2/7/19 @ 8:30 a.m. - The Spring Household Hazardous Waste Collection has been scheduled for Saturday, March 30, 2019 at the Nassau County Convenience Center. Examples of items accepted include hazardous waste such as aerosol cans, batteries, fertilizers, pesticides, paints, paint thinner, propane tanks, oil filters, household cleaners, and fluorescent light bulbs, as well as electronics such as computer monitors, cell phones, cameras, radios, computers, and more. For a complete listing of items accepted, please see the attached flyer.

This event is free with proof of Nassau County residency. No commercial loads will be accepted.

In conjunction with this event, there will also be a food drive for Barnabas. Please consider bringing a non-perishable canned item to donate to the Barnabas pantry to help feed Nassau County residents in need.



What: Spring Household Hazardous Waste Collection and Food Drive Event
When: Saturday, March 30, 2019
      8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (or until trucks reach capacity)
Where: Convenience Recycle Center, 46026 Landfill Rd., Callahan, FL 32011

For additional information, please contact Keep Nassau Beautiful at (904) 261-0165.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

2/6/19 @ 9:30 a.m. - On Tuesday, January 29th, Board Chairman, Justin Taylor, and Billing Supervisor, Margie Drawdy, were guest readers at Yulee Elementary School in honor of Florida's Statewide Literacy Week.

Ms. Drawdy selected The Keeping Quilt which tells the story of a young Russian immigrant who migrated to America with only a dress and a babushka. When she outgrew her dress, her mother used it to begin stitching a quilt. Over time, she added to the quilt using the little girl's clothing as she continued to outgrow them, as well as articles of clothing from other family members back home in Russia. The quilt was passed down through their family for almost a century and symbolized enduring love and faith. Ms. Drawdy said the children were very inquisitive and many shared stories about their own families.

Chairman Taylor selected the book The American Flag which teaches the history and heritage of American symbols such as the U.S. Flag and the bald eagle, and explains why these symbols represent America. Chairman Taylor was impressed by the children's knowledge of our country's history and how each symbol represents our freedom.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

1/18/19 @ 8:15 a.m. - The Health Department has issued a Press Release regarding Partnership for a Healthier Nassau's new Community Health Improvement Plan for years 2019-2021. The unveiling of the new plan will take place on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Red Bean Center.

At the meeting, there will be a special presentation by guest speaker, State Attorney Melissa Nelson, who will share her vision of health for our community. Other key leaders will speak on the progress that has been made to improve the health in Nassau County and will also introduce a new project, Nassau Age-Friendly in Public Health.

What: Unveiling of New Community Health Improvement Plan
When: Wednesday, January 30, 2019 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Where: FSCJ Red Bean Center, Nassau Room (Building 30, Room T-126), 76346 William Burgess Blvd., Yulee, FL 32097

If you have any questions, please contact Mary von Mohr with the Nassau County Department of Health at (904) 557-9133 or via e-mail at Mary.VonMohr@flhealth.gov.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

1/16/19 @ 9:50 a.m. -

The Florida Department of Transportation’s Safe Mobility for Life Program and Coalition has designated January “Lifelong Communities Month,” a first-ever designation that highlights Community Design, Getting Around, Street Safety and Security, and Neighborhood Support Services which are the four main components of a lifelong community.
 
The Safe Mobility for Life Coalition wants to spread the word throughout Florida about Lifelong Communities. The goal is to encourage residents to learn about Florida’s age-friendly initiatives and communities and to consider what they will need to maintain their independence and safe mobility for life.
 
With your help, we can reach Floridians with this important message. Please share the resources and information provided in the toolkit with your network, to help residents discover what is available to keep them connected to community with or without a car.
 
Toolkit includes:

• Lifelong Communities in Florida Video
• “How to Choose Your Lifelong Community — A Transportation Checklist” to download and complete
• Information on AARP Florida’s Age-Friendly Communities and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ Communities for a Lifetime program
• Lifelong Communities Resources
• Tips to Get Involved
• Social Media Posts to Share on Your Social Media Channels

 
Click on the link to view the Lifelong Communities Toolkit: https://fdot.tips/lifelong
 
If you would like more information about FDOT’s Safe Mobility for Life Program or statewide Coalition, contact Gail M. Holley, FDOT Safe Mobility for Life Program Manager at Contact@SafeMobilityFL.com.

If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact Nicolle Masters, Managing Constultant for Global 5, at (407) 571-6768 or via e-mail at NicolleMasters@global-5.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

12/20/18 @ 8:45 a.m. - The next segment of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee's Housing Speaker Series titled "Myths & Truths About Repairing Your Credit" will take place on Wednesday, January 9th at 6:00 p.m. Information on your credit report has a direct affect on your ability to obtain housing. Meg McAlpine, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent for the Nassau County Extension Office, will be there to explain what factors drag your credit score down and what you can begin doing today to correct it.

WHAT: Myths & Truths About Repairing Your Credit
WHEN: Wednesday, January 9, 2019 AT 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Callahan County Building, 45401 Mickler St.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the Department of Planning & Economic Opportunity at (904) 530-6300.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1079737962200374/


Note: The County Extension Office is made up of agents, staff and volunteers that address real-life issues faced by Floridians of all ages. They can provide you with the latest information and advice on a variety of topics including obesity, chronic disease, food, finances, family stresses, housing, nutrition and more. Services are free to Nassau County residents. If you are interested in obtaining help in any of these areas, please call the County Extension Office at (904) 530-6353.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

12/19/18 @ 10:45 a.m. - In July 2018, Nassau County Fire Rescue introduced their new quarterly newsletter, Tailboard, which highlights outstanding achievements, shares stories of rescue, and provides insight to lessons learned by the brave men and women who work tirelessly to protect Nassau County residents and their property.

Attached is Tailboard Issue 2: Year-End Edition.  This edition includes an interview with a local resident who agreed to tell his remarkable story about how Nassau County Fire Rescue saved his life.

We hope you all enjoy this special edition of Tailboard. If you have any questions, please contact Fire Rescue Headquarters at (904) 530-6600.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

12/12/18 @ 8:45 a.m. - Over 100 people were in attendance at a Holiday Celebration last night hosted by the Nassau County Public Library System. The event featured caroling from students of Sonshine Christian Academy and Gray Gables Church, as well as character appearances by Santa, Frosty the Snowman, and Pete the Cat. A great time was had by all!

If you missed last night's event, don't worry! There's still two more events you can attend:



Holiday Celebration
Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
Bryceville Community Center, 7280 Motes Road, Bryceville, FL 32009
This event will feature seasonal stories, music with characters, balloon art, crafts, and more!

Holiday Pajama Party
Monday, December 17, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
Fernandina Beach Library
25 N. 4th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
This event will feature seasonal stories and music with characters. Don't forget to wear your pajamas!

11/28/18 @ 1:45 p.m. - The Fernandina Beach Library Branch will be hosting a Family Holiday Festival this Saturday, December 1st, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. The event will feature a variety of holiday activities including music, stories, crafts, games, balloon art, character appearances and more!

This event is sponsored by the Fernandina Beach Friends of the Library and is free and open to all ages. If you have any questions, please contact Youth Librarian, Michelle Forde, at (904) 530-6506 or via email at mforde@nassaucountyfl.com.

Date: Saturday, December 1, 2018
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Fernandina Beach Branch Library,25 North 4th Street

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

11/30/18 @ 10:00 a.m. - On Tuesday, November 13, 2018, third graders from Fernandina Beach Christian Academy participated in a field trip organized by Commissioner Justin Taylor, where they learned about the three branches of government and had the opportunity to meet with several local leaders to discuss their roles.

Their day began in the County's Commission Chambers where the class heard a presentation by Tax Collector, John Drew, who discussed some of his local and state responsibilities related to collection of property taxes and registering of motor vehicles. Clerk of Courts, John Crawford, then provided the class with an overview of the Declaration of Independence and how it signifies the birth of a nation and America's intent to create its own government. Property Appraiser, Michael Hickox, discussed his role in the fair appraisal of properties, provided a mapping demonstration, and led the class through a tour of his office where they met some of the staff members. The class returned to the Commission Chambers and were greeted by State Representative Cord Byrd and Senator Aaron Bean where they received information on their roles in the Florida Legislature. Their final activity in the Commission Chambers was a mock County Commission Meeting led by Commissioner Taylor. Students acted as Commissioners, heard concerns from their peers, and voted on important issues.

For the final half of the day, the class visited the Robert M. Foster Justice Center where Judge Foster discussed the Judicial Branch and gave the kids a tour of his Courtroom. Their last stop was at the Sheriff's Administration Building where they met Sheriff Leeper to discuss law enforcement in the community, met K9's and toured sheriff vehicles.

All in all, it was a very informative and fun day for those in attendance. The Elected Officials who participated stated that the children were very eager to learn and they truly enjoyed spending time with our future leaders.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

10/17/18 @ 1:40 p.m. - On September 8, 2018, Keep Nassau Beautiful and the Nassau County Solid Waste Department sponsored the first fall Household Hazardous Waste Collection (HHWC) Event on the west side of the County. Prior to this event, a HHWC Event has been held each spring in the middle of the County in Yulee. Due to the population growth and increased demand, a second event was added in 2018. Based on the attached Press Release, the fall event was the largest on record based on participation and the amount of items collected. Nine volunteers provided more than 90 hours of their time to assist unloading and properly disposing of more than 46,800 pounds of hazardous waste. The top items collected included latex paint, electronics, and used oil. The below photo provides a breakdown of all types of items collected.

The Nassau County Solid Waste Department's Annual Tire Amnesty Day was also held on September 8th at the Nassau County Convenience Center in Callahan which resulted in 8.79 tons of waste tires being collected and properly disposed of.

Since the fall HHWC Event proved to be successful, it is anticipated that two events will now be held annually. The spring event has already been scheduled for Saturday, March 30, 2019, so go ahead and mark your calendars! Additional information will be shared as that date gets closer.

For additional information, please visit Keep Nassau Beautiful's website or call them directly at (904) 261-0165.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office