Full Edition: May 11, 2026

the

Island Brief

Amelia Island • Nassau County • First Coast

Good morning, Nassau County. We have a busy one today. Storms are possible after 2 PM, but the bigger action is at 5 PM in Yulee, where Nassau County holds its first public hearing on a proposed 12-month moratorium on new data center development. Qualifying for the Fernandina Beach mayor's race also opens this morning. And this week, the Amelia Island Lighthouse gets some good news out of the last commission meeting. Plenty to dig into.

Fernandina ⛈ 86°/68°

Yulee ⛈ 87°/68°

Callahan ⛈ 87°/67°

Hilliard ⛈ 87°/67°

📰	Top Stories

Nassau County holds its first public hearing tonight on a proposed 12-month moratorium on new data center development applications in unincorporated Nassau County. The hearing is at 5 PM at the Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place in Yulee. Commissioners say they want to pause new applications while the county develops formal land-use rules around groundwater use, utility capacity, and environmental impact. No applications are currently pending, but tonight is the public's chance to weigh in before a second hearing on June 8.

Read More → The County Insider

The Fernandina Beach City Commission approved grant applications seeking $406,250 in state funding for structural repairs to the Amelia Island Lighthouse, Florida's oldest operational lighthouse. The city is pursuing a $325,000 Special Category grant from the Florida Division of Historical Resources and a matching $81,250 grant from the Florida Lighthouse Association. The 67-foot masonry lighthouse, built in 1839, has seen weathering and deterioration, and recent engineering assessments flagged critical repair needs. The city has already invested about $350,000 in restoration work in 2019 and 2025; if the new grants come through, construction would be folded into a future Capital Improvements budget.

Read More → Fernandina Observer

The five-day qualifying period for Fernandina Beach's 2026 mayoral race opened this morning and runs through Friday, May 15 at 5 PM. Commissioners Genece Minshew and Tim Poynter have both already filed, setting up a contested race between two supporters of the city's paid parking program. Commissioner Joyce Tuten, who voted against paid parking and remains eligible to run under the city charter, had not filed as of last week. Her decision before Friday's deadline will determine whether voters face a two-way or three-way choice in August, alongside the paid parking referendum on the same ballot.

Read More → Fernandina Observer

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📍	Around Nassau County

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This Saturday: The Opening of the Beaches returns to Main Beach Park on Saturday, May 16 (10 AM-6 PM), paired this year with the Wild Amelia Eco-Expo. Expect free live music all day including The Honey Badgers and headliner The Boogie Freaks, plus nature exhibits, hands-on activities, and the official start of beach season. (More)

➤	Fernandina Beach: The annual Preservation Awards ceremony is tomorrow, Tuesday May 12, 5-7 PM, recognizing outstanding historic preservation work by homeowners, businesses, and organizations across the city. Hosted by Fernandina Main Street and the City of Fernandina Beach. (More)

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Nassau County: The countywide burn ban remains in effect this week, with drought conditions continuing. Yard debris burning, bonfires, and campfires are all prohibited; gas and charcoal grills are permitted with supervision. The ban is being reviewed weekly and no end date has been announced. (More)

➤	Fernandina Beach: Grease continues at the Amelia Musical Playhouse through Sunday, May 24, with shows Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:30 PM. Two weeks left. (More)

🗓️	This Week on the Island

MON 11

Nassau County BOCC Public Hearing: Data Center Moratorium Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee • 5:00 PM • Public comment welcome • Second hearing June 8

TUE 12

Fernandina Beach Preservation Awards Downtown Fernandina Beach • 5-7 PM • Hosted by Fernandina Main Street • Recognizes outstanding historic preservation efforts

WED 13

Wild Amelia: Sunset with the Birds Ron Sapp Egans Creek Greenway • 7:00-8:30 PM • Free • Part of the Wild Amelia Nature Festival (May 8-17)

SAT 16

Opening of the Beaches + Wild Amelia Eco-Expo Main Beach Park • 10 AM-6 PM • Free • Live music (The Honey Badgers, The Boogie Freaks), nature exhibits, family activities • Seasonal kickoff for beach season

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Nassau County holds a public hearing tonight on whether to pause new data center development for 12 months. Do you think the county should pump the brakes on data centers, or is this the kind of economic development Nassau needs? Hit reply and let us know. We read every response.

The Wild Amelia Nature Festival picks a "Critter of the Year" to spotlight each spring. What animal holds that title in 2026?

Answer: The raccoon. Wild Amelia selects a different local species each year to highlight Nassau County's diverse wildlife.

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