State

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

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.

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 

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

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

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.
Two week old Ollie: this age requires the adequate care of being bottle fed every two hours if the mother is not present. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Two week old Ollie: this age requires the adequate care of being bottle fed every two hours if the mother is not present. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Shelters seek foster families for abundance of kittens

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
 April marks the start of Kitten Season which is classified as the period of time in which an influx of kittens are born.
Laylah Saylor Leopold poses in her queen crown and sash which were awarded to her when she took first place in the Sunburst Pageant in Orange Park in Feb.  By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Laylah Saylor Leopold poses in her queen crown and sash which were awarded to her when she took first place in the Sunburst Pageant in Orange Park in Feb.  By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Nassau's Sunburst

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
After being crowned Little Miss Orange Park in Feb, 8-year-old Laylah Saylor Leopold will be taking on the statewide Sunburst Pageant representing Nassau County in May.
Alligator notice sign at Egan's Creek Park in Fernandina Beach. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Alligator notice sign at Egan's Creek Park in Fernandina Beach. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Alligator mating season 

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, April 2, 2026
April marks the start of alligator mating season in Florida which extends throughout the summer months. During this period the reptiles become more visible and active as temperatures begin to rise, according to information from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Uca’s tail flukes shows white, which is scarring from being entangled in fishing gear. By Joel Cohen

Uca’s tail flukes shows white, which is scarring from being entangled in fishing gear. By Joel Cohen

Whale hello there

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, February 12, 2026
When Julie Albert tells Florida residents to set the The Right Whale Hotline as a contact in their phone, she is often met with confused looks in response.