Fernandina Beach

John Elwell, Bill Flynn and John Schroeder celebrate Flynn’s birthday at Cafe Karibo last week. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

John Elwell, Bill Flynn and John Schroeder celebrate Flynn’s birthday at Cafe Karibo last week. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

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‘He built bridges’

Nick Blank
Friday, May 8, 2026
A Fernandina Beach man with a wealth of business and international expertise remarked on a long career of service, notably his advocacy on behalf of the Fernandina Beach library.You may have seen Bill Flynn’s name on the library. The building was dedicated after him in 2017.
The opening ceremony was held Friday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The opening ceremony was held Friday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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IN PHOTOS: Shrimp Fest Opening Ceremony

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
The 61st Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival held its opening ceremony on Friday ahead of the Shrimp Festival pageant. 
The Insiders performed on the main stage Friday at Shrimp Fest. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Insiders performed on the main stage Friday at Shrimp Fest. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

IN PHOTOS: Live music at Shrimp Fest

News Staff
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Live music was scheduled to be performed on all four days during the 61st Shrimp Festival.

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Poynter declares mayoral candidacy

News Staff
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
A second Fernandina Beach city commissioner has announced a mayoral run. Commissioner Tim Poynter declared his intention to run Tuesday, according to the city. He joins Commissioner Genece Minshew, who threw her hat in last week, in running for mayor.
Sunday saw a surge in attendance after rain dampened Saturday’s festivities. Photo by Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

Sunday saw a surge in attendance after rain dampened Saturday’s festivities. Photo by Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

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Thousands flock to Shrimp Fest

Nick Blank
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Each year, the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival brings thousands to downtown Fernandina Beach, where they patronize the city’s hotels, shops and restaurants.
Charity Stiers holds a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce staff to celebrate her new ownership on Monday. Submitted photo

Charity Stiers holds a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce staff to celebrate her new ownership on Monday. Submitted photo

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Donut shop starts sweet new chapter

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
When Charity Stiers moved to Fernandina Beach with her fiance three years ago she took a job at Vintage Donuts as a way to meet people in the community. Little did she know that just a few years later she would be the owner of the business.
Father Eric Stelzer of St. Michaels Catholic Church blesses the fleet Sunday at the 61st Annual Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Father Eric Stelzer of St. Michaels Catholic Church blesses the fleet Sunday at the 61st Annual Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

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Counting their blessings

Nick Blank
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at the packed Shrimp Festival, the music stopped and all eyes went toward the water to honor the legacy of the festival, the shrimpers themselves.Shrimp boats greeted a large crowd at the Fernandina Harbor Marina as Father Eric Stelzer blessed the fleet Sunday afternoon.
The shrimp eating contest was held Saturday at the 61st Annual Shrimp Festival. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

The shrimp eating contest was held Saturday at the 61st Annual Shrimp Festival. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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IN PHOTOS: Shrimp Eating Contest

News Staff
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
The shrimp eating contest was held Saturday at the 61st Annual Shrimp Festival. 
Shrimp Fest gets rained on Saturday. Photo by Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

Shrimp Fest gets rained on Saturday. Photo by Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

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IN PHOTOS: Saturday at Shrimp Fest

News Staff
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
The rain forced a few shrimp festival events off the schedule, but the festival went on. By the afternoon, the weather had mostly cleared and events continued as scheduled.