Fernandina Beach

A line of people formed outside ALDI on Thursday for a ribbon cutting event to celebrate the opening of the new ALDI, formerly Winn-Dixie. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

A line of people formed outside ALDI on Thursday for a ribbon cutting event to celebrate the opening of the new ALDI, formerly Winn-Dixie. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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ALDI now open

Nick Blank
Friday, April 3, 2026
Long lines stretched past the newly opened ALDI on Thursday morning as Fernandina got one of its two closed grocery stores back. Brian Feliciano said he arrived at 1 a.m. when he got there and no one was there, though others started showing up around 5 a.m.
FBHS and YHS students stand in front of their art at the Purple Dove Resale Center in Fernandina Beach on March 30.  By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

FBHS and YHS students stand in front of their art at the Purple Dove Resale Center in Fernandina Beach on March 30.  By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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The Power of Art 

Marisa DeMar
Friday, April 3, 2026
In recognition of Teen Dating Violence Awareness, local domestic violence center Micah’s Place hosted their 5th annual teen art contest called The Power of Art: A Vision of Love and Respect - Imagining A Violence-Free World.
The Memorial United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church hosted the annual Community Easter Celebration on Saturday, which featured face painting, free lunch, crafts, photos with the Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunts. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Memorial United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church hosted the annual Community Easter Celebration on Saturday, which featured face painting, free lunch, crafts, photos with the Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunts. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Local churches join together for Community Easter Celebration, Palm Sunday

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Over the weekend, locals came together for two community-focus events, hosted by several local churches, the annual Community Easter Celebration and the annual Ecumenical Palm Processional down Centre Street.
Thousands of colorful plastic eggs were scattered at Central Park on Saturday for local children to gather as part of Fernandina Beach’s second annual Easter Egg Hunt. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Thousands of colorful plastic eggs were scattered at Central Park on Saturday for local children to gather as part of Fernandina Beach’s second annual Easter Egg Hunt. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Fernandina gets crackin'

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Just before 11 a.m. Saturday morning, pink ribbon cordoned off four large square patches in the middle of the field at Central Park. Thousands of colorful plastic eggs were scattered in masses across the four squares.

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Beautiful Biodiversity

Marisa DeMar
Friday, March 20, 2026
As the warmer weather settles into North Florida, many residents take advantage of the opportunity to revamp their yards with the addition of new plants and decorative flowers.
The Ron Sapp Egans Creek Greenway trail is a popular outdoor spot in Fernandina Beach. Unfortunately for those who suffer from allergies, the trail is booming with blooms on the trees and flowering plants as Nassau County welcomes Spring. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Ron Sapp Egans Creek Greenway trail is a popular outdoor spot in Fernandina Beach. Unfortunately for those who suffer from allergies, the trail is booming with blooms on the trees and flowering plants as Nassau County welcomes Spring. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Blooms abound as Spring begins

Ashley Chandler
Friday, March 20, 2026
As Nassau County’s beautiful native plant species begin to show off, many people’s eyes, noses and respiratory systems are showing out. Today is the vernal equinox, also known as the first day of Spring.

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Pair of long-time Fernandina Beach employees to retire

Nick Blank
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Two Fernandina Beach employees with a combined 50 years of experience are retiring from their roles.Conservation and Environmental Manager Kathy Russell will retire following 32 years with the city and Code Enforcement Director Michelle Forstrom is retiring after 21 years.
The new logo on the sign outside The Salty Fox Tattoo and Piercing. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The new logo on the sign outside The Salty Fox Tattoo and Piercing. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Get inked by the beach at The Salty Fox Tattoo and Piercings

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
A local tattoo shop previously nestled in the downtown historic district, has set its sights on new Fernandina Beach scenery — right down the street from Seaside Park.
The fifth annual Astronomy Night was held Friday, March 13 at Fort Clinch State Park. Photos by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The fifth annual Astronomy Night was held Friday, March 13 at Fort Clinch State Park. Photos by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Stars align at Fort Clinch

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Hundreds of people were welcomed inside Fort Clinch after dark last week, to the delight of local lovers of the stars.The fifth annual Astronomy Night was hosted at Fort Clinch State Park, sponsored by Friends of Fort Clinch with the help of the Northeast Florida Astronomical Society.
Cutline 1: Molly Vogel organizes sourdough breads and treats at her Doris & Eris Artisan Bakery stand at the Markets by Mariah farmers market at Tractor Supply on Saturday.

Cutline 1: Molly Vogel organizes sourdough breads and treats at her Doris & Eris Artisan Bakery stand at the Markets by Mariah farmers market at Tractor Supply on Saturday.

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Baker builds community through bread

Amy Mulligan
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Bread has been bringing people together for centuries. Whether it’s shared around a dinner table or passed between friends, breaking bread has a way of building community like few other things can.