Fernandina Beach Harris Teeter Evacuated Over Gas Issue

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) initiated a hazardous materials investigation at the Harris Teeter supermarket on First Coast Highway Tuesday afternoon, prompting evacuations of the grocery store and surrounding businesses. Deputies arrived around 3 p.m. to address reports of a possible gas-related issue, using drones to aid the search, according to an NCSO social media post cited by News4JAX. Evacuations were ordered out of an abundance of caution, with the public asked to avoid the area during the probe. Just one hour later, all clearances were given, allowing shoppers to return. NCSO confirmed no threat to the public, though the exact source of the gas issue remains undetermined as of the latest updates. For Hilliard residents, the incident underscores regional public safety vigilance along the Nassau County corridor, roughly 30 miles northeast via U.S. 301 from the Baker County line. First Coast Highway, a key route for locals heading to Fernandina Beach amenities, saw temporary disruptions but no lasting impact. This comes amid Florida's heightened focus on emergency preparedness, with a tropical depression forming in the Gulf threatening the Panhandle and Governor Ron DeSantis activating 500 National Guard members for spring storm response. Nassau County's quick action aligns with statewide trends in public safety, contrasting urban incidents like the Orlando nightclub shooting that left three dead. Hilliard-area shoppers frequenting Harris Teeter for its proximity can resume normal visits, as the store fully reopened post-incident. NCSO stated more details would follow as available, with no injuries reported.