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Tree-lined Shadow Woods Lane Denied Canopy Designation

Homeowners wanted it. Neighbors supported it. Nassau County staff endorsed it. And, even the Amelia Baptist Church, which wanted to sell its adjacent property for development, didn't object.…

By Mike Lednovich

Yesterday at 3:30 AM

City Budget: The Squeeze Begins

The great debate about funding the Fernandina Beach 2024-2025 budget is about to begin at its usual starting point: there won't be enough money to pay for everything the city needs.

By Mike Lednovich

3 days ago

City news

Commission Finances Now Reported in More Detail

The state's more comprehensive financial disclosure forms are now public on the Florida Commission on Ethics website and show that Vice Mayor David Sturges and Commissioner Chip Ross reported net …

By Mike Lednovich

Saturday, July 6

Petanque Club Must Move -- But to Where?

The largest petanque club in the United States is suddenly looking for a new home in Fernandina Beach. Next week, the Amelia Island Boules Club and its 153 members will be kicked out of its …

By Mike Lednovich

Thursday, July 11

Waterfront Park Takes a Leap Forward

After nearly a quarter of a century of fits and starts, dozens of discarded park designs and passionate public debate, plans to build a park along the Amelia River cleared a major hurdle when Fernandina Beach city commissioners approved funding $2 million for construction of the new facility.

By Mike Lednovich

4 days ago

City Manager Applicants, So Far, With Experience in the Job

Former Nassau County Manager Mike Mahaney is one of 18 candidates for the Fernandina Beach city manager position with just one week remaining until applications are closed. Five of the 18 applicants …

By Mike Lednovich

Saturday, July 13

Downtown Phase One Estimate: $2.234 Million

An engineering firm hired by the city of Fernandina Beach has pegged renovation of the historic downtown at $2.234 million, according to an estimate provided to city commissioners. The estimate by …

By Mike Lednovich

Friday, July 12

Read more city news

County News

Major East-West Corridor Approved for Protection

The Atlantic to Okefenokee Conservation Corridor, more than 55,000 acres of potential conservation land known as the A2O, has been granted a significant approval. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) has approved the A2O for inclusion on the Florida Forever Priority List.

Tuesday, July 16

Sapp Is the New Dem Director

The Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) of Nassau County has elected Suzanne Sapp to lead the committee through the coming election year.As DEC Chair, Sapp is responsible for …

Thursday, June 27

Baptists Abandon Condo Plans Near Buccaneer Trail

Amelia Baptist Church has abandoned plans to build two condominium buildings with 24 total units along the Amelia River on an oak-lined street of residential homes off Buccaneer …

By Mike Lednovich

Saturday, June 22

Read more county news

Most read stories

Tree-lined Shadow Woods Lane Denied Canopy Designation

By Mike Lednovich

Yesterday at 3:30 AM

Soaking up the Sun at Beach Diner

By Dylan Bailey

Yesterday at 3:30 AM

Mole crabs/Sand fleas

By Pat Foster-Turley

3 days ago

City Budget: The Squeeze Begins

By Mike Lednovich

3 days ago

City Manager Applicants, So Far, With Experience in the Job

By Mike Lednovich

Saturday, July 13

Major East-West Corridor Approved for Protection

Tuesday, July 16

Dining

Soaking up the Sun at Beach Diner

There’s nothing quite like cruising over the bridge to the island and being greeted by the iconic nautical vibes of Beach Diner. Once the location of an Applebee’s with a middling review, Beach Diner quickly became a town favorite.

By Dylan Bailey

Yesterday at 3:30 AM

Let’s Taco Bout This Delicious Mexican Food Truck

If you’re craving authentic Mexican cuisine and aren’t in the mood for a sit-down restaurant, Las Tres Fronteras Tacos is the meals-on-wheels food truck you never knew you needed. On S. …

By Dylan Bailey

Saturday, July 13

Natural Slice Lets You Hang 10 While Staying Cool With Frozen Yogurt

If someone ever told you that you can’t have your pizza and frozen yogurt and eat them too, well, they lied to you. Within the Shops at Omni Amelia Island, Natural Slice, a surf-inspired pizza …

By Dylan Bailey

Sunday, June 30

Obituaries

Obituary: Kenneth Alfred Ernest Mirfield, 92

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth Mirfield, a beloved great-grandfather, grandfather, father, and husband, who left us on July 2, 2024. Kenneth's life was …

Saturday, July 6

David L. Williams, 78

David L. Williams walked into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 19th, 2024. He was 78 years old. He leaves behind Sherry, his wife of 49 years, his son Jeff, his daughter …

Friday, June 28

Ed Lormand: Musician, Teacher, Sailor

Edward Lewis Lormand, a charter member of the Amelia Island Sailing Club and longtime Fernandina Men’s Golf Association member, died on Saturday, June 22, in Fernandina Beach, Florida. He was …

Friday, June 28

Read more obits

Health

Baptist Nassau Offers Robot-Assisted Surgery

Baptist Nassau Hospital in Fernandina Beach has obtained a da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System and is now offering a range of procedures, including many gynecological surgeries, with the technology.…

By Shari Roan

Tuesday, July 16

It’s Time to Protect a Lot of People From Extreme Heat

A group of Fernandina Beach residents, city and county officials, and nonprofit organizations have joined forces to protect people at risk for heat-related illness this summer. The local Extreme Heat …

By Shari Roan

Thursday, July 11

All Fireworks Can Be Dangerous - Keep Yours Safe

Last year, a Tampa Bay woman suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck in the back of the head by a firework. In Fort Lauderdale, a teenager lost parts of several fingers while handling a …

By Shari Roan

Sunday, June 30

Commentary: "Getting Older" Doesn't Have to be "Getting Old"

By Dickie Anderson Approaching my 80th birthday this spring, I am determined to do everything possible to keep the engine running. The Big Guy and I both read and watch any programming that focuses …

Saturday, March 2

Read more health news

Community

Community

Democrats Training Program Open

Applications are open for the NassauDems 2024 Fellowship Program. This free fellowship helps individuals build community relationships, develop organizational skills, and explore leadership potential

5 days ago

How Do Girls Learn to Be Preachers? From Women

If you have been inside a Protestant church, you know the second most important part of the building after the sanctuary is the social or fellowship hall. That is THE place for coffee, donuts, …

By Linda Hart Green

Sunday, July 14

‘Woke’: How a Word for ‘Awake’ Got Hijacked

I am not an early riser, but I am glad for those who are. I admire those who are not only up but OUT, enjoying sunrises over the ocean and general natural splendor. One of the people I am grateful …

By Linda Hart Green

Sunday, July 7

Stronger Together: How No Ethanol Fernandina Was Born

Amelia Island is blessed with many volunteer groups protecting its heritage trees and beaches and ensuring turtles are kept in the dark. In addition to the environment, citizens are …

By Pam Green

Monday, June 24

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Health

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Take This Class and Make Our Community Safer

By Jim Bollenbacher Did you know that if you experience sudden cardiac arrest, your chance of surviving is much better on Hilton Head Island than here on Amelia Island? Sadly, it's true, but a group …

Wednesday, February 7

Read more.

Read more health news

Churches & Charities

Art Exhibit and Auction to Benefit Micah’s Place

Micah’s Place is partnering with Disco Witch for an art exhibition and Silent Auction, July 23, 2024, from 5-9 p.m.This event features donated art to bid on through a silent auction and …

Friday, July 12

Want to Be in the New Parade? Have the Right Beliefs

Fernandina Beach is a parade-loving town! There will be a new parade in town on June 29, a Christian Heritage parade. As a Christian, I wondered what it was about. I looked …

By Linda Hart Green

Sunday, June 16

Nature

Mole crabs/Sand fleas

I’m by no means a fisherperson. The few times Bucko tried to entice me into surf fishing I soon walked away and started looking for fossilized shark teeth and talking to strangers. That’s probably why I didn’t really learn about mole crabs (sand fleas) until recently.

By Pat Foster-Turley

3 days ago

Home - Fernandina Observer (23)

Simmons Beach Access

Every beach along our shore has different merits, and I try to visit them all. Recently, for the first time in many months, I parked my car at the Simmons Road access, and even though it was only 9 …

By Pat Foster-Turley

Friday, July 12

Home - Fernandina Observer (24)

Nightjars: Birds That Feed at Night – and Sing, Too

The border between Florida and Georgia rests in the middle of the St. Marys River, just north of Amelia Island. Being so close, I often follow the efforts of Georgia conservation groups. The June …

By Lauri deGaris

Thursday, July 11

Home - Fernandina Observer (25)

Carefully Capturing the Stars from a Local Driveway

At an unassuming house in a local subdivision, a former peacetime Marine Corps infantryman positions his two telescopes on the driveway and executes his meticulously prepared approach, saying, …

By Pam Green

Monday, July 8

Home - Fernandina Observer (26)

Shark Research Center Coming to Mayport

Last week we took our friend Sage, who was visiting from Austria, boating around Amelia Island. As we approached Egans Creek bridge, we witnessed a firetruck and two ambulances headed for the boat …

By Lauri deGaris

Monday, July 8

Schools

Big Raise Approved for Nassau Teachers

By Wes Wolfe Florida Politics Nassau County is making moves, working to better compensate the school district’s teachers. A new agreement with the local teachers’ union is headed in that …

Sunday, January 29, 2023

It's Time Again to Get Books to Children

Ferst Readers of Nassau County is once again partnering with Nassau County Public Schools for our 4thAnnual Coin Drive Fundraiser during Florida Literacy Week, Jan. 23-27. This is one of our …

Thursday, January 19, 2023

FSCJ Cancelling All Classes, All Campuses

Florida State College Jacksonville, will cancel classes ahead of Ian's Arrival Based on recent information from the National Weather Service and local government agencies, all classes and activities …

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Read more school news

Business

Bretts and the City: No Love Lost

By Mike Lednovich While the owners of Brett's Waterway Cafe want a big payday over damages they claim were a result of engineering experts declaring the restaurant's substructure unsafe, the city has …

Tuesday, March 19

Want to Know More about the Bioethanol Proposal?

RYAM has issued an invitation to an open house at its 10 Gum St. facility for people to learn more about its proposed bioethanol process addition to its facility. The time is Wednesday, March 6, 4-7 …

Saturday, February 24

Coastal Furnishings Closing for Good

After almost a decade of serving the coastal communities of Nassau County, independent furniture retailer Coastal Home Furnishings will close permanently. The family-owned home furnishings and …

Thursday, February 15

Read more business news

5-Day Forecast

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Monday

Slight Chance T-storms then T-storms Likely

High: 88°F
(-18°C)

Home - Fernandina Observer (34)

Tuesday

Chance T-storms then Showers Likely

High: 87°F
(-18°C)

Home - Fernandina Observer (35)

Wednesday

Chance T-storms then T-storms Likely

High: 87°F
(-18°C)

Home - Fernandina Observer (36)

Thursday

Chance T-storms then T-storms Likely

High: 87°F
(-18°C)

Home - Fernandina Observer (37)

Friday

Chance T-storms then T-storms Likely

High: 87°F
(-18°C)

Get the full forecast

Web extra content

The 5 most popular international summer travel destinations in 2024

Airalo compiled a ranking of the five most popular international summer travel destinations using information from Google Flights.

Sheeka Sanahori

Monday, July 15

Give Your Grilling Game a Flavor Boost: 3 tips to make summer meals deliciously memorable

(Family Features)Make sure your grill game is on fire this summer. The right prepping, seasoning and grilling techniques can help you serve your favorite foods.

Monday, July 15

Netflix cancels cheapest plan as subscribers have to choose

Giant Freakin Robot reports that Netflix is phasing out its cheapest ad-free subscription tier for existing subscribers and asking them to choose a new plan to stay tuned into the world's largest streamer.

Jason Collins

Thursday, July 11

How does sleep affect the weight loss journey? We asked a husband-and-wife team of medical experts

(BPT) - As a sleep medicine specialist, Dr. Christopher J. Allen knows well the importance of sleep health, which is not only defined by the number of hours the individual sleeps, but also the …

Thursday, July 11

Hurricane Beryl’s rapid intensification to Category 5 is alarming: Here’s why more tropical storms are exploding in strength

Hurricane Beryl hit the island of Carriacou, Grenada, on July 1, 2024, with 150 mph sustained winds.NOAA Hurricane Beryl was the latest Atlantic storm to rapidly intensify, growing quickly from …

Brian Tang, University at Albany, State University of New York, The Conversation

Wednesday, July 3

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FAQs

What is the local newspaper for Fernandina Beach, Florida? ›

News-Leader, Fernandina Beach Florida.

What is it like living in Fernandina Beach, FL? ›

Fernandina Beach is in Nassau County and is one of the best places to live in Florida. Living in Fernandina Beach offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Fernandina Beach there are a lot of parks. Many retirees live in Fernandina Beach and residents tend to lean conservative.

What county is Fernandina Beach, FL in? ›

Fernandina Beach is a city in northeastern Florida and the county seat of Nassau County, Florida, United States.

What is Fernandina Beach named for? ›

In 1783, the Second Treaty of Paris ends the Revolutionary War and returns Florida to Spain. British inhabitants of Florida had to leave the province within 18 months unless they swore allegiance to Spain. In 1811, surveyor George J. F. Clarke plats the town of Fernandina, named in honor of King Ferdinand VII of Spain.

What is the difference between Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach? ›

What is the difference between Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach? Fernandina Beach is the town located on Amelia Island. It's known for its charming downtown historic district and waterfront views. Discover more with our Downtown Fernandina Beach Travel Guide.

What is the cost of living in Fernandina Beach Florida? ›

CategoryExpenditure
Housing (Rent / Mortgage)$12,632
Other Housing$8,495
Miscllaneous$25,653
Total Annual Expenditure$83,845
4 more rows

What is the ethnicity of Fernandina Beach? ›

Race and Ethnicity

In 2022, there were 7.59 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (9.82k people) in Fernandina Beach, FL than any other race or ethnicity. There were 1.29k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 1.06k White (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Is Fernandina Beach a nice place to retire? ›

The Climate Is Perfect

Rain is plentiful in the summer months, guaranteeing consistent breaks from the summer heat. And unlike many beach towns, Fernandina Beach benefits from cool breezes that minimize sweltering temperatures. For seniors with arthritis or mobility impairments, this climate offers real benefits.

What is the population of Amelia Island? ›

Amelia Island has a population of 38,189 people. Specifically, 49.45% are males and 50.55% are females.

What movie was filmed in Fernandina Beach? ›

1. The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking.

What celebrities are in Fernandina Beach? ›

Oprah, Kenny Chesney, John Travolta, Sean Connery — all arrived by yacht at the river town of Fernandina Beach. You never know who you're going to see on a boat pulling into the Fernandina Harbor Marina, which can accommodate yachts up to 250 feet long.

What is the nickname of Amelia Island? ›

The city of Fernandina Beach, Florida, (population 12,000) is located on Amelia Island at the northeast tip of Florida. The island received the nickname of “The Isle of Eight Flags” since it has been under the flag of eight different nations.

Where can I buy a Florida Today newspaper? ›

Pick it up at any of these fine locations:
  • Walmart.
  • Publix.
  • Winn Dixie.
  • Walgreens.
  • 7 Eleven.
  • Circle K.
  • McDonalds.
  • Speedway.

What is the newspaper for New Smyrna Beach Florida? ›

New Smyrna Beach – Orlando Sentinel.

What is the local newspaper for Daytona Beach Florida? ›

Daytona Beach News-Journal: Local News, Politics & Sports in Daytona Beach, FL.

What is the name of the Port St Lucie newspaper? ›

Treasure Coast Newspapers
TypeDaily newspaper
LanguageEnglish
HeadquartersFlorida
CityPort St. Lucie, Florida
CountryUnited States
8 more rows

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