Fernandina Beach

Participants of the Junior Lifeguard Camp take park in an exercise Wednesday at Seaside Park. The first weeklong session of the camp was held this week. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Participants of the Junior Lifeguard Camp take park in an exercise Wednesday at Seaside Park. The first weeklong session of the camp was held this week. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Junior Lifeguard Camp teaches local youth foundational skills of open-water rescue

Ashley Chandler
Friday, June 12, 2026
During the summer, local lifeguards and the city’s parks department come together to support the future of public safety on local beaches. “These are the lifeguards of the future,” said Karen Geisler of Fernandina Beach Ocean Rescue. “We’re setting the seeds.
The Fernandina Beach NewsLeader won three awards during the Florida Press Association’s 2025 Weekly Newspaper Contest. The awards are currently displayed in the front office at the News-Leader, 1235 S. 10th Street, Fernandina Beach. News-Leader photo

The Fernandina Beach NewsLeader won three awards during the Florida Press Association’s 2025 Weekly Newspaper Contest. The awards are currently displayed in the front office at the News-Leader, 1235 S. 10th Street, Fernandina Beach. News-Leader photo

News-Leader wins General Excellence in state contest

News Staff
Friday, June 12, 2026
The Fernandina Beach NewsLeader won three awards during the Florida Press Association’s 2025 Weekly Newspaper Contest. The News-Leader took First Place in General Excellence in its division. General Excellence represents the best newspapers overall in each circulation division.
Cross the Line 2025. Submitted

Cross the Line 2025. Submitted

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Cross The Line Paddle returns for 8th paddle

Nick Blank
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Cross the Line Paddle for Veterans is back for its eighth year with an altered route, but with the same mission: raising awareness of veteran suicide and raising money for a veteran-based nonprofit.On June 13, kayakers will paddle 7 miles from historic St.
Island Walk Publix, 1421 Sadler Road, is expected to re-open this summer and will include a number of renovations and improvements. File photo

Island Walk Publix, 1421 Sadler Road, is expected to re-open this summer and will include a number of renovations and improvements. File photo

Renovated Publix debut officially set for July 2

News Staff
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Publix will officially welcome patrons to the renovated store on at 7 a.m. July 2, Publix Media Relations Manager Hannah Herring said.
Clergy from St. Michael’s Catholic Church walk to the Fernandina Harbor Monday for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. Nick Blank/News-Leader

Clergy from St. Michael’s Catholic Church walk to the Fernandina Harbor Monday for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. Nick Blank/News-Leader

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National pilgrimage passes through Fernandina

Nick Blank
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
In Fernandina Beach, the Catholic community joined the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, walking from St. Michael’s Catholic Church to the Fernandina Harbor Marina on Monday afternoon. Followers marched with priests, nuns, Knights of Columbus and church members.
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office participates in a wreath laying for Memorial Day with members of American Legion Post 54 in Fernandina Beach on Monday. Nick Blank/News-Leader

The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office participates in a wreath laying for Memorial Day with members of American Legion Post 54 in Fernandina Beach on Monday. Nick Blank/News-Leader

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Honor & Sacrifice

Nick Blank
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
On a sweltering Memorial Day, retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Montieth Stewart bellowed at the crowd Monday morning about the life of one fallen local soldier, and the sacrifices it took for the U.S. military to achieve its global position.
A person rides an e-bike May 20 at the intersection of North Fletcher and Atlantic Avenue. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

A person rides an e-bike May 20 at the intersection of North Fletcher and Atlantic Avenue. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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City passes new e-bike policy on first reading

Nick Blank
Friday, May 22, 2026
Fernandina Beach commissioners unanimously approved a new e-bike policy on first reading, setting speed limits for the vehicles. It’s common to see motorized bicycles zipping by in Fernandina Beach, often by teenagers.
Fernandina Beach High School’s Maya Kovalcik (1600m race), finished seventh at the State Championships in Track and Field last week. Photo by Cedric Gillette

Fernandina Beach High School’s Maya Kovalcik (1600m race), finished seventh at the State Championships in Track and Field last week. Photo by Cedric Gillette

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FBHS track celebrates state placers; pivot to new track in ’27

Nick Blank
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Two Fernandina Beach Pirates Track & Field put in strong performances at state championships in Jacksonville last week. At the University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium, freshman Maya Kovalcik (1600m race) and junior Samuel Colwell (high jump) both placed.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announces the expanded Atlantic Red Snapper Season on Monday at Amelia Island Marina. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Gov. Ron DeSantis announces the expanded Atlantic Red Snapper Season on Monday at Amelia Island Marina. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

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More freedom to fish

Nick Blank
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Anglers can enjoy a 39-day Atlantic red snapper season from now on, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday at the Amelia Island Marina. Flanked by boats, county officials and boaters, he said the state will see a significant expansion from the two-day federal season allowed in 2025.