3/14/19 @ 1:45 p.m. -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Adrienne Burke
Assistant Director, PEO Department
(904) 530-6300
aburke@nassaucountyfl.com
 
COUNTY INFORMATION REGARDING SOUTH AMELIA ISLAND PARCEL
 
Nassau County, Florida, March 14, 2019 -  In response to the Fernandina Beach News Leader article in today’s edition, the County offers the following information regarding Parcel 39-1N-29-0000-0001-0000.
 
The site is approximately 55.5 acres. The zoning classification is Residential General - Two (RG-2). RG-2 allows for structures up to seven (7) stories and 85 feet in height. 

The Future Land Use Map designation of Medium Density Residential (MDR) allows for the property to be developed at three dwelling units per upland acre. The property has an existing entitlement of approximately 150 dwelling units.

Based on existing entitlements under the current land use and zoning designations, the site could be developed with roughly 150 dwelling units allocated between a series of (up to) seven (7) story buildings standing 85' in height.  To do anything else on the property would require a Future Land Use Map amendment and rezoning.

Under existing land use and zoning, a proposed project would require going through the County’s Development Review Committee and development processes. Changes to land use and zoning would also require following County processes. The Nassau County Planning and Economic Opportunity Department has not received any applications for development. Because of that, the specific process to follow has not been initiated.

Nassau County has had an initial discussion with the development team regarding the site. As explained to the County, the development team are currently conducting due diligence on the property including soil samples, tree surveys, etc. which involves a minimal level of site work.
The Nassau County Planning and Economic Opportunity Department is charged with leading long-range and current planning for the community, with a focus on technical planning, implementation and management of the Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan, development and site plan review, and assistance to citizens, the Board of County Commissioners, County Manager and other staff, advisory boards, government agencies, and the private sector regarding growth and development in Nassau County. For more information on our Plan, Code, or current initiatives, visit www.nassaucountyfl.com/planning, call (904) 530-6300 or email planninginfo@nassaucountyfl.com.
 
-Adrienne Burke, Assistant Director
 Department of Planning & Economic Opportunity

3/13/19 @ 4:00 p.m. - The Department of Planning & Economic Opportunity has issued a Press Release regarding the recently approved changes to the County's Land Development Code to allow Accessory Dwellings County-wide. The changes originated from a subcommittee of the County's Affordable Housing Advisory Committee who were tasked with making draft changes to the Code.

Accessory Dwellings are defined as a self-contained residential unit that is an accessory to a single-family home and on the same parcel. It has its own bathroom, kitchen facilities, living and sleeping areas, though it can share other features with the single-family home including the yard, parking, storage or laundry facilities. Accessory Dwellings are seen nationwide as a practice for addressing affordable housing issues.

Please see the attached Press Release to learn more about Accessory Dwellings and the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/13/19 @ 9:00 a.m. - IT'S NATIONAL FLOOD AWARENESS WEEK!

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster and can happen anywhere. While those living in flood-prone areas are required to have flood insurance, those in low to moderate risk areas do not.

Flood damage is not covered by most homeowners insurance policies. If you don't have flood insurance and a natural disaster occurs, the costs can be catastrophic to your family. Just one inch of water can cause up to $25,000 in damage to your home or apartment.




WHY DO I NEED FLOOD INSURANCE?

FACT: Floods are the nation’s most common and costly natural disaster and cause millions of dollars in damage every year.

FACT: Homeowners and renters insurance does not typically cover flood damage.

FACT: Floods can happen anywhere--More than 20 percent of flood claims come from properties outside the high risk flood zone. Check out this video The Big Cost of Flooding

FACT: Flood insurance can pay regardless of whether or not there is a Presidential Disaster Declaration

FACT: Most federal disaster assistance comes in the form of low-interest disaster loans from U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and you have to pay them back. FEMA offers disaster grants that don't need to be paid back, but this amount is often much less than what is needed to recover. A claim against your flood insurance policy could and often does, provide more funds for recovery than those you could qualify for from FEMA or the SBA--and you don't have to pay it back.

FACT: Wildfires dramatically change landscape and ground conditions, which can lead to increased risk of flooding due to heavy rains, flash flooding and mudflows.

HOW CAN I BUY FLOOD INSURANCE?

Watch these informative videos: How Can I Buy Flood Insurance; What Do I Need to Know About Flood Insurance Coverage

To learn more about factors that determine the cost of flood insurance, watch this video: What Factors Determine How Much I Pay for Flood Insurance.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/12/19 @ 11:00 a.m. - A Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. to review and coordinate a response to proposed Legislation of the 2019 Legislative Session which may have an impact on local government. The meeting will take place in the Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097 (James S. Page Governmental Complex).

A copy of the agenda containing information on each Legislative item can be located on our website.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/12/19 @ 9:30 a.m. - IT'S FLOOD AWARENESS WEEK!

Did you know that almost half of deaths related to floods happens in a vehicle?  A representative from the National Weather Service stated, "People underestimate the force and power of water. Many of these deaths occur in automobiles that are swept downstream. Many of these drownings are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers that warn you the road is flooded".

The road bed beneath the flood could be severely damaged and it's impossible to tell the exact depth of the water or the condition of the surface beneath. This is why you should NEVER attempt to drive through a flooded road. Remember that it only takes a few feet of water to carry away a vehicle. This includes trucks and SUVs.

The National Weather Service's campaign, "Turn Around, Don't Drown", attempts to educate individuals of just how dangerous a few inches of water can be. Any time you come to a flooded road, walkway or path, remember to "Turn Around, Don't Drown".

Should you find yourself in a scenario where no reasonable alternative exists but to drive through the water, safety officials recommend that you:

• Do your best to estimate the depth of the water.
• Drive slowly and steadily through.
• Watch for items traveling downstream that could trap or crush your vehicle.
• Test your brakes on a clear patch of road at low speeds after driving through water up to the wheel rims or higher to ensure they're dry and working properly.
• Keep in mind that if your vehicle stalls in the deep water and you're forced to restart, irreparable damage could occur to the engine.
• Immediately abandon your vehicle and head for higher ground if you can't restart and become trapped in rising water. Try to open the door or roll down the window to exit, and call 911 or try to get the attention of someone nearby to call for help.
  

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/11/19 @ 11:25 a.m. - Below are public meetings scheduled for this week:

Workshop Session Between the Board of County Commissioners & Tourist Development Council to discuss beach cleaning
Monday, March 11, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners
Monday, March 11, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Development Review Committee Meeting
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Ask the County Manager Meeting
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Amelia Island Joint Local Planning Agency Meeting (Board of County Commissioners & City of Fernandina Beach)
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Please note that the Code Enforcement Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Meeting agendas can be located on our website.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/11/19 @ 8:45 a.m. - It's National Flood Awareness Week!

Heavy rains and severe weather are common in the spring and with it comes an increased risk for flooding. Just a few inches of rain is enough to over-saturate the ground, overfill drain storms, and cause rivers to spill over their banks. Intense rainfall can also cause flash flooding in low-lying areas.

Did you know that most standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage? Even a small flood can cause catastrophic damage to your home yet many homeowners remain uninsured. The average claim for flood damage is around $34,000 and most survivors can't afford to pay this cost of of pocket. With about 20% of claims occurring in moderate-to-low risk zones, it's important to remember that everyone is at risk for flooding. If you don't have flood insurance, stop shopping now. Don't forget that it typically takes 30 days for new policies to get into effect so don't wait.

Attached is FEMA's Spring Flood Fact Sheet which contains information on flooding, ways to reduce your risk, creating an emergency plan, and what to do should become a victim of flooding.

Visit FEMA's website Ready.Gov for more on family preparedness for flooding and other types of emergencies.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/8/19 @ 3:45 p.m. - The County has been notified that JEA has hired T.G. Utility Company, Inc., for a force and reclaim water main installation which will require a complete closure of the intersection at William Burgess Blvd. and North Harts Road from Tuesday, March 19th through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22nd.

Attached is a notice which includes official detour routes.

Please contact Scott Henderson with T.G. Utility Company, Inc. at (904) 228-3670 if you have any questions or concerns.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/6/19 @ 4:50 p.m. - The Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library held their annual building earlier this month and presented a $25,000 check to Library Director, Dawn Bostwick, to be used for improvements to the Fernandina Beach Library Branch. The group also heard a presentation from State Librarian, Amy Johnson, on how libraries serve their communities.

The Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library is a non-profit organization that promotes literacy and lifelong learning through programs and supports the Fernandina Beach Library through advocacy and fundraising events. Additional information can be located on the Friends' website.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/5/19 @ 3:45 p.m.

FWC reminds the public: Nesting waterbirds need room to breed 

Give waterbirds room to breed this nesting season. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Audubon Florida are reminding boaters and beachgoers to watch out for nesting birds.
“It is very important to limit the disturbance of nesting waterbirds,” said FWC biologist Nancy Douglass. “When these birds are forced to leave their nests, their eggs and chicks are left vulnerable to heat and predators. By respectfully sharing our beaches and waterways with these birds, people can help ensure their survival.” 

Shorebirds and seabirds build shallow nests out of sand and shells on beaches in spring and summer, and eggs and chicks are difficult to see. Shorebird nests, eggs and chicks are well-camouflaged and can easily be missed and even stepped on unless people know to look out for them. The snowy plover, least tern, black skimmer, American oystercatcher and Wilson’s plover are several of Florida’s beach-nesting bird species facing conservation challenges.

Wading birds, such as herons and egrets, and pelicans are also nesting now. They typically nest in mangroves and on tree islands around the state. Nesting waterbirds can be easily disturbed if people approach too closely. Such disturbance can cause birds to abandon their nesting sites, exposing eggs and chicks to predators, sun exposure and other harm.

“With last year’s double-whammy of red tide and Hurricane Michael, coastal-nesting birds could be facing a challenging 2019,” said Julie Wraithmell, Executive Director of Audubon Florida. “Beachgoers and boaters can do their part by respecting posted areas—giving the birds some breeding room.”
The FWC has established Critical Wildlife Areas to protect congregations of one or more species of wildlife from human disturbance during critical life activities such as nesting, feeding or migration.
People can help keep nesting birds safe by keeping their distance from CWAs and other areas where birds are nesting or raising young. In addition to observing the marked-off areas around CWAs, people can also help by following a few simple steps while enjoying the beach this season:

• Keep your distance from birds, on the beach or on the water. If birds become agitated or leave their nests, you are too close. A general rule is to stay at least 300 feet from a nest. Birds calling out loudly and dive-bombing are signals for you to back off.
• Respect posted areas. Avoid entering any area marked with signs for nesting birds and use designated walkways when possible.
• Never intentionally force birds to fly or run. This causes them to use energy needed for nesting, and eggs and chicks may be left vulnerable to the sun’s heat or predators. Teach children not to chase shorebirds and seabirds and kindly ask fellow beachgoers to do the same. Shorebirds and seabirds outside of posted areas may be feeding or resting and need to do so without disturbance.
• It is best to not take pets to the beach, but if you do, keep them leashed and avoid shorebird and seabird nesting areas. Pets are not permitted on many beaches, including state parks, so always check and be respectful of these rules when preparing for a day at the beach.
• Keep the beach clean and do not feed wildlife. Food scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows, which can prey on shorebird eggs and chicks. Litter on beaches can entangle birds and other wildlife.
• Spread the word. If you see people disturbing nesting birds, gently let them know how their actions may hurt the birds’ survival. If they continue to disturb nesting birds, report it to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922), #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone or by texting Tip@MyFWC.com. You may also report nests that are not posted to our Wildlife Alert Program.
  

For more information, go to MyFWC.com/Shorebirds and download the “Share the Beach with Beach-Nesting Birds” brochure. Or go to the Florida Shorebird Alliance website at FLShorebirdAlliance.org to learn more about how to participate in shorebird and seabird conservation efforts.