Good morning, Nassau County! In today’s edition: New e-bike rules, a viral shoplifting video, the Giant Bubble Show, 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.

Clear rules for riders: Fernandina Beach Police issued new e-bike guidelines in December to distinguish them from motorcycles. E-bikes must have fully operable pedals and motors under 750 watts, and fall into three classes. The awareness push is backed by community leaders and local schools. — get all the details.

New parking rules at stake: A judge dismissed a challenge to Fernandina Beach’s paid parking plan for downtown, days ahead of the City Commission’s final vote. A mid-August referendum could decide whether the program continues — see what’s planned and where.

Turning setback into laughs: Fernandina Beach owner Ashley Shaw turned a perfume tester theft at The Salty Local into a video with over 50,000 views, and is working with police to identify the suspect — read the full story.

A low-key nature reset: When your brain needs green, Tree Hill Nature Center offers 51 acres of shady trails, a hands-on natural history museum, butterfly gardens, and native critters. It’s an easy in-town escape that sparks the kids’ curiosity, and yours, about local ecosystems.

Origins of enduring communities: Seven of Florida’s oldest incorporated towns span storied St Augustine, Fernandina Beach, and Quincy, where Spanish colonial roots and Native American heritage shape streets, names, and preserved landmarks — read the full story.

Your guide to the feast: Amelia Island’s 18th Annual Restaurant Week is coming January 16 through 25, celebrating local flavors with special menus, creative cocktails, and signature dishes at participating spots. Menus went live January 2 and highlight each restaurant’s iconic item or drink. Get all the details.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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⚰ John Vaughan and the Vaughan Scott Cemetery Presentatio @ Amelia Island Museum of History | Monday (1/12) at 7:00 PM – Settle in for Jane Philips Collins’ program on Lt. John D. Vaughan, a veteran of the Revolution and the War of 1812, and the Vaughan-Scott Cemetery near the southern end of Amelia Island. Real history, local roots, and enough graveyard lore to impress the grandkids.

🐢 Amelia Island’s Sea Turtles @ Rotary Club of Amelia Island Sunrise | Tuesday (1/13) at 6:00 PM – Get the lowdown on Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch, their mission, and the shelled locals who keep nesting on our beaches. A relaxed, informative talk with real science, local stories, and just enough turtle trivia to impress grandkids, neighbors, and that guy on the pier.

🥕 Fernandina Beach Market Place Mid-Week Farmers & Arts Market @ Fernandina Beach Market Place | Wednesday (1/14) at 9:00 AM – Wednesday mornings call for a quick lap through the midweek market’s new home at S. 14th and Lime, 8 Flags. Local shrimp, goat cheese, fresh breads, and coffee, plus arts, crafts, and food trucks are finally free to roam. Bring a tote, not excuses.

👶 January Toddler Times @ Paisley Grace Makery | Thursday (1/15) at 10:00 AM – Got a tiny tornado with glitter habits? Hit Toddler Time at Paisley Grace Makery for cozy stories, simple crafts, and a happy mess they clean, because your rug has suffered enough. Sign up week-to-week or bundle and save, with take-and-make backup, and zero Pinterest pressure.

🎶 Story and SongFest @ Story & Song Bookstore Bistro | Thursday (1/15) at 6:00 PM – Story and SongFest is serving up a full day of tall tales and live tunes, the good kind. Settle in for storytellers, acoustic sets, and neighborly vibes, then leave feeling like you actually talked to people. Bring your listening ears, not your inbox.

🍝 Cooking it up the Med Way @ Nassau County Extension | Friday (1/16) at 5:00 PM – If your weeknight rotation needs a refresh, this Mediterranean cooking class shows how to turn herbs, spices, and smart ingredients into dinner that is delicious and doctor approved. Think olive oil, lemon, and flavor you can feel good about. Bring your appetite, not your passport.

🎈 The Giant Bubble Show @ County Building | Friday (1/16) at 5:00 PM – Bring the kids, the grandkids, and your inner five-year-old to America’s only nationally touring bubble show rolling into Callahan. Expect 20-foot bubbles, a bubble snowman, a bubble volcano, plus sword balancing and fire eating. Only 60 seats per show, so snag tickets before they pop.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Nassau County report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 76°F – Low: 58°F – Precip: 0%

Patchy fog before 9am. Mostly sunny. High near 76, with temperatures falling to around 72 in the afternoon. South wind 3 to 8 mph. Later: A slight chance of rain showers after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. Southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

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Tomorrow – High: 65°F – Low: 43°F – Precip: 23%

A slight chance of rain showers before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Northwest wind 6 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Most popular house this week

This fully furnished 4-bed, 4-bath oceanfront villa sits inside the gated Amelia Island Plantation and includes designated covered parking. Atlantic views stretch from a private balcony. The renovated kitchen brings quartz counters, modern cabinetry, stainless appliances, and a chic backsplash. An open coastal living area is newly furnished in a calm palette. A nearby storage closet corrals bikes and beach gear.

Community perks include an updated oceanfront pool with shaded lounges, easy beach access, and nearby dining and shops. Approved for daily, weekly, and monthly rentals, it posts over $100K annually. Close to golf, tennis, pickleball, and historic Fernandina Beach. New HVAC in 2025.

Take a peek inside →