5/19/26 @ 7:00 p.m.

At the Monday, May 11, 2026 meeting, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners officially proclaimed May 17–23, 2026, as Emergency Medical Services Week in Nassau County in recognition of the dedicated professionals who provide lifesaving care to our community every day.

This year’s national theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” highlights the collaboration between healthcare providers, first responders, dispatchers, firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency medical personnel who work together to deliver critical care when it matters most.

Representatives from Nassau County Fire Rescue were in attendance to accept the proclamation on behalf of the many EMS professionals who serve residents and visitors across Nassau County 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Board extends its gratitude to all EMS personnel for their commitment, compassion, training, and service to the community.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

Nassau County officially kicked off summer on Saturday with another successful Opening of the Beaches event at Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach. Thousands of residents and visitors spent the day enjoying live music, family-friendly activities, environmental exhibits, delicious food, and beautiful beach weather during the County’s annual celebration of community and coastal living.

The event once again partnered with the Wild Amelia Nature Festival, bringing interactive exhibits, wildlife education, and hands-on experiences focused on conservation and the unique natural beauty of Nassau County’s coastline. Attendees also had the opportunity to visit the County’s engagement tent to learn more about Vision 2050 and future planning initiatives shaping the community.

Live entertainment throughout the day kept the crowd energized, featuring performances by Brian Ernst, Laid Back, Andria Shinn and the Loyal Souls, The Honey Badgers, and headlining band The Boogie Freaks. Families also enjoyed kids activities, the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, local environmental organizations, food trucks, and beachside fun for all ages.

Nassau County extends a sincere thank you to all of the event partners, participating organizations, musicians, vendors, volunteers, and staff members who helped make this year’s event possible. Most importantly, thank you to the community for coming out, supporting the event, and helping create such a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

5/17/26 @ 9:00 a.m.

​Residents and visitors are invited to attend an upcoming Sea Turtle – Protected Species Workshop focused on Nassau County’s Protected Species Management Plan. Hosted by Coastal Conservation Group, LLC, the workshop will provide valuable insight into ongoing efforts to protect nesting sea turtles and their habitats while preserving the coastal experiences enjoyed by the community for generations.

The workshop will cover key topics including habitat protection, population monitoring, and implementation strategies designed to support long-term conservation efforts along Nassau County’s shoreline. Community awareness and involvement play an important role in protecting these vulnerable species, making public participation especially important.

The workshop will take place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Fernandina Beach City Hall, located at 204 Ash Street in Fernandina Beach.

Those needing additional information or special accommodations may contact Nassau County’s Department of Strategic Advancement at (904) 530-6010.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

5/16/26 @ 2:00 p.m. 

Steady progress continues on the south leg despite some weather challenges this past week. 

Activities completed the week of May 11, 2026: 

• Drainage structure installation continued along the south leg of Amelia Island Parkway
• Limerock base mixing and grading advanced
• Embankment grading progressed around the perimeter of the roundabout in preparation for the shared-use path.

​
A few days of productivity were lost due to the much-needed rain, but the team made the most of the dry windows.

On a separate but related note, Segments 3 and 4 of the Amelia Island Parkway Trail (14th St roundabout to Bailey Rd; Bailey Rd to 8th St) are nearing completion at the end of May, and Segment 2 (14th St roundabout south to Jamestown Rd) is scheduled for completion in early July.

We’re not too far from this next phase of the Amelia Island Trail network opening! The AIP/Buccaneer roundabout will be the final link in this phase for the trail system tying the existing Segment 1 and new Segment 2 together.

As always, we appreciate the community for its patience and support as construction continues. If you have any questions, please contact the Capital Projects Department at (904) 530-6370.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer 

5/16/26 @ 9:00 a.m.

​At its meeting on May 11, 2026, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) passed a proclamation designating May 2026 as Lupus Awareness Month.

Lupus is an unpredictable and often misunderstood autoimmune disease that can cause severe damage to the body’s tissues and organs and, in some cases, can be fatal. It affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans and at least 5 million people worldwide, with more than 100,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The disease disproportionately impacts women of childbearing age.

The proclamation also highlights ongoing challenges surrounding lupus, including limited research funding compared to diseases of similar scale and severity, as well as a lack of awareness among medical professionals that can delay diagnosis and treatment. As a result, many individuals live for years without a proper diagnosis, amplifying the need for greater education, earlier detection, and stronger support for patients and families. There is also an urgent need to increase community awareness of the debilitating impact lupus has on those affected.

The proclamation was accepted by Sebrina Smith-Henry, who shared remarks emphasizing the importance of continued awareness and advocacy. She stated: “Thank you for supporting and recognizing Lupus Awareness Month in Nassau County. It’s an honor and privilege to stand before you as an ambassador for the southeast region (the only one for Nassau County too). This year’s model is ‘Take Action for a Cure’ and what that's what you're doing tonight (with the proclamation). That is one step closer to us taking action for a cure because all knowledge leads to empowerment and power. I want to be able to say not only that I have Lupus but that I had Lupus.” 

Through this proclamation, the BOCC joins efforts to raise awareness of lupus and its far-reaching effects, while reinforcing the importance of education, research, and community support in the fight toward a cure.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

5/15/26 @ 5:00 p.m. 

Below are pictures from the week of May 8 - May 15, 2026. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

5/16/25 @ 2:00 p.m.

​The St. Johns River Water Management District has declared a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage due to ongoing drought conditions, declining groundwater levels, and reduced surface water flows across northeast and central Florida.

Current restrictions include:

• Landscape irrigation limited to 1 day per week
• No irrigation between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Reduced watering for new sod and plantings
• Limits on non-essential water use, including pressure washing and aesthetic water features.

Residents, businesses, and institutions are strongly encouraged to conserve water wherever possible. Every effort helps protect our water supply during these exceptionally dry conditions.

Learn more about watering schedules, restrictions, and water-saving tips here: St. Johns River Water Management District Water Restrictions

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

5/15/26 @ 2:00 p.m. - Weekly County Road 121 Traffic Update. 

Below are activities that took place the week of May 11, 2026:

Temporary Signals:

• Continue to operate from Horseshoe Circle to .04 miles North of Batey LN (Sta. 221+25 to Sta. 238+75) 

Barrier Wall:

• Remains in place from Horseshoe Circle to .04 miles North of Batey LN (Sta. 221+25 to Sta. 238+75)

Milling:

• See below for road closure

Subgrade:

• See below for road closure

Paving:

• Paved base and structural asphalt from 221+25 to 238+75.

CR 121 Road Closure:

• CR 121 remains closed from Stokes Rd to CR 119 for construction of roadway and Concrete box culvert
• Began/finished removing existing box culvert & components
• Milled existing asphalt from 337+00 to 401+16 RT & LT Roadway
• Mixed subgrade from 337+00 to 405+00.

Activities planned for the week of May 18, 2026:

• Begin 3” milling operations from 90+40 to 106+71.
• Continue subgrade operations within road closure limits
• Relocating barrier wall and signals to 90+40 to 106+71
• Maintenance of Traffic.

Daily single-lane closures are not currently planned. If a lane closure were to be installed it will occur as needed between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. 

CR 121 from Horseshoe Circle to .04 miles North of Batey LN (Sta. 238+69) continues to operate under single lane, two-way alternating traffic with temporary signals.
 
Planned dates & locations:
 
Monday 05/18/26:
Continue working from Horseshoe Circle to .04 miles North of Batey LN (Sta. 222+00 to Sta. 238+69)

• Work operations will be behind barrier wall
• Prep subgrade for asphalt placement from Sta. 234+69 to 238+69 Left Roadway
• Maintain road closure and continue road building operations from Stokes Road to CR-119
• Continue Box culvert construction sta. 406+59 (approximately 1.34 miles North of Stokes Rd & .46 miles South of CR-119)

NOTE:  Access to properties will be maintained, but no traffic can cross the box culvert location during this phase.

Tuesday 05/19/26:
Continue working from Horseshoe Circle to .04 miles North of Batey LN (Sta. 222+00 to Sta. 238+69)

• Work operations will be behind barrier wall
• Paving both lifts of Asphalt base and structural asphalt in L-1 lane from Sta. 234+69 to 238+69 Left Roadway
• Maintain road closure and continue road building operations from Stokes Road to CR-119
• Continue box culvert construction sta. 406+59 (approximately 1.34 miles North of Stokes Rd & .46 miles South of CR-119.). 

NOTE:  Access to properties will be maintained, but no traffic can cross the box culvert location during this phase.

Wednesday 05/20/26:
Continue working from Horseshoe Circle to .04 miles North of Batey LN (Sta. 222+00 to Sta. 238+69)

• Work operations will be behind barrier wall
• Activities: place final striping and relocate barrier wall to 0.38 miles North of Ground Hog PL to Horseshoe Circle S.  (Sta. 90+40 to Sta. 106+71)
• Maintain road closure and continue road building operations from Stokes Road to CR-119
• Continue box culvert construction sta. 406+59 (approximately 1.34 miles North of Stokes Rd & .46 miles South of CR-119.) 

NOTE:  Access to properties will be maintained, but no traffic can cross the box culvert location during this phase

Thursday 05/21/26:
Begin working from 0.38 miles North of Ground Hog PL to Horseshoe Circle S.  (Sta. 90+40 to Sta. 106+71)

• Work operations will be behind barrier wall
• Mill existing asphalt from Sta. 90+40 to 106+71 Right Roadway
• Maintain road closure and continue road building operations from Stokes Road to CR-119
•  Continue box culvert construction sta. 406+59 (approximately 1.34 miles North of Stokes Rd & .46 miles South of CR-119.) 

NOTE:  Access to properties will be maintained, but no traffic can cross the box culvert location during this phase.

Friday 05/22/26:
Begin working from 0.38 miles North of Ground Hog PL to Horseshoe Circle S.  (Sta. 90+40 to Sta. 106+71)

• Work operations will be behind barrier wall
• Begin subsoil excavation from sta. 92+12 to 102+13
• Maintain road closure and continue road building operations from Stokes Road to CR-119
• Continue box culvert construction sta. 406+59 (approximately 1.34 miles North of Stokes Rd & .46 miles South of CR-119) 

 
NOTE:  Access to properties will be maintained, but no traffic can cross the box culvert location during this phase.

Saturday 05/23/26:

• No work scheduled
• Road closure continues.

NOTE:  Access to properties will be maintained, but no traffic can cross the box culvert location during this phase.

Sunday 05/24/26:

• No work scheduled
• Road closure continues.

NOTE:  Access to properties will be maintained, but no traffic can cross the box culvert location during this phase.
 
 If you have any questions, please contact the Capital Projects Department at (904) 530-6370.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

5/15/26 @ 11:00 a.m.

At its Monday, May 11, 2026 meeting, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held the first public hearing to consider a proposed ordinance implementing a moratorium of up to 12 months on data centers within unincorporated Nassau County.

As defined in the proposed ordinance, a data center is “a building, a dedicated space within a building, or a group of buildings housing computer systems and associated components such as telecommunication and data processing systems, to be used for remote storage, processing or distribution of large amounts of data.”

If adopted, the ordinance would temporarily halt the acceptance, review, or approval of applications related to data centers, including development permits, development orders, rezonings, and site plans.

The proposed 12-month moratorium is intended to provide the County with adequate time to conduct a comprehensive review and develop regulations addressing the unique impacts associated with large-scale data centers. Areas identified for further evaluation include:

• Groundwater impacts, water supply, and wastewater treatment
• Electrical grid capacity and infrastructure requirements
• Land use compatibility and development standards
• Environmental considerations, including noise, lighting, and wetlands
• Industry best practices.

During discussion of the ordinance, staff also highlighted recent action taken by the State of Florida related to large-scale data centers. The draft ordinance includes language reflecting provisions contained in legislation approved by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 7, 2026, which is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026.

According to the presentation, the legislation:

• Maintains the authority of local governments to exercise powers and responsibilities related to comprehensive planning and local development regulations concerning large load customers
• Requires the Public Service Commission to develop minimum large load tariff requirements intended to ensure large load customers pay for their own cost of service and minimize financial risk to existing customers
• Establishes a distinct consumptive use permit (CUP) requirement and application process for large-scale data centers, including authorization for water management districts or the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to require the use of reclaimed water as part of CUP approval
• Requires CUP modifications involving large-scale data centers to be treated as new applications and subject to public hearings.

Several members of the public attended the May 11 meeting to share comments and concerns regarding data centers and the proposed moratorium.

Following the public hearing, the BOCC voted to approve the ordinance on first reading. A second reading and final public hearing is scheduled for Monday, June 8, 2026.

To view the presentation and public comments, visit Nassau Clerk Watch Meetings and select the May 11, 2026 BOCC meeting listed as Tab T.

-Sabrina Robertson 
 Communications Officer

5/15/26 @ 10:30 a.m.

Transportation plays a major role in everyday life,  impacting commutes, emergency response, economic growth, and overall quality of life. That’s why public input is so important as transportation leaders plan future improvements throughout Northeast Florida.

The North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) is currently seeking community feedback on its annual Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) update, which includes more than $4 billion in transportation investments planned over the next five years across the region.

Nassau County residents are encouraged to review proposed projects and share comments through an online survey or by attending the upcoming virtual public meeting focused on Nassau County transportation priorities:

Nassau County Virtual Public Meeting
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

The TIP identifies regionally significant transportation projects requiring federal approval and includes improvements tied to the region’s Long-Range Transportation Plan and local comprehensive plans. Public feedback helps shape transportation priorities and future investments that will impact local communities for years to come.

Residents may review the TIP, access meeting information, and submit comments through June 1 at:
North Florida TPO TIP Information Page

The online survey is available at:
Transportation Improvement Program Survey

The North Florida Transportation Planning Organization serves as the independent regional transportation planning agency for Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns counties, helping guide transportation planning and infrastructure investments throughout the region.

If you have any questions, please contact Maria Larson at (904) 306-7513 or via email at [email protected]. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

THE WAIT IT ALMOST OVER!

Summer officially starts this Saturday at Nassau County’s 3rd Annual Opening of the Beaches at Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach! Join us May 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a full day of FREE family fun, live music, food, nature experiences, kids activities, and beachside entertainment.

This year’s event once again partners with the Wild Amelia Nature Festival, bringing interactive exhibits, wildlife education, environmental demonstrations, a Children’s Entrepreneur Market, County Vision Plan engagement opportunities, and local organizations sharing information about nature, conservation, and our coastal environment.

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE
10:15 a.m. – Brian Ernst
11:35 a.m. – Laid Back
1:15 p.m. – Andria Shinn and the Loyal Souls
2:45 p.m. – The Honey Badgers
4:30 p.m. – The Boogie Freaks

COME HUNGRY!
Enjoy delicious eats and sweet treats from:
Jax Taco
Philly Boyz
Raphael’s Pizza
Voodoo Shrimp Shack
Ruby’s Waffle Bar & Creamery
Dixie’s Fair Funnel Cakes & Lemonade
Kona Ice
I Pie Something Sweet

Whether you’re dancing in the grass, exploring nature exhibits, enjoying live music, or grabbing a bite to eat with family and friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Bring your beach chairs, sunscreen, and your summer spirit, and come celebrate the season Nassau County style!

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

5/13/26 @ 8:30 a.m.

​At Monday's meeting, the Board of County Commissioners voted to extend the County’s burn ban for an additional week as dry conditions and wildfire concerns continued across the region.

While recent rainfall provided some relief, Fire Chief Brady Rigdon advised the Board that significantly more sustained rainfall is needed to reduce fire danger levels. Chief Rigdon reported that the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) measured 546 when the burn ban was initially implemented on April 15th and later climbed as high as 627.

“With the rain this weekend it did come down, but today we’re at 533,” Rigdon stated. “Not a big difference. Soon as the sun comes out, it’s gonna dry that little bit of rain up, and unless we get some sustained long-term rain, again my recommendation would be that we continue the burn ban.”

County officials emphasized that although the recent rain slightly improved drought conditions, the area remained vulnerable to fast-moving brush fires, particularly in wooded and rural areas.

In accordance with state statute, the Board will continue to reevaluate conditions on a weekly basis and extend the burn ban as needed until conditions improve sufficiently to reduce wildfire risk