Sports

Edward Waters freshman pose with a cake made to celebrate them joining the team for the 2025 season. From left, Macie Bourgholtzer, Jacksonville; Kyleigh Golden, Yulee; Jaela Palmer, Jaksonville; Carsen Chmiel, Fernandina Beach; and Ava Martyn, Yulee. Submitted photo

Edward Waters freshman pose with a cake made to celebrate them joining the team for the 2025 season. From left, Macie Bourgholtzer, Jacksonville; Kyleigh Golden, Yulee; Jaela Palmer, Jaksonville; Carsen Chmiel, Fernandina Beach; and Ava Martyn, Yulee. Submitted photo

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Three local softball standouts join team at historic Jacksonville university

Ashley Chandler
Friday, August 8, 2025
Three “hometown heroes” are set to join the softball team at Edward Waters University, a historic college based in Jacksonville. The team faces the upcoming season ruled by fresh faces.
Makarlie Wilson, Maddie Powell, Jia Thomas, Jayla Thomas, Tyla Williamson, Desiree Mason, Aleli Nevarez were the Nassau County 12U Flag Football League Champions.

Makarlie Wilson, Maddie Powell, Jia Thomas, Jayla Thomas, Tyla Williamson, Desiree Mason, Aleli Nevarez were the Nassau County 12U Flag Football League Champions.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Nassau County’s first all-girls flag football league

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
The first all-girls flag football league in Nassau County was formed this summer by the Yulee gym Hit Squad Elite. Travis Williamson, the director of football talent and development, spoke on the local girls talent in the up-and-coming sport.
Drayson Ricks, EJ Ricks and Liam Hice Jones at the football camp. Submitted photos

Drayson Ricks, EJ Ricks and Liam Hice Jones at the football camp. Submitted photos

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Hit Squad Elite pumps out local talent

Marisa DeMar
Friday, July 25, 2025
A group of middle school boys from Nassau County were invited to compete at a national football camp in Naples, Florida, earlier this summer. After competing in a regional camp, six of the players received invitations to compete on a national level.
From left, Joseph Voss-Danker and his father Fred Danker pose behind the desk in their personal training facility in Fernandina Beach. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

From left, Joseph Voss-Danker and his father Fred Danker pose behind the desk in their personal training facility in Fernandina Beach. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Father-son pair strive to do the unimaginable

Ashley Chandler
Friday, July 11, 2025
A father-son strength-training duo from Fernandina Beach is looking to take Florida by storm with a body-building “trifecta.”Fred Danker has worked in Fernandina Beach as a personal trainer for nearly 30 years and competed in numerous body-building competitions.
Pickleballers play on the Nassau Pickleball 365 courts Monday morning in Yulee. Photos by Mike Anderson/News-Leader

Pickleballers play on the Nassau Pickleball 365 courts Monday morning in Yulee. Photos by Mike Anderson/News-Leader

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Nassau Pickleball 365: Open daily

Jim Luksic
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Pickleball has become all the rage across most of America, and northeast Florida is no exception. Just ask Bruce Duncan, who co-owns Nassau Pickleball 365 with his wife, Shelly, in Yulee.
More than 110 paddlers finished a 9-10 mile kayak from St. Marys to Fernandina Beach to benefit veterans over the weekend. (COURTESY)

More than 110 paddlers finished a 9-10 mile kayak from St. Marys to Fernandina Beach to benefit veterans over the weekend. (COURTESY)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Paddle event supports veterans

Ashley Chandler
Friday, June 27, 2025
More than 110 paddlers finished a 9-10 mile kayak from St. Marys to Fernandina Beach to benefit veterans over the weekend.
Derrick Henry, a former Yulee High star and current Baltimore Ravens star, waves to the crowd during a community day he hosted Saturday in Yulee. (MIKE THORN/Nassau County Record)

Derrick Henry, a former Yulee High star and current Baltimore Ravens star, waves to the crowd during a community day he hosted Saturday in Yulee. (MIKE THORN/Nassau County Record)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

King Henry gives back to Yulee

News Staff
Friday, June 27, 2025
By MIKE THORN NFL superstar and Yulee native Derrick Henry returned home Saturday for his annual Two All Community Day. Each year, Henry gives away bicycles, backpacks, scooters, books, and other items to 300 kids in preparation for the upcoming school year.
The 16th green and marsh view at the Oak Marsh golf course at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa. Submitted photo

The 16th green and marsh view at the Oak Marsh golf course at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa. Submitted photo

Oak Marsh course reopens at Omni

Beth Jones
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
When Beau Welling agreed to renovate Oak Marsh, it wasn’t just his next project. It was personal. The 18-hole, Pete Dye-designed course opened in 1972 at the resort on the south end of the island, and Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa decided last year it was time for a makeover.
Victoria Rushing, Levi Hutchinson, Jesse Basse, Cael Kubatzke and Callie Brackens, front row from left, signed national letters of intent Wednesday to compete on the college level. Pictured, back row from left, are athletic director Mike Woodard, beach volleyball coach Brian Evatt, baseball coach Jon Shave, basketball coach Matt Bringman, wrestling coach Eric Kubatzke and volleyball coach Paige Subjinski. Photo by Penny Glackin/Special

Victoria Rushing, Levi Hutchinson, Jesse Basse, Cael Kubatzke and Callie Brackens, front row from left, signed national letters of intent Wednesday to compete on the college level. Pictured, back row from left, are athletic director Mike Woodard, beach volleyball coach Brian Evatt, baseball coach Jon Shave, basketball coach Matt Bringman, wrestling coach Eric Kubatzke and volleyball coach Paige Subjinski. Photo by Penny Glackin/Special

Exclusive Subscriber Content

5 Pirates pen to play

Beth Jones
Friday, May 2, 2025
It’s the day they’ve worked toward their entire high school careers. Wednesday was signing day for five Fernandina Beach High School seniors who’ve chosen to stick with their sport on the college level.
Overall low gross winners include, from left, Judy Stiber, Vickie Galpin, Mia Fitzgerald and Claudeen Lindberg. Submitted

Overall low gross winners include, from left, Judy Stiber, Vickie Galpin, Mia Fitzgerald and Claudeen Lindberg. Submitted

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Member-Guest held at GCAI

Beth Jones
Friday, May 2, 2025
The Ladies Golf Association at the Golf Club of Amelia Island held its fourth annual formal Member-Guest April 24-25. Kicking off the event with a cocktail party Thursday night, awards were given for “Kentucky Derby Run for the Roses” attire.