Fernandina Beach

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.
Fernandina Beach Fire Department Chief Jeremy Holmes, who took over in May 2025, provides a rundown of the agency’s statistics. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Fernandina Beach Fire Department Chief Jeremy Holmes, who took over in May 2025, provides a rundown of the agency’s statistics. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

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FBFD report highlights incidents covered, ’25 accomplishments

Nick Blank
Friday, March 13, 2026
Fernandina Beach Fire Department Chief Jeremy Holmes provided a breakdown of the agency’s statistics and accomplishments for 2025 to city commissioners last week. The Fernandina Beach Fire Department experienced a leadership change last year, with Holmes taking over in May.
Workers from White’s Clock & Carillon removed the bell from the belfry at First Presbyterian Church on 6th Street in downtown Fernandian Beach. The bell was first hung in 1859. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Workers from White’s Clock & Carillon removed the bell from the belfry at First Presbyterian Church on 6th Street in downtown Fernandian Beach. The bell was first hung in 1859. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Chime in to history: Historic church bell to be restored

Ashley Chandler
Friday, March 13, 2026
Susan Steger stood just outside the front steps of the First Presbyterian Church on 6th Street. Beside her was a crane attached to a construction vehicle, parked on the sidewalk.  She carefully placed her hand on the outside of the church’s historic bell, inspecting it closely.
The fate of the Penny Press machine in Ship's Lantern is uncertain as pennies fade out of circulation. Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

The fate of the Penny Press machine in Ship's Lantern is uncertain as pennies fade out of circulation. Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

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End of pennies changes payments

Amy Mulligan
Friday, March 13, 2026
Don’t expect exact change when you’re paying with cash if Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a bill that will allow retailers and consumers to round up or down to the nearest nickel. The House voted 111-1 Tuesday on the measure (SB 1074). Jacksonville Democratic Rep. Angie Nixon voted against it.
The Burger King building, located on 8th Street, has been sold for just over $2 million. Submitted photo

The Burger King building, located on 8th Street, has been sold for just over $2 million. Submitted photo

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Fernandina Beach Burger King sells for $2M

News Staff
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
The closed Burger King on 8th Street in Fernandina Beach changed hands for $2,050,000 on Feb. 26, records show. The buyer is Miami Beach-based 1940 Fernandina Beach LLC.