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Thomas Creek is just one of the waterways in Nassau County that is affected by the drought. This is an aerial view of the creek. Photo courtesy of the St. Johns River Water Management District

Thomas Creek is just one of the waterways in Nassau County that is affected by the drought. This is an aerial view of the creek. Photo courtesy of the St. Johns River Water Management District

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Drought continues in Northeast Florida

News Staff
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Anna Newhoff NCR Reporter   Brown grass and low river levels can be found throughout Nassau County due to the significant drought conditions in the southeastern United States. According to drought.gov, 100% of Nassau County faces an extreme drought.
Trains, tractors and more were on display at the 21st annual Railroad Day Festival in Callahan March 28.

Trains, tractors and more were on display at the 21st annual Railroad Day Festival in Callahan March 28.

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Exhibit opens at festival

News Staff
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Amanda Bishop NCR Editor & Publisher   A unique exhibit highlighting Nassau County’s culture and food opened Saturday and will be on display through Dec. 12. Its grand opening was part of the 21st annual Railroad Day Festival Saturday.
Author Heather Macht speaks to fourth grade students at Callahan Intermediate School. Photos by Amanda Bishop

Author Heather Macht speaks to fourth grade students at Callahan Intermediate School. Photos by Amanda Bishop

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Authors visit with local students

News Staff
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Amanda Bishop NCR Editor & Publisher   Authors recently visited local schools as part of the 25th annual Amelia Island Book Festival. The Authors in Schools program provides a book for every student who attends the authors’ assemblies throughout Nassau County’s public and private schools.
The Hilliard cheerleaders help beautify Hilliard.

The Hilliard cheerleaders help beautify Hilliard.

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Showing love for Hilliard

News Staff
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Individuals, school groups, and local veteran organizations gather to help clean up Hilliard March 28. Participants received “I love Hilliard” shirts and enjoyed a meal together after picking up litter throughout town. Submitted
Chloe Clay works with other interviewers to help select the next class of Take Stock in Children Nassau scholars. A total of 37 students were chosen. Submitted

Chloe Clay works with other interviewers to help select the next class of Take Stock in Children Nassau scholars. A total of 37 students were chosen. Submitted

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TSIC welcomes 37 new students

News Staff
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
For the Record Each August, the future begins quietly at Take Stock in Children Nassau. Applications arrive from seventh through 10th graders across Nassau County – students with strong grades, good attendance, and the determination to build something more for themselves.
Sylvester Ross is blessed by God, as his shirt reads. The Hilliard veteran celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends March 11. Photo courtesy of the Nassau County Council on Aging

Sylvester Ross is blessed by God, as his shirt reads. The Hilliard veteran celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends March 11. Photo courtesy of the Nassau County Council on Aging

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Ross celebrates 100th birthday

News Staff
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Anna Newhoff NCR Reporter   A Hilliard resident became a centurion after 100 years of service, love, and honor.  World War II veteran Sylvester Ross was born in 1926, the son of George and Ella Ophelia Ross. He served his country from 1944-46 and was honorably discharged.
Hilliard Elementary School second grade students watch the colors of the rainbow melt off Skittles during a recent science experiment.

Hilliard Elementary School second grade students watch the colors of the rainbow melt off Skittles during a recent science experiment.

Skittles science

News Staff
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Hilliard Elementary School second grade students watch the colors of the rainbow melt off Skittles during a recent science experiment. Students completed a procedural writing on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and conducted the Skittles investigation after reading about St.
Cub Scout Pack 351 held its annual Pinewood Derby Races March 7 at Callahan Methodist Church.

Cub Scout Pack 351 held its annual Pinewood Derby Races March 7 at Callahan Methodist Church.

Scouts race in annual derby

News Staff
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Cub Scout Pack 351 held its annual Pinewood Derby Races March 7 at Callahan Methodist Church. Alexander Bolton received Best in Show, Mason Wood came in third and received the Most Creative Award, Joseph Murray earned second, and Everett Rodrigues placed first.
Callahan Elementary School

Callahan Elementary School

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School consolidation on table

News Staff
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Anna Newhoff NCR Reporter   The Nassau County School Board discussed combining Callahan Elementary and Callahan Intermediate schools at a Feb. 24 workshop.
Governor Ron DeSantis speaks in Yulee Thursday, awarding Nassau County $6.2 million for a new roadway near U.S. 301 and I-10. Photo by Amanda Bishop

Governor Ron DeSantis speaks in Yulee Thursday, awarding Nassau County $6.2 million for a new roadway near U.S. 301 and I-10. Photo by Amanda Bishop

DeSantis presents grant for new road

News Staff
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Amanda Bishop NCR Editor & Publisher   A new $6.25 million roadway network will further establish an industrial and commercial site in western Nassau, with the county also designated as part of the North Central Florida Rural Area of Opportunity. Gov. Ron DeSantis visited the James S.