City of Fernandina Beach

The city’s $12.5 million overhaul of city-owned docks and boardwalk was approved at the July 21 Fernandina Beach City Commission meeting. It will include the the demolition of the building that formerly housed Brett’s Waterway Cafe. Construction is set to begin next month. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The city’s $12.5 million overhaul of city-owned docks and boardwalk was approved at the July 21 Fernandina Beach City Commission meeting. It will include the the demolition of the building that formerly housed Brett’s Waterway Cafe. Construction is set to begin next month. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Waterfront board hears master plan update

Nick Blank
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Fernandina Beach’s Waterfront Advisory Board reviewed early findings on the Harbor Master plan, examining the possibilities and shape the area’s waterfront could take.Engineering firm Moffatt & Nichol is handling the Harbor Master Plan.
The building that once housed Brett’s Waterway Cafe sits vacant downtown Wednesday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The building that once housed Brett’s Waterway Cafe sits vacant downtown Wednesday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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City awards $12.5M marina bid

Nick Blank
Friday, July 24, 2026
After years of discussion, Fernandina Beach’s extensive plan to develop its riverfront is beginning to form as a $12.5 million project, with city commissioners approving a bid to demolish Brett’s and for a vast overhaul of the waterfront.

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City OK’s $168M, 5-year CIP

Nick Blank
Friday, July 24, 2026
Fernandina Beach commissioners greenlit a $168 million Capital Improvement Plan with dozens of projects on the city’s to-do list.As an early step in the budgeting process, Deputy City Manager Jeremiah Glisson said the CIP is a “living document,” and the city is flexible to amend it as needed.

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Nassau sees millions in appropriations for projects, programs

Nick Blank
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Nassau County is set to receive millions in appropriations for a variety of projects and programs, with only one major project vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last week. DeSantis vetoed $500,000 for County Road 107 Widening & Intersection Improvements. Other than that, it was relatively smooth sailing.

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City Attorney provides legislative impact update

Nick Blank
Thursday, June 18, 2026
City Commissioners heard from City Attorney Teresa Prince on four bills recently passed by the Florida Legislature and their impact on the city, whether it’s litigation, building permits and inspections, affordable housing or utilities.

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Golf course GM outlines upcoming projects

Nick Blank
Friday, June 12, 2026
Fernandina Beach Golf Course officials laid out the next few years of projects and purchases at Tuesday’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting. In terms of projects, the golf course highlighted $150,000 for a well rehabilitation and $50,000 for a lean-to shed in 2027.

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Developer proposes 9 townhomes near riverfront

Nick Blank
Friday, June 12, 2026
A developer has plans for nine townhomes near the Amelia Riverfront, according to plans heard by Fernandina Beach’s Technical Review Committee. Architect Gulfstream Design Group presented adding the homes at the intersection of Alachua and 2nd Street. The property sits on .
The Amelia River Waterfront Park Grand Opening was held April 10. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Amelia River Waterfront Park Grand Opening was held April 10. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Transforming Fernandina: City celebrates debut of Waterfront Park

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
In true Fernandina fashion, locals brokein the long-awaited Waterfront Park with a celebration featuring pirates, music from the Honey Badgers and a visit from Rep. Aaron Bean. Fernandina Beach staff estimated a few hundred people came downtown Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m.

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Judge halts recall efforts

Nick Blank
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
A Nassau Circuit Court judge has ruled in favor of two Fernandina Beach city commissioners seeking to halt a recall effort against them. Judge Marianne Aho on Wednesday granted a temporary injunction on behalf of commissioners Genece Minshew and Tim Poynter against the recall.
A view of the former Brett’s Waterway Cafe across the pier Thursday. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

A view of the former Brett’s Waterway Cafe across the pier Thursday. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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HDC approves Brett’s demolition, discusses new pier

Nick Blank
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Historic District Council board members cleared the certification of approval for the two-phase project to demolish Brett’s Waterway Cafe and build a new pier. Brett’s was a 37-year-old structure and a community staple that closed Oct. 4.