Full Edition: April 6, 2026

the

Island Brief

Amelia Island • Nassau County • First Coast

Good Morning, Nassau County! On this day in 1862, Union naval forces accepted the surrender of Fort Clinch after Confederate troops evacuated Fernandina, making it one of the first Union footholds in Florida during the Civil War. A little rain is moving through today, but we'll dry out by midweek. Hope everyone had a good Easter weekend.

Fernandina 🌧️ 71°/53°

Yulee 🌧️ 72°/52°

Callahan 🌧️ 73°/51°

Hilliard 🌧️ 73°/50°

📰	Top Stories

Nassau County Fire Rescue responded to a large brush fire Saturday afternoon near Keel Court in Fernandina Beach. The Sheriff's Office issued a community alert and evacuated homes in the area while crews worked to contain the blaze. Residents were allowed back in around 4 p.m., and by Sunday the fire was reported 98% contained. Dry conditions across Northeast Florida have fire officials urging caution.

Read More → News-Leader

The former Winn-Dixie at 947 Amelia Plaza officially reopened Thursday as an ALDI. Shoppers started lining up before sunrise for the 8:45 a.m. ribbon cutting, with the first 200 customers receiving gift bags. The opening is welcome news for island residents who have been juggling fewer grocery options since the Winn-Dixie closed for conversion and the nearby Publix shut down for a full rebuild.

Read More → Fernandina Observer

The Phase 2 closure of Amelia Island Parkway at Buccaneer Trail is funneling all north-south traffic onto Fletcher Avenue, and residents are feeling it. The detour via 14th Street to Simmons Road adds about 1.5 miles, but peak-hour delays are running 10 to 15 minutes. Drivers cutting through side streets like Bill Melton Road and Scott Road have created new bottlenecks. Nassau County has added signage and asks through-traffic to stick to the official detour. The closure runs through May 4.

Read More → Fernandina Observer

The building housing Hola! Cuban Cafe on South 5th Street has been declared a dangerous structure by the city. Tenant Waldemar Borrero learned on a Monday morning that he would need to vacate. The cafe, a downtown staple since 2013, is known for its Cuban coffee and pressed sandwiches. Owner Marisol Triana has been a vocal opponent of the city's paid parking plan, and the timing of the action has raised questions among some residents and local commentators.

Read More → News-Leader

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📍	Around Nassau County

➤	Sounds on Centre: The beloved free concert series kicked off its 20th season Friday night with the Sean McCarthy Band performing downtown near the Palace Saloon, 6-8 p.m. Next up: first Friday in June. (More)

➤	Sea Turtle Season: Nesting season is officially underway. FWC is reminding beachgoers to keep lights off near the shore at night, fill in holes, and remove beach furniture before dark. (More)

➤	Nassau County: A Jacksonville man and woman were arrested on fentanyl trafficking charges after two separate incidents in the county last week. (More)

➤	South Fletcher Ave: A 75-year-old Fernandina Beach cyclist was hospitalized with serious injuries after being struck by an SUV that swerved into the bike lane on March 27, according to FHP. (More)

🗓️	This Week on the Island

Apr 7

Second Chapters Art Exhibit Opens Fernandina Beach Library • Runs through May 30 • Work by three Amelia Island artists: Karen Atkins, Pat Haley, and Carla Yetter

Apr 9

Bye Bye Birdie Opens Amelia Community Theatre • Tony Award-winning musical set in the 1950s • Runs through April

Apr 10

Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run Downtown Parking Lot B • 8:00 a.m.

Apr 10

Fernandina Songwriters Festival Multiple downtown venues • April 10-11 • Free acoustic performances and artist meet-and-greets

Apr 11

Wings & Wheels & WHY Fernandina Beach Airport • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Reach the people who live, work, and play on Amelia Island. Affordable spots available for local businesses.

Learn More →

The roundabout under construction at Buccaneer Trail and Amelia Island Parkway will be the ___th roundabout on Amelia Island. What number?

Answer: Eight. Long-time residents remember when the island had zero.

Now that ALDI is open, what's your grocery routine looking like? Sticking with Harris Teeter? Going all-in on ALDI? Mixing it up? Hit reply and tell us. We read every message.

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