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Hi Nassau County, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Paid parking debate, 250 historic cars compete, an ’80s murder mystery, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Legal rationale behind fee changes: Nassau County officials defended impact and mobility fee hikes after Florida’s Attorney General questioned relying on population growth alone, citing rapid growth, construction costs, infrastructure needs, and developer workshops — see what’s behind the increases.
Where sunsets set the pace: Published January 27, 2026, an article highlighted eight slow-paced Florida towns where life feels easier, including Fernandina Beach’s historic charm, plus Tarpon Springs’ Greek flavor and Mount Dora’s lakeside vibe — see the full list.
Hidden gems with timeless charm: A new guide spotlights 10 Florida day trips that cost nothing to enter, from historic downtown Fernandina Beach to St. Augustine’s scenic views, ideal for weekend wanderers on gas-only budgets — see all 10 free spots.
New system stirs debate: Paid parking began February 16 in downtown Fernandina Beach as visitors and locals voiced concerns. City households can get two free permits, while others pay $2 an hour — get details on permits and fees.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Higher stakes for tree violations: Fernandina Beach is weighing tougher penalties for cutting multiple trees without a permit. A proposed code change would set per tree fines up to $20,000 based on size, keep a $1,000 first offense fine for homeowners, route appeals to the special magistrate, and take effect immediately if adopted. See how fines would work.
Treasure hunting for readers: Fernandina’s favorite book sale will return March 11 through 14 as Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library turn the Peck Center Gym into a pop up bookstore with 10,000 books $3 or less. Expect romantasy, manga, comics, large print, coffee table books and old and unusual finds. Proceeds support literacy. Get all the sale details.
Locally sourced comfort: When you want a night that feels easy yet special, Bar Zin keeps it close to home with small plates, thoughtful entrees, and a wine list that fits the mood. A smart pick for date night or catching up with friends.
Upgrade your spice game: The Spice & Tea Exchange of Fernandina Beach hand-mixes 85+ signature blends, stocks loose-leaf teas, and pours at a cozy Tea Bar, so you can sip while you sniff. Great for weeknight dinners that need a lift, or gifts that feel thoughtful, not rushed.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🏎 2026 24th Annual Jacksonville Grand Prix @ Callahan Speedway | Friday (2/27) – Callahan Speedway turns into our midlife joyride with the 24th Annual Jacksonville Grand Prix, where karts, bragging rights, and tire smoke meet. Think neighborhood rivalry meets pro pit vibes, just with more sunscreen. Bring your competitive streak, your friends, and a sense of humor.
🎬 A Motion Picture Paradise! @ Nassau County Public Library Fernandina Beach Branch | Friday (2/27) at 4:00 AM – Trade your Netflix queue for a little reel talk about Florida’s forgotten star turn. This presentation uncovers how our sandy backlots, stubborn sunshine, and oddball ambition made a bona fide third coast for moviemaking, long before Hollywood found its tan.
🔬 Fecal Egg Count & Soil Biology Microscope Lesson/Open Lab @ UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County | Friday (2/27) at 3:00 PM – Think poop can’t be productive? This hands-on microscope lab shows you how to run fecal egg counts for sheep and goats, and check soil biology, so you can outsmart parasites, tune pasture health, and brag about data at the feed store. Practical, nerdy, fun.
📚 An Evening with the Authors – 2026 AIBF Fundraising Gala @ Ritz Carlton Amelia Island | Friday (2/27) at 6:00 PM – Red carpet energy without airport chaos, as the Book Festival’s 25th anniversary gala hits the Ritz Carlton with authors whose words made the big screen, including Kate Quinn, Mary Alice Monroe, and more. Expect fine food, Q&A, and the legendary live auction. Tickets online.
🎸 The Deslondes @ Tigre Island Room | Friday (2/27) at 8:00 PM – New Orleans Americana outfit The Deslondes are rolling into Tigre Island Room with a blend of blues, country, gospel, and the rest of your record shelf. Warm, lived-in, and lively, this is a night where harmonies, not hype, do the heavy lifting. Tickets at TigreIslandRoom.com.
🌿 Invasive Plant Weed Wrangle @ American Beach Community Center | Saturday (2/28) at 9:00 AM – Wrangling weeds at American Beach is the kind of civic pride your knees will feel good about later. Come yank out mother of millions before it multiplies, enjoy ocean breezes and neighborly banter, and leave with cleaner dunes, happier wildlife, and smug, well-earned satisfaction.
🎶 Black History Month Concert @ Story & Song Bookstore Bistro | Saturday (2/28) at 5:00 PM – Nothing beats live music that teaches, moves, and gets you nodding like you meant to dance. Natrom leads a Black History Month concert that honors Black artistry, celebrates resilience, and fills the room with soul. Think continuing education you will enjoy, no homework required.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Nassau County report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 74°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 5%
Mostly sunny. High near 74, with temperatures falling to around 70 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: A chance of rain showers after 1am. Partly cloudy. Low around 57, with temperatures rising to around 58 overnight. Southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
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Tomorrow – High: 74°F – Low: 56°F – Precip: 71%
A chance of rain showers before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny. High near 74, with temperatures falling to around 67 in the afternoon. South wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
This house is wild
This golf-front retreat in Long Point at Amelia Island Plantation sits on the par-4 9th hole, a short stroll to the clubhouse and a ride to beaches. A herringbone slate entry, travertine floors, and tongue-and-groove ceilings shine. The chef’s kitchen pairs spruce cabinetry with dual quartz islands, while a wet bar, 98-bottle wine cooler, and heated pool seal the vibe.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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