Mid-Week Edition: May 20, 2026

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Island Brief

Amelia Island • Nassau County • First Coast

Happy Wednesday, Nassau County. Graduation season wrapped up on the island Monday, with more than 200 Fernandina Beach High School seniors crossing the stage at UNF Arena in Jacksonville. There is news out of Tuesday's city commission meeting worth knowing about, and for anyone planning a fishing trip: Thursday is the day.

This week: Sunny and warm through Friday, with highs around 86. The summer rain pattern is just starting to make an appearance. There is a 20% chance of afternoon showers Saturday and Sunday after 2 PM, but mornings this weekend should be fine.

📰	What You Need to Know

The countywide burn ban expired Monday, May 19, after Nassau County commissioners chose not to renew it. Outdoor burning is permitted again, with one exception: yard waste piles wider than eight feet still require Florida Forest Service authorization before you light them. The bigger picture is the drought. Nassau County is running about 7.35 inches below normal rainfall this year, and the St. Johns River Water Management District has declared Phase III Extreme Water Shortage conditions. According to drought.gov, 2026 is tracking as the county's third-driest year on record. Officials are asking residents to keep using caution outdoors even with the formal ban gone.

Read More → Nassau Newsline

City commissioners took up a proposed e-bike ordinance in a first reading Tuesday night. The proposal would cap electric bicycle speeds at 10 mph on sidewalks, trails, and paths, and 20 mph on roadways. Commissioner Tim Poynter was direct about the concern: "They're flying down the streets, they're not stopping at stop signs. I'm worried someone's going to get killed." Commissioner Joyce Tuten backed the measure while noting the challenge ahead: "Enforcement will be extremely difficult, but I think we have to start somewhere." The ordinance still needs a second reading and a commission vote before it takes effect.

Read More → News4Jax

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🌟	Community Spotlight

More than 200 Fernandina Beach High School seniors walked the stage at the UNF Arena in Jacksonville on Monday afternoon while families cheered them through the next chapter. The weekend before, the class held a student-planned Baccalaureate service, bringing together graduates and area clergy for messages and prayers before the ceremony. It is the kind of moment this community does well: a pause to recognize what the island shaped, and to send it forward. Congratulations to the FBHS Class of 2026.

Read More → News-Leader

💼	Business Brief

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A1A Cidery taproom at 230 S. 8th St. has been sold to Philly Boyz, the Nassau County cheesesteak operation run by Joe Zimmerman that has been working Northeast Florida since 2008 via a four-truck fleet. The 8,747-square-foot building is slated for renovation, with Zimmerman aiming to open a permanent Philly Boyz retail location there by end of 2026. Cider production and wholesale will keep going through the transition. Founder Roger Morenc previously sold Marlin & Barrel Distillery in July 2025. (More)

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Fellowship Amelia Island, the assisted living and memory care community at 1900 Amelia Trace Court, is marking renovation and new ownership with a ribbon-cutting ceremony next Tuesday, May 26, from 2:00 to 2:30 PM. The facility has served Nassau County seniors for years from its location just blocks from the beach. Note: this is a separate project from the new $100 million Fellowship Family development announced for Wildlight last week. (More)

🗓️	Quick Picks This Week

THU 22

Atlantic Red Snapper Season Opens Amelia Island waters and offshore • All day • 39-day state season (through June 29) • FWC registration required

FRI 22

Grease – Final Weekend at Amelia Musical Playhouse Amelia Musical Playhouse • Fri May 22 + Sat May 23 at 7:30 PM, Sun May 24 at 2:30 PM • Last performances of the run

SAT 23

Fernandina Beach Farmers Market N. 7th Street, historic downtown • 9 AM – 1 PM • Local produce, food vendors, artisans • Free admission

E-bikes are everywhere on Centre Street and the downtown sidewalks these days. Fernandina Beach just introduced an ordinance that would set a 10 mph limit on sidewalks and 20 mph on roads. Do you think that is the right call, or is enforcement even possible here? Hit reply and let us know. We read every response.

The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival celebrated its 61st annual run this spring. What year was the very first one held?

Answer: 1966.

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