Fernandina Beach

Fernandina Beach High School’s Maya Kovalcik (1600m race), finished seventh at the State Championships in Track and Field last week. Photo by Cedric Gillette

Fernandina Beach High School’s Maya Kovalcik (1600m race), finished seventh at the State Championships in Track and Field last week. Photo by Cedric Gillette

FBHS track celebrates state placers; pivot to new track in ’27

Nick Blank
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Two Fernandina Beach Pirates Track & Field put in strong performances at state championships in Jacksonville last week. At the University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium, freshman Maya Kovalcik (1600m race) and junior Samuel Colwell (high jump) both placed.
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.
John Elwell, Bill Flynn and John Schroeder celebrate Flynn’s birthday at Cafe Karibo last week. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

John Elwell, Bill Flynn and John Schroeder celebrate Flynn’s birthday at Cafe Karibo last week. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

‘He built bridges’

Nick Blank
Friday, May 8, 2026
A Fernandina Beach man with a wealth of business and international expertise remarked on a long career of service, notably his advocacy on behalf of the Fernandina Beach library.You may have seen Bill Flynn’s name on the library. The building was dedicated after him in 2017.
The Insiders performed on the main stage Friday at Shrimp Fest. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Insiders performed on the main stage Friday at Shrimp Fest. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

IN PHOTOS: Live music at Shrimp Fest

News Staff
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Live music was scheduled to be performed on all four days during the 61st Shrimp Festival.

Poynter declares mayoral candidacy

News Staff
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
A second Fernandina Beach city commissioner has announced a mayoral run. Commissioner Tim Poynter declared his intention to run Tuesday, according to the city. He joins Commissioner Genece Minshew, who threw her hat in last week, in running for mayor.
Sunday saw a surge in attendance after rain dampened Saturday’s festivities. Photo by Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

Sunday saw a surge in attendance after rain dampened Saturday’s festivities. Photo by Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

Thousands flock to Shrimp Fest

Nick Blank
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Each year, the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival brings thousands to downtown Fernandina Beach, where they patronize the city’s hotels, shops and restaurants.
Charity Stiers holds a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce staff to celebrate her new ownership on Monday. Submitted photo

Charity Stiers holds a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce staff to celebrate her new ownership on Monday. Submitted photo

Donut shop starts sweet new chapter

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
When Charity Stiers moved to Fernandina Beach with her fiance three years ago she took a job at Vintage Donuts as a way to meet people in the community. Little did she know that just a few years later she would be the owner of the business.
Father Eric Stelzer of St. Michaels Catholic Church blesses the fleet Sunday at the 61st Annual Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Father Eric Stelzer of St. Michaels Catholic Church blesses the fleet Sunday at the 61st Annual Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Counting their blessings

Nick Blank
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at the packed Shrimp Festival, the music stopped and all eyes went toward the water to honor the legacy of the festival, the shrimpers themselves.Shrimp boats greeted a large crowd at the Fernandina Harbor Marina as Father Eric Stelzer blessed the fleet Sunday afternoon.