5/3/19 @ 2:15 p.m. - Nassau County will be hosting two outreach events in May to discuss the results of the County's Vulnerability Assessment, floodplain management, protection strategies for flooding and flood zones and flood insurance. We are looking for input from members of the community regarding areas prone to flooding and changes you're seen over time with regards to flooding.

Please see the attached Press Release for additional information including the event schedule.

If you have any questions, call the Department of Planning & Economic Opportunity or email planninginfo@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/20/19 0 The Department of Planning & Economic Opportunity has issued a Press Release containing dates and times for community outreach events for discussions of the Timber to Tides Trail corridor design initiative for State Road 200/A1A.

The County would like to hear from residents, business and visitors about your vision for State Road 200. Please join members of the Department of Planning Opportunity at any of the community events to learn more about the initiative and to share your ideas. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/14/19 @ 4:45 p.m. - IT'S NATIONAL FLOOD AWARENESS WEEK!

Knowing what to do before a flood occurs increases your chances or survival and better protect your property. While sometimes floods develop slowly as rains continue to fall, however sometimes flash floods can occur within minutes. Being prepared can save your life and give you peace of mind.

Create a Communications Plan
It is important to be able to communicate with your family and friends in the event of a disaster. Whether it is having a specific person identified to contact for status updates or a safe location to meet up with family members, having a plan in place will give you peace of mind if disaster does strike.

Assemble an Emergency Kit
It is good practice to have enough food, water and medicine on hand at all times to last you at least 3 days in the case of an emergency. Water service may be interrupted or unsafe to drink and food requiring little cooking and no refrigeration may be needed if electric power is interrupted. You should also have batteries, blankets, flashlights, first aid kit, rubber boots, rubber gloves, and a NOAA Weather Radio or other battery operated radio easily available.

Know Your Risk
Is your home, business or school in a floodplain? Where is water likely to collect on the roadways you most often travel? What is the fastest way to get to higher ground? Knowing the answers to these questions ahead of time can save your life. Check your property using the Property Appraiser's website.
Search for your property, click on the parcel identification number, and then click "Map This Parcel". Once the aerial view opens, go to "Map Layers" and click "Environmental - Flood Zones Effective August 2017" from the drop down menu.

Sign Up for Notifications
Sign up for Emergency Alerts here. You can sign up to receive alerts via call, text, or email.

Prepare Your Home
Sometimes floods develop slowly and forecasters can anticipate where a flood will happen days or weeks before it occurs. Oftentimes flash floods can occur within minutes and sometimes without any sign of rain. Being prepared can save your life and give you peace of mind.

1. If you have access to sandbags or other materials, use them to protect your home from flood waters if you have sufficient time to do so. Filling sandbags can take more time than you may think.
2. Have a professional install check-valves in plumbing to prevent flood waters from backing up into the drains of your home. Make sure your sump pump is working and consider having a backup. Make sure your electric circuit breakers, or fuses, are clearly marked for each area of your home.
3. Since standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flooding, ensure coverage by contacting your insurance company or agent to purchase flood insurance. This must be done before there is even a threat of flooding as insurance companies stop issuing policies if there is a threat of flooding. (i.e. an approaching hurricane). Many flood insurance policies take at least 30 days to go into effect so even if you can buy it as a storm is approaching, it may not protect your investment.

Prepare Your Family/Pets
You may be evacuated, so pack in advance. Don't wait until the last moment to gather the essentials for yourself, your family and/or your pets.

Charge Your Essential Electronics
Make sure your cell phone and portable radios are all charged in case you lose power or need to evacuate. Also make sure you have back-up batteries on hand.

Leave
If it is likely your home will flood, don't wait to be ordered to leave; evacuate yourself! Make alternative plans for a place to stay. If you have pets, take them with you or make arrangements to board them at a facility well away from the flooding danger.

Source: www.weather.gov/safety/flood-before

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/14/19 @ 1:45 p.m. -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Adrienne Burke
Assistant Director, PEO Department
(904) 530-6300
aburke@nassaucountyfl.com
 
COUNTY INFORMATION REGARDING SOUTH AMELIA ISLAND PARCEL
 
Nassau County, Florida, March 14, 2019 -  In response to the Fernandina Beach News Leader article in today’s edition, the County offers the following information regarding Parcel 39-1N-29-0000-0001-0000.
 
The site is approximately 55.5 acres. The zoning classification is Residential General - Two (RG-2). RG-2 allows for structures up to seven (7) stories and 85 feet in height. 

The Future Land Use Map designation of Medium Density Residential (MDR) allows for the property to be developed at three dwelling units per upland acre. The property has an existing entitlement of approximately 150 dwelling units.

Based on existing entitlements under the current land use and zoning designations, the site could be developed with roughly 150 dwelling units allocated between a series of (up to) seven (7) story buildings standing 85' in height.  To do anything else on the property would require a Future Land Use Map amendment and rezoning.

Under existing land use and zoning, a proposed project would require going through the County’s Development Review Committee and development processes. Changes to land use and zoning would also require following County processes. The Nassau County Planning and Economic Opportunity Department has not received any applications for development. Because of that, the specific process to follow has not been initiated.

Nassau County has had an initial discussion with the development team regarding the site. As explained to the County, the development team are currently conducting due diligence on the property including soil samples, tree surveys, etc. which involves a minimal level of site work.
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.
 
-Adrienne Burke, Assistant Director
 Department of Planning & Economic Opportunity

3/13/19 @ 4:00 p.m. - The Department of Planning & Economic Opportunity has issued a Press Release regarding the recently approved changes to the County's Land Development Code to allow Accessory Dwellings County-wide. The changes originated from a subcommittee of the County's Affordable Housing Advisory Committee who were tasked with making draft changes to the Code.

Accessory Dwellings are defined as a self-contained residential unit that is an accessory to a single-family home and on the same parcel. It has its own bathroom, kitchen facilities, living and sleeping areas, though it can share other features with the single-family home including the yard, parking, storage or laundry facilities. Accessory Dwellings are seen nationwide as a practice for addressing affordable housing issues.

Please see the attached Press Release to learn more about Accessory Dwellings and the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/13/19 @ 9:00 a.m. - IT'S NATIONAL FLOOD AWARENESS WEEK!

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster and can happen anywhere. While those living in flood-prone areas are required to have flood insurance, those in low to moderate risk areas do not.

Flood damage is not covered by most homeowners insurance policies. If you don't have flood insurance and a natural disaster occurs, the costs can be catastrophic to your family. Just one inch of water can cause up to $25,000 in damage to your home or apartment.




WHY DO I NEED FLOOD INSURANCE?

FACT: Floods are the nation’s most common and costly natural disaster and cause millions of dollars in damage every year.

FACT: Homeowners and renters insurance does not typically cover flood damage.

FACT: Floods can happen anywhere--More than 20 percent of flood claims come from properties outside the high risk flood zone. Check out this video The Big Cost of Flooding

FACT: Flood insurance can pay regardless of whether or not there is a Presidential Disaster Declaration

FACT: Most federal disaster assistance comes in the form of low-interest disaster loans from U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and you have to pay them back. FEMA offers disaster grants that don't need to be paid back, but this amount is often much less than what is needed to recover. A claim against your flood insurance policy could and often does, provide more funds for recovery than those you could qualify for from FEMA or the SBA--and you don't have to pay it back.

FACT: Wildfires dramatically change landscape and ground conditions, which can lead to increased risk of flooding due to heavy rains, flash flooding and mudflows.

HOW CAN I BUY FLOOD INSURANCE?

Watch these informative videos: How Can I Buy Flood Insurance; What Do I Need to Know About Flood Insurance Coverage

To learn more about factors that determine the cost of flood insurance, watch this video: What Factors Determine How Much I Pay for Flood Insurance.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/12/19 @ 9:30 a.m. - IT'S FLOOD AWARENESS WEEK!

Did you know that almost half of deaths related to floods happens in a vehicle?  A representative from the National Weather Service stated, "People underestimate the force and power of water. Many of these deaths occur in automobiles that are swept downstream. Many of these drownings are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers that warn you the road is flooded".

The road bed beneath the flood could be severely damaged and it's impossible to tell the exact depth of the water or the condition of the surface beneath. This is why you should NEVER attempt to drive through a flooded road. Remember that it only takes a few feet of water to carry away a vehicle. This includes trucks and SUVs.

The National Weather Service's campaign, "Turn Around, Don't Drown", attempts to educate individuals of just how dangerous a few inches of water can be. Any time you come to a flooded road, walkway or path, remember to "Turn Around, Don't Drown".

Should you find yourself in a scenario where no reasonable alternative exists but to drive through the water, safety officials recommend that you:

• Do your best to estimate the depth of the water.
• Drive slowly and steadily through.
• Watch for items traveling downstream that could trap or crush your vehicle.
• Test your brakes on a clear patch of road at low speeds after driving through water up to the wheel rims or higher to ensure they're dry and working properly.
• Keep in mind that if your vehicle stalls in the deep water and you're forced to restart, irreparable damage could occur to the engine.
• Immediately abandon your vehicle and head for higher ground if you can't restart and become trapped in rising water. Try to open the door or roll down the window to exit, and call 911 or try to get the attention of someone nearby to call for help.
  

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/11/19 @ 8:45 a.m. - It's National Flood Awareness Week!

Heavy rains and severe weather are common in the spring and with it comes an increased risk for flooding. Just a few inches of rain is enough to over-saturate the ground, overfill drain storms, and cause rivers to spill over their banks. Intense rainfall can also cause flash flooding in low-lying areas.

Did you know that most standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage? Even a small flood can cause catastrophic damage to your home yet many homeowners remain uninsured. The average claim for flood damage is around $34,000 and most survivors can't afford to pay this cost of of pocket. With about 20% of claims occurring in moderate-to-low risk zones, it's important to remember that everyone is at risk for flooding. If you don't have flood insurance, stop shopping now. Don't forget that it typically takes 30 days for new policies to get into effect so don't wait.

Attached is FEMA's Spring Flood Fact Sheet which contains information on flooding, ways to reduce your risk, creating an emergency plan, and what to do should become a victim of flooding.

Visit FEMA's website Ready.Gov for more on family preparedness for flooding and other types of emergencies.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Adrienne Burke
Assistant Director, PEO Department
(904) 530-6300
aburke@nassaucountyfl.com

COUNTY KICKS OFF A1A/SR200 CORRIDOR DESIGN PLAN
 
Nassau County, Florida, March 1, 2019 -  The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners and Planning and Economic Opportunity Department are kicking off a major corridor design plan for a 13 mile segment of A1A/SR200 in Yulee. The planning process is envisioned to be completed by the end of 2019.
 
The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners has engaged GAI Consultants to work with the County in completing a corridor design plan for the State Road 200/A1A/ Buccaneer Trail Corridor from Police Lodge Road west of I-95 and continuing east to the Intracoastal Waterway, approximately 13.18 miles. The study will provide specific recommendations for segments identified along the SR 200/A1A Corridor including but not limited to: creation of place-based segments along the Corridor; context-sensitive land use and zoning recommendations; design and implementation strategies for signage, wayfinding, and identity; and low impact design strategies for addressing stormwater in a comprehensive way.

Envisioned as the Timber to Tides Trail, the goals of the study are to transform SR 200/A1A into a place that functions not just as a major roadway, but a place that provides different opportunities for living and working, and creates a sense of place in Nassau County based on our community’s history, character, and quality of life. The County seeks a plan for the Corridor so that it will be functional and of value to the community over the long-term. The study will emphasize community identity, enhance the public realm and streetscape, encourage recreation and bicycle and pedestrian activity, promote compact mixed-use development patterns, and improve environmental quality and floodplain management, while also attracting private investment and making use of already developed sites.
 
Public engagement and outreach will be forthcoming. To stay engaged, please visit www.nassaucountyfl.com/timbertotides.
 
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.

2/1/19 @ 11:30 a.m.

On January 28th, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners accepted a $40,000 Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) grant award to complete a Vulnerability Assessment for certain parts of the County. A Vulnerability Assessment reviews future exposure to existing developed areas and future areas of development, financial exposure, and risks to significant environmental and cultural resources. This project will specifically help the County assess the overall environmental and economic vulnerabilities related to flooding and sea level rise risks.
 
Flooding, stormwater, drainage are top of mind with elected officials and the community based on storm events like Matthew and Irma, but also because of everyday flooding after typical thunderstorms. It is not uncommon to hear on a weekly basis from citizens in the County regarding road flooding issues or that they have been dropped from their flood insurance. The community has indicated they are ready for action. A Vulnerability Assessment for rapidly growing areas, and areas with demonstrated existing flooding issues, will help Nassau County be better prepared.
 
The two areas that will be studied in this first phase are: 1) east of I-95 on the mainland, and 2) west of I-95 south and west of A1A/SR 200/301. These areas represent portions of the County experiencing rapid growth and development pressures, and lands that are highly vulnerable due to extensive floodplain and wetland areas. Long-range planning efforts are currently being conducted for these regions of the County, and a vulnerability assessment will help inform these efforts and future planning. The County has a goal of holistically incorporating resiliency planning into all planning activities, instead of treating it as a siloed, separate planning exercise.
 
The grant award did not require a match from the County. The Balmoral Group has been selected to complete the Vulnerability Assessment, and work will take place during Spring 2019. At least two community outreach meetings are planned as part of the scope of work, and results will be shared with the community. The County’s Planning and Economic Opportunity Department is applying for a second grant to have the assessment completed for the remainder of the County, including Amelia Island.
 
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.

-Adrienne Burke
 Assistant Director, Department of Planning & Economic Opportunity