Today's Showcase
From the HeART
Common threads
5 hours ago
My maternal grandmother was an expert at crocheting. She found it relaxing. For most of her life, she crocheted intricate patterns with thin white thread and a small metal crochet hook. Her hook …
Pat's Wildways
Pat’s Wildways: Arizona north to south
3 days ago
Arizona doesn’t look all that large on an overall map of the United States. I convinced Bucko to do a 10-night road trip there to see my bucket list item of Antelope Canyon in the northwest and …
Digital Compass
iPhone’s hidden helper: How Shortcuts can simplify life for seniors
4 days ago
Technology doesn’t have to be complicated — sometimes the best features are hiding in plain sight. Many seniors struggle with their iPhones, finding simple tasks like calling family …
Mayor launches Peg Leg Pete fund drive
19 minutes ago
Fernandina Beach Mayor Mike Antun has launched a public fundraising campaign to restore Peg Leg Pete, the iconic wooden pirate statue that has watched over downtown for decades. The goal is $23,000 …
Community pushback halts MLK Park softball expansion
3 days ago
A vocal crowd from the historic African American neighborhood surrounding the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center turned out Tuesday night, urging the Fernandina Beach City …
City rejects $6.6 million RYAM property demand
4 days ago
The Fernandina Beach City Commission unanimously voted Tuesday to reject a $6.6 million claim filed by Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM) under Florida’s Bert J. Harris Jr. Private Property …
Top stories
City approves downtown paid parking contract
5 days ago
Following months of public controversy and division, the Fernandina Beach City Commission on Tuesday voted 4–1 to approve a contract with One Parking, Inc. to manage paid parking operations in …
Bell player charged for helmet attack on Pirate freshman
5 days ago
Fernandina Beach Police have issued an arrest warrant for a Bell High School football player who attacked a Fernandina High School freshman with the player's helmet during a game last Friday. Mike …
The photo gallery
Pat’s Wildways: Equinox Dawns
Friday, October 3
One recent morning I jumped out of bed early because I had a hunch that dawn over the beach would be perfect that day. And I was right! I rushed to the Simmons Road access, close to my home, and got …
Bluebirds
Monday, September 8
They have arrived! They are back! The bluebirds are here! I officially observed eight bluebirds diving down from the wires above the street in front of my house this past week. They were devouring …
Pat’s Wildways: Visiting Jacksonville Zoo
Friday, August 15
I guess maybe Bucko and I are too old to visit the Jacksonville Zoo. On a recent attempt, we almost gave up, and we were already in the parking lot. It turns out you have to sign up for admission …
From the HeART
Wingman
Sunday, November 2
My only sibling’s birthday was on Halloween. I am going to celebrate this occasion by telling you about him and our relationship. My mother didn’t want him to be born on Halloween …
Stay in your lane?
Sunday, October 26
As chaplain for the chancel choir, I offer a brief devotional at rehearsals. One evening, I began by asking what the phrase “stay in your lane” meant to them. I had no idea a discussion …
Digital Compass
Why cloud-free backup solutions fall short: The 3-2-1 rule and modern data protection
Thursday, October 30
In an era of increasing privacy concerns and cloud skepticism, many individuals and businesses are seeking backup solutions that avoid cloud storage entirely. While the desire to maintain complete …
The Commodore 64 revival: nostalgia, innovation, and red flags
Thursday, October 23
For many, the Commodore 64 is not just a computer — it’s a symbol. Released in 1982, the C64 went on to sell over 17 million units and earned its place in history as the world’s …
Off the Porch
Comfort food
5 days ago
Who doesn’t love comfort food? It is an edible hug. When we want to feel better, either from an illness or emotionally, we turn to comfort food. As the weather gets cooler, my soup and chili …
The Amazon – more than a river
Wednesday, October 29
Looking back on the many trips my sister and I have taken through the years, the most unusual was exploring the Amazon River. This was not our usual walking trip. We spent three weeks on a small …
Pat's Wildways
Pat’s Wildways: Antelope Canyon
Friday, October 31
For longer than I have known him, my husband of nearly 50 years has had a “bucket list” that he made when he was just a lad on Long Island. And, over the years, he has seen them all, some …
Pat's Wildways: Swine on my mind
Friday, October 24
In my life, I pay attention when three unconnected experiences reveal something in common to me. Recently it’s been pigs and hogs, the members of the mammal family Suidae. I didn’t go out …
Peg Leg Pete's fate still undecided
3 days ago
Just how long Peg Leg Pete stands watch at the Amelia Island Museum remains to be seen. More than four decades after becoming one of Fernandina Beach’s most recognizable waterfront …
Rotary Club receives Club Excellence Award
Tuesday, November 4
The Rotary Club of Fernandina Beach has received the Rotary International 2024-25 Club Excellence Award. This award honors clubs “for fostering a positive experience for its members and …
Nature
The vanishing long leaf pine forest
Tuesday, October 28
I am a dendrophile, that is, a person who loves trees and forests. One of my favorite trees is the longleaf pine. About 150 years ago, the Southeast United States contained 90 million acres of …
Right Whale Festival 2025
Monday, October 13
It is officially fall and with each passing day, the amount of sunlight decreases until the arrival of next spring. This change signals the natural world in the northern hemisphere to prepare for …
North Florida Land Trust’s Salty Soiree at Fort Clinch Oct. 26
Tuesday, October 7
Join friends of the North Florida Land Trust for an evening to celebrate and support the organization's mission to conserve and protect North Florida’s natural landscapes and environment. The …
Part three of a three-part series
Local dolphins and the UNF Bottlenose Dolphin Research Program
Saturday, October 4
“It is a challenging time to be in marine mammal work. We must just keep telling ourselves we are documenting this so that future generations may learn from it and not make the same …
See more Nature stories
County News
Get rid of bad drugs and old drugs - it's easy
Wednesday, October 22
HCA Florida Yulee Emergency is hosting its first annual “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take back day to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the …
Read more county news
City News
October Report
Island Restaurant Inspections at a Glance
Tuesday, November 4
Disclaimer: These records are sanitation and safety inspections conducted by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants on public food service establishments. Each inspection report is a "snapshot" …
Tuesday, October 21
Before you begin shopping for holiday gifts, take time to shop for your 2026 health insurance. Medicare Open Enrollment is underway while Medicare Advantage open enrollment as well as enrollment in …
Read more.
Friday, October 3
Brooks Rehabilitation has completed extensive renovations to its 14th Street facility, enlarging the gym and installing new state-of-the-art physical therapy equipment. An open house celebration …
Read more.
Business
Port inks business with Green Tide containers
Tuesday, October 21
The Port of Fernandina is set to welcome a new container shipping service this December as Green Tide, a maritime logistics company focused on U.S.-Mexico trade, makes Fernandina its second U.S. port …
3 pass first inspections, 28 others fail
Friday, October 3
Nassau County Restaurant Inspections at a Glance. Disclaimer: These records are sanitation and safety inspections conducted by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants on public food service …
Nassau County restaurant inspections
Wednesday, September 3
Nassau County Restaurant Inspections at a Glance
Disclaimer: These records are sanitation and safety inspections conducted by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants on public food service …
Special Features
A Message in a Bottle Leads to Stories From Everywhere
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Recently, my friend Cathy showed me a plastic Coke bottle she found on the beach. Inside the bottle was a neatly folded letter. The cap was tight, and no water had penetrated the bottle. The message …
The Remarkable Journey of Cumberland Island Museum's Collection
Monday, February 17
In December 1990, the 5-log schooner Behemoth made two trips from Fernandina Beach to Brickhill Bluff. The 100-year-old nonmotorized vessel was owned, maintained and operated by Les Johnson. The …
Community
Island Art Association celebrates 50 years and eyes expansion
Tuesday, November 4
Fifty years ago, 10 Amelia Island artists gathered at the Atlantic Rec Center to discuss their love of art and desire to share it with the public. The Island Art Association was born.
It’s …
Amelia Island Book Festival kicks off its 25th anniversary with its annual fall literary luncheon
Saturday, November 1
The Amelia Island Book Festival announces "A Southern Soiree," their annual fall literary luncheon — a fundraiser to support the Authors in Schools program. The Book Festival welcomes …
Saturday, November 1
It’s that time of year — holidays are approaching, and soon we will see volunteers ringing bells to support the Salvation Army’s Hope House. It has been a tradition for more than 17 …
Thursday, October 23
Second only to the Shrimp Festival, the Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale is one of the most anticipated island events. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just looking for an occasional …
Churches & Charities
Tuesday, October 14
Three local churches produce a free food distribution event for anyone needing food assistance. The Good News Fellowship food distribution event happens every third Saturday of the month …
Friday, September 12
Nassau Humane Society has announced their annual fundraiser, Pasta 4 Paws, which has brought animal lovers together to help homeless animals for 20 years, will be replaced by a brand new event. …
5-Day Forecast
Monday
Sunny and Windy
High: 58°F
(-18°C)
(-18°C)
Veterans Day
Sunny and Breezy then Sunny
High: 54°F
(-18°C)
(-18°C)
Wednesday
Sunny
High: 66°F
(-18°C)
(-18°C)
Thursday
Sunny
High: 72°F
(-18°C)
(-18°C)
Friday
Sunny
High: 71°F
(-18°C)
(-18°C)