04/10/18 @ 8:50 a.m. - Since 2016, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission has celebrated Gopher Tortoise Day to spread awareness on this threatened species. Gopher tortoises become active in the spring as they search for food and a mate, therefore you are more likely to see them now. Just in time for Florida Gopher Tortoise Day!

The FFWC would like to remind everyone that it is illegal to disturb or harm gopher turtles, their burrows or their eggs. If you see a gopher tortoise or their half-moon shaped burrow entrance, it's best to leave them alone. You can help a tortoise cross a road by picking it up and placing it in the direction it was headed, but don't ever put the tortoise in your vehicle or in the water. It is a land animal and needs a sandy, sunny habitat to survive.

On the Gopher Tortoise Day website, you can find many resources including guides to living with gopher tortoises and ideas for kids' activities including how to build a burrow. And if you're a fan of the gopher tortoise, help spread the word on conserving this threatened species whose burrows are also homes to hundreds of animals including the eastern indigo snake, gopher frog and Florida mouse.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

4/9/18 @ 4:10 p.m. - The Nassau County Planning & Zoning Board will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the Amelia Island Tree Ordinance. The proposed changes to the County's land development regulation only apply to the unincorporated areas of Amelia Island. The Planning & Zoning Board held a workshop on April 3, 2018 to solicit community feedback and input on the draft, and directed the draft to return for a public hearing in May.

Anyone interested in the proposed changes are encouraged to attend the public hearing and provide comments on the draft Ordinance.

Who: Nassau County Planning & Zoning Board
When: May 15, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
Why: Public Hearing on Amelia Island Tree Protection and Replacement Ordinance
Where: James S. Page Governmental Complex, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Attached is flyer containing information on how these changes may affect those located within the unincorporated areas of Amelia Island.

Links to the full proposed Ordinance language and a one-page fact sheet are available on our website.

If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Planning & Economic Opportunity at (904) 530-6300 or e-mail Alyssa Neil at aneil@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

4/9/18 @ 10:30 a.m. - Below are meetings scheduled this week:

Board of County Commissioners
Monday, April 9th at 6:00 p.m.
James S. Page Governmental Complex, Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Agendas can be located on our website.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

4/5/18 @ 11:05 a.m. - This month, the Nassau County Public Library System joins libraries nationwide in celebrating the many ways libraries lead their communities through transformative services, programs and expertise they offer. April 8-14 is National Library Week, an annual celebration of the life-changing work of libraries, librarians and library workers. Libraries aren’t just places to borrow books or study! They're also creative and engaging community centers where people can collaborate using new technologies and develop their skills and passions.

Libraries of all types have long been evolving to meet the needs of the communities they serve. Diverse groups including elected officials, small business owners and students depend upon libraries and the resources they offer. Resources like e-books, technology classes, and programs for job seekers are just a few ways libraries and librarians are transforming to lead their communities. Community members can also develop their own leadership skills at the library, with endless opportunities to build skills and confidence through resources and programming.

The library helps lead our community by advocating for widespread access to crucial services and lifelong learning. Libraries level the playing field for people of any age who seek information and access to technologies to improve their quality of life. The Nassau County Public Library System celebrates the entire month of April. 

A special, brief survey will be conducted in celebration of National Library Month.  For more information, visit your local branch in Bryceville, Callahan, Fernandina Beach, Hilliard and Yulee or online at www.nassaureads.com or call 904-530-6500.   

See you at the Library!

-Janet Loveless
 Nassau County Public Library System

 

4/4/18 @ 2:45 p.m. - In an effort to promote positive economic job growth and enhance workforce development in Northeast Florida, JAXUSA Partnership, Northeast Florida Regional Council and CareerSource have partnered to create a survey. The results will be used to establish priorities for the next five years.

If you are interested in participating in the survey, please click here. The deadline for completion is Friday, April 13, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact the Northeast Florida Regional Council at (904) 279-0880.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

 

4/4/18 @ 10:55 a.m. - April 2 through April 8, 2018 has been designated as Public Health Week in Florida and in celebration, the Nassau County Health Department is releasing daily messages. Today's message is dedicated to Environmental Health. Please see the attached Press Release to learn more.

If you have any questions, please contact Michael Godwin at (904) 557-9152 or via email at Michael.godwin@flhealth.gov.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

4/3/18 @ 4:45 p.m. - Governor Rick Scott has issued the attached Memorandum proclaiming April 4, 2018 as "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 50th Anniversary Remembrance Day" and ordering all flags in the State of Florida to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset. Dr. King was tragically assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, TN while delivering his "I've Been to the Mountaintop" address.

Citizens throughout the State are asked to remember Dr. King for his life's work and to reflect on his guidance and promotion of equality and non-violence.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

4/3/18 @ 4:40 p.m. - We were just notified that Senator Marco Rubio will be hosting open office hours tomorrow, Wednesday, April 4, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Amelia Island Chamber of Commerce located at 961687 Gateway Blvd, Suite 101G, Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Residents are invited to meet Senator Rubio's staff and receive information on a variety of topics including immigration, Medicare, Social Security, Legislative issues, and more.

Attached is a flyer containing additional information. If you have any questions, please contact the North Florida Regional Office at (904) 354-4300.

-Sabrina Robertson
County Manager's Office

4/3/18 @ 11:00 a.m. - Nassau County Emergency Management will be hosting a Hurricane Awareness Course on July 7, 2018 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center located at 77150 Citizens Circle in Yulee. The course is designed to increase your understanding on hurricane forecasting and preparedness. Citizens who work in the following fields are recommended to take this course:

• Citizen/Community Volunteer
• Emergency Management
• Emergency Medical Services
• Fire Service
• Government Administration
  
• Healthcare
• Hazardous Materials
• Law Enforcement
• Public Safety Communications
• Private Sector/Corporate Security
• Safety Professionals
• Public Works

Below are eligible Continuing Education opportunities:

• American Planning Association (APA), AICP Members: CM 3.5
• Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM), CFM: 3.5 CEC
• International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), CEM/AEM: 4 E/G
• International Association for Continuing Education & Training (IACET) 0.3 CE

Seating is limited to 50 participants so please register as soon as possible to secure your spot.

Attached is an event flyer with additional information. If you have any questions, please contact Sidney Beckom at (904) 548-0900 or via email at sdbeckom@nassauso.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

4/3/18 @ 9:30 a.m. - April 2 through April 8, 2018 has been designated as Public Health Week in Florida and in celebration, the Nassau County Health Department has issued the attached Press Release titled "Public Health Week 2018 - Ensuring the Right to Health". This message includes information on accessing affordable, quality insurance coverage, preventing costly diseases, and creating conditions that enable good health.

If you have any questions, please contact Stefanie Thomas at (904) 557-9144 or via email at Stefanie.Thomas@flhealth.gov.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office