Regional

The RYAM and WestRock mills in Fernandina Beach. The mills have been in the city for almost a century and have helped the local economy weather more than one crisis. Julia Roberts/News-Leader

Fernandina's mills running strong during crisis

News Staff
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
While the tourism and hospitality industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus, the two pulp mills in Fernandina Beach – Rayonier Advanced Materials and WestRock – are up and running, with no layoffs or employee furloughs. Ryan Houck, spokesperson for RYAM, said the Fernandina Plant is...
A generic photo of a sample COVID-19 test.

Four test positive for COVID-19 virus at Lakeside at Amelia Island

News Staff
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
The Lakeside at Amelia Island retirement community, which includes dementia care, assisted living, and independent living for its residents, received four positive results from recent “community-wide COVID-19 testing.” The testing took place last week, according to an email sent to residents,...
Sonshine Christian Academy held commencement at Crossroads Family Worship Center May 17. Around 20 people attended the ceremony due to social distancing. Afterward, educators and friends held up congratulatory messages outside. 

Sonshine send-off

News Staff
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Sonshine Christian Academy held commencement at Crossroads Family Worship Center May 17. Around 20 people attended the ceremony due to social distancing. Afterward, educators and friends held up congratulatory messages outside. 
A graphic provided by the Florida Department of Health depicting the novel coronavirus.

The COVID-19 numbers for Nassau County

News Staff
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Sunday, May 24: The Nassau County Emergency Management department posted on Facebook that there are now 70 cases as of 11 a.m.: “FDOH Nassau CHD has received one new case of a positive COVID19 test in a Nassau resident.  The case is a 66 year old male with no travel history nor...
A rendering from the Phase III plan for Wildlight Elementary School. NASSAU COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Four schools will get additions, expansion

News Staff
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
The Nassau County School Board moved forward at its May 14 meeting with plans for improvements and additions to four schools. The meeting was held online in order to comply with coronavirus guidelines. By unanimous vote, the board approved a contract with R. Dean Scott, Architect, Inc. to provide...
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has been gathering information from a station at the Fernandina Harbor Marina since May 1897. The current station was installed in 1997 and gathers information on wind, water levels, water and air temperatures, and barometric pressure. JULIA ROBERTS/NEWS-LEADER

‘Busier than usual’ hurricane season forecast

News Staff
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
The National Oceanic and Atmos-pheric Administration is forecasting an above average number of hurricanes this season and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is considering the effects of the coronavirus on its preparation for it. During a Thursday conference call, NOAA Administrator Dr. Neil...
FILE PHOTO

Diehl: County income could be short $6.5 million

News Staff
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
The bad news? The economic outlook is dire and county leaders have been informed the county’s income shortfall could be $6.5 million for Fiscal Year 2019-20, which runs through the end of September. The good news? Office of Management & Budget Director Megan Diehl has digested the data and has...
Rector Father Stephen Mazingo of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church presents the haircut challenge donation to Michele Vanden-Bossche, health services manager for Barnabas.

Barnabas donations assist residents

News Staff
Friday, May 22, 2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Barnabas Center is on the front line, responding to the needs of individuals and families in crisis. Financial contributions assist this effort. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church supported Barnabas Center and Salvation Army Hope House by hosting its first ever “Corona...
Families, friends and health professional participate in a community parade through the Life Care Center of Hilliard campus Friday morning. Citizens created posters and decorated vehicles with greetings to show their love to residents as they sat outside or stood inside near windows and waved to motorists. 

Families visit via parade

News Staff
Friday, May 22, 2020
Families, friends and health professional participate in a community parade through the Life Care Center of Hilliard campus Friday morning. Citizens created posters and decorated vehicles with greetings to show their love to residents as they sat outside or stood inside near windows and waved to...
A graphic provided by the Florida Department of Health depicting the novel coronavirus.

The COVID-19 numbers for Nassau County

News Staff
Friday, May 22, 2020
Wednesday, May 20: As of 11 a.m., the Florida Department of Health had officially counted three new cases of people testing positive for COVID-19 in Nassau County, according to a post on Facebook by Nassau County Emergency Management. “The first case is a 84 year-old male...