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Happy weekend, Nassau County! In today’s edition: New downtown paid parking, Publix with Pours bars, Concours d’Lemons shenanigans, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

New rules for downtown parking: Paid parking in downtown Fernandina Beach started Feb 16 after a judge dismissed most of a legal challenge. Rates are $2 per hour after permit time, or $1 without a permit — see where it applies.

Expanding footprint in Northeast Florida: Publix plans to open supermarkets at SilverLeaf and Island Walk in Fernandina Beach with Publix Pours bars and smoothies, expected spring 2026 for SilverLeaf and third quarter 2026 for Fernandina — see store features and timeline.

Timeless towns and tastes: A new guide spotlights 10 Florida day trips, from Fernandina Beach’s historic downtown and Palace Saloon to St. Augustine’s Flagler College and Tarpon Springs’ Greek eats, inspiration for Nassau County — see all 10 getaways.

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.

Blessing marks new beginning: First Coast Habitat for Humanity dedicated a new affordable Fernandina Beach home for a Nassau County couple. They planned to move in the first week of February — read the full story.

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/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.

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.

🔥 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.

• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• This is the best home warranty (and it’s $150 off right now)
• This free tool makes it easy to find a financial advisor
• Over 62? Learn how to turn home equity into tax-free cash
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• Open a GoldCo account & get up to 10% in free gold/silver

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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.

🥕 Mid-Week Farmers & Arts Market @ 8 Flags Shopping Center | Wednesday (3/4) at 9:00 AM – Fernandina’s midweek farmers and arts market has settled at S. 14th and Lime in 8 Flags. Come Wednesdays for local shrimp, eggs, goat cheese, fresh bread, roasted coffee, and crafts, then call it errands while the coffee truck fuels catching up with half the island.

🧸 Toddler Times: Storytime & Crafting @ Paisley Grace Makery | Thursday (3/5) at 10:00 AM – Paisley Grace Makery is hosting toddler storytime plus a simple craft, all the happy mess without you scrubbing glitter from grout. Grown-up-and-me, relaxed, and no Pinterest pressure, with per week signups or a March bundle to save. Tiny tables fill fast.

🎲 Mahjong & Mingling: A Community Game Night @ Rollin’ With My Gnomies Board Games & Cafe | Thursday (3/5) at 6:00 PM – This easygoing Mahjong night gathers veterans, beginners, and Mahjong-curious at the café, with Amy showing the ropes and keeping it fun. Bring a set if you own one, a $5 table fee gets you access to 450 games, and the café will feed you, promise.

💌 Any Occasion Cardmaking Class | Thursday (3/5) at 6:00 PM – This hands-on cardmaking class sets you up to collage actual keepsakes instead of panic-buying at the drugstore. All supplies, resident-artist guidance, and a glass of wine are included, and you’ll leave with 4×6 or 5×7 cards fit for any spring occasion. Twenty bucks well spent.

🚗 Porsche Werks Reunion @ Amelia Island: Fernandina Beach | Friday (3/6) at 7:00 AM – Amelia’s Werks Reunion is rolling out prime real estate for the 924’s 50th, featuring the full transaxle lineup 924, 944, 924S, and 968 on the judged field. The cars that paid Porsche’s bills are getting their due, so bring yours, trailer optional.

👶 Time for Toddlers-Playgroup @ The Arc Nassau | Friday (3/6) at 9:30 AM – If your tiny roommate has boundless energy, this toddler playgroup is your sanity stop. Expect toys, songs, and other pint-sized humans to tire them out, plus a chance to sip coffee, trade tips, and speak full sentences. Registration link drops soon.

🍋 2026 Florida Concours d’Lemons @ Main Beach Park | Friday (3/6) at 12:00 PM – Think Amelia is all polished chrome and white gloves? Concours d’Lemons returns to Main Beach Park with sarcasm and gloriously terrible cars, riding the Classic Motorsports Amelia kickoff so you can party on the sand with your hooptie, pride, and duct tape.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Nassau County report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 62°F – Low: 52°F – Precip: 35%

A chance of rain showers before 2pm. Mostly cloudy. High near 62, with temperatures falling to around 60 in the afternoon. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Partly cloudy. Low around 52, with temperatures rising to around 53 overnight. Northeast wind around 6 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 65°F – Low: 53°F – Precip: 2%

Mostly sunny. High near 65, with temperatures falling to around 61 in the afternoon. Northeast wind 3 to 8 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.

Most popular house this week

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 →