It’s depressing to see print newspapers fail.
I worked for two, one that no longer exists, the Tampa Tribune, and The Binghamton (NY) Sunday and Evening Press, which today is hanging on by a thread.
When I was hired by the Tribune it was the second or third largest circulation paper in Florida. There were six daily newspapers in the Tribune circulation area when I joined it in the late 1960s. Today there is only one, The Tampa Bay Times, and it didn’t even exist in the late 60s.
The Gannett owned Binghamton paper, which I joined later, had a circulation in the early 1970s of almost 60,000, all across the southern tier of New York. The city’s population went from 89,000 to 56,000 as several manufacturing industries were shuttered. The paper’s readers dwindled as well and today it’s a shell of what it once was.
Locally, the Fernandina News Leader remains the area’s oldest and most successful print publication. It hit some rocky spots along the way, including a couple of recent editors who nearly drove it into the ditch with left-leaning piffle. It also had columnists who seemed to think screeching and jeering were the best ways to make their points, along with another whose only topic was herself. Fortunately, all three are gone.
Publisher Todd Frantz has managed to right the ship with columnists that provide informative and thoughtful material that no longer elicits guffaws and wild outrage. And reporters are keeping their opinions out of the traditional news writing formula of who, what, when, where, why and how.
Regaining trust is key to the print media’s survival as recent polls say that today more than two in five Americans have little to no trust in information they get from journalists.
A once promising newcomer, the Nassau Community Press, got off to a good start but recently floundered.
Maybe it expanded too fast and lost sight of its mission of being an objective journalistic vehicle for accountability.
The paper that initially showed so much promise, has turned into a sloppy vehicle unfit to be of much help to anyone in these interesting times.
The most recent edition looked like it was edited by an English-as-a-Second Language dropout and laid out by an alcoholic that fell off the wagon.
Headlines are a paragraph in length while articles abruptly stop and then repeat halfway through. Photos run without captions. Entire front-page articles jump from 12-point typeface to miniscule eight-point typeface. Publisher Melissa Mitchell is a nice gal dedicated to producing a solid paper. But it appears she is overwhelmed. She apparently lost her editor, Jennifer Jennsen, and is currently running a one-woman show.
Columnist Jerry Turk is in a mindless rut. If it wasn’t for President Trump Turk would be mute. His monotonous repetitious hatred for Trump is repeated week-after-week, ad nauseum.
Initially former Time Magazine correspondent, author and columnist Ken Timmerman and I contributed weekly columns. It was embarrassing to be on the opinion pages with this venomous hack, and we made our feeling known. We were told that Turk was a financial contributor to the paper so we both bailed. Neither of us are willing to buy our way into print and didn’t want to appear anywhere near the guy.
A talented and knowledgeable writer that traditionally contributes well thought-out columns is local author and financial guru Pat Keogh. He has written a number of books on finance and understands local government better than most. However, his proximity to Turk’s maniacal word salads must have negatively affected him. His latest piece titled “Trump Announces the Launch of his TDS Acute Care Clinic” was meant to be humorous. I think. If so, it missed the mark by a wide margin but nicely complimented Turk’s blithering piffle on the next page. Pat should stick with finance and local politics, topics he excels at intelligently explaining and analyzing.
Another excellent local columnist is Barb Kent, whose real estate insights offer a refreshing, useful look at buying and selling local property and at what is happening in the Nassau market.
A local online “news” outlet that fails miserably in its mission is the Fernandina Observer, a left-wing haunt edited by former City Commissioner Mike Ledsnovich, who distinguishes himself by what he doesn’t cover and what he doesn’t know.
The outlet acts as newsletter for the City of Fernandina, with Lednovich operating with the understanding that his drivel works best when his audience doesn’t realize it is pure repetitive propaganda.
Lednovich’s most recent and favorite target is the lone reasonable City Commissioner Darron Ayscue. Fresh out of rotten tomatoes to toss, Lednovich has accused Darron of ”bullying” a local citizen while answering a question online and “running and winning his seat unopposed”. No, it’s not satire.
In an attempt to kill what it hates, the Observer is killing itself. RIP.
***
My Election Selections: Several folks have asked me who they should vote for in the August 18 Primary Election.
Instead of recommending candidates I let folks know how I’m casting my vote:
U.S. Senator: Ashley Moody
Governor: Byron Donalds
Chief Financial Officer: Blaise Ingoglia
Commissioner of Agriculture: Matt Taylor
Board of County Commissioners, District 2: Hupp Huppman
Board of County Commissioners, District 4: Alyson McCullough
School Board Member: Angel Cole
City of Fernandina Commissioner: Scott Inglis
City Imitative Ordinance Requiring Voter Approval for Paid Parking in the City of Fernandina: Yes
Nassau County is the Worst Run county in the State regarding property taxes and one of the most WASTEFUL per capita
Out of the 67 counties Nassau’s revenue is 56% generated from property tax-#1 in the state- Fla counties average 25-35% per state Dept of Revenue so when the COMMISSIONERS brag about holding down the millage rate they are deliberately misleading the citizens – over the past 5 years property values have increased from $12B to $18B so the $$ they take from its citizens increased far beyond any reasonable spending need
Per Fla CFO Ingoglia Past 5 years Nassau population increased about 18% while the Nassau County budget increased 96% and he put out a white paper displaying ” Nassau County Waste” of $43m in just a single year
We need fresh ideas in the Commissioners seats unless we want more of the above
I was at a meeting with Hupp before he was elected. I asked him if he was going to vote for Riverstone and he said “No.” Once on office he voted for Riverstone, the huge development at the Southbend of the island that no one wants. You are wrong to support him.
Diane – Hupp is a blows with the wind guy – lies on taxes and budget – Laura Dotson whose family has lived here 45 years is a strong choice
I’m w/you Jen ,he has lied twice on developments……Laura Dotson is my vote.
Our commissioners and local idiots like Mike Leadnodick make me miss my days in third-world countries where and when little kings like them were so easily and expediently removed from significance.
That’s one of the downsides with living in a civilized society of first order: only good people hold themselves in check and accountable—the others take advantage of the rest.
It is largely hoped that the boycott of Poynter puts him out of business. That would be as good a feeling as the tar and feathers treatment that spread to the US from Europe in the late 1700s.
These comments are not hateful They reflect what most people I talk to about local politics feel.
Fortunately, Dave, you cannot vote for a District 2 candidate.
Mr. Scott, Sir, you self-important blowhard.
You last attacked me, saying that if I had my way, people in Europe would be speaking German, questioning my patriotism. Not surprising, but that massive stupidity was aimed at someone you knew and obviously still know nothing about whatsoever. You never responded to my response to you regarding your mindless, silly claims and childish TDS accusations.
You failed to point out that I have consistently, explicitly, and harshly pointed out how totally useless ALL democrats, particularly Biden, have been. NO democrat has done anything whatsoever to restore our once great nation.
You also fail to acknowledge that I voted for Trump 3 times, always hopeful that he would deliver lasting, much-needed results for America. However, instead of blindly supporting anything Trump says or does, as you are, being his lackey, I prefer holding his feet to the fire, expecting him to actually deliver the positive results he clearly falsely promised.
PLEASE point out anything that I have said about Mr. Trump that is not true. Points I have made about Trump and our government for years are easily verified today and/or are simple points of history, about which you apparently know very little or nothing. Absolutely NO ONE wants him to succeed, actually deliver what he promised, but it simply is not happening, and there is no reason to believe, based on his daily actions, that any of them will happen.
Chaos is NOT a strategy; appointing incompetent lackeys to important positions is not smart or helping America; not providing transparency on the Epstein files is not honesty; the list seems endless and growing.
Not being willing to call out the craziness we see daily from this administration or anyone in government from city halls to the Oval Office, is not remotely patriotism.
I have more patriotism, long since proven, in my little finger than you or anyone who continues to blindly accept all of the craziness flowing out of Washington and Mar-a-Lago daily. Again, point out anything I have said that is not true. PLEASE no more childish TDS bull.
I believe Dave can vote for a District 2 candidate…..all of us can. I agree with the negative comments on Hupp. Nice guy and popular musician, but how does he vote? I’ve been waiting for his reelection ballot ever since his Riverstone vote and will go with Laura. Allyson was the only Commissioner who voted against Riverstone. She gets the vote in her district.
The Paid Parking referendum MUST pass to prevent the future expansion of the Downtown experiment. Some say it won’t matter for a program already in place (maybe) but it will matter for future expansion. In that regard everyone should mark YES to put it in the box of having to be run thru the citizens first!!!
And sadly Dave, I told you last year the Yulee News was a rag. Glad you came around.
Good recap of the local media, Dave.
Jerry, thanks for helping to prove Dave’s point about your writings.
Sorry to hear about Nassau County News. It looked like it was taking off- maybe too much too soon. Hope they succeed and that Scott and Timmerman are enticed to return when that happens.
After too many years of long hours and hectic projects, I’m taking some time off to rest and heal- first time since 1965, or I would help out those wonderful people at that publication.
So, the Observer isn’t objectively observing, What else is new?
The News Leader finally made some badly need changes. The former publisher was either highly biased or just clueless. His departure cleared the way for a professional, which cleared the way for a less biased and more competent editor and reporters. Their editorials are still insipid, but news articles and features are much better.
Beyond property tax, Nassau levies a 1% local option sales tax (highest is 2%), $0.12/gal local option motor fuel tax, 5% tourist development tax, ranks 30th in local communications services tax, 37th in public services tax, 24th in building and permit fees (all per capita) out of 67 counties.
Simply put, this largely rural county currently has no where to turn.
More commercial development would reduce the burden on homeowners and increase non-property tax revenue, more housing developments maintain the status quo.
Commercial growth is the challenge for county commissioners–data center anyone?
Hey Turk- are you just a knowing liar or stupid – here’s just a sampling of what’s been achieved under difficult circumstances
USAID and the “Institute for Peace” closed
Negative net migration for the first time in 50 years
2.6 million+ illegal aliens removed (including 650,000 arrests and 400,000 convicted criminals) + 2 million self-deportations induced by ending incentives
Fentanyl trafficking crushed 56%+; overdose deaths down 21% monthly since inauguration
Laken Riley Act signed and aggressively enforced
Catch-and-release ended (99.9% drop); zero releases into the U.S. for eight straight months
Record-low border encounters; Darién Gap migration cut 99%
Largest one-year homicide drop in U.S. history; violent crime (rapes, robberies, assaults) down significantly
Targeted crime operations in major blue cities delivering record-low murders in several metros
Law enforcement officer deaths down 25%
Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and other cartels dismantled; international drug cartels designated as foreign terrorist organizations
Antifa designated a domestic terrorist organization
record U.S. energy production and exports at all-time highs
654,000+ new private-sector jobs (all net gains to native-born Americans); 671,000+ jobs added since January 2025
4.3% GDP growth in Q3 2025; largest blue-collar wage growth in 60 years; real earnings up ~$1,100 annually
Inflation tamed to ~2.4% core CPI (down ~70% from Biden peak)
One Big Beautiful Bill passed (July 2025) — making 2017 tax cuts permanent, No Tax on Tips, Trump Accounts for newborns, senior deductions
$5T+ in deregulation savings + $215 billion in government efficiency cuts ($1,335 per taxpayer)
$10T+ in reshored/domestic investments secured
Trade deficit at lowest level since 2009; $300 billion+ in tariff revenues collected; Predatory global tariffs shifted in the US’s favor for the first time in modern history
Stock market record highs
Gaza ceasefire + hostage release secured; multiple additional peace deals/accords (Armenia-Azerbaijan, India-Pakistan, DRC-Rwanda, Cambodia-Thailand, Kosovo-Serbia, Egypt-Ethiopia)
Iran’s nuclear capability destroyed + maximum pressure campaign (450+ sanctions designations)
NATO allies leaping toward 5% GDP defense spending
OPEC dismantling
85+ detained Americans released; Abraham Accords expanded
Strikes on Houthis, Iranian assets, and narcoterrorist vessels; Nicolás Maduro captured
South America shifts rightwards; Europe shifts rightwards
Record military recruitment goals met; largest military investment in decades with AI integration; F-47 sixth-generation fighter unveiled
VA backlog reduced 60%; 3 million disability claims processed; 51,936 homeless veterans housed; benefits restored for vaccine-mandate discharges
Transgender enlistment barred; DEI eliminated across military and federal agencies
Over 269 executive orders signed in the term (230 in first year alone — highest first-year total since FDR); 81 memoranda + 158 proclamations
DOGE-driven bureaucracy cuts; IRS IT budget savings of $2B; wasteful contracts eliminated; federal retirement system automated and brought out of a literal coal mine
Jerry Turk’s column in the Yulee News needs to be discontinued. His constant negative view of the world and this country is not valuable and does not contribute to anything but more hatred. If he is so unhappy, he needs to leave and maybe check out North Korea. The Observer seems to be running out of news stories. Lednovich is really obsessed with the flight school traffic at the Fernandina Beach airport. It does not surprise me he cannot find anyting of more value to print. The Oberver is useless
Turk- partial list of Trump accomplishments USAID and the “Institute for Peace” closed
Negative net migration for the first time in 50 years
2.6 million+ illegal aliens removed (including 650,000 arrests and 400,000 convicted criminals) + 2 million self-deportations induced by ending incentives
Fentanyl trafficking crushed 56%+; overdose deaths down 21% monthly since inauguration
Laken Riley Act signed and aggressively enforced
Catch-and-release ended (99.9% drop); zero releases into the U.S. for eight straight months
Record-low border encounters; Darién Gap migration cut 99%
Largest one-year homicide drop in U.S. history; violent crime (rapes, robberies, assaults) down significantly
Targeted crime operations in major blue cities delivering record-low murders in several metros
Law enforcement officer deaths down 25%
Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and other cartels dismantled; international drug cartels designated as foreign terrorist organizations
Antifa designated a domestic terrorist
record U.S. energy production and exports at all-time highs
654,000+ new private-sector jobs (all net gains to native-born Americans); 671,000+ jobs added since January 2025
4.3% GDP growth in Q3 2025; largest blue-collar wage growth in 60 years; real earnings up ~$1,100 annually
Inflation tamed to ~2.4% core CPI (down ~70% from Biden peak)
One Big Beautiful Bill passed (July 2025) — making 2017 tax cuts permanent, No Tax on Tips, Trump Accounts for newborns, senior deductions
$5T+ in deregulation savings + $215 billion in government efficiency cuts ($1,335 per taxpayer)
$10T+ in reshored/domestic investments secured
Trade deficit at lowest level since 2009; $300 billion+ in tariff revenues collected; Predatory global tariffs shifted in the US’s favor for the first time in modern history
Stock market record highs
Gaza ceasefire + hostage release secured; 12 multiple additional peace deals/accords (Armenia-Azerbaijan, India-Pakistan, DRC-Rwanda, Cambodia-Thailand, Kosovo-Serbia, Egypt-Ethiopia)
Iran’s nuclear capability destroyed + maximum pressure campaign (450+ sanctions designations)
Need to point out an omission or likely a typo on my part for my comment above; it should read as CAPITALIZED below;
Absolutely NO ONE wants Trump to succeed, improve our country, MORE THAN I DO, but to do so he must actually deliver what he promised; however, it is not happening, and there is no reason to believe, based on his daily actions, that it will happen.
So as they say, MY BAD. I believe most people, likely not Dave, would realize it to be a typo, but if not, hopefully this clarifies my point. I love this country and want to see it be Great Again, but what we are seeing daily from ALL of our politicians is not doing America any good.
Great list Jen…..the liberals cannot accept his success, regardless of how well he has done.
Hats off to Jen Wanta – she listed a multitude of accomplishments under Donald Trump’s administration which, if all one follows is the liberal lame stream media outlets, one would have missed. Bravo 👍
Glad to hear that someone- Mike Lednovich- is now “obsessed with the flight school traffic at our airport”. I just wish that when he was our Mayor and could have done something about it he did not act.
The current touch and goes are constant from ~7:30 am-5:00 pm every day. They don’t pay anything for using the airport to train and charge their clients and disturb our peace without any thought or care of the noise they make.
Why doesn’t our City Commission make a move to stop this major annoyance. Is someone getting paid from L3 Harris or other flight schools for ignoring this obvious
travesty causing some residents to have actually moved off the island.
I am disappointed in the endorsements for City Commission seat 4. I did not expect Dave’s endorsement as since 2015 Dave has consistently posted negative comments about me. Except in March 14, 2025, when he posted the following about columns I was writing in the “News Leader.” “Len Krege’s recent opinion articles in the “Fernandina Beach News Leader” are a welcome addition to the Community conservations. ” Dave completes his comments, “A healthy benefits from diverse viewpoints presented with civility and supporting evidence, and Mr. Kregers’ articles contribute to that goal.
I hope that people will review the records and qualifications of Candidates before voting,
I have and you are a has been…never again
Barry, the most interesting is the airport has a “development” plan being put together with a roll out in Oct. One would think what the “plan” shows would be needed before the city budget shows they plan to expend 5+million next year on airport “improvements”. IMO, the place is as improved as it need be for a back water landing strip built out already to major airport status.
Mr. Turk … You say you’re not a democrat socialist, but you sure act like one. Jen did a great job of listing all the things President Trump has done for this country after the demolition from the left. You have not given any facts to support your stance which is typical of the left. Yes, none of the global elites want President Trump in office because he owes nothing to no one and is breaking down the cartel who wants to destroy America.
Agree 100% he needs to find another country