Fernandina Beach

K9 Lea is a finalist in the Military category of The American Humane Hero Dog Awards, which the organization said celebrates 'ordinary dogs that do extraordinary things.' Voting is open until Sept. 18

K9 Lea is a finalist in the Military category of The American Humane Hero Dog Awards, which the organization said celebrates 'ordinary dogs that do extraordinary things.' Voting is open until Sept. 18

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The Lea Show: Local Military K9 duo seeks support in Hero Dog competition

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, August 20, 2026
A local military K9 duo is seeking support as they are in the running for a national award.Victoria “Tori” Blandford, Fernandina Beach resident and Lea’s handler, said the black lab explosives dog definitely deserves to be recognized for her accolades.
Commissioner Joyce Tuten at Wednesday's Fernandina Beach City Commission meeting. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Commissioner Joyce Tuten at Wednesday's Fernandina Beach City Commission meeting. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Fernandina Beach commissioners rescind paid parking contract

Nick Blank
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
After all the research, furor, energy, debate, implementation, and finally a rejection at the ballot box disputing the program’s existence, paid parking is set to be no more.Commissioners approved scrapping the controversial program Wednesday night with a 4-1 vote after about an hour of discussion.
Some graves at Bosque Bello Cemetery mark the resting spot of locals who died in the 1800s. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Some graves at Bosque Bello Cemetery mark the resting spot of locals who died in the 1800s. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Bosque Bello Cemetery closer to National Register of Historic Places

Amy Mulligan
Friday, August 14, 2026
Bosque Bello Cemetery is going to Washington. The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources approved adding it to the National Register of Historic Places. The application now goes to the National Parks Services for final approval.
Sadaly ‘Sady’ Campbell took first place in the First Coast Women’s Amateur Tournament this summer. Photo by Pam Bell

Sadaly ‘Sady’ Campbell took first place in the First Coast Women’s Amateur Tournament this summer. Photo by Pam Bell

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Former FBHS state champ continues golf success in college, amateur tournaments

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Former State Champion for Fernandina Beach High School Sadaly “Sady” Campbell is still at it winning titles.This summer, Campbell added a first-place title in an adult amateur tournament to her golf resume.In July, Campbell competed in the First Coast Women’s Amateur Tournament.
Nassau County Conservation Land Manager Taylor Clem speaks at the July 27 BOCC meeting about the Interlocal Agreement between Nassau County and the City Fernandina Beach that passes maintenance responsibility of certain CLAM properties purchased in city limits to the Fernandina Beach government. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Nassau County Conservation Land Manager Taylor Clem speaks at the July 27 BOCC meeting about the Interlocal Agreement between Nassau County and the City Fernandina Beach that passes maintenance responsibility of certain CLAM properties purchased in city limits to the Fernandina Beach government. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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County, city collaboration leads recent conservation moves

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Conservation efforts are on the rise in Nassau County and Fernandina Beach. The two local governments are making moves and now collaborating in conservation efforts.
Moon River Pizza on 14th Street announced a temporary closure on July 21 two months after the death of owner Andy “Shrew” Bottorff. By Nick Blank/News-Leader

Moon River Pizza on 14th Street announced a temporary closure on July 21 two months after the death of owner Andy “Shrew” Bottorff. By Nick Blank/News-Leader

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Moon River Pizza temporarily closed

Nick Blank
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Two months ago, Fernandina Beach lost Andy “Shrew” Bottorff. He had celebrated his 58th birthday four days prior to his death on  on May 18.His business, Moon River Pizza on 14th Street — patronized by many — announced a temporary closure on July 21.
Brooke Caruso and her father Paul Caruso are both professional pickleball players. Submitted

Brooke Caruso and her father Paul Caruso are both professional pickleball players. Submitted

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Fernandina’s ace

Nick Blank
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
For Paul Caruso, before the professional recognition, it all started at Central Park.It’s only been five years since the New Jersey native and college tennis player picked up a paddle in Fernandina Beach.

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What happened to the Waffle House?

Amy Mulligan
Friday, July 24, 2026
A reader stopped by the News-Leader office this week with a question.“Whatever happened to the Waffle House? There was never any follow-up news on it.”Since I’ve only lived here for about six months, I had absolutely no idea what she was talking about.