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

6/17/21 @ 1:30 p.m. - At the meeting held on Wednesday, June 16th, the Board approved Resolution No. 2021-137, honoring Wanda Lanier on her retirement from Barnabas Center, Inc.

Ms. Lanier has served as Chief Executive Officer for Barnabas Center, Inc., since June 2010 and has been very successful in providing help and hope to individuals and families in need.

Under her leadership, Barnabas Center, Inc., has been able to expand their healthcare services and successfully led a capital campaign and endowment campaign to purchase and renovate a comprehensive service facility. This had led to the agency winning multiple awards and recognition including the Florida Blue Sapphire Award; Nassau County Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit of the Year (multiple years); the highest 4-star rating from Charity Navigator; and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

Ms. Lanier has always demonstrated professionalism when representing Barnabas and is become admired by many for her strong work ethic and her compassion for the individuals and families she encountered.

Congratulations Ms. Lanier on your retirement. We appreciate everything you have done for the residents of Nassau County and wish you many years of health and happiness!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

6/7/21 @ 5:00 p.m. - At the May 24, 2021 meeting, the Board approved Resolution No. 2021-087 proclaiming the week of June 7 through June 11, 2021 as Code Enforcement Appreciation Week.

Code Enforcement Officers provide for the safety, health, and welfare of the citizens in this community through the enforcement of building, zoning, housing, animal control, fire safety, environmental and other codes, and ordinances.

Often, their efforts go unnoticed, however Nassau County's Code Enforcement Officers work hard for compliance to keep our community clean and safe! They are dedicated, well trained, and highly responsible individuals who take their jobs seriously and are proud of their department and the local government within which they serve.

We appreciate them and everything they do for the residents. Please take time this week to learn more about Code Enforcement and if you see a Code Enforcement Officer, tell them thank you for their service and dedication.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

5/27/21 @ 8:30 p.m. - At the meeting held on Wednesday, May 19th, the Board approved Resolution No. 2021-083, honoring Mike Favors on his retirement after 19 years of service.

Mike began his employment with Nassau County on November 26, 2001 as a Custodial Worker. He transferred to Code Enforcement in April 2005 where he spent the next 16 years serving as a Code Enforcement Officer. Over the years, Mike has become a favorite of the community due to his outgoing personality, his dedication to his job, and his glowing smile.

Mike has served the community with passion and integrity and has earned the respect of most residents he has come in contact with. Mike has said many times, he works for compliance, not to write tickets, and he meant it! He worked closely with property owners to teach them the County's codes and and to help them gain compliance on their property in lieu of having to appear before the Code Enforcement Board.

Mike is also loved and respected by many employees of the County, several of which attended the meeting to express their gratitude to him for always making them smile, even on the worst of days. County Manager, Taco Pope, credited Mike for being his mentor when he began his employment with the County in 2005 and playing a role in his professional development. He stated, "Mike exemplifies public service. The most important thing he taught me was that our goal is to solve problems and help people. There are many, many instances where Mike changed people's lives. People who were drowning under liens, and debt, and physical impairments, and problems with their properties. He resolved them by going above and beyond the call of duty".

Mike's last day to tomorrow and while we will all miss him dearly, we are happy for him as he enters into this next phase of his life.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Office

5/25/21 @ 3:15 p.m. - At last night's meeting, the Board approved Resolution No. 2021-086, honoring Janet Loveless on her retirement after 25 outstanding years of service to the County.

Janet began her employment with Nassau County on November 6, 1995, as a Reference Librarian.  However in May 1995, Janet was promoted to Assistant Library Director where she spent the next 24 years serving the citizens through a variety of programs, including Black History Month and African American Read-In programs that she personally organized and implemented.

Janet was a professional member of the American Library Association for 28 years, the Public Library Association for 20 years, and the Florida Library Association for 20 years. She also represented the Nassau County Library as a liaison with the Amelia Island Genealogical Society, the Amelia Island Book Festival and the Duncan Lamont Clinch Historical Society.

Janet will be greatly missed by those who had the honor to work with her, as well as the citizens of Nassau County and we wish her many years of health and happiness!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

5/18/21 @ 9:15 a.m. - At the Monday, May 10, 2021 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution No. 2021-063 proclaiming the week of May 16 through May 22, 2021 as Emergency Medical Services Week in Nassau County. Both Nassau County Fire Rescue and the City of Fernandina Beach Fire Department were in attendance at the meeting to accept the Resolution on behalf of their departments.

EMS Week is celebrated nationally to recognize the vital public service provided by emergency medical professionals who work tirelessly to keep residents safe. This includes first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, educators, administrators, pre-hospital nurses, emergency room nurses, emergency physicians and other out of hospital medical care providers.



On behalf of the County, we thank each of you for your hard work and dedication and everything you do to keep us safe!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

5/13/21 @ 5:00 p.m.

At the Monday, May 10, 2021 meeting, the Board approved Resolution No. 2021-061, proclaiming the week of May 16th - May 22nd as National Public Works Week in Nassau County, Florida.

Public Works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, quality of life, and well-being of the people in Nassau County.

Public Works includes construction and maintenance of roads, landfill maintenance, garbage collection, access to public facilities, availability of public water and sewer, construction of sidewalks, and more!

Next week, thank a public works employee to let them know that you appreciate everything they do to improve the quality of life in our community.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer