Fernandina Beach

The Hoyt House on Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Fernandina Beach. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

The Hoyt House on Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Fernandina Beach. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

A Legacy of Love

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Hoyt House Bed and Breakfast will be hosting a Valentines Day Gala in collaboration with the Amelia Island Museum of History to raise money for the museum. The event known as the Love Legacy Gala will be from 6:30 p.m to 10 p.m on Feb. 14 in the newly renovated backyard of the bed and breakfast.

Whodunit Players Theatre hosts interactive night of intrigue

Nick Blank
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Every character is a suspect in “Mystery at Upton House,” the first production of Whodunit Players Theatre. The immersive live theatre show takes place on Thursday and Saturday at Fernandina Beach Golf Club, 2800 Bill Melton Drive. Guests are asked to arrive by 7 p.m.
Nicole Saunders

Nicole Saunders

Governor appoints 2 judges to serve Nassau County

Nick Blank
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Gov. Ron DeSantis made two judicial appointments last week, filling the newly-created Nassau County Court judge seat and a vacant Fourth Judicial Circuit Court seat. Sarah Bell, who works in the state Office of the Attorney General, was nominated to serve in Nassau’s second County Judge seat.
Photo-Ashley Chandler

Photo-Ashley Chandler

Bridge tension

Nick Blank
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Both Fernandina Beach soccer teams left Yulee with a win in a Battle of the Bridge double header Saturday. Fernandina Beach girls defeated Yulee 5-1 in the early game and Fernandina Beach’s boys team won 3-1 in a physical matchup.
Police investigate a shooting near South 13th Terrace and Date Street Tuesday. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Police investigate a shooting near South 13th Terrace and Date Street Tuesday. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Man arrested, charged with manslaughter in shooting death

Nick Blank
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
A man is in custody following a shooting that left a man dead, the Fernandina Beach Police Department said Tuesday afternoon. The agency said Ty William Richardson Jr., 25, was arrested on manslaughter charges. Police have called the shooting an “isolated incident.
Downtown Dollars logo courtesy of Fernandina Beach Main Street

Downtown Dollars logo courtesy of Fernandina Beach Main Street

Downtown Dollars

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
The Fernandina Beach Main Street organization has launched its new initiative “Downtown Dollars” on Monday which aims to increase the economic vitality of downtown businesses.
Meeting attendees hold anti-paid parking signs in their seats at Tuesday's meeting. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Meeting attendees hold anti-paid parking signs in their seats at Tuesday's meeting. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Paid Parking Passes

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, January 8, 2026
The Fernandina Beach City Commission has officially approved paid parking. The second reading of Ordinance 2025-13, which outlines the paid parking program, was approved by commissioners in a 4-1 vote at the meeting Tuesday evening.
Brian Carlton points to merchandise at the Southern Fireworks tent in Fernandina Beach.

Brian Carlton points to merchandise at the Southern Fireworks tent in Fernandina Beach.

Officials, vendors urge fireworks safety

Nick Blank
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Brian Carlton was managing Southern Fireworks’ tent on 14th Street in Fernandina Beach on a windy Monday. He sets up a week out from New Year’s Eve, he said, and he’s required to keep two fire extinguishers on hand.
Dickens on Centre sign

Dickens on Centre sign

A Tale of One City

Nick Blank
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
The 11th Dickens on Centre Festival has come and gone, with nearly 80,000 people witnessing downtown Fernandina Beach transform into a Victorian Christmas village. Crowds took pictures with performers on stilts and jugglers, heard live music and checked out dozens of vendors.