Good morning, Nassau County! In today’s edition: E-bike rules explained, paid parking decision looms, The Players Championship approaches, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

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.

Big happenings around town: 2026 will bring events nearby, from the Gate River Run on March 7 to The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, Jacksonville Jazz Festival in May, and the FSCJ Artist Series — see what’s planned in Jacksonville.

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.

Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.

*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:

• Boost fitness with seated exercises
• Sip favorite wines with friends
• Apply for free Books and Cooks classes
• Craft post-holiday thank you cards
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A home warranty that actually pays is 50% off

🫶 We got your back

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.

Cider plans, handled: If your fridge cider keeps vanishing, A1A Cidery pours handcrafted, island-made batches, from semi-sweet staples to inventive infusions. Expect a chill vibe; kids and dogs welcome, plus pop-up music and events. A simple midweek reset you don’t have to overthink.

Refresh your rooms: For character that feels collected, The Plantation Shop mixes hand-picked English and French antiques with new furniture, home decor, and giftable finds, curated across two charming buildings under live oaks. Walk in curious, walk out with that “finally found it” piece.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

This week

🐴 Winter Horse Camp 5 @ Prince Equestrian Sports | Tuesday (1/6) at 8:00 AM – Winter break at the barn means trading screen glare for saddle time, crisp air, and that glorious hay-in-your-hair look. Expect riding, bonding, and real hands-on horse care, the kind that reminds you mud washes off, memories stick, and yes, manure builds character.

🍻 Amelia Island Museum of History Pub Crawl @ Amelia Island Museum of History | Wednesday (1/7) at 5:00 PM – If your idea of culture comes in a pint glass, the Amelia Island Museum of History’s Pub Crawl lets you sip through Amelia’s past while strolling to a few watering holes. Expect tall tales, short walks, and good company, all with that charming Fernandina patina.

🎸 Tru Phonic @ Tigre Island Room | Friday (1/9) at 8:00 PM – If your hips could use a friendly nudge, Tru Phonic brings groove-soaked funk, soul, and improv to the Tigre Island Room. Expect deep rhythms, tight chops, and originals that spill into jams, the kind that get the room moving, mingling, and losing track of time.

This weekend

🏆 Florida Jr High/JV Championships @ West Nassau High School | Saturday (1/10) – Take a break from errands and swing by the Florida Jr High/JV Championships, where the future varsity heroes are busy earning bragging rights. Expect spirited kids, loud whistles, proud parents, and classic concession stand fare. Bring sunscreen, patience, and your best supportive clap.

🧘 Sample Saturday @ Ascendance | Saturday (1/10) at 8:00 AM – Ascendance is throwing a studio open house with free 30-minute Pilates, yoga, and barre samples, plus a look at the 4-week Fit & Fueled Challenge. Nab new client deals, free chair massages, and vendors, but spots are limited, so register for classes. Adulting-approved.

🎳 Shotmakers Scratch 8 Gamer – January 11th @ Yulee Bowling and Amusements | Sunday (1/11) at 10:00 AM – Bowling itch kicking in? The Shotmakers Scratch 8 Gamer is eight games of no handicap, big-score bragging rights, and the kind of lane talk you cannot get on league night. Warm up the shoulders, dust off the rosin, and leave the bumpers to the kids.

🎷 Dexter K. Jones @ Disco Witch Brewing | Sunday (1/11) at 3:00 PM – Need a smoother soundtrack for your pint? Dexter K. Jones is bringing the sax to the taproom, serving smoky solos, cool grooves, and just enough swagger to make your IPA feel fancy. Grab a stool, settle in, and let the week unwind itself.

Live music & entertainment:

• 1/9 Tru Phonic @ Tigre Island Room – 8:00 PM
• 1/10 Hungrytown @ Story & Song Bookstore Bistro – 5:00 PM
• 1/10 Mason Jennings @ Tigre Island Room – 7:00 PM
• 1/10 Ann @ Amelia Musical Playhouse – 7:30 PM
• 1/11 Dexter K. Jones @ Disco Witch Brewing – 3:00 PM
• 1/11 National Baptist Winter Board Musical – Sounds of Florida @ Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church – 6:00 PM
• 1/12 Brad Wells @ The Patio at 5th and Ash – 5:30 PM
• 1/14 Brad Wells @ PJD’S Beer & Wine Garden – 6:30 PM
• 1/17 Big Papa Fish @ Palace Saloon – 8:00 PM
• 1/22 Andria Shinn Music: The Patio @5th @ The Patio at 5th and Ash Restaurant – 5:30 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Nassau County report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 71°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 2%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Southwest wind 1 to 7 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.

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Tomorrow – High: 72°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 2%

Partly sunny, with a high near 72. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.

This house is wild

Sixth-floor oceanfront perch with rare Amelia Island water views in both directions, sunrise over the Atlantic and sunset over the Intracoastal. A 7′ x 17′ balcony frames the show. Oversized closets and a first-floor storage room add ease. The gated Amelia Island Plantation Maritime Forest provides quiet beach access, pickleball, and a heated oceanfront pool, plus optional club membership for golf and tennis.

Sisal and reclaimed pine set a warm coastal tone. The kitchen features KraftMaid cabinetry, granite, and black stainless appliances. The primary adds plantation shutters and canopy and river views. Baths have heat lamps, plus updates including 2020 A/C, newer water heater, and a water softener.

Take a peek inside →