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The County Insider

Dickens on Centre Returns for 11th Year

12/18/2025

12/18/25 @ 8:15 a.m.

Last weekend, downtown Fernandina Beach was magically transformed into a scene straight out of Victorian-era London during the annual Dickens on Centre event. Centre Street came alive with festive sights and sounds, featuring live entertainment, local vendors, holiday movies, giant snow globes, costumed characters, photos with Santa, and plenty of seasonal cheer for all ages. The immersive atmosphere created a memorable holiday experience for residents and visitors alike, celebrating tradition, creativity, and community spirit.

Below are some photos we captured from this year's event. Enjoy!

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Light Up Yulee Decorating Contest

12/1/2025

12/1/25 @ 2:00 p.m.

The Community Stewards of Yulee, Inc. is a local non-profit organization who serves the Yulee community by hosting charity events and promoting community engagement. For the third year, they are hosting a holiday light decorating contest, "Light Up Yulee" and are encouraging homeowners and businesses west of the Shave Bridge to Tributary (just west of I-95) and on US 17 south and north to the County line to decorate their properties for the holiday season.

To enter the contest, email a photo of your decorated property to [email protected] anytime before December 25, 2025. Entries will be judged on attractiveness, creativity and scale of holiday-themed decor. Decorations should be tasteful and kid friendly. Entries will be judged by a judging committee and will be announced to the public in January 2026.

For additional information, please contact the Community Stewards of Yulee, Inc. at (904) 524-3758 or via email at [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Nassau Night Out

10/1/2025

10/1/25 @ 9:30 a.m. - A big thank you to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office for coordinating Nassau Night Out last night and to Hagan Ace Hardware in Callahan for graciously hosting. The event was a great success and featured a touch-a-truck area, community organizations, adoptable pets, food trucks, and opportunities to meet local law enforcement and elected officials. Events like this help strengthen community connections and build positive relationships between residents and those who serve our county.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

BOCC Shows Support for Northeast Florida Fair Association

9/19/2025

9/19/25 @ 2:00 p.m.

On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, the BOCC approved a Proclamation supporting the Northeast Florida Fair Association's funding application to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for an Agriculture Education and Promotion Facility grant request. If awarded, the NEFL Fair Association plans to use the funding for its fairground improvements project.

Representing the Association was Vice-President Ms. Paulette Kirkland who stated, "We are starting on phase 5, our final phase, which will benefit the county and community in many, many ways. Thank you for your support."

The Northeast Florida Fair Association is a non-profit organization that has sponsored the Northeast Florida Fair in Callahan for the past 75 years. Taking place annually in October, the Northeast Florida Fair is an educational, entertainment and agricultural related event that benefits a myriad of programs and businesses related to livestock, poultry, sheep, swine and horses, including the Nassau County 4-H Program and the Future Farmers of America.

This year's Fair will take place from October 9 - October 19 at the Callahan Fairgrounds located at 543378 US Highway 1, Callahan, FL 32011. For information on times, entertainment schedules and more, visit www.neflfair.org/.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Derrick Henry Gives Back at Two All Community Day Event

6/24/2025

6/24/25 @ 10:00 a.m. - On Saturday, June 21st, Yulee Ballpark was filled with energy and excitement as hundreds gathered for the Two All Community Day Event, hosted by the Two All Foundation, the nonprofit organization founded by hometown hero Derrick Henry.

The event featured an array of free, family-friendly activities, including waterslides, obstacle courses, yard games, and more. In a special moment of generosity, 300 lucky attendees received free bikes and backpacks, all donated by the Foundation.

Derrick Henry was present for the entire event, warmly greeting guests, handing out backpacks, and making memories with fans by posing for photos and signing autographs. His kindness and humility left a lasting impression on all who attended.

Nassau County Parks & Recreation was proud to support this incredible community celebration. Special thanks go to the many volunteers who helped make the day a success, and to the Yulee High School Cheerleaders, who brought their Hornet spirit to life for the crowd.

Most of all, thank you to Derrick Henry for continuing to give back and invest in the community that raised him. Your generosity and leadership are truly inspiring.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

#DerrickHenry #DerrickHenryGivesBack #BaltimoreRavens

Make Music Day Nassau

6/20/2025

DEBUT OF MAKE MUSIC NASSAU COUNTY

Tomorrow is Nassau County's first Make Music Day, hosted by the Nassau Council of Arts & Culture. Make Music Day Nassau is part of Make Music Day, a global music celebration that takes place on summer solstice each year and brings people of all ages and skill levels together to make music. This year, over 150 U.S. cities will host thousands of Make Music performances across the country as part of the world's largest annual music event.

Make Music Day Nassau will include free events in downtown Fernandina Beach in various venues such as the Train Depot, Pocket Park, Island Art Association, by the fountain at the Historic Courthouse, and the Marina.

A full schedule of events can be found at: https://makemusicday.org/nassaucounty/

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Shrimp Festival 2025

5/7/2025

5/7/25 @ 4:00 p.m. - Below are photos from the 2025 Shrimp Festival Parade. Enjoy!

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Nassau County Snow Days

1/31/2025

1/31/25 @ 2:45 p.m.

What do 1899, 1989, and 2025 have in common? Historic snowfall in Nassau County!

Hopefully, you got to enjoy this rare winter wonderland—building snowmen, having snowball fights, making snow angels, or snapping some incredible photos. A huge thank you to our residents for sharing your Nassau County Snow Day memories with us, and to the Amelia Island Museum of History for providing amazing photos from the snowstorms of 1899 and 1989!

This is truly one for the history books, so be sure to save your photos—who knows, in 30 years, we might need you to share them again!

If you’d like to see more historical snowstorm photos and other local history, visit the Amelia Island Museum of History in person at 233 S. Third Street, Fernandina Beach or visit their website at: https://ameliamuseum.org/

MLK Activities

1/20/2025

1/20/25 @ 8:30 a.m.

Today we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - A vision of equality and justice for all. Below are two local parades where you can celebrate his legacy.

City of Fernandina Beach from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Parade begins at Peck Center, 510 S. 10th Street, Fernandina Beach

Town of Hilliard at 9:30 a.m.
Parade being at Hilliard Town Hall and will end at Hisbon Baptist Church

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Amelia Island Restaurant Week Begins Friday

1/15/2025

Press Release
Britney Guertin
Hayworth Public Relations
(386) 677-7000 x 4
[email protected]

Amelia Island Restaurant Week Now Features Signature Dishes and Deals
Make reservations now at one of 21 local participating restaurants

Widely known for its culinary diversity and excellence, Amelia Island is featuring a new recipe for its annual Amelia Island Restaurant Week (Jan. 17-26). This year’s 10-day, island-wide culinary celebration will now serve up great savings on designated signature dishes and offer a variety of deals from 21 local restaurants. Those eager to start making reservations can browse participating restaurants, featured signature dishes and deals, and special event information online at AmeliaIsland.com/Yummy.

This year’s Restaurant Week will showcase 21 restaurants in 10 days – from fine dining to casual to seafood, Mediterranean, pizza and more – allowing locals and visitors alike to enjoy their favorite or try something new. The island-wide campaign is a great opportunity for local restaurants to showcase their signature dishes and fan favorites, enticing diners with great savings. The complete list of restaurants includes:

1928 Cuban Bistro
Arte Pizza
Baba’s Mediterranean
The Boat House
Café Karibo
Cantina Louie
Coast at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
The Crab Trap
David’s Restaurant & Lounge
Duck Pinz
Indigo
Marché Burette at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
The Patio at 5th and Ash
Salt Life Food Shack
The Salty Pelican Bar & Grill
Sandbar Amelia Island
Scully’s Irish Pub & Eatery
Story & Song Bookstore Bistro
Tidewater Grill at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
V Pizza Fernandina
Verandah at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

*Restaurant Week is sponsored by the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Dining Down Centre

1/2/2025

1/2/25 @ 2:15 p.m. - Happy 200th Birthday to the City of Fernandina Beach! Incorporated on January 1, 1825, the City of Fernandina Beach is the largest incorporated City in Nassau County with an estimated population of of 13,053 (2020 Census).

To celebrate the City's 200th Birthday, Fernandina Beach Main Street and the City of Fernandina Beach hosted Dining Down Centre for nearly 1,000 attendees. The event featured a ticketed community dinner provided by approximately one dozen local restaurants including, but not limited to, AIBC the Tavern, Arte Pizza, Baba's Mediterranean Grill, The Boathouse, The Crab Trap and more. Though tickets to the dinner were sold out, hundreds of others gathered downtown to enjoy additional activities at the event which included live music by the Honey Badgers, speakers from the City of Fernandina Beach, historical characters from the Amelia Island Museum, and the Fernandina Beach Pirates.

Congratulations to Fernandina Beach Main Street and the City of Fernandina Beach on a very successful event.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Vietnam Voices

1/2/2025

1/2/25 @ 9:00 a.m.

The Town of Hilliard and VFW Post 10095 have partnered to bring "Vietnam Voices", a special program to honor Veterans in Nassau County. This will include a heartwarming display of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall which will be placed at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds from April 17 - April 21, 2025. The Vietnam Traveling Wall is a 3/5 scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. and honors the sacrifices made by those who served in the Vietnam War. Having it placed in Nassau County will give our community the opportunity to reflect, honor and remember.

"Vietnam Voices" will also include a special Veteran Dinner on April 18, 2025 from 5:00-700 p.m. at the Callahan Fairgrounds. This heartfelt evening will feature a delicious meal provided by Mission BBQ and allow Veterans to come together, share stories and enjoy a memorable evening. All Nassau County Veterans are invited to participate. Pre-registration is required. Reserve your spot today by clicking here. There is no cost to participate.

If you have any questions, please contact the Town of Hilliard at (904) 845-3555.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Shrimp Drop Voted No. 3 Best NYE Event

12/17/2024

Amelia Island’s Shrimp Drop was has been ranked as the No. 3 Best NYE Drop in the U.S. by USA Today's 10 Best: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-new-years-eve-drop-2024/.

Amelia Island’s New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop is a unique local tradition where residents and visitors alike gather along the dazzling riverfront in downtown Fernandina Beach (N Front St) to watch a giant shrimp covered in lights fall from the sky to welcome a new year. Coordinated by non-profit organization Light Up Amelia, this crustacean sensation takes place from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. EST on December 31st and features live music, food vendors, family-friendly festivities, fireworks, and more, as crowds gather to enjoy Amelia Island’s own unique “shrimp-sized” take on the Times Square Ball Drop. The shrimp is dropped at a family-friendly time of 7 p.m. EST (Greenwich time).

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

Dickens on Centre Returns for 10th Year

12/10/2024

12/10/24 @ 10:45 a.m.

The Amelia Island and Convention & Visitors Bureau will host the 10th Annual Dickens on Centre Event from December 12-15, 2024. This event transforms downtown Fernandina Beach into Victorian-ear London. It features live entertainment, vendors, holiday movies, giant snow globes, costumed characters, pictures with Santa, and more. The weekend begins with the Dickens Illuminated Procession on December 12th and is followed by three days of holiday fun. For a full schedule of events, please click here.

The AICVB would like to remind everyone about parking lot and road closures in downtown Fernandina Beach for this event, as well as a site map for the event. (see below)

Dickens on Centre generates a local economic impact of several million dollars each year and directly benefits the 30% of tourism-related jobs in Nassau County. Even better is that this event is funded 100% by Tourist Development Taxes paid for by our out-of-county guests. So Nassau County residents get to enjoy the event and get into the holiday spirit at no-cost to the local taxpayers.

To learn more about the AICVB, please visit their website.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

Light Up Yulee Decorating Contest

11/21/2024

11/21/24 @ 6:00 a.m.

The Community Stewards of Yulee, Inc. is a local non-profit organization who serves the Yulee community by hosting charity events and promoting community engagement. For the second year, they are hosting a holiday light decorating contest, "Light Up Yulee" and are encouraging homeowners and businesses west of the Shave Bridge to east of I-95 and on US 17 south and north to the County line to decorate their properties for the holiday season.

To enter the contest, email a photo of your decorated property to [email protected] anytime between November 24 and December 20, 2024. Entries will be judged on attractiveness, creativity and scale of holiday-themed decor. Decorations should be tasteful and kid friendly. Entries will be judged by a judging committee and will be announced to the public in January 2025.

For additional information, please contact the Community Stewards of Yulee, Inc. at (904) 524-3758 or via email at [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer