Fernandina Beach

Nicole Saunders

Nicole Saunders

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Governor appoints 2 judges to serve Nassau County

Nick Blank
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Gov. Ron DeSantis made two judicial appointments last week, filling the newly-created Nassau County Court judge seat and a vacant Fourth Judicial Circuit Court seat. Sarah Bell, who works in the state Office of the Attorney General, was nominated to serve in Nassau’s second County Judge seat.
Photo-Ashley Chandler

Photo-Ashley Chandler

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Bridge tension

Nick Blank
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Both Fernandina Beach soccer teams left Yulee with a win in a Battle of the Bridge double header Saturday. Fernandina Beach girls defeated Yulee 5-1 in the early game and Fernandina Beach’s boys team won 3-1 in a physical matchup.
Police investigate a shooting near South 13th Terrace and Date Street Tuesday. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Police investigate a shooting near South 13th Terrace and Date Street Tuesday. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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Man arrested, charged with manslaughter in shooting death

Nick Blank
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
A man is in custody following a shooting that left a man dead, the Fernandina Beach Police Department said Tuesday afternoon. The agency said Ty William Richardson Jr., 25, was arrested on manslaughter charges. Police have called the shooting an “isolated incident.
Downtown Dollars logo courtesy of Fernandina Beach Main Street

Downtown Dollars logo courtesy of Fernandina Beach Main Street

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Downtown Dollars

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
The Fernandina Beach Main Street organization has launched its new initiative “Downtown Dollars” on Monday which aims to increase the economic vitality of downtown businesses.
Meeting attendees hold anti-paid parking signs in their seats at Tuesday's meeting. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Meeting attendees hold anti-paid parking signs in their seats at Tuesday's meeting. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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Paid Parking Passes

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, January 8, 2026
The Fernandina Beach City Commission has officially approved paid parking. The second reading of Ordinance 2025-13, which outlines the paid parking program, was approved by commissioners in a 4-1 vote at the meeting Tuesday evening.

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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.