Fernandina Beach

A child looks through school supplies Wednesday at the Walmart on Amelia Island. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

A child looks through school supplies Wednesday at the Walmart on Amelia Island. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Back-to-school tax holidays, giveaways resume

Nick Blank
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
The first day of school may be closer than it seems.Aug. 10 is fast approaching and local organizations back-to-school’ giveaways are underway. Families have the option to take advantage of the state’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday from July 20 until Aug. 20.
Julie Delfs stands beside the custom-made front desk at Art Amelia, her artwork hangs on the wall to each side of her. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Julie Delfs stands beside the custom-made front desk at Art Amelia, her artwork hangs on the wall to each side of her. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Art Amelia calls creatives together

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Driving down eighth street toward downtown, bubbles drift across the street as if to welcome you to Fernandina Beach.What the bubbles are really saying is, Julie Delfs is back.That’s what Delfs told the News-Leader on Friday at Art Amelia, 22 S. 8th St. #2 in Fernandina Beach.
Aldo Brown stands in front of First Missionary Baptist Church. The Nassau County Extreme Weather Coalition partnered with the church to open the cooling center. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Aldo Brown stands in front of First Missionary Baptist Church. The Nassau County Extreme Weather Coalition partnered with the church to open the cooling center. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

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Chill out, Nassau

Nick Blank
Friday, July 17, 2026
As Nassau County grapples with a scorching summer, a Fernandina Beach church has opened its doors as a cooling center. The Nassau County Extreme Weather Coalition and First Missionary Baptist Church have partnered to open the cooling center for a second year.

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City brings back Citizens’ Academy

Nick Blank
Friday, July 17, 2026
The City of Fernandina Beach is kicking off its nine-week program aimed at getting residents up to speed with how the city functions. The academy is a way to gain an in-depth understanding of how the City operates, City Manager Sarah Campbell said.

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City mulling stormwater rate increase

Nick Blank
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Fernandina Beach commissioners took the next step to increase stormwater fees for the next fiscal year last week, passing a rate hike on first reading with a 4-1 vote.
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.