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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.
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.
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.
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

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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

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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

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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.
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

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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.
Photo courtesy of Jacksonville Jaguars Travis Etienne Jr. celebrates on Sunday with teammates in the end zone.

Photo courtesy of Jacksonville Jaguars Travis Etienne Jr. celebrates on Sunday with teammates in the end zone.

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Week 3 redemption for Jaguars

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
The Jacksonville Jaguars bagged a 17-10 win against their long-standing AFC rivals, the Houston Texans on their home turf on Sunday. Tensions were high as the team took on the Texans who they had yet to beat in the previous few attempts.
UF Health employees (from left) Sarah Harrell, Libby Harrington, Lindsey Perrotta, Captain Hutchens, and Lieutenant Williams pose outside of the mobile stroke unit at the Council on Aging. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

UF Health employees (from left) Sarah Harrell, Libby Harrington, Lindsey Perrotta, Captain Hutchens, and Lieutenant Williams pose outside of the mobile stroke unit at the Council on Aging. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Florida’s first 24-hour mobile stroke unit underway

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
UF Health has created Florida’s first 24-hour mobile stroke unit. The vehicle is “a primary stroke center on wheels,” according to Lindsey Perrotta, the stroke program manager at UF Health, Jacksonville.