FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Valerie Feinberg, AICP
Assistant Director, PEO Department
(904) 530-6300
vfeinberg@nassaucountyfl.com
 
WESTERN NASSAU TOWN HALL MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2019: VISION BOOK RELEASE
 
Nassau County, Florida, November 1, 2019 - Nassau County will host a Town Hall meeting on November 12th, 2019 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Nassau County Multi-Use Facility at the Fairgrounds to present the Western Nassau Heritage Preservation Vision Book. On October 1, 2019, after a year and a half of community outreach and engagement, the draft Vision Book was presented to the County Planning and Zoning Board. The Vision Book was approved by the Western Nassau Heritage Preservation Committee during the October 22nd regular meeting. 
 
We are pleased to invite the community to a family-friendly event to celebrate the work of the dedicated citizens of Western Nassau County.  Join us as we reveal the top goals, objective and strategies that emerged from our community planning process.
 
Please join the County on Tuesday, November 12th, 2019 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Nassau County Multi-Use Facility at the Fairgrounds located on 543350 US Hwy 1, Callahan, FL 32011. For more information, call (904) 530-6300 or email planninginfo@nassaucountyfl.com.
 
Our partners will be on hand to highlight programs and services available to the community.  Children can participate in a hands-on craft activity sponsored by Nassau County Extension staff.  Nassau Fire and Rescue will showcase a fire truck and rescue vehicle and distribute Safe Routes to School reflective armbands and other safety materials. Refreshments will be served following a brief welcome and project summary by Nassau County staff.
 
Residents will have an opportunity to speak with representatives from the Department of Health-Nassau Nassau Transit, Micah’s Place, Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council, Nassau County Emergency Management, North Florida Land Trust, and others.
 
Beginning in 2017, the Nassau County Department of Planning and Economic Opportunity (PEO) facilitated an extensive public outreach campaign to gather input from residents, property and business owners, local agencies to craft their vision for the future.  The resulting vision provides guidelines for policy makers as they set priorities and make decisions about the future of Western Nassau.  Information on the work of the Western Nassau Heritage Preservation Committee and the Vision Book can be found at www.nassaucountyfl.com/westernnassau.
 
The Nassau County Planning and Economic Opportunity Department is charged with leading long-range and current planning for the community, with a focus on technical planning, implementation and management of the Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan, development and site plan review, and assistance to citizens, the Board of County Commissioners, County Manager and other staff, advisory boards, government agencies, and the private sector regarding growth and development in Nassau County. For more information on our Plan, Code, or current initiatives, visit www.nassaucountyfl.com/planning, call (904) 530-6300 or email planninginfo@nassaucountyfl.com.
 

 
 
 

10/30/19 @ 5:25 p.m. - On Tuesday, October 15th, Nassau County Fire Rescue visited Faith Christian Academy for a fire prevention presentation. The children learned about what to do in case of a fire, dialing 9-1-1 during an emergency and safety techniques like "stop, drop and roll". They were a very attentive and fun group of kids!

If you would like to arrange for Fire/Rescue to speak to your school or special interest room, please contact Fire/Rescue Headquarters at (904) 530-6600 or email Chief Ridgon at brigdon@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Administrative Manager, County Manager’s Office
(904) 530-6010
srobertson@nassaucountyfl.com
 
DATE SET FOR UNVEILING OF DERRICK HENRY SIGN
 
Nassau County, Florida, October 9, 2019– On Friday, November 15, 2019, the Board of County Commissioners will host an Unveiling Ceremony for the long-awaited customized sign in honor of 2015 Heisman Trophy Winner, Derrick Henry. We are so excited that this project is coming to fruition and that we can finally give Mr. Henry the recognition he deserves! And we are even more excited that Derrick Henry will be able to join us at the event!
 
As many of you know, the Board approved a Resolution in January 2016 in support of a request to the Florida Department of Transportation to place signs on State Road 200 and US 17, both State roads. The Board has been seeking donations since that time to assist with the costs for permitting and construction of the signs. In April 2019, the Board determined that enough funds had been raised to complete construction of one sign to be placed on State Road 200 at the old Sheriff’s Administration Office.
 
A big thank you for the following individuals and businesses who made donations:

• Peggy Snyder
• Vivian Hardy
• Charles Langley
• Roger & Brenda Linville
• R.N. and G.M. Murff
• George & Marilyn Spicer
• David C. Howard
• Springer Controls Co.
• Isadore Singleton and Wayne DeArman
• Judith Clance Lynch
• Johnnie and Gerald Enter, Jr.
• Gerard & Erika Jackson
• Ann Gaskin
• Beverly R. Hall
• Paul & Susan Borge
• Caroline W. Wyatt
• John & Laura Nicholson
• Florida Public Utilities
• R.P.M. Wood Products, Inc.
• Rayonier
• Doug & Janet Adkins
• Vicki Courter/Step by Step
• Mike & Abbey Drury
• Jenny Timberlake
• Jay Robertson
• Coach Pat Dunlap
• Amanda Burkett
• Kristi Stambersky
• Darrell & Sharon Blanton
• Tom Leonard
• Eric Foote
• John & Donna Martin
• Kelly Starratt
• One anonymous donor

 
We would also like to extend our gratitude to Officer Jenny Timberlake and the Yulee Historic Council for creating a Go Fund Me Page for donations and renewing the public’s interest in this project. Thanks to their efforts, we finally have the funding needed to fund the first sign. A second sign will be placed on the old elementary school property on US 17, just north of Pages Dairy Rd.
 
EVENT DETAILS:
 
WHAT: Unveiling Ceremony for Welcome to Yulee-Home of 2015 Heisman Trophy Winner, Derrick Henry
 
WHERE: Old Sheriff’s Administration Building, 50 Bobby Moore Circle, Yulee, FL 32097
 
WHEN: Friday, November 15, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.
 
Note: The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office will be on site to provide traffic and crowd control. We are looking into options for overflow parking and possible passenger vans to transport individuals to the property if needed.
 
We look forward to seeing everyone at the event. If you have any questions, please contact the County Manager’s Office at (904) 530-6010.
 
 
           
           

10/8/19 @ 1:45 p.m. - On Friday, September 27, 2019, the Board of County Commissioners hosted a Ground Breaking Ceremony in celebration of the upcoming construction of Nassau Crossing Park which will be located east of I-95, off of William Burgess Blvd. The park will feature a variety of amenities for people of all ages including multi-use trails, playground equipment, restrooms, picnic areas, multi-purpose fields, and more.

The park is a result of a public-private partnership between the County and developer, Matovina & Company. For additional information regarding this project, please click here.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

10/7/19 @ 4:45 p.m. - On Monday, September 23, 2019, the Board of County Commissioners hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in celebration of the opening of the new Bailey-Simmons Multi-Use Trail. The trail is the eastern half of the overall Amelia River-to-Sea trail and has access to various parks, beach accesses, and a variety of shopping and dining venues.

To read the original press release about the event and the trail, please click here.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

9/26/19 @ 4:50 p.m. - Nassau County and Keep Nassau Beautiful will host a Household Hazardous Waste Event and Food Collection Drive for Barnabas on Saturday, October 26, 2019.

This event is for collection of materials that should not be thrown in the regular trash. Examples include:

-Paint, paint thinners, solvents
-Aerosol cans
-Household cleaners
-Pool chemicals
-Fertilizers and pesticides
-Propane tanks
-Radiator fluid, oil filters, oil/lubricants (used)
-Fluorescent bulbs
-Batteries
-Electronic devices such as computers, camcorders, power tools, keyboards, radios, televisions, desk and mobile phones, and more!

Please see the attached flyer for a complete listing.

DATE: Saturday, October 26, 2019
TIME: 8:00 a.m. - Noon (or until trucks reach capacity)
LOCATION: Nassau County Road Department, 86200 Gene Lassere Blvd., Yulee, FL 32097

This event is free with proof of Nassau County residency. No commercial disposal without prior approval. Small businesses should call in advance for pricing at (352) 334-0440.

PLEASE BRING A NON-PERISHABLE CANNED ITEM TO DONATE TO THE BARNABAS FOOD PANTRY.

Please contact Keep Nassau Beautiful at (904) 261-0165 with questions.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

9/20/19 @ 1:45 p.m. -

Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Administrative Manager, County Manager’s Office
(904) 530-6010
srobertson@nassaucountyfl.com
 

Ground Breaking Ceremony in Celebration of Nassau Crossing Park
 
Nassau County, Florida, September 20, 2019 – On Friday, September 27, 2019, the Board of County Commissioners will host a Ground Breaking Ceremony in celebration of the upcoming construction of Nassau Crossing Park. This park is the result of a public-private partnership between the Board of County Commissioners and the developer, Matovina & Company.
 
Matovina & Company has donated the land and will fund construction of the 15 acre park. In exchange, the County will provide impact fee credits to the developer. Public Private Partnerships allow much needed amenities to be constructed now at a more affordable rate.  
 
District Three County Commissioner, Pat Edwards, stated, “The Yulee area is growing quickly and additional recreational space is greatly needed. We are so grateful for this partnership with Matovina and Company and look forward to opening a wonderful new park for the community”.
 
The park will be located east of I-95, off William Burgess Boulevard and will feature many amenities for people of all ages including:

• 2.5 miles of multi-use trails
• Boardwalks, nature trails and viewing platforms
• Multi-purpose sports field
• Children’s play equipment
• Restrooms
• Picnic areas
• Gazebos
• Outdoor fitness stations
• Open green space
• Community plaza complete with historic train caboose

 
Greg Matovina, President of Matovina and Company, stated, “We are proud to partner with Nassau County to develop Nassau Crossing Park to meet the recreational needs of current and future residents of the County”.
 
The Ground Breaking Ceremony will be held on Friday, September 27, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. on William Burgess Blvd., between Harts Road and the Railroad Track. The public is invited to attend. Just look for the white tents!
 
For additional information, please contact the Nassau County the Department of Planning & Economic Opportunity at (904) 530-6300.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Administrative Manager, County Manager’s Office
(904) 530-6010
srobertson@nassaucountyfl.com.
 
 
Ribbon Cutting Event for Bailey-Simmons Multi-Use Trail
 
 
Nassau County, Florida, September 13, 2019 – On Monday, September 23, 2019 at 4:00 p.m., the Board of County Commissioners will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in celebration of the opening of the new Bailey-Simmons Multi-Use Trail in Fernandina Beach.
 
The County, with funding from the Florida Department of Transportation’s Local Agency Program (LAP), completed construction of the 10’ Wide, 1.8 mile-long multi-use trail which stretches from the Atlantic Ocean (Beach Access #30) to the Ybor Alvarez Sports Complex on Bailey Road. This segment of trail is the eastern half of the overall Amelia River-to-Sea Trail.
 
Board of County Commissioner’s Chairman, Justin Taylor, stated, “The Board is committed to creating healthy recreation and transportation opportunities for people of all ages and abilities in Nassau County. The trail has access to various parks, beach accesses, and a variety of shopping and dining venues. We are so excited to celebrate its opening with the community”.   
 
Crane Island Development enhanced the trail by extending it from the Ybor Sports Complex to the Amelia River and adding colorful landscaping. Jack Healan, Developer for Crane Island, stated, “We are thrilled to be part of the new Amelia River-to-Sea Trail and felt that extending the path into Crane Island would provide opportunity for residents to catch one of the amazing sunsets on the river”.
 
The Bailey-Simmons Multi-Use Trail project is the result of successful collaborative efforts by Nassau County, the City of Fernandina Beach, the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization, Florida Department of Transportation, Crane Island Development, Friends of the Amelia Island Trail, Inc., and supportive local citizens.
 
For additional information, please contact the Nassau County Engineering Services Department at 904-530-6225.

8/22/19 @ 12:45 p.m.

Attention Nature Lovers! The Florida Master Naturalist Program is offering an Uplands Module this Summer.
UF/IFAS Nassau County Extension along with community partners is offering an Uplands module beginning September 9 and ending October 2, 2019. This core course will provide classroom, field trip and practical experience as related to the Upland Systems of Florida. Classroom instruction will cover ecology, habitats, vegetation, wildlife and conservation issues for Florida’s... Hardwood forests, pinelands, scrub, dry prairie and rangelands as well as urban green spaces. Field trips will focus on providing students with real-life examples of these systems in Nassau County.
The only requirements of students are enthusiasm, attendance, and class project participation! Hurry up and reserve your spot today!
The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) is an adult education UF/IFAS Extension program developed by the University of Florida and provided by professionals throughout the state of Florida. FMNP training will benefit persons interested in learning more about Florida’s environment or wishing to increase their knowledge for use in education programs as volunteers, employees, ecotourism guides and others.
Please register at: http://masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/ and for further questions please call 904-530-6350.

-Justina Dacey
 Nassau County Extension Office

8/2/19 @ 1:27 p.m. - On July 30, 2019 a community meeting was held to provide information, discuss construction schedule options, and present plans for improvements to Pages Dairy Road.  After brief introductions, staff provided a presentation covering the project goals, history, future plans, and schedule impacts for the Pages Dairy Road Widening and Resurfacing project. (A copy of this presentation is here for anyone interested in reviewing it). At the conclusion of the presentation many options for construction scheduling were discussed including the following:

• Day work beginning after completion of the FDOT improvements to SR 200.
• Night work beginning in January 2020, with lanes reopening to traffic during the daytime.  Residents were informed of the construction noise, lighting, and vibrations they would experience if night work was pursued.
• Continuous shift work to complete the project as soon as possible.

 
After discussion the community consensus preferred pursuing the project as nighttime work, allowing for completion of the project sooner while also addressing the traffic concerns during the daytime hours.
 
The community also provided comments regarding existing drainage issues they hoped would be addressed with this project.  Engineers with the County and with the design firm Connelly & Wicker will meet with the concerned residents to discuss the drainage issues raised.
 
The FDOT project for 2021-2022 to replace the Lofton Creek Bridge was a major topic of discussion revolving around the proposed elevation of the new bridge and its ability to provide safe passage during major flood events, as well as the clearance under the bridge for boats and kayaks. The latest round of FDOT bridge plans show the bridge will be constructed at the same elevation and have the same clearance as the existing bridge structure. FDOT had the following response to our inquiry:
 
 “The bridge profile and drift clearances were thoroughly investigated during the PD&E Phase.  We evaluated raising the profile 3.5’ to achieve the required clearance.  We determined this is not a feasible option since it would significantly increase the project limits, R/W requirements, environmental impacts, and construction cost. This was well documented in the Bridge Development Report and the Design Variation prepared for the drift clearance. “ 
 
Finally, the load rating for the existing bridge and the proposed bridge was discussed, along with safety and maintenance concerns regarding large trucks utilizing Pages Dairy Road for access. FDOT had the following response to our inquiries regarding load ratings:
 
“The existing bridge is rated up to 45.2 tons (HS 20 vehicle).  Our records show this bridge did have weight limit signs posted previously.  The bridge posting requirements were lifted based on a load rating performed in 1996 .  We assume the County subsequently removed the signs when the new load rating confirmed the posting limits were no longer required.”
 
“The proposed bridge is rated up to 95.5 tons (FL 120 vehicle) and will support all design, legal and permit vehicles as defined in the FDOT Load Rating Manual.”
 
With this information from FDOT, it is clear the existing users of the roadway will be able to continue to use the roadway, including larger vehicles.  When construction on SR 200 is complete, the number of larger vehicles using Pages Dairy as a bypass should be greatly diminished.

If you have any questions, please contact Robert Companion at (904) 530-6225 or via email at rcompanion@nassaucountyfl.com.