amelia island

A peacock walks along Scott Road. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

A peacock walks along Scott Road. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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The Scott Road squawk

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
When Pam Bell first moved into her Amelia Island home in the 90s; a loud piercing scream outside made her panic. She yelled for her husband; asking him to check if a woman was actively being harmed outside their new home.
Nassau County staff rakes the sand between a sea turtle nest and the ocean on July 22 on American Beach. The county’s beach raking program was put in place in an effort to avoid the potential negative impacts of tire tracks on new sea turtle hatchlings.

Nassau County staff rakes the sand between a sea turtle nest and the ocean on July 22 on American Beach. The county’s beach raking program was put in place in an effort to avoid the potential negative impacts of tire tracks on new sea turtle hatchlings.

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a clear path to the ocean

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, July 30, 2026
As a record number of sea turtle nests hatch along the coastline of Amelia Island, locals continue to work alongside them in an effort to help things go as smoothly as possible.Nassau County also is stepping up its sea turtle conservation efforts this nesting season.
Local youth take part in the Surf Asylum clinic Monday morning on Amelia Island. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Local youth take part in the Surf Asylum clinic Monday morning on Amelia Island. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Surf Asylum guides next generation of Amelia Island surfers

Nick Blank
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
David Montgomery started surfing on the island when he was 11 with his family. He joked about getting into surfing for the “wrong reason,” trying to be cool.“The first time I actually caught a wave where I was able to ride down the line in the open face,” he said.
Sea Turtle nests are blocked off on American Beach. Between the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch, Fort Clinch and the Amelia Island State Park, at least 330 nests have been documented on Amelia Island so far this nesting season. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Sea Turtle nests are blocked off on American Beach. Between the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch, Fort Clinch and the Amelia Island State Park, at least 330 nests have been documented on Amelia Island so far this nesting season. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Sea turtle saviors

Ashley Chandler
Friday, July 24, 2026
Ronda Bokram is a savior of sea turtles. Her and many others from the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch could claim this title, but this weekend proved there’s no question about Bokram.
Julie Delfs stands beside the custom-made front desk at Art Amelia, her artwork hangs on the wall to each side of her. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Julie Delfs stands beside the custom-made front desk at Art Amelia, her artwork hangs on the wall to each side of her. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Art Amelia calls creatives together

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Driving down eighth street toward downtown, bubbles drift across the street as if to welcome you to Fernandina Beach.What the bubbles are really saying is, Julie Delfs is back.That’s what Delfs told the News-Leader on Friday at Art Amelia, 22 S. 8th St. #2 in Fernandina Beach.
Dr. Alan Miller accepts a Proclamation on behalf of Dr. Kirkwood Adams, Jr., recognizing Dr. Adams contributions to heart failure care, medical research and professional education. Submitted photo

Dr. Alan Miller accepts a Proclamation on behalf of Dr. Kirkwood Adams, Jr., recognizing Dr. Adams contributions to heart failure care, medical research and professional education. Submitted photo

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Heart Failure Management Conference underway at Omni Resort

Ashley Chandler
Friday, July 17, 2026
Thursday marked the official start of a nationwide medical conference held annually on Amelia Island. The Heart Failure Management Conference was first held on the island in 1996. On Wednesday, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners recognized the conference’s founder Dr. Kirkwood F.
Credit- The Omni

Credit- The Omni

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Firecracker 5K lights up holiday weekend

Nick Blank
Friday, July 10, 2026
Fireworks weren’t the only bang over Fourth of July weekend: 720 entrants heard the starting gun blast as they ran the Firecracker 5K at the Omni, traversing the resort’s property.The highest four placers were a quartet of teenagers: Charles Carlson (16:49.
Workers from White’s Clock and Carillion assemble the bell wheel on the restored bell Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church.

Workers from White’s Clock and Carillion assemble the bell wheel on the restored bell Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church.

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Bell returns to historic downtown Fernandina church

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Members of the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Fernandina Beach gathered outside the historic building Tuesday to watch the local church’s bell be returned to its proper place — the church’s belfry.