By: Beth Jones
Opening Day at Elm Street
Elm Street Little League will hold opening day ceremonies at 8:45 a.m. March 7. Teams will be introduced and coaches and volunteers will be recognized during season-opening festivities. The 2026 All Stars will also be honored.
The Challengers game will be played at 9:30 a.m., followed by a T-ball game at 10:30 a.m. Minors game is at 11:30 a.m., followed by majors at 1:30 p.m. and seniors at 3:30 p.m. Come hungry; the concession stand will be open all day. Don’t forget sunscreen and a lawn chair.
Pirates compete in Speziale meet, break school records
The Fernandina Beach High School track and field team competed in the 12th annual Craig Speziale Memorial Invitational at Ponte Vedra High School. The girls’ 4×800-meter relay team took third place with a time of 10:38, the third fastest in school history. The team includes Maya Kovalcik, Delilah Stephenson, Angela Pierson and Mikaela Nichols. Samuel Colwell placed second in the high jump, and Beckham Rohe placed third in the long jump.
Concours d’Lemons on Friday
The annual Concours d’Lemons will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, March 6, at Main Beach Park. Come see the “un-best of the automotive world,” according to the event’s Facebook page. The event is held in conjunction with The Amelia.
Coach Mattie Yokley celebration
Shhh. Mum’s the word until March 21, when longtime coach Mattie Yokley will be honored with a surprise celebration at the MLK Jr. Recreation Center in Fernandina Beach.
All former players, colleagues, and anyone who wants to show Yokley some love are welcome. The event is from 3-6 p.m. at 1200 Elm St. RSVP before the event, so organizers may plan accordingly. Contact Sebrina Smith-Henry at 904-430-6677.
Coach Kyle Dougherty honored
Yulee High School football coach Kyle Dougherty had the “Turnaround Program of the Year” in the Northeast Region in Florida, and he was honored recently at the 2025 Coach of the Year Awards ceremony.
Waldo sisters bring home hardware
The local Waldo sisters competed recently in Vista, California, where they each placed. Coco Waldo took first place in advance in the Beaver Mini Ramp Jam, and Primrose and Marigold placed second and third, respectively, in the 8-and-under division. Coco Waldo also competed in the Clairemania Miniramp Contest in San Diego, where she took first place in the advanced division, a feat also achieved by local Olympian Poe Pinson.
YHS alumni softball game
The Yulee High School softball team will host its alumni game Friday, March 13, at the YHS field. First pitch is at 7 p.m. Alumni, family and friends are welcome to play in the women’s slow-pitch game. The sign-up fee is $30 and includes a game T-shirt. The home run derby is $10 and starts at 6 p.m. Admission is $5; kids are admitted free of charge.
Volunteers needed for kingfish tourney
The Nassau Sport Fishing Association is looking for volunteers for the 43rd annual Kingfish Tournament and Rodeo May 29-30. Email in**@******sh.net.
NSFA meets March 11
The Nassau Sport Fishing Association will hold its March business meeting at 7 p.m. March 11 at the Kraft Athletic Club. For information, email in**@******sh.net.
Cheerleading tryouts at YHS
Yulee High School is holding cheerleading tryouts this month. Clinics will be held from 4-6:30 p.m. March 23-26 in the cafeteria, with tryouts from 4:30-7:30 p.m. March 30 in the gym. Parent meeting is at 6 p.m. March 9 in the Media Center.
Film fest looking for food trucks, vendors
The Amelia Island International Surf Skate Film Festival is looking for five food trucks and 20 vendors for its June 20 event in downtown Fernandina Beach. Organizers are looking for surf and skate brands, coastal clothing and jewelry, arts and prints, handmade goods and accessories. Apply at https://pci.jotform.com/form/260392641353051.
Kids get in free at TPC
Kids 15 and under get in free with a ticketed adult at The Players Championship, slated for March 10-15 in Ponte Vedra Beach.
bj****@************ne.net
