State

Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a Florida International University on Wednesday. Provided photo

Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a Florida International University on Wednesday. Provided photo

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DeSantis calls for license-plate reader overhaul

Amy Mulligan
Friday, August 28, 2026
Amid growing controversy in Florida and other states, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday called for an overhaul of how law enforcement agencies use automated license plate readers.

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Residents reminded to prep for storms as NWS keeps eye on systems

Amy Mulligan
Friday, July 17, 2026
An area of low pressure is expected to form this weekend over the northeastern Gulf and then move slowly northeast early next week.Kirsten Chaney, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jacksonville said the NWS is monitoring an area of low pressure in the Gulf.

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NCSD earns ‘A’ grade, drops to No. 2 in state

Nick Blank
Friday, July 3, 2026
The Nassau County School District is the second-best district in the state, earning another overall ‘A’ grade while placing high in most subjects. The District received 13 A’s and one ‘B’ grade, which was West Nassau High, according to the Florida Department of Education.

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Candidates qualify for 2026 state, national races

Amy Mulligan
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Qualifying for Florida’s 2026 election cycle closed Friday, setting the stage for primary and general election contests ranging from governor to local legislative seats. Congressional District 4: Incumbent U.S. Rep.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announces the expanded Atlantic Red Snapper Season on Monday at Amelia Island Marina. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Gov. Ron DeSantis announces the expanded Atlantic Red Snapper Season on Monday at Amelia Island Marina. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

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More freedom to fish

Nick Blank
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Anglers can enjoy a 39-day Atlantic red snapper season from now on, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday at the Amelia Island Marina. Flanked by boats, county officials and boaters, he said the state will see a significant expansion from the two-day federal season allowed in 2025.

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Twardy makes state top-5

Nick Blank
Friday, May 8, 2026
Nassau County’s Teacher of the Year has moved on to the next level of recognition: a finalist for the top honor in the state. Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas announced on X Thursday that Sarah Twardy was a finalist for state Teacher of the Year.
An invasive Cuban Treefrog found at a home in Fernandina Beach. Submitted photo 

An invasive Cuban Treefrog found at a home in Fernandina Beach. Submitted photo 

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FWC gives advice on dealing with invasive frogs 

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Cuban treefrogs are a non-native invasive species in Florida which put the native frogs at risk. By competing with the native species for habitat and food as well as their tendency to eat them, Cuban Treefrogs can cause damage to the ecosystem.
Gov. Ron DeSantis shows two bills he signed on Wednesday in Jacksonville. Photo provided by News Service of Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis shows two bills he signed on Wednesday in Jacksonville. Photo provided by News Service of Florida

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DeSantis signs anti-DEI legislation sponsored by Black, Yarborough

News Staff
Friday, April 24, 2026
By News Service of FloridaSoon Florida cities and counties will be banned from funding or promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and enacting net zero policies that cut down on greenhouse gases. Gov.
Left: A manhole, put in as part of the American Beach Water and Sewer District Project, is shown in December 2024 in American Beach. Right: A fire-hydrant is pictured Monday in front of a U.S. Water Services Corporation pickup in American Beach. U.S. Water Service Corporation was contracted for the construction of the American Beach Water and Sewer Project. Photos by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Left: A manhole, put in as part of the American Beach Water and Sewer District Project, is shown in December 2024 in American Beach. Right: A fire-hydrant is pictured Monday in front of a U.S. Water Services Corporation pickup in American Beach. U.S. Water Service Corporation was contracted for the construction of the American Beach Water and Sewer Project. Photos by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Sewer project earns national awards

Ashley Chandler
Friday, April 17, 2026
A Nassau County project spearheaded by the citizens of American Beach and county staff has earned two national awards for the state of Florida. The awards were presented April 8 by the U.S.