2/12/18 @ 10:35 a.m. - Nassau County Emergency Management asked us to share the below Press Release from Florida's State Emergency Response Team (SERT) and FEMA regarding an opportunity to obtain up to $30,000 to apply for Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) funds for repairs or rebuilding of structures in Special Flood Hazard Areas.

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News Release:

Flood Insurance Policyholders May Get Extra Money to Upgrade Structures
Request Funds within 60 Days of Receiving Substantial Damage Notice from Community
                              
ORLANDO, Fla. — National Flood Insurance Program policyholders in Florida with damaged property may request additional money to reduce risks from hurricanes and other disasters.
 
Policyholders in Special Flood Hazard Areas who are repairing or rebuilding may receive extra funds—Increased Cost of Compliance—to upgrade a structure so it complies with local building regulations. SFHAs are high-risk flood areas according to NFIP.
 
ICC measures include elevating, demolishing, floodproofing or relocating a structure so it has enhanced resiliency to withstand storms and floods.
 
Insurance companies must receive a signed ICC Proof of Loss form within 60 days after a local official notifies a policyholder their structure is substantially damaged. This means the cost to restore a structure equals or exceeds 50 percent of its pre-damage market value.
 
Policyholders should also provide a contractor’s estimate for the proposed ICC measures and copies of local construction permits. Insurance companies need these to consider an ICC claim.
                                                                                                      
NFIP policies may provide up to $30,000 to apply ICC measures required to comply with local regulations. The amount supplements repair or rebuilding costs.
 
Home and business owners have six years from the date of loss to complete the required and approved ICC measures.
 
Policyholders may contact their local emergency management office for more information. They may find contact information online at www.FloridaDisaster.org/counties.
 
Other Sources of Financial Help
 
The U.S. Small Business Administration may be another source of funds to make a home or business safer and stronger.
 
Home and business owners who have an approved loan application may be eligible for additional funds to pay for structural enhancements. The funds would be in addition to the amount of the approved loan to repair or rebuild.
 
For more information, they may call the SBA at 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339. They may also go online to sba.gov/disaster.
 
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
 
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.
 
FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
 
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If you have any questions, please contact Nassau County Emergency Management at (904) 548-0900.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

11/14/17 @ 4:45 p.m. -

In 2014, the Board of County Commissioners entered into an agreement with CGI Communications, Inc., to produce a series of streaming videos highlighting all our community has to offer to its residents, visitors and businesses. Those videos have been featured on the County’s official website and included one minute segments about Quality of Life, Education, Tourism, Economic Development and History. These topics were carefully selected because we feel these topics represent the County as a whole and are what makes Nassau County so special!
 
The Board renewed the agreement with CGI Communications, Inc., in April of this year and staff immediately began working on updates to the script. In May, CGI Communications, Inc., sent a videographer to Nassau County to obtain new footage for each video segment. He was accompanied by two Nassau County employees who worked with him to ensure that the footage captured represented the diversity across the County. Not only is Nassau County blessed with beautiful beaches and spectacular golf courses that attract visitors year-round, it also features scenic rivers and undeveloped timberlands that maintain a quality of life and sense of community residents desire.
 
We are pleased to announce that the updated videos are complete and ready to be viewed on the County’s website. In addition to the previously mentioned topics, a new community organization video which highlights non-profit organizations has been added. This video emphasizes the importance of community organizations and brings awareness to citizens who may be in need of services.
 
CGI Communications, Inc., has also implemented an exciting new GoCast feature that will allow the County to post live footage on a myriad of activities including adoption events, library programs, plant clinics and more! These videos will be featured on the County’s website in the near future.
 
It’s also important to note that the videos and services provided by CGI Communications, Inc., were made available to Nassau County at no-charge through the County’s partnership with the National Association of Counties. For additional information, please contact Nicole Rongo, Vice President for CGI Communications, Inc., at (800) 398-3029.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office
 
 
 

10/17/17 @ 10:25 a.m. - Please see the below Press Release from the Department of Planning & Economic Opportunity regarding the Town Hall Meeting to discuss the future of Western Nassau. 

​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 17, 2017
CONTACT: KRISTINA BOWEN
NASSAU COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
(904) 530-3600
 
Urban Land Institute (ULI)
Western Nassau County
Technical Advisory Panel (TAP)
 
Event:
Nassau County engaged the ULI North Florida District Council to convene a Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) for the purpose of facilitating community dialogue and studying western Nassau County. The ULI and Nassau County are hosting a town-hall style meeting to exchange ideas and serve as the catalysis for ongoing community based dialogue to ensure the citizens of western Nassau are actively engaged in shaping its future. 
 
More information related to the Western Nassau - ULI TAP and/or to provide comments on-line via a digital comment card visit http://www.nassaucountyfl.com/index.aspx?nid=840.
 
Who:  Citizens of Western Nassau County, the ULI TAP, County Staff
What: Town-hall style meeting with the ULI’s Western Nassau TAP
Why:  To promote public discourse on the future of western Nassau County
When: November 8, 2017 at 6 pm
Where: Northeast Florida Fairgrounds
       Multi-Purpose Building
       543350 US Hwy 1
       Callahan, Fl 32011
 
ULI Mission:
The mission of the Urban Land Institute is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide.
 
ULI is committed to:

• Bringing together leaders from across the fields of real estate and land use policy to exchange best practices and serve community needs;
• Fostering collaboration within and beyond ULI’s membership through mentoring, dialogue, and problem solving;
• Exploring issues of urbanization, conservation, regeneration, land use, capital formation, and sustainable development;
• Advancing land use policies and design practices that respect the uniqueness of both the built and natural environments;
• Sharing knowledge through education, applied research, publishing, and electronic media; and
• Sustaining a diverse global network of local practice and advisory efforts that address current and future challenges.

 
https://americas.uli.org/about-uli/mission-priorities/
 
Contact:
For more information contact Kristina Bowen with Nassau County Department of Planning and Economic Opportunity at (904) 530-6300 or kbowen@nassaucountyfl.com.
 
Public participation is encouraged and sought without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or family status.  Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Kristina Bowen or Taco Pope at (904)530-6300 at least 7 days before the meeting.
 

9/25/17 @ 4:20 p.m. -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
NASSAU COUNTY, FLORIDA - The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners would like to announce that effective immediately, single stream recycling is now available at each of the recycle sites listed below. Single stream recycling allows citizens to place plastic, glass and aluminum in one bin. Separation of these recyclables is no longer necessary.
 
West Nassau Landfill
46026 Landfill Rd
Callahan, FL 32011

Bryceville
7282 Motes Rd
Bryceville, FL 32009

Goodbread Dr
86142 Goodbread Drive
Yulee, FL 32097 

Bailey Rd.
3163 Bailey Rd
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
 
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If you have any questions, please contact Nassau County Solid Waste Department at (904) 530-6700.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

8/16/17 @ 9:15 a.m. - Please see the below Press Release issued today by the Florida Department of Health. It includes tips on protecting your eyes during the solar eclipse, as well as a list of vendors selling approved eclipse glasses.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2017
Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

Tallahassee, Florida - On Monday, August 21, Florida will experience a partial solar eclipse, and the Florida Department of Health reminds all Floridians to enjoy this rare event safely by following simple precautions and using proper protection. Severe retinal damage can occur from looking directly at the sun.

"The solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime event that I'm sure many of us will want to experience,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary Dr. Celeste Philip. "I look forward to viewing the eclipse safely using approved solar eclipse glasses, and I encourage all of Florida's residents and visitors to practice caution while driving or walking outdoors during the period of darkness.”

Because Florida will not experience a total solar eclipse, it will not be safe the view the eclipse without the use of special solar filters like eclipse glasses. Sunglasses are not eclipse glasses. Not all glasses that market themselves as "eclipse glasses” are safe. Approved glasses have filters that meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for safety. A list of vendors for approved eclipse glasses can be viewed on the American Astronomical Society (AAS) website. During the eclipse, be sure to take breaks and avoid staring at the sun for long periods of time, even with eclipse glasses.

Take simple precautions to protect your vision before, during and after the solar eclipse:

• Always inspect your solar filter before use; if scratched or damaged, discard it. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter;
• Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device;
• Always supervise children using solar filters; and
• Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright sun. After looking at the sun, turn away and remove your filter — do not remove it while looking at the sun.

You can read more about solar eclipse safety on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Eclipse 101 website.
If you experience eye damage during the solar eclipse, please contact your health care provider.

About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov
 
-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

7/27/17 @ 2:15 p.m. - Nassau County will be hosting three Initial Public Outreach Sessions to discuss the Telecommunications Master Plan.  The meetings will be held on August 15, 16 and 17, 2017.  The sessions will serve as the initial opportunity to provide information to the public and to solicit feedback about the project.  Anyone interested in this project is encouraged to attend the meeting to receive information, ask questions and provide comments.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Who:  Nassau County Staff, CityScape Consultants, Inc., & the Citizens of Nassau County
What: Telecommunications Master Plan Initial Outreach Session
When:
Central Nassau: August 15, 2017 at 7:00 p.m., James S. Page Governmental Complex, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097
East Nassau: August 16, 2017 at 6:00 p.m., American Beach Community Center, 1600 Julia Street
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
West Nassau: August 17, 2017 at 6;00 p.m., Callahan Fairgrounds Multi-purpose Facility, 543350 US Highway 1, Callahan, FL 32011

Project Description:
The Telecommunications Master Plan is a County-wide (including municipalities) Plan that identifies and assesses existing wireless communication facilities, determines gaps in existing coverage and provides recommendations for design and siting of future facilities.  The analysis will facilitate the development of a wireless telecommunications network that is efficient and will meet the future needs of Nassau County.  The purpose of the plan is to provide adequate network service while minimizing visual impacts of the telecommunications infrastructure and maintaining the aesthetics of the community.  The plan will also serve as a guide for developing planning policies for future wireless infrastructure.
 
Contact:
For more information contact Kristina Bowen with Nassau County Department of Planning and Economic Opportunity at (904)530-6300 or kbowen@nassaucountyfl.com.
 
Public participation is encouraged and sought without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or family status.  Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Kristina Bowen or Taco Pope at (904)530-6300 at least 7 days before the meeting.
 
-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

7/26/17 @ 10:30 a.m. - On Monday, July 31, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., the Board of County Commissioners will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in celebration of the designation of Eric Oliver Way, a segment of road connecting State Road 200/A1A to Courtney Isles Way.
 
Deputy Eric Oliver was killed in the line of duty on November 22, 2016. The Board wanted to show their appreciation to Deputy Oliver and reached out to the property owner KIMCO Realty, inquiring about naming a portion of Courtney Isles Way in his honor. The property owner approved the Board’s request and on June 6, 2017, filed an application with the Property Appraiser’s Office to rename the road. Commissioner Justin Taylor stated, “We are privileged to take part in honoring the service of a dedicated officer who tragically died while protecting and serving the citizens of Nassau County”.
 
Nassau County Professional Fire Union, Local 3101, purchased the street signs and will be in attendance to honor Deputy Oliver.  “It is our honor to play a role in recognizing a fellow brother in public safety who deserves this great acclamation” stated Union Representative, Jamie Deonas.
 
The Ribbon Cutting commemorating the name change will be held on the vacant lot behind Maurice’s in the Target Shopping Center. The public is welcome to attend.
 
If you have any questions, please contact the County Manager’s Office at (904) 530-6010.
 
Sabrina Robertson
Administrative Assistant/Project Specialist
Nassau County Manager’s Office
 

Please see the attached Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance News Release for Florida due to Hurricane Matthew on Oct. 3-19, 2016. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding businesses in Florida that working capital loans are still available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and private nonprofit organizations affected by Hurricane Matthew on Oct. 3 - 19, 2016.

“Businesses that suffered economic losses as a result of the disaster and want to apply for low-interest loans from the SBA are urged to do so before the July 17 deadline,” said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA Field Operations Center East. 
Low-interest disaster loans are available in the following counties:   Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Lake, Marion, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Putnam, Saint Johns, Saint Lucie, Seminole, and Volusia in Florida; Camden and Charlton in Georgia.

Working capital disaster loans up to $2 million are available at 4 percent interest for small businesses, and 2.625 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years.  The loans are intended to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.   

To be considered for this assistance, eligible entities need to apply by the deadline. 
Apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela .

Businesses may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.  Loan applications can also be downloaded at www.sba.gov/disaster.  
Completed applications should be mailed to: US SBA Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Rd, Fort Worth, TX  76155.
The deadline to submit applications is July 17, 2017.

-Martha L. Wagaman
 Nassau County Emergency Management

5/10/17 @ 4:00 p.m. - The Nassau County Health Department has issued the attached Press Release reminding everyone about the health effects of wildfire smoke including scratchy throat, coughing, headaches and irritated nose, as well as worsening of chronic lung and heart conditions. Please review the Press Release for information on ways to protect yourself and family.

If you have any questions, please contact Kim Geib with the Nassau County Health Department at (904) 875-6100 or via e-mail at kim.geib@flhealth.gov.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

5/2/17 @ 4:30 p.m. - We are pleased to announce that Nassau County has completed the necessary steps to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System. The CRS Program is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed minimum NFIP requirements. As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk. Property owners in the unincorporated areas of Nassau County who reside in a Special Flood Hazard Area can now enjoy a 10% reduction in flood insurance premiums for NFIP policies issued or renewed in Special Flood Hazard Areas on or after May 1, 2017. To determine your Flood Hazard Designation, please click here for a link to the Property Appraiser's Interactive Mapping tool.

Attached is a Press Release issued by the Department of Planning & Economic Opportunity containing additional information about this exciting news! To view documents related to the CRS Program including brochures and fact sheets, please visit our website.

If you have any questions, please contact Chris Mason, Planner II for the Department of Planning & Economic Opportunity at (904) 530-6300 or via e-mail at cbmason@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office