Fernandina Beach

Credit- The Omni

Credit- The Omni

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Firecracker 5K lights up holiday weekend

Nick Blank
Friday, July 10, 2026
Fireworks weren’t the only bang over Fourth of July weekend: 720 entrants heard the starting gun blast as they ran the Firecracker 5K at the Omni, traversing the resort’s property.The highest four placers were a quartet of teenagers: Charles Carlson (16:49.
A person rides an electric bike on the sidewalk along Atlantic Avenue in Fernandina Beach.

A person rides an electric bike on the sidewalk along Atlantic Avenue in Fernandina Beach.

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Fernandina Beach unanimously approves e-bike policy

Nick Blank
Friday, July 10, 2026
Fernandina Beach has a new policy to regulate e-bikes after a unanimous vote at Tuesday’s city commission meeting. On the third reading, commissioners unanimously passed the ordinance that regulates speed and where the motorized bikes can be ridden.
Alexandra LaJoux performs as the town crier ahead of the reading of the Declaration of Independence in downtown Fernandina Beach. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Alexandra LaJoux performs as the town crier ahead of the reading of the Declaration of Independence in downtown Fernandina Beach. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Freedom Rings at Fernandina Beach Declaration of Independence reading

Nick Blank
Friday, July 10, 2026
In the intense heat, government officials and community members read passages of the Declaration of Independence, delivering the 100-strong crowd the force of each paragraph from one of the nation’s foundational documents.
John Gilbert helps fix a bike. Submitted photo

John Gilbert helps fix a bike. Submitted photo

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Longtime nonprofit director retires

Nick Blank
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
A man who headed a local nonprofit for decades recently retired after a career of service. John Gilbert Sr., who led the Nassau County America’s Youth chapter for about 30 years, told the News-Leader that the children were his favorite part.
Residents and visitors gather downtown to watch the fireworks downtown Fernandina Beach on the Fourth of July. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Residents and visitors gather downtown to watch the fireworks downtown Fernandina Beach on the Fourth of July. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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Fernandina celebrates America 250! with annual July 4 event

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
The annual Fourth of July firework display presented by Light Up Amelia, Inc., Florida Public Utilities (FPU), and the City of Fernandina Beach, lit up the city sky with an array of colors.
Kellie Boston leads the small-group Aqua Yoga classes held twice monthly at the Atlantic Recreation Center. Submitted

Kellie Boston leads the small-group Aqua Yoga classes held twice monthly at the Atlantic Recreation Center. Submitted

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Locals take part in Aqua Yoga

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Aqua Yoga is making a splash at the Atlantic Recreation Center, offering a unique fitness experience that combines the gentle resistance of water with the mindful movements of traditional yoga.
Workers from White’s Clock and Carillion assemble the bell wheel on the restored bell Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church.

Workers from White’s Clock and Carillion assemble the bell wheel on the restored bell Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church.

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Bell returns to historic downtown Fernandina church

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Members of the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Fernandina Beach gathered outside the historic building Tuesday to watch the local church’s bell be returned to its proper place — the church’s belfry.

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HDC pushes wharf project conceptual approval

Nick Blank
Friday, June 26, 2026
An ambitious mixed-use wharf project will need to be reworked due to conflicts with the city code, Historic District Council members decided last week. The applicant sought conceptual approval for a Certificate of Approval to construct a waterfront commercial building at 0 North Front St.
A sign on the window of Brett’s Waterway Cafe says it is closed. Nick Blank/News-Leader

A sign on the window of Brett’s Waterway Cafe says it is closed. Nick Blank/News-Leader

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Brett’s demolition bids open next month

Nick Blank
Friday, June 26, 2026
City officials provided more information on the multi-million-dollar demolition of Brett’s Waterway Cafe. At Monday’s Waterfront Advisory Board meeting, Deputy City Manager Glenn Akramoff said bids will open on July 2, and the demolition could start in early August.