Full Edition: May 18, 2026

the

Island Brief

Amelia Island • Nassau County • First Coast

Good Evening, Nassau County! On this day in 1980, Mount St. Helens made quite an entrance out in Washington State. Down here, the big event was a little more welcoming. Opening of the Beaches brought out the crowds on Saturday, the Wild Amelia Eco-Expo had more than 70 exhibitors, and The Boogie Freaks had people dancing on the sand. Beach season is officially underway, and today is shaping up to be a fine follow-through: sunny skies, a high in the low 80s, and a comfortable east breeze off the water.

Fernandina ☀️ 82°/71°

Yulee ☀️ 83°/70°

Callahan ☀️ 85°/70°

Hilliard ☀️ 84°/70°

📰	Top Stories

The qualifying period for Fernandina Beach municipal elections closed on Friday, and the race for mayor is now a confirmed two-person contest. Mike Minshew and David Poynter will face each other on the August 18 ballot for the seat being vacated by Mayor Bradley Bean, who is not seeking re-election. Roy Tuten, a longtime city commissioner who had been expected to file, did not submit paperwork before the deadline. The commission races also took shape: Seat 4 drew three candidates (Janna Inglis, Cristen Kreger, and Rob McMonagle), while Seat 5 has a single declared candidate running unopposed.

Read More → City of Fernandina Beach Elections

A new 205-unit senior living development called The Fellowship is headed to Wildlight, Nassau County's fastest-growing master-planned community. Developed by BLDG Real Estate LLC and The Fellowship Family, the project will include 125 independent living units, 48 assisted living units, 24 memory care units, and 8 private cottages, offering a full range of care options on one campus. The Fellowship Family already operates senior communities elsewhere in northeast Florida, and this will be the organization's third property in the region. The announcement reflects continued large-scale investment in Yulee as the county's population expands.

Read More → Nassau Newsline

Amelia Island's annual Opening of the Beaches festival drew a solid crowd to Main Beach Park on Saturday, marking the official start of the 2026 summer beach season. More than 70 exhibitors filled the Wild Amelia Eco-Expo with conservation groups, nature vendors, and environmental displays alongside live animals, sandcastle sculpture demonstrations, and food trucks. The Boogie Freaks headlined the music lineup and had the crowd moving through the afternoon. Clear skies and warm temperatures ran through the 6 PM close, and early reports from organizers were positive.

Read More → Wild Amelia Nature Festival

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📍	Around Nassau County

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Nassau County: A special BOCC meeting scheduled for today to consider extending the spring burn ban was cancelled last Wednesday, May 14. Following last week's flood advisory and significant rainfall across the county, conditions appear to have improved. Residents who need the current burn status can reach Nassau County Emergency Management through the county website.

➤	Fernandina Beach: City commissioners hold their regular May meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19, at 6 PM at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public; agendas and livestream information are available through the city website. (More)

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Nassau County Outdoors: Atlantic red snapper season opens this Thursday, May 22, with a 39-day state-managed window running through June 20. The limit is two fish per person with a 16-inch minimum. Anglers who have not yet registered as a State Reef Fish Angler with FWC must do so online before heading out; registration is free. (More)

➤	Performing Arts: Amelia Musical Playhouse closes its spring production of Grease this weekend with final performances May 22 through 24. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 PM, with a Sunday matinee at 2 PM. Tickets are available through the AMP website. (More)

🗓️	This Week on the Island

TUE 19

Fernandina Beach City Commission Meeting City Hall • 6 PM • Open to the public • Livestream available

THU 22

Atlantic Red Snapper Season Opens Offshore Atlantic waters • Through June 20 • 2 fish/person • 16-inch minimum • FWC registration required

FRI 22

Grease – Final Weekend, Amelia Musical Playhouse Amelia Musical Playhouse • Fri & Sat 7:30 PM, Sun 2 PM • Tickets at ameliamusicalplayhouse.com • Final run May 22–24

SAT 23

Fernandina Beach Farmers Market Downtown Fernandina Beach • 9 AM – 1 PM • Local produce, food vendors, artisans • Free admission

Reach hundreds of engaged local readers three times a week. The Island Brief is hand-delivered to inboxes across Amelia Island and Nassau County every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning.

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Red snapper season opens this Thursday, May 22. Are you planning to head offshore for the opener, or do you have a favorite closer-to-shore fishing spot on the island? Hit reply and let us know. We read every response.

In 1817, an armed Scottish adventurer seized Amelia Island from Spain with about 150 men and declared it an independent republic under a flag he called the "Green Cross of Florida." What was his name?

Answer: Gregor MacGregor. The Scottish soldier of fortune held the island for a few months in 1817 before departing. His brief occupation is one of the eight flag changes in Amelia Island's history, the origin of the "Isle of Eight Flags" nickname.

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