By Staff Report
Welcome back from the Thanksgiving break. Today is a mix of somber reflection and community pride. We honor the passing of a local legend who shaped Fernandina Beach history, recap the holiday traffic that jammed I-95, and celebrate a big win for the Pirates basketball team. Plus, get the details on a critical County Commission workshop happening later today. Grab your coffee—it’s time for your Daily Scoop!
Community mourns Dee Dee Bartels The community of Fernandina Beach is grieving the loss of Dee Dee Bartels, a cherished local leader and former shrimp boat captain who passed away this weekend at the age of 102. Bartels, whose name graces the North End Boat Ramp, leaves behind a legacy that spanned more than a century. Her contributions to the local shrimping industry and her decades of community service have drawn tributes from across the county.
Holiday traffic snarls I-95 As predicted by travel forecasts, the post-Thanksgiving rush brought heavy congestion to the I-95 corridor through Nassau County on Sunday. Drivers faced significant delays as record numbers of Floridians returned home from the holiday weekend. While traffic volumes have begun to normalize, motorists are advised to remain cautious on major thoroughfares today as residual holiday travel clears.
Pirates basketball secures victory On the court, the Fernandina Beach High School boys basketball team gave fans reason to cheer. The Pirates defeated Mount Dora High School 63-58 on Saturday during the Forest HS Turkey Shootout. The victory brings the team’s record to 1-2 for the season. The Pirates are scheduled to return to action tonight against Parker High School at 7:00 p.m.
Teacher of the Year finalists named The Nassau County School District has announced the top five finalists for the 2025-2026 District Teacher of the Year. The finalists vying for the honor are Sarah Twardy (Fernandina Beach High School), Suzy Opalinski (Fernandina Beach Middle School), Deetra Duncanson (Yulee Middle School), Karen Russell (Hilliard Middle-Senior High School), and Elizabeth Taylor (Wildlight Elementary School). The overall winner will be announced in January.
County Commission to discuss impact fees Looking ahead to government business, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is set to hold a workshop today, Dec. 1, at 4:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers in Yulee. Commissioners will discuss “extraordinary circumstances” regarding proposed updates to the county’s impact and mobility fees. This discussion could influence how the county manages growth and infrastructure funding moving forward. Residents should also note that the Planning and Zoning Board meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 2, has been cancelled.
Community Calendar (Dec. 1 – Dec. 8)
- Monday, Dec. 1
- Nassau County BOCC Workshop (Impact Fees): 4 p.m., Commission Chambers, Yulee.
- Callahan Town Council Meeting: 7 p.m., Callahan Town Hall.
- Tuesday, Dec. 2
- Fernandina Beach City Commission Regular Meeting: 6 p.m., City Hall.
- Hilliard Planning & Zoning Board Meeting: 7 p.m., Hilliard Town Hall.
- Note: The County Planning & Zoning Board meeting has been cancelled.
- Thursday, Dec. 4
- City of Fernandina Beach Annual Service Award Breakfast: Morning event.
- Hilliard Town Council Meeting: 7 p.m., Hilliard Town Hall.
Holiday & Traffic Events
- Dec. 5–6: Holiday Home Tour. Historic homes open for tours.
- Dec. 6: Lighted Christmas Parade. Starts at 6 p.m. Residents should expect road closures on Centre Street and throughout downtown Fernandina Beach from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Dec. 12–14: Dickens on Centre. Significant pedestrian traffic and road closures are expected in downtown Fernandina for this major Victorian holiday festival.
Ongoing Events & Resources
- Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture:
- Sat, Dec. 6 (5 p.m.): “The Jazz Spirit of Christmas” with the Les DeMerle Band.
- Sat, Dec. 13 (5 p.m.): “An Evening of Story & Song” with Two Crows for Comfort.
- Sun, Dec. 21 (2 p.m.): The Jacksonville Flute Duo.
- Wed, Dec. 31 (5 p.m.): “A Jazzy New Year’s Eve Italian-Style” with the Les DeMerle Band.
- Nassau County Council on Aging: The December class schedule for seniors is now available.
