Fernandina Beach

Nassau County Conservation Land Manager Taylor Clem speaks at the July 27 BOCC meeting about the Interlocal Agreement between Nassau County and the City Fernandina Beach that passes maintenance responsibility of certain CLAM properties purchased in city limits to the Fernandina Beach government. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Nassau County Conservation Land Manager Taylor Clem speaks at the July 27 BOCC meeting about the Interlocal Agreement between Nassau County and the City Fernandina Beach that passes maintenance responsibility of certain CLAM properties purchased in city limits to the Fernandina Beach government. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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County, city collaboration leads recent conservation moves

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Conservation efforts are on the rise in Nassau County and Fernandina Beach. The two local governments are making moves and now collaborating in conservation efforts.
Moon River Pizza on 14th Street announced a temporary closure on July 21 two months after the death of owner Andy “Shrew” Bottorff. By Nick Blank/News-Leader

Moon River Pizza on 14th Street announced a temporary closure on July 21 two months after the death of owner Andy “Shrew” Bottorff. By Nick Blank/News-Leader

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Moon River Pizza temporarily closed

Nick Blank
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Two months ago, Fernandina Beach lost Andy “Shrew” Bottorff. He had celebrated his 58th birthday four days prior to his death on  on May 18.His business, Moon River Pizza on 14th Street — patronized by many — announced a temporary closure on July 21.
Brooke Caruso and her father Paul Caruso are both professional pickleball players. Submitted

Brooke Caruso and her father Paul Caruso are both professional pickleball players. Submitted

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Fernandina’s ace

Nick Blank
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
For Paul Caruso, before the professional recognition, it all started at Central Park.It’s only been five years since the New Jersey native and college tennis player picked up a paddle in Fernandina Beach.

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What happened to the Waffle House?

Amy Mulligan
Friday, July 24, 2026
A reader stopped by the News-Leader office this week with a question.“Whatever happened to the Waffle House? There was never any follow-up news on it.”Since I’ve only lived here for about six months, I had absolutely no idea what she was talking about.
A child looks through school supplies Wednesday at the Walmart on Amelia Island. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

A child looks through school supplies Wednesday at the Walmart on Amelia Island. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Back-to-school tax holidays, giveaways resume

Nick Blank
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
The first day of school may be closer than it seems.Aug. 10 is fast approaching and local organizations back-to-school’ giveaways are underway. Families have the option to take advantage of the state’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday from July 20 until Aug. 20.
Julie Delfs stands beside the custom-made front desk at Art Amelia, her artwork hangs on the wall to each side of her. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Julie Delfs stands beside the custom-made front desk at Art Amelia, her artwork hangs on the wall to each side of her. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Art Amelia calls creatives together

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Driving down eighth street toward downtown, bubbles drift across the street as if to welcome you to Fernandina Beach.What the bubbles are really saying is, Julie Delfs is back.That’s what Delfs told the News-Leader on Friday at Art Amelia, 22 S. 8th St. #2 in Fernandina Beach.
Aldo Brown stands in front of First Missionary Baptist Church. The Nassau County Extreme Weather Coalition partnered with the church to open the cooling center. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Aldo Brown stands in front of First Missionary Baptist Church. The Nassau County Extreme Weather Coalition partnered with the church to open the cooling center. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

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Chill out, Nassau

Nick Blank
Friday, July 17, 2026
As Nassau County grapples with a scorching summer, a Fernandina Beach church has opened its doors as a cooling center. The Nassau County Extreme Weather Coalition and First Missionary Baptist Church have partnered to open the cooling center for a second year.

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City brings back Citizens’ Academy

Nick Blank
Friday, July 17, 2026
The City of Fernandina Beach is kicking off its nine-week program aimed at getting residents up to speed with how the city functions. The academy is a way to gain an in-depth understanding of how the City operates, City Manager Sarah Campbell said.

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City mulling stormwater rate increase

Nick Blank
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Fernandina Beach commissioners took the next step to increase stormwater fees for the next fiscal year last week, passing a rate hike on first reading with a 4-1 vote.