PAGE 1 r r r n n Irina Spirlea defeated Mary Pierce in the Bausch & Lomb Championship women’s tennis tour-nament at Amelia Island Plantation. Spirlea won $79,000 with the vic-tory.April 14, 1996 r n n Fernandina Beach Attorney Tammi Bach said she thinks some recently dis-covered documents might be a “smok-ing gun” that will convince a judge the Ocean Highway and Port Authority is beholden to make annual payments to the city instead of paying property taxes. However, OHPA Chairman Danny Fullwood maintains the position the port is not obligated to make those payments. While the Port of Fernandina is within city limits of Fernandina Beach, when the port was created in 1989, OHPA agreed that, in lieu of paying property taxes, it would make Payments In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) of at least $50,000 annually. Over the years since then, various OHPA commis-sioners, includ-ing the currently seated board, have insisted the port is not obli-gated to make the annual payment in perpetuity. Current OHPA board members have said the port would make the 2019 and 2020 payments if the city ends what some would call a practice and others an obligation. After the city and port completed a mediation process that did not result in an agreement, the city filed a lawsuit last year. That complaint was dismissed, and the city was given the opportunity to file an amended complaint, which it did April 9. That complaint included the newly discovered documents that were found in boxes of paperwork obtained by City Commissioner Chip Ross. In the amended complaint, the city stated that when the port was built, OHPA agreed to start making PILOT payments on July 1, 1989. At about that same time, the Nassau County Property Appraiser began taxing the port; the port maintained it was tax exempt. In 1992, the First District Court of Appeal issued an opinion against the port. During this litigation, the complaint said, OHPA acknowledged it agreed to make the annual PILOT payment, but still did not do so. That resulted in a dispute between the city and OHPA. The city maintained OHPA was in default of its PILOT payments from 1989. In 1993, the city and OHPA held at least one joint workshop about the matter, and the city made an offer to the port, which OHPA voted to accept Sept. 27, 1993, and sent to the city Oct. 5, 1993. In that letter, OHPA tells the city, “The payment in the future will begin on Fernandina Beach City Manager Dale Martin asked city commissioners to be cautious when apologizing to residents for interactions with city staff, such as police officers, but two commissioners said they were apologizing because of city policy. On April 6, Fernandina Beach commissioners heard complaints from the public about alleged unjust enforcement of city building codes and the city’s noise ordinance. Commissioners listened to the comments, and in at least one instance, apologized to the complainant. Alex Delfs spoke to commissioners during a discussion of the city’s noise ordinance and how it affects live music being played downtown. Delfs said she has a permit to perform in the down-town “pocket park” on Centre Street and Main Beach and Central parks. Despite having permits, Delfs said, she was asked by the Fernandina Beach Police Department twice in a week to stop playing in the pocket park. According to emails to and from the police department, Delfs’ mother and City Commissioner Chip Ross, the police department responded to a complaint April 5 by a downtown busi-ness owner. The business owner said he could not hear his customers, as Delfs had been joined by other musicians – “a snare drummer, a trombone player, a sax player and a trumpeter” – who did not have a permit. The email from Sgt. Tracy Hamilton said Delfs “was not made to leave; she chose to stop playing at 7 p.m.” Body camera footage shows the officer explaining to Delfs the ordinance prohibits noise that can be heard from 100 feet away during the day. The officer suggests Delfs play without amplifica-tion, and she agrees to stop playing after one more song. Before City Manager Dale Martin gave a brief description of the inci-dent at the City Commission meeting, Commissioner Bradley Bean apologized to Delfs. “Alex, I just want to say I am sorry, on behalf of the city, that this hap-pened to you,” Bean said. After hear-ing Martin’s description of the incident, Mayor Mike Lednovich also apologized, “Again, Alex, I’m sorry this happened.” Nassau County’s longtime health director is retiring, and the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners approved her replacement Monday dur-ing their meeting. After 30 years in public health, Dr. Eugenia Ngo-Seidel is retiring as director of the Florida Department of Health – Nassau County. Ngo-Seidel’s retire-ment comes 13 months after the COVID-19 pan-demic hit Nassau County, resulting in 121 deaths and more than 7,600 residents testing positive for the novel coronavirus. Her last day is May 13, she said. Replacing Ngo-Seidel is Dr. Prince Danso-Odei, who currently serves as an epidemiologist and manager of Disease Prevention and Control for Florida Department of Health – Clay County. Danso-Odei’s appointment was recom-mended by Florida Surgeon General, Dr. Scott Rivkees. “Dr. Seidel is representative of what you’re seeing in your community, and I’m very comfortable that her legacy of public health will be passed on to Prince,” Florida Association of County Health Officers President Mark Lander said. Ngo-Seidel told county commissioners Danso-Odei is “extremely qualified” and the state health department was “very fortunate to find” him. Danso-Odei’s LinkedIn profile details his involvement in the AIDS Drug Assistance Program for HIV-positive clients in Clay County and says he “directs the immunization (including hepatitis) and all sexually transmitted diseases programs.” His additional qualifications were presented at the meeting by Ngo-Seidel, which included his experience as a med-ical officer, medical epidemiologist, doc-tor of public health and his experience with international public health-care overseas. “I think you’re getting a fantastic individual that will lead your health department in future days,” Lander said. According to LinkedIn, Danso-Odei attended medical school at Zaporizhzhya State Medical University in Ukraine, and earned a master’s degree in public health from Walden University and a doctorate in public health from Capella University. Ngo-Seidel declined to comment when reached by cellphone Monday, and calls to Danso-Odei were not returned by press time. rn Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez spoke at a Federated Republican Women of Nassau meeting Friday at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club. She was greeted with applause upon entering the room, and those attending provided words of encouragement as she discussed her family’s journey to the U.S. from Cuba, censorship and the role Gov. Ron DeSantis played during the COVID-19 pandemic. rn “My parents came to this country in 1961, fleeing communist Cuba. And they were looking for an opportu-nity. They were looking for freedom. They were looking for a place to raise their family where they could wor-ship their creator and not be stifled in the way that the oppressive dictator Fidel Castro was leading that country at that time. So, they clearly were searching for a better life. And honestly, they came here with nothing more than the clothes on their back, barely knowing the lan-guage. They often said they could never ever repay this country for the opportunities it gave them, and in turn, gave us.” r “We took office with the promise of what we have pledged to do. I think we’ve honored that pledge, putting Floridians first. We focused on things that are important to everyday Floridians. Education, the environment, making sure our business climate continues to be wel-coming so that people can come to this great state, mak-ing sure we hold the line on taxes, but we never really quite expected a global pandemic.” r “We have been focused on our seniors-first strategy from the beginning of the pandemic. As we started to learn more about the virus, we started to understand that the highest risk was formed by the senior population. So, that’s why he made decisions, unlike a certain governor from up in the Northeast. He made policy decisions that literally sent seniors to their death, (while Gov. DeSantis) made sure that hospitals were not required to send COVID-positive seniors back to nursing homes. We made sure that we had COVID-only nursing homes to take care of seniors in a way that other governors just didn’t seem to care about.” r “The governor pushed to make sure we had our kids back at school. The parents that chose – we didn’t force them – but if you chose to send your kids back in school, they could have a place to learn. The damage that we’ve done to our kids, I assure you, is irreparable. Some places in this country, they are still not in the classroom because they can’t stand up to the unions. They refuse to fight back.” r “We also make sure that we continue to focus on  n­rnrrn Bean Lednovich Later in the meeting, during the “City Manager comments” item on the agenda, Martin cautioned commission-ers against apologizing on behalf of city CITY Continued on 8A r€‚ ƒ Bach Ross OHPA Continued on 8A ƒr„ Seidel    nn­n€‚ƒ„n € NIKKI MAIN/NEWS-LEADER Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez speaks Friday to the Federated Republican Women of Nassau at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club. NUNEZ Continued on 8A W …€ †rr‡†€ˆ„‰ How do you think Gov. Ron DeSantis and Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez are performing leading the state? Email Letters to the Editor to sjbryan@fbnewsleader.com. Letters must LQFOXGHWKHZULWHU·VQDPHDGGUHVV and daytime phone number. ‰ PAGE 2 NEWS DEADLINESCommunity News: Wednesday, Noon Letters to the editor: Monday, Noon Wednesday, NoonChurch Notes: Tuesday, 5 p.m. People and Places: Wednesday, 3 p.m. AD DEADLINES .................. WEDNESDAY EDITION ........ FRIDAY EDITION Classified Ads: .................. Monday, 5:00 p.m.* ................ Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. Classified Display: ............ Friday, 3 p.m. ......................... Tuesday, 5 p.m. Legal Notices: ................... Friday, noon ...........................N/A Retail Advertising: ............ Friday, 3 p.m. ......................... Tuesday, 3 p.m. * Monday holidays the Classified deadline will be Friday at 5 p.m. MAIL SUBSCRIPTION RATES In Nassau County: $47.99 Out of Nassau County: $78.99 rr nrn n  ­€ r nr The News-Leader is published every Wednesday and Friday by The Fernandina Beach News-Leader, 1235 South 10th Street, P.O. Box 16766, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Periodicals postage paid at Fernandina Beach, Fla. (USPS 189-900) ISSN# 0163-4011. Reproductions of the contents of this publication in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher are prohibited. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: News-Leader, P.O. Box 16766, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035. The News-Leader may only be sold by persons or businesses authorized by the publisher or circulation director. NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS: The News-Leader assumes no financial responsibility for typographi cal errors in advertising. When notified promptly, the part of the advertisement in which the typographical error appears will be reprinted. All advertising is subject to the approval of the publisher. The News-Leader reserves the right to correctly classify, edit or delete any objectionable wording or reject the advertisement in its entirety at any time prior to scheduled publication if it is determined that the advertisement or any part thereof is contrary to the general standard of advertising acceptance. © Copyright 2021 The r. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without specific written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved‚ƒ„r€ Deacon Vincent Abrahams, 85, passed away April 8, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. Vincent grew up in Queens, N.Y., raised by devout parents and grandparents in Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. Vin attended Bishop Loughlin High School, and Queens College, Fordham University and New York University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and supervisory certificates. He professed in the Third Order of St. Francis while studying at St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., in the 1950s. Vincent served in the U.S. Army Reserves in the 1960s. Vincent and his wife, Valentina, raised their fam ily of three children in Smithtown, N.Y. Vincent and his wife cherished their participation in sev eral spiritual groups: Teams of Our Lady, Small Christian Communities, Cursillo Movement and Handicap Encounter Christ. They also enjoyed their time at Woodloch Resort in the Poconos. Vincent arranged an annual week for busloads of family and friends for more than 15 years. A priest was always invited, so daily mass was assured! For 33 years, Vincent taught public high school both in the city of New York and Commack, Long Island. While at Commack High School, he coached track and field and cross country for 25 years. Thereafter, Vincent became a track official for 12 years. An active runner, he was still running mara thons at age 65, alongside his beloved Long Island River Rats community. After retiring in 1994, Vincent went on to com plete his lay and diaconate studies and was ordained a permanent deacon to the diocese of Rockville Center in 1999. He served at St. Patrick Church in Smithtown, N.Y. After the death of his wife, Vincent moved to Florida in 2007, where he served at St. Patrick Church in Jacksonville and St. Francis of Assisi Mission Church in Yulee. He was a con-templative in action – praying, preaching, form ing others in the faith, and caring for the sick and homebound. An avid fisherman, Vincent felt at home on and near the water from an early age. Vincent’s love of a good laugh and sunny smile helped bring levity wherever he went. “Life is too important to take seriously,” and “You’re doing a great job!” were two statements frequently on his lips. Deacon Vincent is survived by his children, Elizabeth (Alan) Kuhn, John and Dorothy (Derek Stewart); grandchildren, Kateri and Maria Kuhn; sister, Marian Licameli; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Flynn; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Diane Flynn; nieces and nephews; cousins; and the seeds he planted in the hearts of all who knew him. He is predeceased by his wife, Valentina; parents, John and Dorothy; brother, Father Pius (John); and sister, Pat Healy. Visitation is 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday at OxleyHeard Funeral Home in Fernandina Beach, with a vigil at 6:30 p.m. Funeral mass is 11 a.m. Friday at St. Francis of Assisi Mission Church in Yulee. In lieu of flowers, memorials sent to the St. Vincent de Paul Society (chapter of your choosing) or Mayo Clinic will be appreciated. r …r †r Garth Leland Burghard, 84, of Yulee, Fla., died peacefully in his sleep at home Sunday, April 11, 2021. He was born Aug. 8, 1936, in Tiffin, Ohio, and was the son of the late Gillman and Katherine (Hafley) Burghard. On June 8, 1956, he married the love of his life, the former Shirley L. Lape, in Somerset, Pa. Mr. Burghard was a graduate of Somerset High School and continued his education, graduating from Bethany College with a doctorate in chemistry. Being a chemist by trade, in 1975, he founded Quality Chemicals (now Albemarle) in Tyrone, Pa., with Melvin Miller. He is survived by his wife and children, Cindy (David) Whitby of Tyrone, Pa., Katherine (Galen) McWilliams of State College, Pa., Shawn (Laura) Burghard of Tyrone, Pa., and Jennifer (Bob) Mertiff of Yulee, Fla. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by five brothers and sis ters, Melba Benedek, Jacque Burghard, LaDonna Smith, Roberta Litoff and Bruce Burghard. Services to celebrate his life will be 2 p.m. Thursday, April 15, 2021, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard. r ‡ ˆ€‚ Ronald James Dionne, 63, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Thursday, April 8, 2021, at his home. He was born in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, Canada, a son of Marie Carmelita Belanger Dionne and the late Joseph Camille Dionne. At a young age, his family moved to Meriden, Conn., where he attended Maloney High School. Ronald was a retired union panel mechanic for Connecticut Locals #40, #15 and #326. In 2019, he relocated to Fernandina Beach from Barkhamsted, Conn., and he enjoyed the beach, working in his yard and observing the beautiful flora and fauna of Amelia Island. Ronald was well known for his sense of humor and for giving people a hard time in good fun. He leaves behind his mother, Carmelita Dionne of Grand Falls, New Brunswick, Canada; son, Jeremy Brown and his wife, Brandi, of Winsted, Conn.; daughter, Jennifer Thibault and her husband, Jeffery, of Torrington, Conn.; and siblings, Patricia Dionne and her husband, Dave Roberts, of Ottawa Ontario, Canada, Ginette Dionne of Fernandina Beach, Marcel Dionne and his wife, Robin, of Perth-Andover, New Brunswick, Canada, Lynne Dionne and her husband, John Warring, of Cedar Key, Fla., Renee Dionne and her husband, Thomas Gerstenecker, of Merrickville, Ontario, Canada. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Connor Fenn, Miranda Thibault, Alexander Thibault, and many nieces and nephews. Donations in his memory may be made to White Oak Conservation, 581705 White Oak Road, Yulee, FL 32097, donate@white-oak.org or www.whiteo akwildlife.org/give-in-memory. r ‰rŠˆn Kathryn Jones Fender, 80, of Douglas, Ga., passed away Saturday, April 10, 2021, following an extended illness. Mrs. Fender was born Aug. 15, 1940, in Brooks County, Ga., the daughter of the late Robert M. Jones and Ola Annis Norris Jones. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her hus band, Robert Fender, and sister, Linda Nesbit. Mrs. Fender was a homemaker and a member of the Church of Christ. Survivors include three sons, Rusty Fender (Carol) of Douglas, Ga., Dana Fender (Hope) of Fernandina Beach, Fla., and Jeff Fender (Kathy) of Tifton, Ga.; eight grandchildren, Dale Fender, Ansley Fender, Caroline Hand (Chris), Will Fender (Ivey), Austin Fender, Russ Fender (Caitlyn), Andrew Fender (Kelsea) and Evan Fender; eight great-grandchildren, Trenton Fender, Ava Hand, Robert Fender, Aiden Fender, Chapel Fender, Ace Hand, Hudson Fender and Dax Barnwell; two sisters, Margaret Delk of Quitman, Ga., and Ann Davidson of Clarksville, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews. The family received friends 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at Covenant Church in Douglas, Ga. Funeral services were 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at Covenant Church with Pastor Gregory Pope officiating. Private committal services were at Douglas City Cemetery. Pallbearers were Chris Hand, Dale Fender, Trenton Fender, Will Fender, Austin Fender, Russ Fender, Andrew Fender and Evan Fender. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Canaan Land Ministries, via/ Covenant Church, 3255 U.S. Highway 441 S., Douglas, GA 31535. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.simsfuneralhome.org. Sims Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., is in charge of arrangements.‰Š… Louise Kaney Guerra, 73, lifelong resident of Fernandina Beach, Fla., was escorted by angels to our Lord’s loving arms on the eve of Thursday, April 8, 2021, at the Warner Center for Caring. As one who loved to interact with others, Louise enjoyed her banking career, choir and fam ily events. Soft spoken, twinkling eyes, melodic voice and a smile for all, her light and laughter is sin cerely our loss. She leaves behind her husband of 42 years, Louis (Tony) Guerra; daughter, Mary Ann; and sister, Linda. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 16, 2021, at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. She will be laid to rest in a graveside funeral service 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 17, 2021, at Homeward Cemetery near Waverly, Ga. r ‡r  ‹€ŒŽˆ­ Richard Weller Tompkins Jr. was born May 5, 1934, to Jean Cameron Ford and Richard W. Tompkins in Newburgh, N.Y. He passed away April 10, 2021, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s and a short battle with a rare form of lymphoma. He attended Lawrenceville Preparatory School and the University of Pennsylvania, before a long, successful career in adver tising. He was renowned in the art of account management, recruit ment, mergers and acquisitions, as well as management consulting for restructuring agencies. He loved both the business and people of advertising, and retired from Saatchi & Saatchi in 1994. Arriving on Amelia Island, Fla., from Westchester County, New York, 17 years ago, Dick could be found on a tennis court or golf course, even until he was 83. As a youth, he participated in all kinds of sports – from track to soccer – and contin ued his love of sports throughout his life. Over the years, Dick wove himself into the fab ric of many lives, with his good counsel, famously outrageous sense of humor and story-telling. He was a one-of-a-kind character and will be sorely missed by his family and friends. He leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Amy; and children, Tiffany Tompkins (with Gerald Moyles) of Bradenton, Fla., Richard Tompkins III (with wife Sandy) of Pleasant Hill, Calif., Ashley Devery (with husband Mike) of Boulder, Colo., and Jimmy Tompkins (with wife Brianna) of Ocala, Fla. Predeceased by his parents; half-brother, Fred Easman; stepbrother, William Easman; and many canine companions, he leaves behind his brother, Ken Tompkins (with wife Jan); half-sister, Linda Olson (with husband Warren); sisters-in-law, Cathy Saypol and Nancy Easman; beloved grandchildren, Daniel Craft, Erin Jones (with husband Reese), Emily Devery, Conor Devery, Madelina Tompkins and Harper Lily Tompkins; great-grandchildren, Cameron Craft, Brendon Craft and Emelia Jones; lifelong friend and cousin, William Scott; many nieces, nephews, friends, mentees and mentors; and best feline friend, Clarence the cat. His favorite song, “Please don’t talk about me when I’m gone,” sung by Arlo Guthrie, will not be heeded, as family and friends will continue tell ing stories about Dick Tompkins, his creatively embellished stories and his antics for generations to come. A graveside service will be 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 14, at Bosque Bello Cemetery on Amelia Island, and a memorial service will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, please support those things closest to Dick’s heart: kids, trees, animals or youth sports. r ‘ŠŠƒ Mary Susan Sinyai Vasas, 79, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., entered into eternal peace surrounded by loved ones Monday April 5, 2021, after a long illness. She joins her husband, George J. Vasas, formerly of Seymour, Conn. Sue was born in Stamford, Conn., the daughter of the late Albert J. and Margaret MacCaffrey Sinyai. After marrying, Sue made her home in Seymour, Conn., for the next 30 years before retiring to Fernandina Beach. She loved her work in Connecticut as a licensed practical nurse in the burn unit at Bridgeport Hospital in Bridgeport, Conn., and her volunteer work with Birthright. In retirement, she continued her volunteer work at Baptist Medical Center Nassau, working in the gift shop. Sue touched many lives in almost 80 years, and we all thank God we had her. Her greatest plea sures were living near the beach, strolling from time to time when her health allowed, and spending treasured time with family and friends. In addition to her husband and her parents, she was predeceased by her beautiful sister, Fran Flomberg. She leaves behind six children, Theresa Elliott of Litchfield, Conn., Mary Demchak of Fernandina Beach, Albert and Lisa Vasas of Milford N.H., George Vasas Jr. of Fernandina Beach, Stephen and Charlene Vasas of Ansonia, Conn., and Thomas and Jennifer Vasas of Gainesville, Fla. Sue also leaves behind the siblings she loved so dearly, Kathryn White of Fernandina Beach, Jim and Laurie Sinyai of Mandeville La., Al and Sue Sinyai of Asheville, N.C., Margie and Bob Fallon of Brandon, Fla., Elliott Flomberg of Valrico, Fla., and Cindy Sheffer of Fairfield, Conn. Grandma Sue also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren that she cherished dearly, as well as 20 nieces and nephews who adored her. There will be memorial service for Sue at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 17, 2021, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission, followed by a luncheon remem brance. There will also be a memorial mass at noon Saturday, May 1, 2021, at St. Mary’s Church, 212 Elizabeth St. in Derby, Conn. This mass will be followed by interment at St. Michaels Cemetery on Silver Hill Road in Derby. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to mom’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, in her name. Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors ˆ’“††  Joanne Levesque Weggeland, 71, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away April 7, 2021, at the Warner Center of Community Hospice. Born Aug. 31, 1949, in Newburyport, Mass., to Claude George Levesque and Dorothy Hagan. She grew up in Newburyport and graduated from Newburyport High School in 1967. Shortly after high school, she met her first husband, Bill, with whom she had two daughters. Joanne’s early interest included sailing with her Dad and horseback riding. Later on, she loved to travel, cross-stitching and cheering for the New England Patriots. Joanne was accomplished as a retail mer chandiser, first owning a number of retail stores in New England and the Atlanta, Ga., area. Then in 1988, she met her husband, Rich, and followed him to Northeast Florida when the USS Pennsylvania relocated to Kings Bay, Ga. Joanne then became the retail buyer for the Amelia Island Plantation Golf and Tennis shops. Joanne was predeceased by her parents.Joanne leaves behind her husband of 33 years, Rich, of Fernandina Beach; daughters, Jessica Greene of Fernandina Beach and Melissa Partridge of Milford, Mass.; and granddaughters, Chandler Braddock and Kendall Greene of Fernandina Beach. There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. April 22, 2021, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Nassau Humane Society or the American Cancer Society. r B & B Monuments Donna Byrd 904-277-2742 16 N. 13th St. State Licensed &LW\6FRRS The City of Fernandina Beach is currently hiring for multiple full and part-time jobs, including positions in Streets Maintenance, Public Safety, Building, Utilities, and at the Golf Course. Apply online at: www.fbfl.us/jobs.aspx Or, come to the second floor of City Hall (204 Ash Street) to pick up and submit an application. Work with the City n rr The Barnabas Center will host food distribu tion events throughout the month of April. Barnabas helps residents in need and offers services to Nassau County residents with low to moderate incomes. The food assistance is a three-day supply of food per household that might include produce, dairy, meat and nonper ishable items. ‡%DUQDEDV&HQWHU·V)RRG3DQWU\ Jasmine St., Suite 101, in Fernandina Beach, is open 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday through Friday. %DUQDEDV&HQWHU·VPRELOHIRRGGLVWULEXWLRQ are: 9-11 a.m. April 17 – Greater Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 45031 Historical Lane in Callahan 1-3 p.m. April 19 – Northeast Florida Fairgrounds, 543378 U.S. Highway 1 in Callahan 9-11 a.m. April 22 – Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 49167 Mt. Olive Road in Kings Ferry For information about available assistance from Barnabas, call 904-261-7000, visit www.%DUQDEDV1DVVDXRUJRUIROORZ%DUQDEDV· Facebook page. ­  Baptist Medical Center Nassau Auxiliary is sponsoring an online Sterling Silver Jewelry Sale from April 16-23. The sale features an extensive line of ster ling silver and boutique fashion jewelry, and all items are 20% off. Visit www.YourSilverConnection.com, and at checkout, type “BMCN” to ensure funds go to the local hospital. All profits go toward support of the Baptist Medical Center Nassau.€‚ƒ„…†r Chapter 2273 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association is meeting 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 20. The meeting will be at The Pig Bar-B-Q, 450102 State Road 200 in Callahan. Guest speaker will be Momi Malspeis, director of constituent services for U.S. John Rutherford (R-Fla.). UPDATE Continued on 6A PAGE 3 M ay is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so let’s get a jump-start on awareness. We all love the sun. Let’s face it, most people feel healthier when the sun is shining. As a teenager in the 1970s, baby oil and iodine turned my pale skin bronze. Though a ginger, I never sunburned until one night when I did a really stupid thing. Growing up in Maine, my tanning time was limited, so the promise of a tan with a “sunlamp” was appeal-ing. I followed the directions, laid on the floor with the lamp 5 feet up for three minutes each night. Patience was not my strong suit, so after a few nights with little change, I decided to sit with my face directly in front of the lamp, close my eyes and wait 20 minutes. There was no immediate result, but during the night, I awoke with nightmares of fire only to discover my face was scarlet red and swollen. Just walking to the car at sunrise to go to the emergency room was agony as the sunrays felt like needles piercing my skin. Fortunately, my retinas weren’t destroyed, but my face peeled many times, and it took a long time to heal. While I have yet to be diagnosed with skin cancer, in my mind, it’s “when” not “if,” since one of the biggest risk factors is a blistering sun-burn. One would think that would’ve taught me to avoid the sun, but I was convinced there was nothing better than a golden tan. It made me feel healthier and thinner. My moth-er warned me it would age my skin, but I didn’t care. We really should listen to our mothers. In recent years, several people close to me have suf-fered from skin cancer. I’ve lost two dear friends to melanoma who were only in their 40s. It is tragic. We can enjoy life out-doors, but we need to keep safe in the sun. Since 1979, the Skin Cancer Foundation has set the stan-dard for educating the public about skin cancer. The facts are sobering: Since 1994, the diagnosis and treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers in the U.S. has increased by 77%. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one of five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, and more than two people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour. There are three types of skin cancer. The most common is basal cell carcinoma (BCC). This type looks like a raised, smooth, pearly bump on sun-exposed skin that often appears as a sore that doesn’t heal. The second most common is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The latest data estimates that more than 15,000 people die of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. An SCC is a well-defined, red, scaling and thick bump also found on sun-exposed skin. It may bleed, and left untreated can develop into a large mass. The third type of skin cancer is melanoma, and it’s serious. It develops in the cells that pro-duce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Melanoma is increasing in people under age 40, especially women. My 30-year-old daughter-in-law was recently diagnosed with melanoma after discovering a small mole on her back that looked different than the oth-ers. She immediately saw a dermatologist, who biopsied and confirmed it. Melanoma is a frightening diagnosis. Fortunately, she caught it early, and it hadn’t spread. She has a big scar on her back, but a good prognosis. She now sees her dermatologist every three months. We are so grateful she knew the “ABCDE” guidelines, recognized a mole that looked different and went to the der-matologist immediately. Here are the guidelines used to identify malignant mela-noma: Asymmetry – One side of the lesion does not look like the other. Border irregularity – Margins may be notched or irregular. Color – Melanomas are often a mixture of black, tan, brown, blue, red or white. Diameter – Cancerous lesions can be larger than 6 mm across, which is about the size of a pencil eraser. With early detection they will not reach this size, as was my daughter-in-law’s case. Her mole was small, but had some unusual colors in it. Evolution – Has a mole changed over time? My younger sister recently had melanoma on her eyelid and was very fortunate to not lose the entire lid. A skilled surgeon removed it, but it was close with little skin to spare. She has gone from sun worshiper to totally covering up in the sun. She uses a daily self-tanner for a bit of color, but no more tan-ning. Is there any such thing as a safe tan? Dermatologists say no. Tanned skin is damaged skin. There are two types of UV rays causing the damage: UVA and UVB. Sunburn and skin cancer are caused by UVB rays. UVA rays don’t burn, but penetrate deeply, causing skin damage that prematurely ages the skin and causes wrinkles. Simply sitting near a window can cause your skin to age dra-matically. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a water-resistant broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for any outdoor activity. Broadspec-trum means it protects from both UVA and UVB rays. My dermatologist, Kristen Stewart, of Total Dermatology, has the palest skin I’ve ever seen. She practices what she preaches and is serious about the dangers of skin cancer. She taught me that unless you are living in a windowless base-ment, sunscreen should be applied every morning as rou-tinely as brushing your teeth. Every day. Rain or shine. No exceptions. Sunscreens needs to be applied liberally, (about 2 tablespoons) 30 minutes before you go outside. If you wait to get to the pool or beach before applying, you’ve already been exposed to harmful rays. It needs to be reapplied every two hours and immediately after swim-ming or sweating. She advises wearing a blouse or a covering with additional SPF protection. You can even add SPF to your clothes by adding SunGard to the laundry. Sunglasses and a wide brim hat are essential, and it’s best to avoid the sun dur-ing the peak hours between 10 a.m.-4 pm. My esthetician, Lucia Palenik, won’t let me out of her office after a facial without applying sunscreen, even if it’s almost dark. She takes SPF protection very seriously and has beautiful skin to show for it. She introduced me to some of today’s best self-tanners that don’t smell bad or turn you orange. Her passion for skin care is contagious, and she chal-lenges me to think about the best way to protect and appreci-ate the body’s largest organ. Then, there are tanning beds. You may want to stay away from them when you con-sider these statistics: In 2014, tanning beds were upgraded from group 1 to group 2 risk for devices that are cancer-causing to humans. In addition, indoor tanning devices emit UV radia-tion in amounts 10-15 times higher than the sun at its peak intensity. Currently, 18 states prohibit anyone younger than 18 from using them unless prescribed by their physi-cian. Brazil and Australia have banned indoor tanning altogeth-er, and more people develop r Full-time, part-time, on-call, and seasonal opportunities are avail able in Recreation, Food & Beverage, %WNKPCT[*WOCP4GUQWTEGU*QWUGMGGRKPI'PIKPGGTKPI(TQPV1H'E G)WGUV5GTXKEGU5RCCPFOQTG New hires receive a $250 sign on incentive Omni Hotels & Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. To view available job openings and to apply online, visit bit.ly/OmniAmeliaJobs or scan QR code using your smartphone camera. * bit.ly addresses are case sensitive 5VGYCTFKPI5VCTVKPICVJQWT 4GUVCWTCPV*QUV5VCTVKPICVJQWT %QPEKGTIG5VCTVKPICVJQWT )WGUV4QQO#VVGPFCPV5VCTVKPICVJQWT *QWUGRGTUQPQT2WDNKE#TGCU5VCTVKPICVJQWT *QWTN[4CVGU2NWU$GPG'VU %WNKPCT[rJQWT'PIKPGGTKPIJQWT4GETGCVKQP5WRGTXKUQT5VCTVKPICVJQWT(TQPV&GUM#IGPV5VCTVKPICVJQWT(TQPV&GUM5WRGTXKUQT5VCTVKPICVJQWT $GPG'VUKPENWFGOGFKECNFGPVCNXKUKQPFKUCDKNKV[n k OCVEJKPIJQVGNFKUEQWPVUCPFOQTG skin cancer from indoor tanning than lung cancer from smoking. People will still spend hours baking in the sun, but slowly the trend is changing as younger people are embrac-ing their natural skin color. My 7-year-old and 9-year-old grandsons have never swum in a pool or ocean without their swim shirt. My Latin American granddaughter, a former sun worshiper but newlylicensed esthetician, now reminds everyone, regardless of ethnic-ity, to wear sunscreen. So stay safe, examine your body and do monthly skin checks. Ask a loved one to look at the places you can’t see, and schedule an annual skin check with your dermatologist. Famous singer Bob Marley died from melanoma under his toe-nail. If in doubt, always check it out. Kym Dunton is a registered nurse, certified health coach and fitness instructor who lives on Amelia Island. For questions or comments, email kym.dunton@comcast.net. METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION PAGE 4 r SUBMITTED PHOTO The Nassau County Chamber of Commerce recently hosted ribbon-cutting ceremonies for A Janet Lynne Salon & Spa, left, and Island Vintage Market, right. The salon is reopening at 2134 Sadler Square in Fernandina Beach, next to the Island Vintage Market, 2136 Sadler Square. The businesses are owned by Janet Rogers, who is holding the scissors. Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare is now an approved site through the National Health Service Corps and offers all eligible employees up to $100,000 of student loan forgiveness. The corps’ mission is to build healthy communi ties by supporting qualified health care providers dedicated to working in areas of the U.S. with lim ited access to care. “One of the things I believe we do well as a company is offering a robust benefits package,” Starting Point CEO Laureen Pagel said. “In order to care for the individuals we serve, it is my per sonal belief that we must extend a similar level of care to our staff. Providing student loan for giveness is a strategy to both recruit and retain excellent health care professionals. We are thrilled about this opportunity because it enhances the benefits for our amazing employees and elevates the care we are bringing to our Nassau County neighbors.” Starting Point is an approved site for three different types of National Health Service Corps forgiveness: the Loan Repayment Program, the Rural Community Loan Repayment Program, and the Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Program. Each type of loan forgiveness has distinct award amounts, requires different levels of service com mitments and has specific eligibility criteria. For information, visit Starting Point’s careers page https://www.spbh.org/careers/ or the NHSC Loan Repayment site https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repay ment/index.html. Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare provides mental health and substance abuse treatment ser vices to children, teens and adults in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. The nonprofit agency serves more than 3,000 individuals each year and has been serving the region for more than 28 years rrnrr r Contact Your News-LeaderAdvertising Salesperson for Details On Including Your Business On the Business Card BillBoard261-3696 Nassau Fence & Deck, Inc.INSTALL AND REPAIR(904) 261-6577 www.fencenassau.com Deer Walk Shopping Center next to Dave Turner Plumbing 474378 East State Road 200 (A1A) 904.310.6915BEST FLAVORS & BEST PRICES PREMIUM VAPEE-CIGSMODSCOILSE-JUICEWARNING: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. Preserving and Protecting the Public Trust VETERANS ASSISTANCEBob Sullivan1DVVDX&RXQW\9HWHUDQV·6HUYLFH2IÀFHU76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097 904-548-4670 | 800-958-3496 | 904-548-4539bsullivan@nassauclerk.com | www.nassauclerk.com FIND THE RIGHT BUSINESS FOR THE JOB RIGHT HERE! LOCAL BUSINESS BILLBOARD LIMITED SPACES Open 6:00 AM 5:OO PM Monday Friday 96382 Mt. Zion Loop, O’Neal/Yulee FL Bishop Thomas Coleman, CEO Laurie Holmes, Director littlelambsccc1@gmail.com LIC#C04NA00 ONLINE APPLICATIONS AT : www.littlelambschildcarecenter.com or www.familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com FREE VPK & SCHOOL READINESS 2021 2022rn  CLICK & SAVE Only at fbnewsleader.com For more information call 904-261-3696. Search LocalBusinesses at Nassau’snewest online directory SUBMITTED PHOTO Pelican Therapy Partners, 463155 State Road 200, Unit 12, in Yulee, hosted its ribbon-cutting ceremony recent. Holding the scissors are co-owners Larry Rutland and Christy Miller.  ­  PAGE 5 r Nassau County’s Final Four team had one final celebration Thursday night. During the Nassau County School District board meeting, Superintendent Kathy Burns, school board members and dis trict employees celebrated the West Nassau High School boys basketball team, which advanced to the Final Four in the Class 4A playoffs. The Warriors started the season with a 6-11 record before catching fire and reeling off 14 consecutive victories. “In case you haven’t heard – and I can’t imagine you haven’t heard about this fabulous bas ketball team from West Nassau High School going to the Final Four,” Burns said. “We wanted to recognize them at our school board meeting. “They did a fabulous job. These are some outstanding young people, and we wanted to formally congratulate them.” West Nassau’s success included the school’s first region title, Final Four appearance and 20-win season in history. The playoffs also included some close games. In the open ing round, West Nassau won 66-65 against Ribault before comfortable wins against Paxon School and Bishop Kenny. The Warriors edged Paxon 53-51 later in the playoffs, then narrow ly defeated Marianna, 72-70. The season ultimately ended with a one-point loss to Santa Fe, 64-63. “Those were some nail-bit ers,” Burns said. Coach Ran Coleman said he was proud of the team. “There are a lot of firsts for this group of guys,” he said. “They’re a great group of guys.” The team was led by Dallan “Deebo” Coleman, who won the school’s first-ever Mr. Basketball award, a statewide honor given to the top prep basketball player in Florida. Coleman, a 6-foot-6, Georgia Tech-bound guard, aver aged 24.7 points, nine rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game. “I’m going to have to be a little selfish and let him go to col lege and to actually not coach him anymore,” the elder Coleman said. “Words can’t even express how I feel.” In other business: The school board voted unanimously to not join the Florida School Board Association. Individual board members can join the association if they desire. Board members agreed to sign a memorandum of under standing with The Journey Church, 95707 Amelia Concourse in Fernandina Beach, to serve as the school district’s reunification site east of Interstate 95 in the event of an evacuation of schools. According to school board docu ments, the church can accommo date up to 1,000 people. The board unanimously approved hiring R. Dean Scott Architect to provide “profes sional services” for the reno vation and remodeling of the Yulee Primary School cafeteria, which will include the addition of two classrooms. The cost of the services is expected to be $643,026.91, according to school board documents. The school district received a clean audit from the Florida Auditor General, and the audi tors had no findings of concern. Food & Craft Vendors, Music, Trains 9AM-4PMSponsor Appreciation 10: 55AMClassic Car Show 10AM-2PM45383 Dixie Avenue, Callahan Fl 32011 Kids Area Hosted by Joel Pace Piano rrnr PHOTOS BY SCOTT J. BRYAN/NEWS-LEADER West Nassau High’s boys basketball team poses with certificates it received from the Nassau County School District board, above. West Nassau High boys basketball coach Ran Coleman talks about his basketball team during Thursday’s school board meeting, below. The school board increased its salary schedule for occupa tional physical therapists. First-year hires received a $5,242 pay increase to $49,789, while lon ger-serving therapists received smaller increases. r SATURDAY, April 17th St. Johns River Bartram Frolic April 17th & 18th 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Downtown Palatka Riverfront Living History on the Riverfront Meet William Bartram, the Long Warrior “King of the Seminoles”, Bartram’s guide and European trader Job Wiggins, Ft. Mose’ militia and families, and 18th Century residents of FloridaPassport-to-the-Past – The St. Johns River Center will host an educational activity for school-aged youth visiting ten education stations and living historians to learn about our river and its history. Those completing the activity will be rewarded. This is great for the whole family. Register near the St. Johns River Center.Food Trucks on St. Johns Avenue 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Nature-based Vendors, Demonstrations and Environmental Groups – booths along the riverfront and St. Johns Avenue. Tales and Songs of the St. Johns River 10 AM 7 lbs of Bacon Bluegrass Band11 AM Storytelling Sims12 PM Sunni Krantz12:30 PM Lee Pinkerson & Bill Snyder1 PM Sam Wimberly, Chuck Hardwick and Lee Kelly 2 PM Lonesome Bert and the Thick & Thin Band 3 PM 7 lbs of Bacon Bluegrass BandPontoon boat tours 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: NORTHSTAR CHARTERS will provide tours from the Riverfront. Bartram Birthday Party7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Azalea City Brewery will host Bartram’s 282nd birthday party. Bartram Trail Equestrian Ride at Dunns Creek State Park – 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Friends of Dunns Creek State Park will host equestrians for trail rides in the park (one Bartram site). Reservations are required and limited. Bartram Historic Rollestown Kayaking Tour– 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: A guided paddle from Palatka’s Riverfront Park to Rollestown and return. See website and Facebook for reservations and details. Bartram Historic Tour at Mount Royal – 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: National Historic Mount Royal guided tour and stroll in Welaka. A Quaker Friend will share information. Reservations are recommended. Pride of Palatka Guided River Boat Tours – 1:00 PM St. Johns Riverkeeper Cruise; 3:00 PM Bartram National Recreation Trail St. Johns River Cruise; Bartram Sunset Wine Cruise 5:00PM – 7:00 PM Reservations for all cruises are requiredBicycling Tour Historic, Homes, Murals and Ravine Gardens 2:30 PM 4:00 PM: A guided bicycle tour of historic home and murals from the riverfront (includes ¿YH%DUWUDPVLWHV±5HVHUYDWLRQVDUHrecommended. Palatka Riverfront and Murals Walk 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Guided walk through historic downtown Palatka including three Bartram sites. Reservations recommended. Puc Puggy Trail Hike / Water Works / Ravine Gardens State Park10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: A guided hike from the Ravine Gardens State Park to the Water Work Environmental Education Center and the Puc Puggy nature trail. Reservations are required and limited. Spalding’s Lower Store Paddle9:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Guided historic paddle through Seven Sisters Islands to Bartram’s home while on the St. Johns River in 1774. Reservations required. Palatka Riverfront to Ravines Bicycle Ride 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Guided ride from the riverfront through Ravine Gardens State Park. Reservations are recommended.Palatka Historic Homes and Murals Bicycle Ride 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Guided casual ride through downtown Palatka’s historic homes, historic sites and murals. The Symposium in the Jim Pignato Theater will feature six Bartram scholars and experts – Dr. Kathryn Braund will discuss her new edition on southeastern Indians; Dr. Dorinda Dallmeyer will talk about her book “Bartram’s Living Legacy” DVWKHLQVSLUDWLRQIRUWKH3%6¿OP&8/7,9$7,1*7+(:,/''U&KULVWRSKHURobinson will describe his quest to locate Bartram Trail markers across the southeast and his unique style of presenting travel presentations; Bartram Trail Conference president Sam Carr will explain the status of the Bartram Trail Society of Florida and the Bartram Trail National Heritage Area. Jim Sawgrass and Eric Breitenbach will introduce CULTIVATING THE WILD. SUNDAY, April 18th Bartram Symposium April 18th 2 PM – 5 PM FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER go to https://bartramtrailsociety.com or Facebook@ St Johns River Bartram Frolic PAGE 6 NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing to consider the adoption of the ordinance captioned below on Monday, April 26 begin ning at 6:00 p.m. or soon thereafter as the matter may be heard at the James S. Page Governmental Complex, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, Florida 32097. ORDINANCE 2021-___ AN ORDINANCE OF NASSAU COUNTY, FLORIDA AMENDING THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR THE RECLASSIFICATION OF APPROXIMATELY 114.86 ACRES OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF WILLIAM BURGESS BOULEVARD, BETWEEN HARVESTER STREET AND I-95, FROM AGRICULTURE (AGR) TO TRANSECT DISTRICTS DEFINED IN THE WILLIAM BURGESS DISTRICT CONTEXT AND CONNECTIVITY BLUEPRINT AS T-3 SUB-URBAN ZONE, AND T-1 CONSERVATION ZONE; ADOPTING A UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT PLAN; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.Rezoning application R20-013, which will rezone this property to transect districts defined in the William Burgess District Context and Connectivity Blueprint as T-3 Sub-Urban Zone, and T-1 Conservation Zone was previously advertised to be heard on April 26, 2021 and will be heard concurrently with this application.The William Burgess District Context and Connectivity Blueprint is available for viewing on the County website at https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/860/William-Burgess-Overlay-District.All interested parties are invited to attend the public hearings and to be heard. Copies of the proposed Ordinance and supporting information are available for inspection in the Department of Planning and Economic Opportunity, 96161 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097. Comments may also be directed in writing to the Department of Planning and Economic Opportunity, e-mailed to planninginfo@nassaucountyfl.com, or received by telephone at (904) 530-6300. All comments will become part of the record in this matter and subject to Florida’s public records law. Individuals with disabilities needing a reasonable accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the office of the County Manager at least two days prior to the proceeding at (904) 530-6010 or, if the hearing impaired, Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8770 (v) or 1-800-955-8771 (TDD).THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO BE PRESENT AND BE HEARD. IF A PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE BOARD, AGENCY OR COMMISSION WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT SUCH MEETING OR HEARING HE/SHE WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND FOR THAT PURPOSE, MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH APPEAL IS TO BE BASED.The Board of County Commissioners may continue hearings on this matter. Thomas Ford, ChairBoard of County Commissioners John A. Crawford, Ex-Officio Clerk NL/PSA There will be a discussion of legislation and other issues affecting the federal community and what NARFE is doing to help. All active and retired federal and postal employees, and their families, are welcome to attend. Attendees start arriving after 11 a.m. and have lunch on their own. The program will start about noon. Chapter 2273 has regular luncheon meetings the third Tuesday of the month, except in December. For additional LQIRUPDWLRQFRQWDFW*UHJ'·$OHVVLRDWRUJUHJ dale713@gmail.com.r Nassau County Council on Aging will relaunch its Hearing /RVV6XSSRUW*URXSIURPQRRQSP7XHVGD\0D\DWWKH)HUQDQGLQD%HDFK/LIH&HQWHU,VODQG:DON:D\LQFernandina Beach. 'XHWR&29,'UHODWHG&HQWHUVIRU'LVHDVH&RQWURODQG 3UHYHQWLRQSURWRFROVWKHPHHWLQJLVOLPLWHGWRSDUWLFLSDQWVand will follow social distancing guidelines. All participants are UHTXLUHGWRZHDUDPDVNFOHDUIDFHVKLHOGVZLOOEHDYDLODEOHat no charge. Participants are also required to complete two IRUPVDQGKDYHWKHLUWHPSHUDWXUHWDNHQEHIRUHHQWHULQJWKH/LIHCenter. Contact Nassau County Council on Aging Volunteer &RRUGLQDWRU)UDQFHV%DUWHOWDWRUIEDUWHOW#QDV saucountycoa.org to obtain the forms in advance and reserve a seat. The meeting will include a discussion about coping during the pandemic, new phone hearing assistance devices and other KHDULQJUHODWHGWRSLFV7KH+HDULQJ/RVV6XSSRUW*URXSZLOOmeet the first Tuesday of every month.nrrr The Nassau County Council on Aging is relaunching its &DUHJLYHU6XSSRUW*URXSZKLFKZLOOPHHWDP7XHVGD\$SULOYLD=RRPDWKWWSVELWO\X\H:EZ 5HJLVWHUIRUWKHPHHWLQJDWKWWSVFRQWDFFF;M51 Registration is not required, but encouraged. Future meet LQJGDWHVDQGWLPHVZLOOEHEDVHGRQSDUWLFLSDQWV·VFKHGXOHV,QSHUVRQPHHWLQJVZLOOEHRIIHUHGDWDODWHUGDWH )RULQIRUPDWLRQFRQWDFW(PLO\.XQ]HOPDQQDW RUHNXQ]HOPDQQ#QDVVDXFRXQW\FRDRUJrr )HUVW5HDGHUVRI1DVVDX&RXQW\LVVHHNLQJSHRSOHWR DGRSWDUHDGHUIRUGXULQJWKHPRQWKRI$SULO Ferst Readers of Nassau County is part of a national orga QL]DWLRQWKDWPDLOVDJHDSSURSULDWHERRNVWR1DVVDX&RXQW\Continued from 2ABeth Jones of the News-Leader compiled this report from records at the Nassau County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Arrest indicates suspicion of a crime, not guilt. To report information about a crime, contact the Fernandina Beach Police Department at 277-7342 or the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office at 225-5174. The “We Tip” program – 1-800-78Crime – also allows callers to leave anonymous tips. Q Tracey Christopher Kelley, 46, 2064 Friendly Road, B, Fernandina Beach, April 1, depriving 911 communications and domestic violence battery. Q Makayla Cheree Thomas, 20, 95320 Creekstone Drive, Fernandina Beach, April 2, possession of a controlled substance. Q Roy Edison Sink, 53, 27179 Garth Lane, Hilliard, April 3, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Q Thomas Leonard Brazell, 77, 2020 Marlin Court, Fernandina Beach, April 6, four counts of sale of marijuana and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. Q William Andrew Ross III, 30, 1005 South 14th St., Fernandina Beach, April 6, burglary of an unoccupied vehicle or conveyance and petit theft. Q Charles Leonard Wagers, 56, 86275 Callaway Drive, Yulee, April 8, burglary of an unoccupied dwelling and dealing in stolen property. Q James Allen Anderson, 37, 56105 Nassau Oaks Drive, Callahan, April 9, theft of a motor vehicle.  FKLOGUHQXQGHUWKHDJHRI0RUHWKDQIDPLOLHVUHFHLYHERRNVWKURXJKWKHSURJUDP7RGRQDWHRUOHDUQPRUHYLVLWZZZIHUVWUHDGHUVRUJ6HOHFW1DVVDX&RXQW\LQWKHGURSGRZQPHQX&KHFNVFDQDOVREHPDLOHGWR)HUVW5HDGHUV32%R[+LOOLDUG)/3XW1DVVDXLQWKHPHPROLQH ­ &DQ·WVZLQJDKDPPHU"1DVVDX+DELWDWIRU+XPDQLW\LV VHHNLQJYROXQWHHUVIRUDGPLQLVWUDWLYHRIILFHZRUNILOLQJVFDQ QLQJVWXIILQJHQYHORSHVHWF9ROXQWHHUVDUHQHHGHGIRUWZRKRXUWLPHVORWVRQ0RQGD\VDQG7KXUVGD\V ,ILQWHUHVWHGHPDLOQDVVDXKIK#JPDLOFRPDQGDUHSUHVHQWD WLYHZLOOVHQGDOLQNIRUWKHRUJDQL]DWLRQ·VVLJQXSIRUPV 7KH1DVVDX+DELWDWIRU+XPDQLW\LVORFDWHGDWWKH3HFN Center. To learn more about the organization, visit nassauhabi tatforhumanity.org.r€ The Nassau County Road Department has begun construc tion on a retaining wall on the south side of Simmons Road at WKH$PHOLD5LYHUWR6HD7UDLO6LPPRQV5RDG0XOWL8VH7UDLODFURVVIURP:LOO+DUGHH5RDG A small portion of the trail will be closed to pedestrians and ELF\FOHVIRUIHHWZHVWDQGHDVWRI:LOO+DUGHH5RDGEHWZHHQDPSP0RQGD\WKURXJK)ULGD\XQWLO$SULO For information, contact the Nassau County Road and Bridge 'HSDUWPHQWDW‚rr  Local photographers are invited to submit photos of beautiful, H[FLWLQJDQGXQLTXHIHDWXUHVRI$PHOLD,VODQGIRUDQHZERRN´$PHOLD,VODQG·V+DSS\3ODFHV7KH,QVLGHU·V*XLGHµWREHSXE OLVKHGWKLVVXPPHUE\6WRU\6RQJ%RRNVWRUH%LVWUR 7RKLJKOLJKWWKHPDQ\GHOLJKWVRIRXUFRPPXQLW\WKHERRN ZLOOLQFOXGHDERXWWHUULILFFRORUSKRWRV,WZLOOVKRZFDVH$PHOLD,VODQG·VPDQ\´+DSS\3ODFHVµDQGWKHZRQGHUIXOSKRWRJUDSKHUVZKRHQMR\WKHP 7RKDYHDSKRWRFRQVLGHUHGHPDLOKLJKUHVROXWLRQ-3*RU 3')SKRWRVWRGRQQD#6WRU\DQG6RQJERRNVWRUHFRPE\$SULO,QFOXGHWKHSKRWRJUDSKHU·VQDPHDGGUHVVDQGZKHQDQGZKHUHWKHSKRWRZDVWDNHQ There will be no payment but photographers will be named LQWKHERRN,IDSKRWRLVFKRVHQIRUWKHFRYHUWKHSKRWRJUDSKHUZLOOUHFHLYHDJLIWFDUGDW6WRU\6RQJDQGHYHU\SKRWRJUD SKHUZKRHQWHUVWKHFRQWHVWHYHQLIWKHLUSKRWRLVQRWVHOHFWHGIRUWKHERRNZLOOEHHOLJLEOHIRUDGUDZLQJWRZLQDJLIWFDUGat Story & Song. ƒrrƒ The Fernandina Beach Branch Library is celebrating National Passport Awareness Day by extending its passport application SURFHVVLQJKRXUVIURPDPSP6DWXUGD\$SULO $SSRLQWPHQWVDUHHQFRXUDJHGEXWZDONLQVDUHZHOFRPH)RULQIRUPDWLRQYLVLWZZZQDVVDXUHDGVFRP,QIRUPDWLRQLV DOVRDYDLODEOHE\FDOOLQJRUHPDLOLQJOLEUDU\LQIR#nassaucountyfl.com.nƒƒ­„­ The city of Fernandina Beach is hosting a recycle event and IRRGGULYHIURPDPQRRQ6DWXUGD\$SULODWWKH3XEOLF:RUNV&RPSOH[6)LIWK6WLQ)HUQDQGLQD%HDFK The event is for residential use only.Paper shredding will be available, and recyclables will be DFFHSWHG5HVLGHQWVDUHDVNHGWREULQJQRQSHULVKDEOHLWHPVWRGRQDWHWRWKH%DUQDEDV&HQWHU·VIRRGSDQWU\7KHUHZLOOEHDIUHHWUHHJLYHDZD\DQGUHVLGHQWVFDQUHJLVWHUDWZZZIEIEXVWUHHV)RULQIRUPDWLRQFDOO… ƒ­  7KH1DVVDX&RXQW\3XEOLF/LEUDU\6\VWHP·Vg`eZg]l_Zohkbm^]kbgd%bg French +'#:]]Zfl?ZfberlEnk\a3 “You ____?” ,':]blah_lm^p^]f^Zm4. 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