Monday, April 27, 2026

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

Officials weigh development limits: Nassau County is considering a one-year pause on data center development in unincorporated areas after NextNRG announced a long-term lease. County Attorney Denise May is drafting the moratorium -- read the full story.

Spotlight on women artists: Fernandina Beach Library’s Second Chapters Art Exhibit is now open, showcasing works by Karen Atkins, Pat Haley, and Carla Yetter. The show runs through May 30 for Nassau County art lovers -- get dates and reception details.

Local franchise pros launch brand: Boost Coffee & Energy will open its first Jacksonville drive-thru in May, serving fresh coffee and cleaner energy drinks. More North Florida spots are planned, including Yulee soon -- see where it's headed next.

The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*

Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.*

Sunset, seafood, soundtrack: Salty Pelican Bar & Grill is your excuse to linger by the river while a plate of fresh seafood, a reliable brunch, and live tunes turn a regular Sunday into a small victory. It’s the spot locals drift to when they want views, vibes, and zero fuss.

Chase that Palmer magic: Whether you’re eyeing a quick nine or the full 18, The Golf Club at North Hampton serves up sweeping views, playful risk-reward holes, and an easygoing vibe you’ll want to linger in. Let your swing wander, enjoy the scenery, and let the scorecard sort itself out.

Crave-worthy comfort upgrade: When you need a weeknight pick-me-up that’s not another burger, Wicked Bao delivers fluffy Taiwanese buns, slurpable pork ramen, and kimchi fried rice that hits the happy place. Easy local move for Fernandina folks who want big flavor without fuss, followed by that satisfied, don’t-talk-to-me grin.

The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →

Selling your house doesn't have to take months: If you need to sell quickly — because you're downsizing, relocating, or just ready to close this chapter — Liz helps seniors sell their houses fast. As-is. No repairs, no showings, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You pick the closing date. *See how it works →

Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →

For women who've been feeling off for years: The fatigue, the weight creeping up, the mood swings, the sleep that won't hold. Turns out most of those "it's just aging" problems are actually caused by hormones, and proper HRT can get you back to feeling like yourself. The catch? You can't get it without a full hormone panel and a doctor who understands what those numbers mean. Most women never get either, but Hone Health gives you both. *See how it works →

🦀 Seafood Boil & Blues @ Hoyt House (Fernandina Beach) | Wednesday (4/29) at 6:00 PM – Roll up your sleeves and hit the Hoyt House backyard for a family-style seafood boil and intimate blues curated by locals Heather and James. Tickets are $75, a solid deal for eating with your hands, then applauding top regional talent.

🎯 Ladies Morning @ Amelia Shotgun Sports (Yulee) | Thursday (4/30) at 9:00 AM – If your Thursdays need a little pep that is not another meeting, roll into Amelia Shotgun Sports for Ladies Morning. Think book club, only louder. Sip coffee, chat, try the $85 beginner session with gear and guidance, or shoot with VIP pricing, no pressure.

🐠 Toddler Time: Under the Sea Story & Ocean Craft @ Paisley Grace Makery (Fernandina Beach) | Thursday (4/30) at 10:00 AM – Morning at Paisley Grace Makery means tiny hands, big imagination, and no sand in your car. They’ll dive into Looky Looky Little One, then build a textured ocean scene that works those fine motor, language, and patience muscles while you soak up sweet, screen-free minutes.

🦐 Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival @ Centre Street (Fernandina Beach) | Friday (5/1) at 5:30 PM – Think you can juggle pirates, pageantry, and peel-and-eat pride? Downtown Fernandina turns into a salty circus of boat parades, beards, live music, shrimp-eating bravado, a fleet blessing, and harbor fireworks, best enjoyed with comfy shoes, an elastic waistband, and a healthy respect for seagulls.

🌷 Mom's The Word: Garden Party & Plant Sale @ Hagan Ace Hardware (Callahan) | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – Whether your mom loves petunias or you just need a low-drama Mother's Day win, Hagan Ace in Callahan hosts a one-day garden party and plant sale with plant deals, grilling, refreshments, and 20% off the gift shop. Grab your picks, no rainchecks, while supplies last.

🏃 Shrimp Run 5k @ Main Beach (Fernandina Beach) | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – Shrimp Fest weekend means lacing up before the boil. The Y’s 5K run walk, plus a kids’ mile, lets you earn your shrimp basket, a shiny finisher medal, and maybe bragging rights. Proceeds back drowning prevention for local kids, which actually matters.

🔎 City Wide Scavenger Hunt @ Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Round up 2–6 of your favorite people for Fernandina Beach’s citywide scavenger hunt, a photo-snapping romp through landmarks and tucked-away spots, with prizes on the line. Cardio with bragging rights, a reason to reread the plaques, and proof you know Centre Street from the marina.

Four levels and an elevator define this estate in Amelia Island Plantation’s gated Ocean Club Drive enclave, on over half an acre near the beach. Eight balconies, a culinary top floor with six-burner range and wine cellar, a bar and pool table lounge, screened summer kitchen, in-ground spa, guest apartment pair with a four-car garage, 48KW generator, and hurricane shutters.