12/22/21 @ 5:15 p.m. - The Florida Department of Health in Nassau County (FDOH-Nassau) issued a Press Release today indicating that they are searching for past or present caregivers of persons with dementia to complete the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map Needs Assessment Survey. The feedback will be used to identify resources and services that are needed within Nassau County for people with Alzheimer's or related dementia and their caregivers.

Survey Link Here

If you have any questions, contact Emily Cason at (904) 557-9173 or via email at Emily.Cason@flhealth.gov.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

12/17/21 @ 11:30 a.m. -

Congratulations to FSCJ on being awarded a $3.1 million dollar Florida Job Growth Grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and Enterprise Florida to support the Nassau County Transportation Education Institute. Governor Ron DeSantis visited Nassau County on Thursday, December 16, 2021, to make this very exciting announcement and we were fortunate to be in attendance. Not only will this new commercial driving program provide for new jobs in Nassau County, it will also give residents a new opportunity to learn a trade.

Below is a Press Release issued by FSCJ yesterday, as well as some photos we captured to commemorate the Governor's visit.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

For Immediate Release: December 16, 2021
Contact: Jill Johnson, (904) 632-5016
 
FSCJ Receives Florida Job Growth Grant to Support Commercial Vehicle Driving Program Expansion
 
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) received a $3,181,791.70 Florida Job Growth Grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and Enterprise Florida to support the Nassau County Transportation Education Institute. Governor Ron DeSantis and DEO Secretary Dane Eagle visited FSCJ’s Nassau Center on Thursday, December 16, 2021, to announce the grant award which will allow the College to establish a designated truck driving training facility at the Nassau Center.
 
Although there is a rapidly growing demand for drivers in Nassau County and surrounding areas, until now, there have been no state colleges that offer workforce certification training in Nassau County for these jobs. FSCJ has had a Commercial Vehicle Driving training program at its Cecil Center since 2007, and this grant will help FSCJ expand its offerings and support of workforce needs.
 
“Thanks to the Governor’s leadership, Florida continues to create and drive economic opportunities geared to advance business and our workforce at a critical time in our history,” said FSCJ District Board of Trustees Chair Mike Bell. “We appreciate Governor DeSantis for recognizing this need and providing the grant support that will help establish this first-of-its-kind workforce training resource right here in Nassau County that will prepare individuals to step into and excel in essential roles.”
 
By the end of the three-year project period, the goal is that 463 students will have enrolled in training programs and the Nassau County Transportation Education Institute, thanks to the acquisition of enduring equipment and sustained training components. These program graduates will also have a continued return on investment through their economic, workforce and social impact in the community over the next decade.
 
“Knowing that our area is among the best for logistics infrastructure thanks to our proximity to deep-water ports, major interstates, railroads and an international airport, we are excited to help expand the opportunities and outlook for the logistics and transportation industry,” said College President John Avendano, Ph.D. “With the support of our strategic partnerships across Nassau County and this significant grant, the Nassau County Transportation Education Institute will allow job training and placement opportunities for our students and will boost the economic future of this great community.”
 
For information on FSCJ’s Commercial Vehicle Driving Career Certificate program, visit fscj.edu/academics/areas-of-study/imc/commercial-vehicle-driving-cc.
 
About FSCJ
Known as “the community’s college,” Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) exists to provide valuable, high-quality learning opportunities to anyone with the desire to enhance themselves through the pursuit of higher education. Serving more than 45,000 students and awarding nearly 7,000 degrees and certificates on an annual basis, the College plays a significant role in supplying the region’s employers with a highly skilled, educated workforce.

12/9/21 @ 2:40 p.m.

In November 2021, the Nassau County Road Department completed Level & Overlay Projects approved during adoption of the Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Budget. Roads completed include:
 

• Miner Road (from near State Road 200 to Kirkland Road)
• Old Amelia Avenue
• Nassau River Road
• Joann Road
  
• Citrona Drive
• Amos White Road

 
This project entailed making repairs to the existing roadway by patching holes and cracks;  removing grass and soil accumulated along the road’s edge; applying a surface primer or “tack” adhesive; adding a new layer of asphalt to the roadway; and leveling out the new asphalt to create a smooth surface. Not only is level and overlay a cost-effective way of improving the condition of the road, it extends the life of the road by approximately 10-15 years.
 
During adoption of the Fiscal Year 2021/2022 budget which began October 1, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners allocated $3.9 million to the County’s Pavement Management Program. This will allow for 28 of the County’s worst roads to be repaved, in full or part, this year.
 
Roads designated for this year are as follows:
 

• Bailey Road (from State Road 200 to Amelia Island Parkway)
• Old Nassauville Road
• Musslewhite Road
• Duane Road
• Magnolia Street
• Susan Drive
• Benchmark Avenue
• Ocean Forest Drive
• Ocean Forest Lane
• Bonnieview Road
• Cayman Circle
• Harts Lane
• O’Neil Scott Road
• S. 4th Street
• S. 5th Street
• Arbor Lane
• Bill Johnson Road
• Charlotte Drive
• Clinch Drive
• Dove Road
• Greenberry Road
• Harts Road South
• Roses Bluff Road
• Will Hardee Road
• Barnwell Road
• Henricks Road
• Thomas Road
• Luther Street

 
It is anticipated that the Level & Overlay Projects for FY 21/22 will begin in late January/early February 2022.
 
For anyone wishing to view the Pavement Management Plan, it can be found at https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/DocumentCenter/View/21832/Pavement-Management-Plan-2021---08192021.
 
If you have any questions, please contact the Road Department at (904) 530-6175.

In recent weeks, the County has received questions related to the repair of County Road 121 from the Duval County Line to State Road 2/Crawford Road. Recognizing the critical nature of County Road 121, the Board, in collaboration with the Nassau County Legislative Delegation, secured $9 million in State appropriations to resurface the road from the Duval County line to State Road 2. (see June 4, 2021 Press Release)
 
In preparation for requesting State funding for resurfacing of CR121, in January 2021, the Board of County Commissioners conducted traffic counts along County Road 121 at three locations: north of County Road 108; south of Stokes Road; and south of SR 2 (north of Stokes Road). The traffic counts captured both the number vehicles and types of vehicles that use the roadway. Next, the Board of County Commissioners assessed the structural integrity of the road’s subbase, the supporting material under the asphalt surface, by taking a series of core samples from the roadway.  
 
Based on the analysis, it was determined there are some areas of CR121 where the structural integrity of the subbase is sufficient to support heavy traffic and will only require resurfacing at a cost between $160,000 to $220,000 per mile. However, there are other areas of CR121 where a full reconstruction of the road, including the subbase, will be required at a cost of $620,000 per mile. Based the available data, the cost estimate is roughly $500,000 per mile, or $9,000,000, to complete the approximately 16 mile segment from the Duval County Line to SR2/Crawford Road, factoring in cost for design and contingency.  
 
Project design is anticipated to begin in the late summer/early fall of 2022.  The design portion of this project will include a deeper evaluation of the roadway’s structural integrity and identification of the best option for addressing the deficiencies found segment by segment (resurfacing, full reconstruction, etc.).  Construction is anticipated to begin early 2023 and will take six to nine months to complete. Based on the anticipated timeline, the segment from Duval County Line to SR2/Crawford Road, should be complete by the end of 2023.   
 
Given the approximately two-year process to complete repairing the southern half of the CR121 corridor, Nassau County Public Works and Road Department has an interim plan to address the 16 mile segment of County Road 121.  Commencing after Thanksgiving, Road Department staff will work diligently to repair potholes in this segment of the corridor by  removing loose asphalt and debris; recompacting the base; filling the holes with tackifier, a compound that increases stickiness; filling the holes with a new asphalt mix; and then tamping it into place, packing it tightly before leveling it to the surrounding road. The Road Department will also use a grader to remove the accumulation of soil along portions of the roadway’s shoulders to allow rain water to drain away more quickly from the paved surface.
 
In addition to the above, on October 20, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners awarded bids to three vendors to provide roadside mowing across the County. With the new mowing contracts in place, there will be an increase in the number of times the roadside will be cut each year which will allow Road Department staff to dedicate the necessary time on drainage and road maintenance matters.
 
Related to the above, on August 22, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners adopted a 22-year Pavement Management Plan valued at $85 million dollars which prioritized roadways for treatment, based on current conditions. Segments of County Road 121 were identified as a top priority. In addition to the $9 million secured in the 2021 for the southern segment of CR121, the Board of County Commissioners is currently working with the Nassau Legislative Delegation to petition the State Legislature for an additional $9 million to resurface the northern segment of County Road 121 from State Road 2 to US 1.
 
If you have any questions, please contact the Nassau County Road Department at (904) 530-6175.

Nor’easter to Bring High Tides and Coastal Flooding
 
Nassau County, Florida, November 5, 2021 – The National Weather Service has issued information regarding the developing nor’easter arriving today with high astronomical tides. The main hazard will be moderate to major coastal flooding along the Atlantic coast, St. Johns River and inland tributaries. Additional hazards include: flood watch, coastal flood advisory, gale warning, high surf advisory, wind advisory, and high risk of rip currents.
 
Property owners in areas prone to flooding are encouraged to secure property now. The County has made sandbags available for residents who may need them. They can be picked up until 8:00 p.m. today, Friday, November 5th, as well as from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 6th. Locations are as follows:
 

• Yulee Road Department, 86200 Gene Lasserre Blvd., Yulee, FL 32097
• DeeDee Bartels Boat Ramp, 97177 Pogey Place, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
• Yulee Ballpark, 86142 Goodbread Rd., Yulee, FL 32097
• Hilliard Road Department, 37356 Pea Farm Rd., Hilliard, FL 32046

 
As a result of the coast flood warning and high surf advisory, the County Manager, in consultation with the Emergency Management Director and Public Works Director, has made the decision to temporarily suspend driving on County beaches (Peters Point south to the State Park). County Officials will continue to monitor the beach and will reevaluate as needed throughout the weekend.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Emergency Management at (904) 548-0900.
 

The Board of County Commissioners will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. in celebration of the re-opening of the newly improved Crawford Rd. The improvements included paving the 6.5 mile-long, two lane dirt road connecting County Road 121 with the existing paved portion of Crawford Road, just west of US 301.

The $6.95 million project is critical to improving mobility, promoting job growth, and attracting industry to western Nassau County. The project is strategically located to become a future industrial and technological epicenter supported logistically by a robust roadway and railway transportation hub. The Board entered into an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation in March 2014 for Small County Outreach Program (SCOP) grant funding to assist with project costs. The County held a groundbreaking ceremony on November 2, 2020 and has been anxiously awaiting its completion.

District 4 County Commissioner and Chairman of the Board, Thomas Ford, “The paving of Crawford Road was long overdue. I am really excited for the citizens of Western Nassau. This investment not only makes our day-to-day lives better, but it also opens up the opportunity to attract high-wage jobs to our community. This project will benefit the citizens of Nassau for decades to come”.

The Ribbon Cutting will take place at the intersection of the previously paved portion of Crawford Rd. and the newly paved segment, approximately one (1) mile west of US301. The public is welcome to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Engineering Services at (904) 530-6225.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

Nassau County Fire Rescue Awarded Life-Saving Equipment Grant to Help Keep Community Safe
Grant is part of more than $62.6 million given to first responder organizations across the U.S. by Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation
 
The past year and a half have been difficult for many, impacting first responders and communities across the country. As we continue to battle health crises and natural disasters, front-line heroes constantly expose themselves to dangerous situations, creating a need for updated lifesaving equipment.
 
Recognizing this need, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation® continues to be a valuable resource for first responders across the nation and recently approved a $48,978 grant to Nassau County Fire Rescue. The funding was applied toward the purchase of a connector boat with accessories, as well as an inflatable water boat with motor, trailer, and water rescue gear, both of which will be used to ensure greater lifesaving capabilities for first responders in the community. The County received both boats on Friday, October 1, 2021.
 
“We are so thankful for the support from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and our local Firehouse Subs restaurants in Fernandina Beach and Wildlight”, said Nassau County Fire Chief, Brady Rigdon. “By providing these boats, our first responders will be able to efficiently execute water training efforts and will have additional marine response units available for emergencies on the water to help the residents of Nassau County during emergency situations, especially during the upcoming holiday season”.  
 
During the most recent grant cycle, the Foundation awarded 126 grants to public safety organizations nationwide. The 126 grants totaling nearly $2.7 million were given to organizations in need of critical lifesaving equipment and resources.
 
To donate or to learn more about Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, visit www.FirehouseSubsFoundation.org.
 
ABOUT FIREHOUSE SUBS PUBLIC SAFETY FOUNDATION
 
In 2005, the Firehouse Subs founders established the 501(c)(3), non-profit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The charity provides lifesaving equipment, prevention education, scholarships and continued education, and disaster relief for first responders and public safety organizations, as well as support for members of the military. Since inception, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has awarded more than $62.5 million to hometown heroes in 49 states and Puerto Rico.
 
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is honored to be listed as a four-star nonprofit organization, the highest designation, by Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator is the nation’s largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities. Grant allocations are made possible thanks to the overwhelming support of Firehouse Subs restaurants and generous donors. More than 70% of the funds raised for the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation come from the generosity of Firehouse Subs guests and the restaurant brand. Please consider supporting a Firehouse Subs restaurant near you!

Fitch Increases County’s Issuer Default Rating to “AA”
 
Nassau County, Florida, October 5, 2021 - Nassau County recently received notification from Fitch Ratings, Inc. (Fitch), that its rating has been increased for the first time since 2016 to an AA, up from its prior AA- rating.  Fitch provides an independent assessment of the creditworthiness of the county, akin to a consumer FICO or credit score.

The improved rating shows that despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, the county has remained fiscally strong, disciplined and resilient based on the county’s solid financial management policies, conservative budgeting practices and swift measures taken to mitigate revenue losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In announcing its decision, Fitch analysts cited several key reasons for the increase, including:

• The county is well positioned to maintain a high level of fundamental financial flexibility through economic cycles.
• Expenditure flexibility is solid, underpinned by the county's manageable debt and solid control over employee headcount
• The county prudently built-up reserves during the latter half of the last decade, which affords it greater flexibility to address both future downturns and potential growth-related pressures

Board of County Commissioner’s Chairman, Thomas Ford, stated, “County Officials and staff have worked very hard to pay down debt, increase emergency reserves, all while maintaining strong fiscal controls. The County is being recognized for its hard work and we will continue efforts to ensure that we continue to be strong fiscal stewards of the county’s tax dollars”.  
 
As the County’s Clerk of Courts and Comptroller, Mr. John A. Crawford is governed by statutory authority as the County’s auditor, recorder, and custodian of all funds. The Clerk works directly with the Board to ensure the County has adequate financial controls and actively manages the investment of County funds.  Following Fitch’s credit rating increase, Mr. Crawford stated, “I couldn’t be more proud of our County! The Board’s discipline to avoid unnecessary debt while increasing its level of planning has strengthened the County’s financial position.  Efforts to establish adequate reserves, a capital improvement plan that meets the citizens' needs, and maintaining a manageable debt burden are paying off!  If a day arrives where budget flexibility and creativity are not enough to provide for an extensive capital project, rest assured, the efforts to improve our credit rating will greatly benefit the taxpayers of Nassau County.”
 
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Management & Budget at (904) 530-6010.
 
-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer
(904) 530-6010
srobertson@nassaucountyfl.com
 
Board Votes to Reduce Tax Rate
 
Nassau County, Florida, September 17, 2021- At the Monday, September 13, 2021 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to lower the property tax rate and invest in our quality of life by delivering big on road, park and public safety projects.
 
Chairman Thomas Ford stated, “I am very proud of this Board for its in-depth review of the budget. We have worked hard to fund programs and initiatives that improve the quality of life for our residents. We have been given an opportunity to take some burden off the taxpayers by lowering the millage rate, while still having the funds needed to accomplish our goals for the next budget year”.
 
The tentative budget includes a robust, Capital Improvement Plan with $33 million allocated for major projects/initiatives in Fiscal Year 2021/2022, including but not limited to:
 
1) $6.2 million allocation for parks and recreation projects

• Hilliard Ballpark improvements for new playground installation
• Improvements at Holly Point Boat Ramp which includes a parking lot expansion and relocation of communal areas
• Improvements at Melton Nelson Boat ramp which includes a new kayak launch
• Tributary Community Park Phase One development which includes amenities for ballfields, concession stand, walking trails, and playground
• Blackrock Cove Community Park Development for site furnishings such as soccer goals, trash receptacles and parking lot lighting
• Nassau Crossing Community Park Development which includes lighting and landscaping
• American Beach Historic Park (exact activities to be determined)

 
2) $900,000 allocation for the Double Chip Seal Program. Double chip seal is a paving alternative used to treat dirt roads. It is similar to asphalt but about 50% cheaper. Roads designated for Double Chip Seal include:

• DB Hicks
• Sheri Lane
• Ann Drive
• Parks Rd.
• Lance Rd.
• Roy Booth Rd.
• Marlee Rd.
• Midway Rd.
• Hagan Lane
• Plum Loop  
• Pirates Bluff Rd.
• Will Young Rd.
• Durden Rd.
• Winona Bayview Rd.

3) $3.9 million allocation for the Pavement Management Plan that will allow 27 of the worst roads in Nassau County to be repaved. The roads to be repaved, in full or part, next year are:

• Barnwell Rd.
• Bailey Rd.
• Benchmark Avenue
• Dove Rd.
• Roses Bluff Rd.
• Duane Rd.
• Harts Road South
• Harts Lane
• Bill Johnson Rd.
• County Road 121 (from Duval line to SR2)
• Musselwhite Rd.
• Charlotte Drive
• Thomas Rd.
• Will Hardee Rd.
• South 4th Street
• Susan Drive
• South 5th Street
• Magnolia Street
• Clinch Drive
• Ocean Forest Drive
• Bonnieview Rd.
• O’Neil Scott Rd.
• Greenberry Rd.
• Hendricks Rd.
• Ocean Forest Lane
• Cayman Circle
• Arbor Lane

4) $15.3 million allocation for transportation projects:

• Amelia Island Parkway and Buccaneer Trail roundabout design
• Amelia Island Trail design (from South Fletcher Ave. to State Road 200/8th Street)
• Citrona Drive pedestrian safety improvements  
• County Road 108 repaving from Bay Rd. to Middle Rd.
• County Road 108 repaving from Middle Rd. to US 17
• Hendricks Rd. Extension to County Road 107 design and permitting.
• Hendricks Rd. Extension to Amelia Concourse design and permitting.
• Pages Dairy/Chester Rd. Signalization
• Sunberg Rd. paving.
• William Burgess Blvd. Extension design, permitting and early construction from U.S. 17 to Miner Rd.
  

5) $3 million allocation to replace fire Station 90 in Hilliard

The final hearing on the budget will take place on Monday, September 27, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Management & Budget at (904) 530-6010, option 2.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer
(904) 530-6010
srobertson@nassaucountyfl.com
 
Boaters Urged to Respect No Wake Zones
 
Nassau County, Florida, August 17, 2021 – Due to the excessive rainfall experienced in Nassau County over the last few months, the water level in many of our creeks and rivers are higher than normal. In some areas, high water levels combined with excessive boat wakes, can adversely impact homes along our waterways and exacerbate shoreline erosion.
 
We would like to take this opportunity to request that boaters respect existing no wake zones and be courteous to our friends and neighbors by keeping your wake to a minimum in areas where homes front the river.
 
We appreciate everyone’s attention to this matter and for doing your part to protect our natural resources.
 
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If you have any questions, please contact the County Manager’s Office at (904) 530-6010.