5/6/22 @ 11:15 a.m. -The St. Marys River Management Committee is seeking a representative of Nassau County to fill a vacancy. 

Background

The St. Marys River Management Committee (SMRMC or Committee) is a quasi-governmental advisory panel established by interlocal agreement between Baker and Nassau counties in Florida and Camden and Charlton counties in Georgia to facilitate the conservation and wise use of the St. Marys River.  To that end, SMRMC engaged with the local communities as well as county and state governments to develop the St. Marys River Management Plan, which they now work to implement.

The Committee is composed of five voting representatives from each county: one county commissioner and four appointed members.  All meetings are open to the public with notice provided on the Committee’s website: www.saintmarysriver.org.  SMRMC is charged to act in good faith as an agent of due diligence on behalf of local governments and communities. Monthly Committee meetings serve as a public forums for the discussion of issues potentially impacting the river and its stakeholders, including such things as regulatory concerns, land use practices, and economic development projects.  Between meetings members work with county governments on various projects relating to the river.  In 2020 and 2021, Nassau County projects have included: No Wake Zones at The Sandbar, Tracy Road Access, and White Sand Landing, revision of Ordinance 99-17 Stormwater section, encouraging additional river access, and revision of the interlocal agreement.

Time Commitment
Meetings: first Monday of each month except when date conflicts with a holiday in which case second Monday.  Meeting 7pm-830pm at Callahan Fire Department.  Dinner 6-7pm at Cedar River Seafood, Callahan (not required but good networking opportunity). The SMRMC is currently meeting via Zoom because of COVID-19 pandemic.
Between Meetings: Depends on time available and level of commitment. The committee suggests at least 2 hours/member to share workload of monitoring and furthering current committee projects. Many committee members exceed the 2 hours.

Experience Required
Candidates must be dedicated to maintaining the outstanding water quality and current character of the St. Marys River. They should enjoy working with local government staff and be patient, tolerant, and eager to learn, educate, and negotiate.

Applicant should live in the St. Marys watershed.  Roughly this includes any riverfront landowner as well as residents living in Wildlight, Yulee west of 95, north of 108, either side of 121. Also anyone qualifies who works for a company owning property on the St. Marys River.
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Interested?
Interested individuals should reach out to stmarysriverinfo@gmail.com for more information.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

4/26/22 @ 1:30 p.m.-

In May 2017, the Board adopted a resolution creating the Essential Housing Advisory Committee (formerly known as the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee) to review affordable housing and strategize on ways to bring more affordable housing to our community.

There are currently two vacant positions on the Essential Housing Advisory Board. Florida Statutes, Chapter 420.9076, mandates that the committee be comprised of at least eight, but no more than eleven members.

Below are background/criteria recommended for the new appointments:

• A citizen who is actively engaged in the banking or mortgage industry with a connection to affordable
• housing
• A citizen who is a representative of those areas of labor actively engaged in home building in
  
• connection with affordable housing
• A citizen who is actively engaged as an advocate for low-income persons in connection with
• affordable housing
• A citizen who is actively engaged as a for-profit provider of affordable housing
• A citizen who represents employers within the jurisdiction

If you meet any of the above criteria and are interested in serving, please email your resume to Joshua Macbeth at jmacbeth@nassaucountyfl.com by the close of business on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.

EHAC meets on the third Wednesday of every month at 4:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097. These are volunteer positions therefore, members do not receive any compensation for their time and/or service.

If you have any questions, please contact the Planning Department at (904) 530-6300.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

3/11/22 @ 9:30 a.m. -

The purpose of the VAB is to hear appeals regarding property value assessments, denied exemptions or classifications, ad valorem tax deferrals, portability decisions, and change of ownership or control. Taxpayers or their representatives file petitions with the VAB clerk in the county where the property is located. The VAB is an independent entity not affiliated with the property appraiser or the tax collector.

Per Florida Statute 194, appeals will be heard before the VAB’s appointed Special Magistrates who will make recommendations to the VAB in order to render a final decision.

The Board consists of the following:

• Two (2) members of the Board of County Commissioners (one of whom shall serve as the Chairman)
• One (1) member of the School Board, elected by the School Board
• Two (2) citizen members, one of whom shall be appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and must own homestead property in Nassau County and the other appointed by the School Board and must own a business occupying commercial space within the School District. The citizen member may not be a member or an employee of any taxing authority and may not be a person who represents property owners in any administrative or judicial review of property taxes.
  

The Board of County Commissioners is currently seeking an alternate for the Value Adjustment Board. As an alternate, this representative would fill in when the regular Citizen Representative is unavailable. If you are interested in serving as the alternate, please submit a resume to contact@nassaucountyfl.com by the close of business on April 15, 2022.

The VAB holds meetings as needed. Board members do not receive any compensation for their time and/or travel. Board members are required to file financial disclosure.

If you have any questions about the Value Adjustment Board, please contact the Clerk of Courts Office at (904) 548-4662 or via email at vab@nassauclerk.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/13/22 @ 5:00 p.m. - This is a friendly reminder that tomorrow is the deadline for individuals to submit resumes to be considered for the District Two vacancy on the Planning & Zoning Board. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone wishing to get involved or learn more about the County's planning process.

The Planning & Zoning Board reviews all requests for rezoning of property, zoning amendments, Comprehensive Plan text amendments, Land Use Map amendments, and amendments to Ordinances that affect the use and development of land. The Board submits written recommendations on these matters and submits them to the Board of County Commissioners for a final determination. The Board also hears appeals where it is alleged that there is an error in a decision made by the Planning Director or staff, as it relates to Zoning Codes or the Comprehensive Plan. The Board also comments on preliminary site plans and serves as the Local Planning Agency for Nassau County.

The Board is made of up 11 members as follows:

• Five County Commission District representatives (one for each district)
• Five At-Large Representatives
• One School Board Representative

Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of the month beginning at 6:00 p.m. Members serve three (3) year terms and are required to file a financial disclosure. Board members are provided a stipend of $75 per meeting and are reimbursed for mileage at rates set by the Federal General Services Administration.

If you reside in District 2 and are interested in serving, please submit a resume to contact@nassaucountyfl.com by Friday, January 14, 2022. Resumes will be provided to the Board of County Commissioners and will be considered at a Board meeting in late January. If selected, you will be notified in writing and scheduled for an orientation soon thereafter.

If you have any questions about the Planning & Zoning Board, please contact the Planning Department at (904) 530-6300. Additional information can also be found on the Planning Department's webpage.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/5/22 @ 3:45 p.m. - The Nassau County Public Library System is hoping to implement a one-on-one technical program for patrons wishing to expand their technical skills and are currently searching for tech-savvy individuals who would be willing to volunteer their time and services.

The dates/times for the programs have not yet been determined, however their plan is to have the tech program available at the Fernandina Beach, Callahan and Yulee locations.

Position Overview:
Share your expertise by coaching adults as they learn tech skills
• Work with adult learners at all levels of tech knowledge
• Tutor one-on-one at your preferred branch
• Help adult students learn at their own pace
• Tech subjects include: basic computer, tablet, eReader or smartphone skills; internet and browser skills; setting up email and social media accounts; learning how to use apps and websites; and streaming or downloading free library eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines

Benefits of Volunteering:
• Make a big difference in a person’s life
• Opportunity to use your computer and training skills
• Earn community service hours
• Gain new skills and experiences
• Be a part of the library team

Requirements:
• 16 years or older, if under 18, must have permission from parent or legal guardian
• Ability to convey a positive, friendly attitude
• Ability to work with adults of all tech levels with patience and politeness
• Computer, internet and mobile device skills
• Dependable transportation and phone number or email
• Ability to pass a criminal background check

Want more information? Please contact Julie Cannavino at jcannavino@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/4/22 @ 1:00 p.m.

Amelia Island's tree canopy has communal benefits that preserve the health, safety and general well-being of those residing on Amelia Island, including storm protection, stormwater drainage and treatment, soil stabilization and strengthening, and serving to counter-heat island effects.

In May 2021, the Amelia Island Tree Protection Working Group completed its five-year mission in drafting a new Tree Protection Ordinance, modifying the existing Ordinance passed in 2008, as well as modifying Section 37.02, 37.05 and Article 32 of the Land Development Code.

The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners adopted the updated Amelia Island Tree Ordinance, Ordinance No. 2021-012, on August 9, 2021 with an effective date of February 7, 2022.

As outlined in the Ordinance, the Board of County Commissioners is creating an Amelia Island Tree Ordinance Commission to assist in the administration of the Ordinance. Duties are as follows:

• Develop, recommend, and forward to the Board of County Commissioners a tree planting program that will be approved and updated a minimum of every five (5) years;
• Review tree/canopy restoration plans;
• Hear and decide administration appeals from provisions of the Ordinance;
• Recommend to the Board of County Commissioners periodic surveys of trees and vegetation, the designation of canopy roads, and the establishment of a Heritage Tree Program

The Board of County Commissioners is currently seeking volunteers to serve on the Amelia Island Tree Ordinance Commission. The Commission shall, to the extent possible, include five (5) voting members meeting the following criteria:

• A Planning & Zoning Board representative recommended by the Planning & Zoning Board;
• A Florida licensed Landscape Architect;
• An International Society Arboriculture (ISA) Certified County Arborist;
• Two citizens who are residents of the unincorporated area of Amelia Island

Voting members shall be appointed for staggered, three year terms. Applications will be accepted beginning today through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 4, 2022. To apply online, please click here.

If you have any questions, contact the Planning Department at (904) 530-6300 or email planninginfo@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

8/31/21 @ 2:30 p.m. - Keep Nassau Beautiful is hosting a beach clean-up event on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 from 9:00 -11:00 a.m. Volunteers are needed to help remove litter from beach accesses, parking lots and shoreline following the Labor Day weekend.

Volunteers will be provided with gloves, trash grabbers and buckets, however volunteers are encouraged to sign up in advance so KNB can ensure they have the proper amount of supplies. Volunteers should wear comfortable shoes and bring their own water bottle, sunscreen and/or bug spray, if desired.

Following the cleanup event, volunteers will be asked to stay for an Appreciation Cookout hosted by Nassau County Fire Rescue's Local 3101 at Peters Point Beachfront Park. If you have any questions, please contact Keep Nassau Beautiful at (904) 261-0165 or via email at knb@keepnassaubeautiful.org.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

The Board of County Commissioners is currently seeking Nassau County residents who own homestead property and meet other criteria below to serve on the Value Adjustment Board (the VAB). One resident will serve as a member on the VAB, and another resident will serve as an alternate member on the VAB.

The purpose of the VAB is to hear appeals regarding property value assessments, denied exemptions or classifications, ad valorem tax deferrals, portability decisions, and change of ownership or control. Taxpayers or their representatives file petitions with the VAB clerk in the county where the property is located. The VAB is an independent entity not affiliated with the property appraiser or the tax collector.

Per Florida Statute 194, appeals will be heard before the VAB’s appointed Special Magistrates who will make recommendations to the VAB in order to render a final decision.

The Board consists of the following:

• Two (2) members of the Board of County Commissioners (one of whom shall serve as the Chairman)
• One (1) member of the School Board, elected by the School Board
  
• Two (2) citizen members, one of whom shall be appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and must own homestead property in Nassau County and the other appointed by the School Board and must own a business occupying commercial space within the School District. The citizen member may not be a member or an employee of any taxing authority and may not be a person who represents property owners in any administrative or judicial review of property taxes.

The VAB holds meetings as needed. Board members do not receive any compensation for their time and/or travel. Board members are required to file financial disclosure.

If you are interested in serving, please submit a resume to contact@nassaucountyfl.com by October 30, 2020. Resumes will be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners in November for review and consideration.

For more information regarding the Value Adjustment Board, please contact the
Nassau County Clerk of Courts by phone at (904) 548-4662 or via e-mail at
vab@nassauclerk.com.