Local

Pictured above are the airnasium (open-air-gymnasium), the outfitter and restroom building, a birthday pavilion, and the amphitheater pad of the new Westside Regional Park. The first phase of the park should open by early summer. Three new FIFA regulation-size soccer fields recently received sod and are pictured below. Photos courtesy of Nassau County officials

Pictured above are the airnasium (open-air-gymnasium), the outfitter and restroom building, a birthday pavilion, and the amphitheater pad of the new Westside Regional Park. The first phase of the park should open by early summer. Three new FIFA regulation-size soccer fields recently received sod and are pictured below. Photos courtesy of Nassau County officials

Welling to manage park

Mike Weiscopf demonstrates the new simulator that allows participants to see how drugs and alcohol impair their driving. Submitted

Mike Weiscopf demonstrates the new simulator that allows participants to see how drugs and alcohol impair their driving. Submitted

SYD expanding outreach

Anna Newhoff NCR Reporter   Surviving Your Drive continues its outreach with new plans in place. The nonprofit was founded nearly a year ago by Sherry Weiscopf after Sydney, her 17-year-old daughter, was killed in a in a car accident April 28, 2024.
David and Lisa Hicken break ground Dec. 23 at the Hicken Power Drag Strip as Nassau County business owner Heather Hagan and Southern Rail Construction workers Donald Goff and Dwayne Kirchner join them. The Hickens speak to those in attendance at top. The drag strip will be located behind the oval race track already in place on the property, which is located at 543455 U.S. 1, Callahan. Photos by Anna Newhoff

David and Lisa Hicken break ground Dec. 23 at the Hicken Power Drag Strip as Nassau County business owner Heather Hagan and Southern Rail Construction workers Donald Goff and Dwayne Kirchner join them. The Hickens speak to those in attendance at top. The drag strip will be located behind the oval race track already in place on the property, which is located at 543455 U.S. 1, Callahan. Photos by Anna Newhoff

Drag race plan moves forward

Anna Newhoff NCR Reporter   After nearly five years of delays, Callahan’s new drag racing facility is moving forward following a groundbreaking ceremony Dec. 23.
Approximately 23,000 remembrance wreaths are placed on grave sites at Jacksonville National Cemetery Dec. 13.

Approximately 23,000 remembrance wreaths are placed on grave sites at Jacksonville National Cemetery Dec. 13.

Balsam bouquets honor veterans at JNC

Approximately 23,000 remembrance wreaths are placed on grave sites at Jacksonville National Cemetery Dec. 13.
Children meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and Sheriff Bill Leeper in Yulee Dec. 17  during the Santa with a Badge event. Submitted

Children meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and Sheriff Bill Leeper in Yulee Dec. 17 during the Santa with a Badge event. Submitted

NCSO hosts Santa with a Badge

Nick Blank News-Leader   Children got to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and Sheriff Bill Leeper in Yulee Dec. 17 during the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Santa with a Badge event.
The Callahan Intermediate School chorus and steel drum band showcase their musical skills for friends and family Dec. 18.

The Callahan Intermediate School chorus and steel drum band showcase their musical skills for friends and family Dec. 18.

CIS chorus, band perform

The Callahan Intermediate School chorus and steel drum band showcase their musical skills for friends and family Dec. 18. The young musicians also put on a concert for the school’s students Dec. 19. The band and chorus are directed by Shaun Bennett, who is the CIS music teacher.
Judge Steve Fahlgren displays his Jurist of the Year award. It was presented by the Jacksonville Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Judge Steve Fahlgren displays his Jurist of the Year award. It was presented by the Jacksonville Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Fahlgren earns jurist award

Judge Steve Fahlgren displays his Jurist of the Year award. It was presented by the Jacksonville Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He is joined by his wife, Kimberly Fahlgren. Judge Fahlgren serves within the State of Florida’s Fourth Judicial Circuit Court. Submitted
Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as the staff of this newspaper, wish everyone a very merry Christmas full of peace and joy. Photo by Amanda Bishop

Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as the staff of this newspaper, wish everyone a very merry Christmas full of peace and joy. Photo by Amanda Bishop

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!
Children shared their wish lists with Santa Claus and received stockings filled with treats. Submitted

Children shared their wish lists with Santa Claus and received stockings filled with treats. Submitted

Legion auxiliary hosts Santa luncheon

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 401 hosts Lunch with Santa Saturday, with crafts, karaoke and more to entertain local children. The Sons of the American Legion held a drawing, giving away several bicycles during the event.
Racetrack coming to County Road 108

Racetrack coming to County Road 108

Racetrack coming to County Road 108

For the Record   A development group has announced a masterplanned residential racetrack community near Yulee. North Florida Motorsports Park is set to merge a professional racetrack with residential units on 600 acres, a press release said.