Fernandina Beach

The Rev. Dawn Mayes of First Presbyterian Church applies the imposition of ashes for someone passing by at the corner of 6th and Centre streets, as Pastor John Benjamin Mandrick of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church watches. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Rev. Dawn Mayes of First Presbyterian Church applies the imposition of ashes for someone passing by at the corner of 6th and Centre streets, as Pastor John Benjamin Mandrick of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church watches. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Reflection and intention: Local Interfaith Clergy kick off Lent with annual ‘Ashes on the Go’ event downtown

Ashley Chandler
Friday, February 20, 2026
Christians kicked off the Lenten Season with Ash Wednesday this week. An annual event hosted by Interfaith Clergy allowed local Christians to kick off Lent with “intentionality” as the Rev. Dawn Mayes of First Presbyterian Church put it.
Carl Bazarian, left, stands with airline pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger. Submitted photo

Carl Bazarian, left, stands with airline pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger. Submitted photo

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Miracle on the Hudson’ survivor reflects 17 years later

Nick Blank
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Carl Bazarian had a recurring dream until Jan. 15, 2009.Six to eight times a year since he was 25, he experienced sitting in the middle of the plane. It’s dark and he has total control. The problem is, the plane has no acceleration or propulsion, he said.
The Love Legacy Gala was held Saturday to raise money for the Amelia Island History Museum. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Love Legacy Gala was held Saturday to raise money for the Amelia Island History Museum. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Love stands the test of time: Love Legacy Gala a success for history museum

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
At the corner of Eighth and Centre streets this weekend was a scene straight out of a Fernandina Beach history book — carriage drivers open their doors for people wearing fancy gowns and top hats paired with bowties. They approached a party at the historic Hoyt House.
Nassau County Council on Aging President Janice Ancrum

Nassau County Council on Aging President Janice Ancrum

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Nonprofits relieved as grocery stores inch toward reopening

Nick Blank
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
In a three-month span last year, Amelia Island’s two prominent grocery stores closed for redevelopment, increasing food insecurity and the burden on nonprofits to fill the gapThe Sadler Road Publix closed for redevelopment in late April last year.
Fernandina Ukulele Network members

Fernandina Ukulele Network members

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Nice to know uke

Nick Blank
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
A group of about 10 tunes their ukuleles, opens their songbooks, and strums away.
Atlantic Seafood partially demolished Wednesday at the Downtown Fernandina Beach Marina. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Atlantic Seafood partially demolished Wednesday at the Downtown Fernandina Beach Marina. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Fernandina says so long, to a seafood staple

Marisa DeMar
Friday, February 6, 2026
When the excavator began digging into the former Atlantic Seafood building in Fernandina Beach on Monday, resident Marian Phillips said it was like “watching her husband be buried all over again.”  Phillips was married to long time Atlantic Seafood employee Mike Lee.
Mike and Suzanne Doran' power boat, e Pied a Mer. Submitted photo

Mike and Suzanne Doran' power boat, e Pied a Mer. Submitted photo

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Fernandina couple completes 6,000-mile North American boating journey

Ashley Chandler
Friday, February 6, 2026
A Fernandina Beach couple has completed a unique boating adventure that they said showed them how capable they truly are.Mike and Suzanne Doran completed America’s Great Loop in January. The loop is a 6,000-mile journey that circumnavigates the eastern part of the U.S.
The Hoyt House on Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Fernandina Beach. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

The Hoyt House on Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Fernandina Beach. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

Exclusive Subscriber Content

A Legacy of Love

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Hoyt House Bed and Breakfast will be hosting a Valentines Day Gala in collaboration with the Amelia Island Museum of History to raise money for the museum. The event known as the Love Legacy Gala will be from 6:30 p.m to 10 p.m on Feb. 14 in the newly renovated backyard of the bed and breakfast.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Whodunit Players Theatre hosts interactive night of intrigue

Nick Blank
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Every character is a suspect in “Mystery at Upton House,” the first production of Whodunit Players Theatre. The immersive live theatre show takes place on Thursday and Saturday at Fernandina Beach Golf Club, 2800 Bill Melton Drive. Guests are asked to arrive by 7 p.m.