amelia island

A foursome competes during Par for a Purpose. Submitted

A foursome competes during Par for a Purpose. Submitted

Micah’s Place hosts second annual ‘Par for a Purpose’

Thirty-six golfers made their way to the Omni last month to participate in a charity golf tournament to raise money for a local domestic violence nonprofit. On May 22, Micah’s Place hosted its second annual “Par for a Purpose” held at the Golf Club of Amelia Island.
Mikaela Nichols, left, Breanna Rodriguez-Rollins, middle, and Talia Anassis, right, were awarded scholarships from the Island Art Association. The local art group says the scholarships were awarded based on the quality of their submitted art portfolios.

Mikaela Nichols, left, Breanna Rodriguez-Rollins, middle, and Talia Anassis, right, were awarded scholarships from the Island Art Association. The local art group says the scholarships were awarded based on the quality of their submitted art portfolios.

Island Art Association awards scholarships to three local seniors

Three local high school seniors were recently awarded scholarships from the Island Art Association. In total, IAA gave away $6,000 to the seniors. Mikaela Nichols, who recently graduated from Fernandina Beach High School, is the winner of the Island Art Association $3,000 College Scholarship.
Satellite imagery of Hurricane Erin in 2025. From NOAA

Satellite imagery of Hurricane Erin in 2025. From NOAA

Six-month hurricane season starts June 1

As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, forecasters are urging residents not to let predictions of a quieter season lead to complacency.
Leo Radkowski shows safety equipment on his boat at the Amelia Island Marina on Wednesday.

Leo Radkowski shows safety equipment on his boat at the Amelia Island Marina on Wednesday.

Float your boat safely

On a baking Wednesday afternoon, Leo Radkowski looked over his boat in the Amelia Island Marina. The water is a dangerous place and will see increased traffic with the summer and Boater Skip Day arriving soon.

Six nests spotted in first two weeks of sea turtle season

The Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch said Tuesday that six loggerheads have nested along Amelia Island, less than two weeks into sea turtle nesting season.  “It’s a great start,” said Ronda Bokram, the president of the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch.
Maverick Marine Services brings the vessel, Coco, onto the beach on Fernandina Beach near Beach Access 16N.  Nick Blank/News-Leader

Maverick Marine Services brings the vessel, Coco, onto the beach on Fernandina Beach near Beach Access 16N. Nick Blank/News-Leader

Steer clear

North Beach saw more heavy machinery than usual this week, as passersby approached a crane attempting to remove a boat that grounded on Saturday from the beach.
The opening ceremony was held Friday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The opening ceremony was held Friday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

IN PHOTOS: Shrimp Fest Opening Ceremony

The 61st Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival held its opening ceremony on Friday ahead of the Shrimp Festival pageant. 
The Insiders performed on the main stage Friday at Shrimp Fest. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Insiders performed on the main stage Friday at Shrimp Fest. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

IN PHOTOS: Live music at Shrimp Fest

Live music was scheduled to be performed on all four days during the 61st Shrimp Festival.
Sunday saw a surge in attendance after rain dampened Saturday’s festivities. Photo by Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

Sunday saw a surge in attendance after rain dampened Saturday’s festivities. Photo by Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

Thousands flock to Shrimp Fest

Each year, the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival brings thousands to downtown Fernandina Beach, where they patronize the city’s hotels, shops and restaurants.