Mid-Week Edition: April 15, 2026

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Island Brief

Amelia Island • Nassau County • First Coast

Happy Wednesday, Nassau County. The island is in the middle of one of those stretches where the mornings are cool, the afternoons are warm, and nothing is in the way of a long walk on the beach. Enjoy it. The rest of today's brief is a little heavier.

📰	What You Need to Know

At Monday's meeting, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners directed County Attorney Denise May to draft an ordinance placing a 12-month moratorium on data center development in the unincorporated county. The move follows weeks of public concern sparked by a Miami-based renewable energy company's press release hinting at a project near the Jacksonville airport. County officials say no active applications exist and are calling it a proactive step to evaluate land use, infrastructure demands, and long-term community priorities. A formal vote is expected at a future commission meeting.

Read More → Jax Daily Record

Fernandina Beach is weighing a combination of rate increases, new debt, and expanded staffing to address growing needs in its aging stormwater system. At an April 7 workshop, city staff and consultants told commissioners the utility has essentially zero days of cash on hand, compared to an industry median of about 315 days. It's an early-stage conversation, not a decision, but residents' bills and the city's long-term finances are both on the table.

Read More → Fernandina Observer

Ocean Highway and Port Authority Vice Chair Scott Moore submitted a blunt written statement at the April 8 OHPA meeting, warning that the agency's operating agreement with Relay Terminals has cost taxpayers millions and delivered "almost nothing for the citizens of Nassau County beyond roughly 25 jobs." The same meeting revealed OHPA has collected only $18,000 of the $50,000 annual payment it owes the City of Fernandina Beach, with six months left in the fiscal year. Commissioners are now weighing whether to pursue further legal appeals or renegotiate the Relay agreement.

Read More → Fernandina Observer

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🌟	Community Spotlight

A record 23 North Atlantic right whale calves were born during the 2025–2026 calving season that just wrapped up, the highest total in 17 years and a rare dose of good news for one of the most endangered marine species on earth. The calving grounds run right along our coastline, which is part of why the Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors threw a right whale–themed "baby shower" at Tigre Island Room last week to mark the close of the season. Executive Director Candis Whitney said turnout was "beyond our wildest dreams." With only about 380 right whales left and roughly 70 reproductively active females, every calf is a genuine milestone. The Right Whale Festival returns to Amelia Island this November.

Read More → Fernandina Observer

💼	Business Brief

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Paid parking, by the numbers: The city's downtown paid parking program generated $198,090 in gross revenue in March and netted $140,271 after taxes and operating expenses, per contractor One Parking. Hourly parking drove about 65% of revenue, with non-resident permits making up most of the rest. (More)

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Tree City USA, year 24: Fernandina Beach was named a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 24th straight year, and picked up the Growth Award for the fifth year. The city is marking it with a tree planting at the Atlantic Rec Center on Friday, April 24 at 9 AM. Open to the public. (More)

🗓️	Quick Picks This Week

WED 15

Midweek Market Place 8 Flags Shopping Center • 9 AM to 1 PM

FRI 17

Bye Bye Birdie at Amelia Community Theatre ACT Main Stage • 7:30 PM • Ongoing run

SAT 18

Sea Turtle Festival Main Beach Park • 10 AM to 4 PM • Meet Scout, the new giant sculpture

It's the good part of spring on the island. What's the one local farmers market vendor or stand you always stop at this time of year? Hit reply with their name. We read every response.

North Atlantic right whales, who had a record calving season off our coast, got their common name from whalers. Why were they called "right" whales?

Answer: Because they were considered the "right" whale to hunt. Slow swimmers, close to shore, and buoyant when killed so they floated rather than sank.

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