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Hey Nassau County, hope your week’s off to a good start! Battle over impact fees, a 14-year-old hero’s lifesaving call, a Mamma Mia performance, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Battle over development funding: Nassau County and the state remain at odds over impact fees as Attorney General James Uthmeier calls for extraordinary circumstances, while county leaders point to growth and rising costs — see why limits are contested.
Suspicious outreach targets builders: Fernandina Beach warned on Jan. 18 about a scam email mimicking official city messages. Nassau County residents and local businesses should verify senders and avoid responding to suspicious requests — learn more about the warning.
Neighborhood hero steps up: Fernandina Beach honored a 14-year-old who helped find a missing woman with dementia. He jumped on his bike after hearing a family searching on Dec. 12 and called 911 — read the full story.
Florida fairways refreshed for members: Amelia National Golf & Country Club has completed a $15 million renovation of its Tom Fazio course, with turf upgrades, refined holes and bunkers, and a new maintenance facility — get all the renovation details.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade.
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.
*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
Where eight flags once flew: An article published January 10 named Fernandina Beach Florida’s most hospitable town. It spotlights welcoming stops like Fernandina Harbor Marina, the Fernandina Beach Market Place, and The Palace Saloon, said to be Florida’s oldest continuously operating bar. A well-earned nod for Amelia Island’s friendly waterfront community. Explore its history and landmarks.
Your neighbors are Googling you: It’s uncomfortable but true — employers, new friends, even other parents at school pickup search names all the time. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up first, it can shape opinions before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so your first impression actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s someone you care about, you can help them too.
New parking rules roll out: Fernandina Beach has installed pay to park signs on Centre Street and in designated lots, and the permit portal is now live. Nassau County residents can apply for exemptions or reduced rates. Non-city residents can buy an annual vehicle permit for $124. One Parking will maintain a local office. Get all the details.
Gold is having a moment: Between inflation headlines, market swings, and growing global uncertainty, precious metals are (again) in the spotlight. American Hartford is currently offering up to $25,000 in free silver when you open a qualified account. They’ll also help you set up a penalty-free gold IRA with a lowest price guarantee, no buyback fees, and 7-day price protection.
Gear worth a strum: Whether your practice amp is fading or you’re curious about boutique toys, Amelia Island Fine Guitars keeps a tight, well-curated rotation of guitars, amps, and pedals. The shelves change often, and the right sound has a way of surprising you… sometimes it even insists on going home with you.
A second opinion never hurts: Not every financial advisor is the right fit, and it’s okay to explore your options. Unbiased matches you with an advisor based on your personal situation, giving you a chance to ask questions in a free, no-pressure conversation to see if the fit makes sense. No obligation — just helpful advice.
Bao break, anyone? Wicked BAO dishes up Asian street food in downtown Fernandina Beach. Think pillowy Taiwanese bao, crisp spring rolls, and kimchi beef fried rice built for midweek comfort. It’s fun, flavorful, and low-fuss, perfect when you want island convenience without sacrificing craveable bites.
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📆 Around town this 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.
This week
🍫 Hearts and Arts Charcuterie and Chocolate Class @ The Vault At SCW Liquors | Tuesday (2/10) at 6:30 PM – Skip the prix fixe and head to Callahan’s Vault at SCW Liquors for a heart-themed charcuterie and chocolate class that’s tasty and showy. Learn styling tricks, nibble as you go, and leave ready to woo, or just treat yourself, which is rarely a bad call.
🎻 David Finckel and Wu Han @ Amelia Plantation Chapel | Thursday (2/12) at 7:00 PM – Trade dinner reservations for goosebumps at Amelia Plantation Chapel, where the acoustics do the preaching. Finckel and Wu Han, Lincoln Center’s chamber-music chiefs, serve Bach, Schumann, Saint-Saëns, Jalbert, and Chopin with effortless elegance, no flight to Carnegie required.
🎭 Mamma Mia @ Amelia Musical Playhouse | Thursday (2/12) at 7:30 PM – Whether you wore out your ABBA vinyl or just know the choruses from weddings, Mamma Mia, the Broadway hit powered by ABBA’s songs, delivers sun-soaked escapism, harmonies, and sequins. Cheaper than airfare to Greece, with singalongs you own, and a plot you happily forgive.
This weekend
🎨 Fernandina Beach Arts Market @ Fernandina Beach Arts Market | Saturday (2/14) at 9:00 AM – Patio weather calls for a stroll through the OG Fernandina Beach Arts Market. Shop small, chat up the makers, and snag one-of-a-kind, handmade finds that feel more local than your neighbor’s golf cart. Then wander a block to the Farmers Market, because efficiency.
💍 Valentine’s Day Permanent Jewelry @ Barbie Blonde Salon and Boutique | Saturday (2/14) at 10:00 AM – Valentine’s vibes call for commitment you can actually see, courtesy of Welded Roots’ permanent jewelry. Bring your person, spouse, bestie, or the kid who keeps “borrowing” your bracelets, and get linked. Bonus, the shop is running sales, so your love story gets a discount.
🥞 The Art of Brunch @ David’s Restaurant & Lounge | Sunday (2/15) at 11:00 AM – Valentine’s weekend sorted, skip the prix fixe clichés and do Sunday brunch at David’s instead. Chef David’s got omelettes, poached eggs, tender filet, fresh arepas, and the good stuff to sip, think mimosas and cocktails, then linger like you mean it. Reserve, locals know.
🎹 Dueling Pianos Jax @ The Palace Saloon | Sunday (2/15) at 2:00 PM – Claim a barstool at The Palace Saloon, Florida’s oldest bar, for dueling pianos with Tom Bennett and Ariel Vegodsky cranking out the hits. Sing along, toss a request, and let the tip jar do the talking. Think classy karaoke, fewer regrets, more fun.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Nassau County report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 71°F – Low: 53°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny. High near 71, with temperatures falling to around 69 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 5 to 9 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Southwest wind 5 to 9 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 69°F – Low: 51°F – Precip: 26%
A chance of rain showers after 1pm. Mostly cloudy. High near 69, with temperatures falling to around 67 in the afternoon. West wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A chance of rain showers before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
This house is wild
In North Beach on Amelia Island, this duplex offers private beach access. Two 2-bed, 2-bath units come fully furnished with a grandfathered short-term rental license. A fenced side yard suits an ADU. Updates include a 2018 roof, plus a new staircase and upstairs HVAC in 2025. Deer wander and Atlantic sunrises set the scene, with Centre Street seven minutes away.
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 genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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