| 📅 Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Mid-Week | Fernandina Beach ☀️ 78°/62° |
| 📰 | What You Need to Know |
At Tuesday night's commission meeting, the Fernandina Beach City Commission declined to add a city-written companion question to the August 18 ballot alongside the citizen-led paid parking referendum. The idea, raised by city staff, lost traction in a roughly 90-second discussion. Commissioner Genece Minshew said she wasn't interested in adding a second signature. Commissioner Joyce Tuten called the ballot "very confusing as it is." Mayor James Antun counted three opposed and declared consensus without a formal vote. Voters will see only the citizen-led measure, which would prohibit paid parking in designated areas without majority voter approval.
Read More → Fernandina ObserverNassau County's week-old burn ban is being tested. Over the weekend, crews battled two large brush fires in Hilliard, one near Conner-Nelson Road at 500 acres, the other near Buford Bay at 100 acres. On Saturday alone, the Nassau County Fire Rescue firefighters union said crews responded to 15 emergency calls and every single one was caused by an illegal burn. The BOCC held a special meeting this morning to consider extending the ban beyond the initial seven days. Fire Rescue Chief Brady Rigdon warned commissioners last week that "there's no relief in sight," with no significant rain forecast for at least two weeks. Translation: the sunny 80s weekend ahead is also peak fire danger.
Read More → First Coast NewsThe 61st Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival kicks off one week from tomorrow with the festival parade at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 30. The route runs from the waterfront east on Centre Street to 8th Street. This year's theme, "Stars and Shrimps Forever," ties Fernandina's shrimping heritage to America's 250th birthday. A Sounds on Centre Special Edition featuring The Usual Suspects follows the parade on Centre Street. The main festival runs May 1 through 3, with the Pirate Invasion and fireworks Friday night. Official parking is at the Park & Ride lot at Fernandina Beach High School and the Park & Walk lot at Buccaneer Field. Both are paid, with proceeds benefiting local charities.
Read More → Shrimp FestivalThe Island Brief reaches engaged neighbors across Fernandina, Amelia Island, and Nassau County every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Be the local name in their inbox.
Get in Touch →| 🌟 | Community Spotlight |
If you've been noticing more big, sharp-winged birds overhead with a fish in their talons, that's not your imagination. Peak osprey nesting season is underway on Amelia Island, and naturalist Pat Foster-Turley is tracking two parallel nest stories, including the pair she watches every year at 14th Street. It takes both a mother and father osprey to successfully raise a brood, and they tend to return to the same nest season after season. Look up, especially near the marshes, dead trees, and the odd cell tower. The island's most reliable springtime drama is happening right above us.
Read More → Fernandina Observer| 💼 | Business Brief |
| ➤ | Fernandina Beach Main Street is selling 22 memorial benches that will be installed at the new Amelia River Waterfront Park. Each is $3,000 and can honor a person, mark an occasion, or read "A Gift From ____". Main Street works with buyers on location and inscription. (More) |
| ➤ | The rebuilt Publix at 1421 Sadler Road is now expected to open in the third quarter of 2026, Publix confirmed. The original store was demolished in April 2025. The new store will include a wine bar and expanded deli. (More) |
| 🗓️ | Quick Picks This Week |
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Thu
23
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MindTravel Silent Piano Beach Concert
Main Beach Shoreline • 7–9 PM • Ticketed
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Sat
25
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National Rx Take Back Day
Participating local pharmacies • Drop off unused meds
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Sat
25
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The And More Vendor Market
MLK Jr. Center • 11 AM–4 PM
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Would you ever attend the Shrimp Festival parade in costume? (Best Dressed Pirate is a real category, after all.) Hit reply and let us know. We read every response.
What year did the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival begin?
Answer: 1964. It started as the "Shrimp Boat Festival" to celebrate the blessing of the shrimp fleet, complete with shrimp boat races. It's now in its 61st year.
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Fernandina Beach, FL 32034