amelia island

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

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

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...
Nick Drakus, co-owner of Ice House Antiques, holds a MacGregor Medallion and the book he came across that tells the history of the medals. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Nick Drakus, co-owner of Ice House Antiques, holds a MacGregor Medallion and the book he came across that tells the history of the medals. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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A piece of history returns home

Ashley Chandler
Friday, May 1, 2026
A small piece of Amelia Island history has recently made its way to Eighth Street: One of 11 bronze medallions from the 1800s. The rare medallions memorialize the ruling of Gregory MacGregor who planted the shortest-lived flag of the island’s eight-flag history — the Green Cross of Florida.
Cold Tide is a crime thriller set in Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville in 1994.

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

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.
Brian Barnard paints a whale for the raffle during the Whale Baby Shower hosted by the Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors on Wednesday. Photo Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Brian Barnard paints a whale for the raffle during the Whale Baby Shower hosted by the Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors on Wednesday. Photo Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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23 Right Whales born this season

Marisa DeMar
Friday, April 10, 2026
Twenty-three North Atlantic right whale calves were born in the 2025-2026 season which spans from mid November to mid April each year.
Surfers Aiden Flynn, CJ Rogers and Noah Poteat were out on the water Sunday at Main Beach. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Surfers Aiden Flynn, CJ Rogers and Noah Poteat were out on the water Sunday at Main Beach. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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Local Lens: Spring surfin' on Amelia Island

Marisa DeMar
Friday, April 3, 2026
Surfers Aiden Flynn, CJ Rogers and Noah Poteat were out on the water Sunday at Main Beach.
Officers on the scene of an incident invovling an SUV and a bicycle March 27 on South Fletcher Avenue. Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

Officers on the scene of an incident invovling an SUV and a bicycle March 27 on South Fletcher Avenue. Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

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FHP: Bicyclist hospitalized after collision with SUV

News Staff
Friday, April 3, 2026
A 75-year-old Fernandina Beach man suffered “incapacitating injuries” while riding a bicycle March 27 after a car swerved into the bike lane on South Fletcher Avenue knocked him off the bike and ran over him, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report.
FBHS and YHS students stand in front of their art at the Purple Dove Resale Center in Fernandina Beach on March 30.  By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

FBHS and YHS students stand in front of their art at the Purple Dove Resale Center in Fernandina Beach on March 30.  By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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The Power of Art 

Marisa DeMar
Friday, April 3, 2026
In recognition of Teen Dating Violence Awareness, local domestic violence center Micah’s Place hosted their 5th annual teen art contest called The Power of Art: A Vision of Love and Respect - Imagining A Violence-Free World.