Fernandina Beach

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Paid Parking lawsuit dismissed, group plans to file again

Nick Blank
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
A Fourth Judicial Circuit judge has dismissed Citizens Against Paid Parking’s lawsuit against the City of Fernandina Beach, but the group is planning more legal action in the coming months, a member of the group told the News-Leader.
Brian Carlton points to merchandise at the Southern Fireworks tent in Fernandina Beach.

Brian Carlton points to merchandise at the Southern Fireworks tent in Fernandina Beach.

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Officials, vendors urge fireworks safety

Nick Blank
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Brian Carlton was managing Southern Fireworks’ tent on 14th Street in Fernandina Beach on a windy Monday. He sets up a week out from New Year’s Eve, he said, and he’s required to keep two fire extinguishers on hand.
Dickens on Centre sign

Dickens on Centre sign

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A Tale of One City

Nick Blank
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
The 11th Dickens on Centre Festival has come and gone, with nearly 80,000 people witnessing downtown Fernandina Beach transform into a Victorian Christmas village. Crowds took pictures with performers on stilts and jugglers, heard live music and checked out dozens of vendors.
Last year's Open Table event

Last year's Open Table event

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Organizations hosting Thanksgiving Open Table

Nick Blank
Friday, November 21, 2025
The holidays are not a happy time for everyone, but multiple organizations are holding a Thanksgiving event for the community to receive fellowship and a meal. St.
From left: Mocama Brewing Company's Matt Crawford, Matt Hare, Elliot Terral, Kim Delnegro, Andrew Batey, Andy Huggins and Cassie McManus.

From left: Mocama Brewing Company's Matt Crawford, Matt Hare, Elliot Terral, Kim Delnegro, Andrew Batey, Andy Huggins and Cassie McManus.

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Mocama owner bullish on expansion, enhancing brand

Nick Blank
Friday, November 14, 2025
Buying Mocama Brewing Co. in April was not on Andrew Batey’s 2025 bingo card. At Mocama on Wednesday, customers are meeting, playing chess and working. A couple of years ago, Batey was a frequent customer and he joked Mocama was the only place his children wouldn’t rip stuff off the walls.
A fire occurred at Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. manufacturing plant Friday. The City of Fernandina Beach shared this photo to social media following the fire.

A fire occurred at Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. manufacturing plant Friday. The City of Fernandina Beach shared this photo to social media following the fire.

Fire at RYAM in Fernandina Beach

News Staff
Friday, November 14, 2025
Update 3:50 p.m.: The Fernandina Beach Fire Department sent out a press release just after 3:30 p.m. Friday, regarding the fire at Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. manufacturing plant earlier in the day. The FBFD said at approximately 9:09 a.m.
No. 55, 18-year-old Daniel Byers, was arrested for misdemeanor battery. According to MaxPreps, Byers, jersey number 55, is a senior and listed as a tackle and defensive tackle. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

No. 55, 18-year-old Daniel Byers, was arrested for misdemeanor battery. According to MaxPreps, Byers, jersey number 55, is a senior and listed as a tackle and defensive tackle. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

High School football player arrested in FBHS helmet incident

News Staff
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
The 18-year-old Bell High School player involved in an incident at the conclusion of Friday's Pirate football game has been arrested, the Fernandina Beach Police Department confirmed. Chief Jeffrey Tambasco told the News-Leader on Tuesday evening, Daniel Byers, 18, was arrested around 2:30 p.m.
Island Hop Festival

Island Hop Festival

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Hop to it

Nick Blank
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
About 1,200 people sampled craft alcohol from several vendors and listened to live music for the Hop Island Craft Beer & Spirits Festival Saturday at Central Park. Fernandina Beach Main Street Executive Director Lulu Huppmann said spirits and wine were added to the festival.