frog Ranch in Yulee. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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An ‘accidental collection’ of ball pythons

Marisa DeMar
Friday, February 20, 2026
“They are very docile so you don't have to worry too much about them, see she is getting a little curious,” said Sam Johnson as a ball python began slithering up his chest.
Paddlers at the annual Paddle for Veterans event hosted by Cross the Line in June 2025. By Barefoot Photography

Paddlers at the annual Paddle for Veterans event hosted by Cross the Line in June 2025. By Barefoot Photography

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Paddle for Veterans kick-off event 

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Cross the Line Foundation will be hosting its annual Paddle for Veterans kick-off event at the American Legion Post 54 onSunday from noon - 3 p.m. The free event marks the start of the 2026 registration for the organization's largest fundraising event: Paddle for Veterans.
The Island Tapper group led by Carol Burns Montgomery performs at the Amelia Island Dance Festival  Submitted photo 

The Island Tapper group led by Carol Burns Montgomery performs at the Amelia Island Dance Festival  Submitted photo 

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Dancing through it all

Marisa DeMar
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
When she was a child, Carol Burns Montgomery recalls sitting on the train from Brooklyn to Manhattan, N.Y everyday after school, combing the paper for auditions. Growing up in the Pink House Projects in Brooklyn, N.
Robert Haddock, owner of H&S Shrimp Company holds locally caught shrimp.  Submitted photo

Robert Haddock, owner of H&S Shrimp Company holds locally caught shrimp.  Submitted photo

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Heritage and Shrimp

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
The shrimping industry in Fernandina Beach once served as the economic backbone of the city. Local seafood distribution company, H&S Shrimp Company continues to honor Fernandina Beach’s shrimping heritage and aims to keep the local industry alive. H&S Shrimp Co.
  Francine (Frankie) Gross holds her Cannon camera during the Wild Amelia kids' photography session at Fort Clinch on Saturday.  By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

  Francine (Frankie) Gross holds her Cannon camera during the Wild Amelia kids' photography session at Fort Clinch on Saturday.  By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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Getting the perfect shot 

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
As a large pelican cascaded over the surface of the Amelia River, Francine (Frankie) Gross knelt in preparation for the perfect shot. 9-year-old Frankie gripped her Cannon camera and watched as the bird moved swiftly through the air in search of its next fish.
Leslie Diaz holds her Hospitality Business of the Year award at the annual Chamber Awards & Gala on Jan. 15. Courtesy of the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce 

Leslie Diaz holds her Hospitality Business of the Year award at the annual Chamber Awards & Gala on Jan. 15. Courtesy of the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce 

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Luxe Picnics by Les wins Chamber award

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Luxe Picnics by Les was awarded the honorary title of Hospitality Business of the Year at the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce award ceremony and gala on Jan. 15. Leslie Diaz, owner of the cafe and retail store said that the news came as a surprise.
The Nassau County Board of County Commissioner meet in January. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Nassau County Board of County Commissioner meet in January. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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County OK’s purchase of 134 acres on St. Marys River

Ashley Chandler
Friday, January 30, 2026
Nassau County officially approved the purchase of the 134-acre property known as Callie’s on the River.  At Monday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting commissioners voted 5-0 to move forward with the purchase, sale agreement and closing documents related to property located along the St.
Janice Ancrum, President and CEO of NCCOA speaks at the annual meeting on Tuesday at the Janice Ancrum Senior Life Center. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Janice Ancrum, President and CEO of NCCOA speaks at the annual meeting on Tuesday at the Janice Ancrum Senior Life Center. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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2025 record-breaking year of NCCOA

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, January 29, 2026
 Nassau County Council on Aging (NCCOA) hosted their annual meeting on Tuesday to discuss the organization’s various accomplishments throughout 2025 and their goals moving forward. Janice Ancrum, President and CEO of NCCOA led the meeting with a recap of statistics from the last year.

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Baby boom! 

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Six North Atlantic right whale calves have been born in January. The new additions raise the total number of calves spotted this season to 21 which is the highest number of births recorded in the last 15 years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). On Jan.