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Myron Beachy, president of Nassau County Beekeepers Association, teaches attendees about honeybees at a mentoring session Feb. 27 at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds. The association focuses on educating the public about honeybees. Photo by Ashley Chandler

Myron Beachy, president of Nassau County Beekeepers Association, teaches attendees about honeybees at a mentoring session Feb. 27 at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds. The association focuses on educating the public about honeybees. Photo by Ashley Chandler

Don’t worry, ‘bee’ happy

ASHLEY CHANDLER Community Newspapers, Inc.   It’s that time of year. Spring is about to begin and the pollinating insects crucial to food production are already hard at work. UF/IFAS says more than 300 native species of bees buzz in Florida, 29 of which are only found in the Sunshine State.
Nassau County Facilities Maintenance staff prepare to spread concrete for a sidewalk at the Stein-Tompkins Sports Complex in Hilliard.

Nassau County Facilities Maintenance staff prepare to spread concrete for a sidewalk at the Stein-Tompkins Sports Complex in Hilliard.

County park upgrades underway

Nassau County Facilities Maintenance staff prepare to spread concrete for a sidewalk at the Stein-Tompkins Sports Complex in Hilliard. Facilities Maintenance employees also installed new bleachers at the Kirsten M. Higginbotham Sports Complex.
An informational meeting about forming the West Nassau Chamber of Commerce is March 13 at 11 a.m. at The Pig in Callahan.

An informational meeting about forming the West Nassau Chamber of Commerce is March 13 at 11 a.m. at The Pig in Callahan.

New chamber of commerce forming

Amanda Bishop NCR Editor & Publisher   A group of local business leaders may soon form the West Nassau Chamber. Those interested in learning more about the chamber’s vision are invited to a public planning meeting March 13 at 11 a.m. at The Pig Bar-B-Q in Callahan.
With support from the Florida Blue Foundation, Barnabas is distributing “Grow Bags” to households in need.

With support from the Florida Blue Foundation, Barnabas is distributing “Grow Bags” to households in need.

Barnabas offers Seeds of Hope

Barnabas Center introduces a new initiative to help community members grow fresh, healthy food at home.  With support from the Florida Blue Foundation, Barnabas is distributing “Grow Bags” to households in need.
Sunday School is held in The Anchor Church’s new building March 2. The church moved furniture into the new building Feb. 27. It features classrooms and offices to meet the church’s growing needs. Sunday services are held at 8 and 11 a.m. as well as 6 p.m. Wednesday services begin at 6:45 p.m.

Sunday School is held in The Anchor Church’s new building March 2. The church moved furniture into the new building Feb. 27. It features classrooms and offices to meet the church’s growing needs. Sunday services are held at 8 and 11 a.m. as well as 6 p.m. Wednesday services begin at 6:45 p.m.

Anchor grows

Sunday School is held in The Anchor Church’s new building March 2. The church moved furniture into the new building Feb. 27. It features classrooms and offices to meet the church’s growing needs. Sunday services are held at 8 and 11 a.m. as well as 6 p.m. Wednesday services begin at 6:45 p.m.
Dr. Kathia Ortiz cuts the ribbon joined by Nassau County commissioners Klynt Farmer and “Hupp” Huppmann, Callahan Town Clerk Shawna Gugliuzza, Callahan Mayor Randy Knagge, and Tiny Libraries of Nassau President Katey Kilpatrick. 

Dr. Kathia Ortiz cuts the ribbon joined by Nassau County commissioners Klynt Farmer and “Hupp” Huppmann, Callahan Town Clerk Shawna Gugliuzza, Callahan Mayor Randy Knagge, and Tiny Libraries of Nassau President Katey Kilpatrick. 

Tiny libraries in memory of son

Dr. Kathia Ortiz lost her son, Rafael Rodriguez-Ortiz, 35, Oct. 13, 2023. He was found in Jacksonville and the death investigation continues. In memory of her son, Ortiz will plant seven tiny libraries in Nassau County. A ribbon cutting was held for the first one at Ewing Park in Callahan Monday.
From bottom left, Rylee Hunt, Ryleigh Flagg, Blakely Gainey, Denver Waters and Jupiter Cameron. Back row, from left, Kenly Deen, Kinsley Gainey, Kallie Nolan, and Ellis Box.

From bottom left, Rylee Hunt, Ryleigh Flagg, Blakely Gainey, Denver Waters and Jupiter Cameron. Back row, from left, Kenly Deen, Kinsley Gainey, Kallie Nolan, and Ellis Box.

BES students show perseverance

Bryceville Elementary School students are learning about perseverance as February’s trait of the month. Pictured are Students of the Month who exhibited the trait. Submitted
Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Bill Quick speaks to a McDonald’s patron at the Hearts and Heroes event.

Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Bill Quick speaks to a McDonald’s patron at the Hearts and Heroes event.

McDonald’s and NCSO partner

Ashley Chandler Community Newspapers, Inc.   The Callahan McDonald’s and Nassau County Sheriff’s Office partnered Feb. 14 to join Special Olympics efforts. The Hearts and Heroes event showed much love to the Special Olympics Florida and the NCSO’s Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Callahan Elementary School students display books they received.

Callahan Elementary School students display books they received.

2025 book festival gets underway

For the Record   The 2025 Amelia Island Book Festival kicks off Feb. 28 with the Authors in School program.  The AIS program has not only provided the opportunity for every student in Nassau County to receive a book, but also places the book’s author right in front of them in their classroom.
St. George Elementary School students and administrators join Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods Feb. 13 to celebrate SGES as a Literacy Leader School and a Math Leader School for third through fifth grades. Submitted

St. George Elementary School students and administrators join Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods Feb. 13 to celebrate SGES as a Literacy Leader School and a Math Leader School for third through fifth grades. Submitted

SGES leads in Georgia

For the Record   St. George Elementary School received top state honors in literacy and math. The school has been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education as a Literacy Leader School and a Math Leader School for third, fourth and fifth grades.  On Feb.