1/21/22 @ 3:45 p.m. - At the Wednesday, January 19, 2022 meeting, the Board approved Resolution No. 2022-05, proclaiming January 31, 2022 as American Beach Day. This year, the community is celebrating 87 years!

Great job to the American Beach residents and all those who contribute to the preservation and longevity of this unique community.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/5/22 @ 9:45 a.m. - At the Wednesday, December 15, 2021 meeting, the Board recognized two employees on their upcoming retirement.

John Calvin Douglas served Nassau County more than 28 years, beginning as a Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician for Fire Rescue and working his way through the ranks to Lieutenant. Resolution No. 2021-223 was presented to him, commending him for his years of service.

George Aviles, Jr. served Nassau County for 20 years, beginning as an Office Specialist II for the Road Department and later beginning promoted to Office Manager. Resolution No. 2021-224 was presented to him, commending him for his years of service.

We are grateful to both men for their outstanding service and dedication to the County and wish them both many years of health and happiness!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

11/9/21 @ 7:30 p.m. - At the November 8, 2021 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution No. 2021-211, honoring Brenda Linville on her retirement after 23 years of service to the County.

Brenda was hired as a Mail Clerk by the Clerk of Courts in July 1998 and has worked in several capacities over the years, most recently as the Chief Deputy of Board Administration. And although she is a Clerk employee, her position included supervisory and administrative duties in support of the Clerk of Courts as Ex-Officio Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners.

As Chief Deputy of Board Administration, Brenda Linville coordinated work schedules for staff to  cover all County Commission meetings, as well as those committees and boards appointed by the County Commission. She also ensured that that Board Meeting notes and minutes were accurate and complete; ensured timely submissions of Ordinances passed by the County Commission to the Secretary of State; oversaw bid-opening procedures; handling of appeals by residents appealing decisions made by the Planning Director; and coordination of Value Adjustment Board Meetings.

Clerk of Courts, John A. Crawford, was in attendance and presented the Resolution to Brenda. He stated, "Brenda is truly a spectacular public servant. She's not an elected official... she one of the people we have working behind the scenes... one of the moving parts that makes government work. Brenda's job as Deputy Clerk is to make sure that what is recorded in the record is accurate and maintained forever".

Brenda's last official day working for the County is January 7, 2022, however last night was the last County Commission meeting she would attend in her capacity as Chief Deputy of Board Administration.

We appreciate everything Brenda has done for the County and will miss her greatly!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

11/3/21 @ 8:20 a.m. - Nassau County Emergency Management Director retired on Friday, October 29th, after 27 years of service to the County. The Board recognized him on Wednesday, October 20th by presenting Resolution No. 2021-203A commending him for his hard work and dedication.

After taking the EM Director position in May 2019, Greg's role as EM Director changed significantly in March 2020 due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as he found himself working tirelessly to protect the residents by working closely with the Nassau County Department of Health to disseminate information about the virus and coordinating large scale vaccination events once the vaccine became available in January 2021. Though the initial process was slow due to limited quantities of the vaccine being made available to us from the State, Greg pushed forward. By the end of February 2021, Nassau County found itself ranked 3rd out of 67 counties in the State for the number of people over the age of 65 that had received their COVID-19 Vaccination.

Greg was a true public servant who went above and beyond the call of duty to protect the residents in our community. He will be greatly missed by all those who had the privilege to work with him, as well as the citizens of Nassau County.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

10/12/21 @ 2:00 p.m. - At the October 11, 2021 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution No. 2021-192 proclaiming the week of October 17 through October 23rd as Breast Cancer Awareness Week in Nassau County, Florida, and declaring Wednesday, October 20, 2021 as "Pink Day".

The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2021, approximately 281,500 new cases of invasive breast cancer would be diagnoses in women in the United States, along with 49,290 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. And although breast cancer in men is rare, it is estimated that 2,650 men would also be diagnosed in 2021.

Breast cancer awareness educates men and women about the importance of early detection. Death rates from breast cancer have been declining and the American Cancer Society contributes this change to earlier detection and improved treatment.

Nassau County resident and breast cancer survivor, Renee Stoffel, was in attendance to accept the Resolution. Several friends and co-workers were also in attendance to show their support. 

On Wednesday, October 20th, all Nassau County residents are encouraged to wear pink on Pink Day to promote breast cancer awareness and remind everyone of the value of early detection.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

9/21/21 @ 8:30 a.m. - At the Monday, September 13th meeting, the Board approved Resolution No. 2021-174 proclaiming the month of September 2021 as Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month in Nassau County, FL.

Each year, about 30,000 people in the United States suffer a brain aneurysm rupture each year, at the rate of about 1 rupture every 18 minutes. Ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal in about 50% of cases and of those who survive, about 66% suffer some permanent neurological deficit.

An unruptured brain aneurysm usually has no symptoms, however they can become enlarged and press on the nerves in the brain resulting in blurred or double vision, a drooping eyelid, a dilated pupil, pain above or behind one eye, and weakness and/or numbness. A ruptured brain aneurysm can cause sudden symptoms including sudden, severe headache, nausea/vomiting, stiff neck, double or blurred vision, sensitivity to light, seizure, drooping eyelid, a dilated pupil, pain above or behind the eye, loss of consciousness, confusion, weakness and/or numbness.

Non-profit organizations such as the Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation raise awareness and funding to support neurological research, training, and treatment for brain aneurysms, strokes, and other cerebrovascular conditions. During Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month,residents are encouraged to become familiar with the warning signs and symptoms so you can ensure they are diagnosed and treated quickly.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

9/16/21 @ 10:45 a.m. - At the September 13th meeting, the Board approved Resolution No. 2021-175, proclaiming the month of September 2021 as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Nassau County, FL.

September is known around the United States as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and is intended to help promote awareness surrounding each of the suicide prevention resources available in our community. The simple goal is to learn how to help those around us talk about suicide without increasing their risk of harm.

Suicide can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, orientation, income level, religion or background and according to the Center for Disease Control, 47,500 deaths in 2019 were the result of suicide, making it the 10th leading cause of death among adults in the U.S.

Kayla Woodle, Mobile Response Team/Suicide Prevention Team Leader for Starting Point Behavior Health stated, "It's absolutely vital that we talk abut these difficult subjects. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death and each of those deaths is a tragedy". She challenged everyone to talk to their family members and ask how they're doing. A simple phone call, message, handshake, or hug can go a long way in making someone realize is not the answer.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please seek help immediately! Starting Point has a variety of programs and services available to assist you. Contact them directly at (904) 225-8280.

You can also contact the National Suicide Hotline 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

8/26/21 @ 3:30 p.m. - The Board of County Commissioners is committed to the prevention, treatment, and recovery of adults and youth with substance abuse disorders. As such, at the Monday, August 23rd meeting, the Board approved Resolution No. 2021-162, declaring August 31, 2021 as "Overdose Awareness Day" in Nassau County, FL.

North America continues to experience the highest drug-related mortality rate in the world, accounting for one in four drug-related deaths globally. Opioids account for the majority of drug-related deaths and in most cases are avoidable.

Recognizing Overdose Awareness Day provides opportunity to raise awareness of the issues surrounding substance abuse to prevent more drug overdose related deaths here in Nassau County, FL.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

7/29/21 @ 10:00 a.m.- At the Board of County Commissioner's meeting held on Monday, July 27th, the Board approved a Resolution expressing support for the Northeast Florida Fair Association's  Agriculture Education and Promotion Facility funding request to the State of Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Paulette Kirkland was in attendance to accept the Resolution on behalf of the NEFL Fair Association. She stated, "We've been working on this fairground project since 2016. We've had a few setbacks but we are back on track. We are now working on an arena for the community's use. We appreciate the County's support".

The NEFL Fair Association is a non-profit organization that promotes agriculture in Nassau County, Florida. They host the annual fair and works closely with the local 4-H program and Future Farmers of America to encourage enthusiasm in our youth and celebrate Florida's agriculture heritage. To learn more, visit their website.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

6/29/21 @ 9:30 a.m. - At last night's meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution No. 2021-142, proclaiming the week of July 31 through August 8, 2021, as "Gullah/Geechee Nation Appreciation Week".

Gullah/Geechee Nation Appreciation Week was first recognized in 2012 in celebration of the living legacy of Gullah/Geechee history, heritage and culture. The Gullah/Geechees have an extensive history in Nassau County, specifically on Amelia Island in Old Town and American Beach, as well as Yulee, Nassauville, and Franklintown.

Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation, has been spreading awareness regarding the history and legacy of the Gullah/Geechees and has headed numerous endeavors that have led to global recognition. She also led several libation ceremonies in Old Town, including the Middle Passage Marker Ceremony. 

Queen Quet was in attendance to accept the Resolution. She stated, "We are so pleased that more people are recognizing the fact that the Gullah/Geechee Nation comes down here to Florida (from South Carolina). So many people want to stop it at Georgia's border and we have to emphasize that our ancestors continued southward. They came here for freedom. We appreciate the fact that you are highlighting those stories of freedom here in Nassau County".

During Gullah/Geechee Nation Appreciation Week, all residents and visitors are encouraged to take part in activities that coincide with global activities for the United Nation's International Decade of People of African Descent.

Note: The City of Fernandina Beach also recently approved a Proclamation in recognition of Gullah/Geechee Nation Appreciation Week. Queen Quet was unable to attend that meeting due to scheduling conflicts so City Commissioner, Len Kreger, attend the County meeting to present the City's Proclamation to Queen Quet.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer