Regional

Mark Bullington with Amelia Kayak Excursions shows Jennifer Tozzo how to guide her modified kayak. The Hobie kayak has been outfitted to allow Tozzo to move it through the water with her legs instead of paddles. JULIA ROBERTSON/NEWS-LEADER

Mark Bullington with Amelia Kayak Excursions shows Jennifer Tozzo how to guide her modified kayak. The Hobie kayak has been outfitted to allow Tozzo to move it through the water with her legs instead of paddles. JULIA ROBERTSON/NEWS-LEADER

Disabled veteran receives kayak from local groups

News Staff
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
A disabled veteran can enjoy the freedom of the water and take part in a local event that raises funds through a kayak race, thanks to the efforts of Amelia Island Kayak Excursions and Cross the Line Foundation, an organization that supports veterans.
While the ADA ramp and Mobi-Mat that provide access to the beach at Main Beach are in good shape, allowing those in wheelchairs and with limited mobility to get out on the beach, the ADA ramp at Seaside Park has been overtaken by the dune. JULIA ROBERTS/NEWS-LEADER

While the ADA ramp and Mobi-Mat that provide access to the beach at Main Beach are in good shape, allowing those in wheelchairs and with limited mobility to get out on the beach, the ADA ramp at Seaside Park has been overtaken by the dune. JULIA ROBERTS/NEWS-LEADER

Committee to review access to beaches

News Staff
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
People walking to and from the beach often damage the dunes that protect Amelia Island from flooding and storm surge. Having accesses, platforms over the dunes and designated paths to walk through the dunes helps mitigate damage to the dunes.
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

County COVID-19 numbers continue to rise

News Staff
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
During a county commission meeting on Monday, Nassau County Emergency Management Director Greg Foster said 65 positive tests for the coronavirus were reported over the weekend. “There is nothing, based on our observations, that is causing this other than the normal progression.
Willie Coleman and Andre Lucas try to tackle a Bulldog. BETH JONES/NEWS-LEADER

Willie Coleman and Andre Lucas try to tackle a Bulldog. BETH JONES/NEWS-LEADER

Pirates in playoffs

News Staff
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
The Fernandina Beach High School football team hosted its second playoff game in a row Friday night. After beating West Nassau a week prior in the program’s first home playoff game since 1970, the FBHS Pirates faced powerhouse Bolles. The visiting Bulldogs eliminated the Pirates 35-7.
Greater Mt. Pleasant Church hosts a Barnabas food distribution event Nov. 21. The church hosts the drive-thru food distribution the third Saturday of every month, 9-11 a.m. The next event is Dec. 19 at 45031 Historical Lane, Callahan. Those who attend receive a three-day supply of food for their household that may include produce, dairy, meat and non-perishable items.

Greater Mt. Pleasant Church hosts a Barnabas food distribution event Nov. 21. The church hosts the drive-thru food distribution the third Saturday of every month, 9-11 a.m. The next event is Dec. 19 at 45031 Historical Lane, Callahan. Those who attend receive a three-day supply of food for their household that may include produce, dairy, meat and non-perishable items.

Pleasant church members aid neighbors

News Staff
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Greater Mt. Pleasant Church hosts a Barnabas food distribution event Nov. 21. The church hosts the drive-thru food distribution the third Saturday of every month, 9-11 a.m. The next event is Dec. 19 at 45031 Historical Lane, Callahan.
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

More than 150 Nassau County students quarantined

News Staff
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
More than 150 students in Nassau County have been quarantined due to COVID-19 concerns, Nassau County School District Assistant Superintendent Mark Durham said Thursday night during a school board meeting.
The Ocean Highway and Port Authority is working to obtain a $1 million grant from the Maritime Administration to purchase the Ft. Clinch, a tug boat that is currently operating out of the Port of Fernandina. The port authority would then lease the boat to Worldwide Terminals Fernandina, the current operator of the port. Worldwide CEO Chris Ragucci said the company would use the tug’s current crew to operate the vessel. WORLDWIDE TERMINALS FERNANDINA

The Ocean Highway and Port Authority is working to obtain a $1 million grant from the Maritime Administration to purchase the Ft. Clinch, a tug boat that is currently operating out of the Port of Fernandina. The port authority would then lease the boat to Worldwide Terminals Fernandina, the current operator of the port. Worldwide CEO Chris Ragucci said the company would use the tug’s current crew to operate the vessel. WORLDWIDE TERMINALS FERNANDINA

CEO: Florida Ports Council misled OHPA about combining positions

News Staff
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Chris Ragucci, CEO of Worldwide Terminals Fernandina, which operates the Port of Fernandina, also acts as port director since Laura DiBella left the job last year.
The Ocean Highway and Port Authority met Thursday in the James S. Page Governmental Complex in Yulee. Although masks are required to be worn in all county buildings, Chairman Danny Fullwood, shown, OHPA’s attorney, administrative manager and the other four commissioners were not wearing masks, although Commissioner Miriam Hill did put a face covering on for part of the meeting. JULIA ROBERTS/NEWS-LEADER

The Ocean Highway and Port Authority met Thursday in the James S. Page Governmental Complex in Yulee. Although masks are required to be worn in all county buildings, Chairman Danny Fullwood, shown, OHPA’s attorney, administrative manager and the other four commissioners were not wearing masks, although Commissioner Miriam Hill did put a face covering on for part of the meeting. JULIA ROBERTS/NEWS-LEADER

OHPA chairman refuses to consider pay cut

News Staff
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
At her first meeting as an Ocean Highway and Port Authority commissioner, Miriam Hill broached the subject of reducing the commissioners $2,000-per-month salary to $1,500, and was immediately shot down by the authority’s chairman, Danny Fullwood, who said he has medical bills to pay.
A clamshell bucket dredge and three ocean-going scows moved 400,000 cubic yards of material during a recent dredge of the Port of Fernandina, which will allow the port to receive ships with a draft of up to 40 feet. WORLDWIDE TERMINALS FERNANDINA

A clamshell bucket dredge and three ocean-going scows moved 400,000 cubic yards of material during a recent dredge of the Port of Fernandina, which will allow the port to receive ships with a draft of up to 40 feet. WORLDWIDE TERMINALS FERNANDINA

Dredge of port finished

News Staff
Friday, November 13, 2020
A dredging project that came in over $1 million under budget is part of “a renaissance” at the Port of Fernandina that management there hopes will allow the port to grow its business.