FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Administrative Manager, County Manager’s Office
(904) 530-6010
srobertson@nassaucountyfl.com
 
Taco Pope, AICP, Elected to Board of Directors for the Northeast Florida Regional Community Institute
 
Nassau County, Florida, November 8, 2019 –Assistant County Manager, Taco Pope, AICP, has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Northeast Florida Regional Community Institute (RCI). The Northeast Florida RCI is a non-profit think-tank aimed at addressing policy issues and challenges faced by the Region. Examples include managing growth, preserving valuable eco-systems, improving economic viability, and maintaining the quality of life in Northeast Florida. The RCI was created to address these challenges as a non-profit policy organization under the Northeast Florida Regional Council (NEFRC).
 
Taco Pope stated, “Many of the challenges facing Nassau County are the same challenges facing our neighbors in the Region. Collaborating with solution-oriented people from across Northeast Florida has the potential to produce outcomes that improve the lives of Nassau County residents. I look forward to the opportunity and I am optimistic that through the shared pursuit of a common good, we can strengthen our communities and improve our quality of life”.

******************************************************************************
For additional information regarding the Northeast Florida Board of Directors, please contact Margo Moehring at (904) 279-0880 ext. 161 or mmoehring@nefrc.org.

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.
 

 
 
 

The Department of Planning & Economic Opportunity has issued a Press Release regarding a Conditional Use Application filed by JEA for a proposed project in Yulee near Miner Rd. and US 17:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Abigail Weiss
Planner, PEO Department
(904) 530-6300
aweiss@nassaucountyfl.com

COUNTY INFORMATION REGARDING JEA CONDITIONAL USE APPLICATION (CU2019-16)

Nassau County, Florida, October 11, 2019 - The Nassau County Planning + Economic Opportunity (PEO) Department offers the following clarifying information regarding the proposed JEA project in Yulee seeking a conditional use approval.

The parent property (Parcel Number: 42-2N-27-0000-0001-0120) related to the conditional use application (CU2019-16) is a 422 acre tract of land owned by JEA which is located south of SR200, north of Radio Avenue, west of Miner Road and east of US 17. Within this 422 acre property, a land area measuring 6.35 acres is located on the southernmost end of the property, north of the utility corridor running behind (to the north) of the homes fronting on Radio Avenue between Art Wilson Lane and Theresa Road. [See map on page 2.]

On this 6.35 acres, JEA is requesting a conditional use approval in the Open Rural (OR) zoning district pursuant to Land Development Code Sections 28.13(A) and Section 28.14(H) to construct up to two (2) fully enclosed booster pump stations, up to four (4) ground storage tanks, and an area for stormwater management in order to provide reclaimed water and sanitary sewer services to the growing population in Nassau County. All structures and ponds on the project site will be fenced in. View of the facility will be hidden from the public due to a County-required high-density landscaping buffer.

The Conditional Use and Variance Board of Nassau County will hold a public hearing at the Commission Chambers, James S. Page Governmental Complex, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, Florida, 32097 on November 21, 2019 at 6:30pm to consider the application for the conditional use. The meeting is open to the public.

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

10/8/19 @ 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Adrienne Burke
Director, PEO Department
(904) 530-6300
aburke@nassaucountyfl.com
 
COUNTY INFORMATION REGARDING PIT SISTERS ORGANIZATION
 
Nassau County, Florida, September 23, 2019 -  The Nassau County Planning + Economic Opportunity (PEO) Department offers the following clarifying information regarding the proposed Pit Sisters facility in Callahan.  
 
County PEO staff were not previously contacted by anyone affiliated with Pit Sisters regarding any necessary planning or zoning procedures. Due to a Jacksonville news story, Nassau County PEO staff became aware in July 2019 that Jennifer Deane, property owner and operator of Pit Sisters, intended to utilize her Callahan property for Pit Sisters operations. PEO staff immediately contacted Ms. Deane to assist in facilitating required County processes.
 
Ms. Deane was directed to pursue a conditional use application per Section 22.03(E) of the Land Development Code for her facility because of the requested use and zoning district (Open Rural). Conditional use applications go before the County’s Conditional Use and Variance Board as a public hearing. This is consistent with how the County has applied the code to other similar property owners and uses in the Open Rural zoning district. Another animal rescue facility received a conditional use in August 2019, and a dog training facility is pending a conditional use hearing on September 26, 2019. These projects also require review by the County’s Development Review Committee.
 
Ms. Deane initially submitted a conditional use application to be heard in August 2019. Staff recommended continuation of the case, needing more information for a complete review. Ms. Deane agreed and requested continuance to the September 26, 2019 hearing. However, as of last week, Ms. Deane is electing to appeal the County staff determination that she needs a conditional use. Administrative appeal applications are submitted through the County Clerk. PEO staff are awaiting her application to set a public hearing for the appeal. Public hearings for administrative appeals go before the County Planning and Zoning Board.  
 
No denials have been issued at this point, as Ms. Deane has not gone through either of the processes yet.
 
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.
###

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.

7/12/19 @ 1:00 p.m. - The Northeast Florida Regional Council is conducting a Regional Resiliency Survey to allow residents and businesses an opportunity to provide input on sea level rise and emergency preparedness. The results will be used for future resilience planning as they develop tools that will allow communities to recover more quickly from hazardous events such as hurricanes, storms, and flooding.

We urge Nassau County residents to participate in this survey to ensure Nassau County's concerns and ideas are included in the results. To access the survey, please click here.

If you have any questions, please contact Margie Moehring of the NEFRC at (904) 279-0880 ext. 161.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

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