Fernandina Beach

The first-ever Shrimp Fest drone show was held Friday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

IN PHOTOS: First-ever Shrimp Fest Drone Show

Ashley Chandler

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Due to the current drought, Shrimp Festival coordinators decided to nix the fireworks display and instead host the first-ever Shrimp Fest Drone Show.

Brian Leary, also known as Swordmaster, right, on stage during the Pirate Invasion on Friday. Leary composed the music for the Pirate Club’s program. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Swordmaster’s original music leads Pirate Invasion

Ashley Chandler

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

The lights dim on the stage at the Fernandina Harbor Marina. Epic music sounds and pirates rush the stage as cannons sound from three different locations.The Pirates had invaded.

The 2026 Shrimp Festival Parade awards were announced during the Miss Shrimp Festival pageant on Friday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

IN PHOTOS: Shrimp Festival Parade Awards

Ashley Chandler

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

The 2026 Shrimp Festival Parade awards were announced during the Miss Shrimp Festival pageant on Friday.

The annual Shrimp Festival Parade was held Thursday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

IN PHOTOS: Shrimp Festival Parade

Ashley Chandler

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

The 61st Annual Eight Flags Shrimp Festival's theme this year was Stars and Shrimps Forever celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The parade kicked off events Thursday with floats featuring patriotic imagery, shrimp and of course, pirates.

The 2026 Miss Shrimp Festival Pageant was held Friday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

IN PHOTOS: Miss Shrimp Festival Pageant

Ashley Chandler

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

The 2026 Miss Shrimp Festival pageant was held Friday at the Fernandina Harbor MarinaThe 2026 Miss Shrimp Festival is Grace Scuderi. Miss Congeniality and First Runner-Up is Talia Anassis; and Second Runner-Up is Caitlyn Terry.

The Miss Shrimp Festival pageant was held Friday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

IN PHOTOS: 61st Annual Isle Eight Flags Shrimp Festival

News Staff

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Follow the link to view the different News-Leader photo galleriesTHURSDAYShrimp Festival ParadeFRIDAYOpening CeremonyMiss Shrimp Festival pageant Shrimp Festival Parade awardsPirate InvasionDrone ShowSATURDAYShrimp Eating ContestSUNDAYBlessing of the FleetGENERAL GALLERIESLive music at Shrimp...

Cold Tide is a crime thriller set in Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville in 1994.

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Author pens Fernandina thriller

Nick Blank

Friday, April 24, 2026

A recently released thriller based in Fernandina Beach examines the relationship between justice and reputation when a decades-old crime resurfaces in a small coastal town, according to its author. With a background in public relations, author Archie Royce said image and reputation shape reality.

Visitors at the Midweek Farmers Market in Fernandina Beach earlier this year. The market is on a hiatus while parking requirements are sorted out. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Midweek market comes to temporary halt

Marisa DeMar

Friday, April 24, 2026

The Fernandina Beach midweek market at the corner of South 14th Street and Lime Street usually attracts a bustling crowd of customers during the hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday.

Tasty’s Fresh Burgers and Fries at 8th and Centre streets. Photo by Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

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Invasive tree replaced by native tree downtown

Ashley Chandler

Friday, April 24, 2026

A collaborative effort between several local groups brings a special Arbor Day event to Downtown Fernandina Beach today. On Monday, an invasive tree was removed downtown to make way for the native tree to be planted this morning around 10 a.m., on National Arbor Day.

The third annual Wings & Wheels & WHY? was held April 10 at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Wings & Wheels & WHY?

Ashley Chandler

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

A bright sun, warm breeze and music from The Islanders AI greeted visitors as they entered the third annual Wings & Wheels & WHY? held Saturday at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport.