4/23/25 @ 3:00 p.m. 

We have some great local artists to perform all your favorite tunes at our 2nd Annual Opening of the Beaches Even on May 17th. 

10:30 a.m. - Laid Back
12:15 p.m. - Brian Ernst
1:45 p.m. - The Sean McCarthy Band
3:30 p.m. - Gilberto 77
5:30 p.m. - The Honey Badgers

Over the next few days, we will share videos highlighting each band/performer in an effort to spread excitement about the event so stay tuned!

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

4/23/25 @ 9:30 a.m. 

Kitten season refers to the time of year when many litters of kittens are born. The exact time depends of the region and climate but most places experience kitten season between April and November. 

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), kittens are one of the most vulnerable populations and that many end up there due to well-meaning animal lovers. So what do you do if you find a kitten? First, know that removing kittens from their current environment may not be the right answer as the mom could be nearby getting food or hiding from you. No one can care for a kitten like its mother. 

Before picking up kittens, access the scenario using the CASA method. Consider the following 4 factors: Condition, Age, Situation and Abilities. Use the below graphic to guide you in this initial assessment. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

4/22/25 @ 2:30 p.m. 

In recognition of Earth Day, we wanted to highlight a local non-profit who goes above and beyond to keep Nassau County clean, safe, and beautiful for the community. 

Established in 1991, Keep Nassau Beautiful works to maintain litter and waste control programs, organize community beautification and conservation efforts, and promote the benefits of a clean and beautiful environment. This is accomplished in a variety of ways including organized roadside litter cleanup, community cleanup events, and planting trees and flowers around the county. Keep Nassau Beautiful also partners with the County twice a year to offer the Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Event aimed to keep harmful items out of the landfill. Hundreds participate in these recycling events each year to dispose of things like paint, electronics, pesticides, fluorescent lightbulbs, used motor oil, batteries and other similar items that are hazardous to the environment. 

Through its Gardens of Amelia Program, Keep Nassau Beautiful provides information on native plants and Nassau's historic maritime forest, and they recognize property owners who are preserving and regenerating the maritime forest. Another interesting program you may not be aware of is their Donate a Legacy Tree Program. This program is designed to enhance the existing tree canopy and beautify public spaces while allowing residents to honor a loved one. 

Last but not least, Keep Nassau Beautiful hosts the popular Wild Amelia Festival which introduces residents and visitors to Nassau County's diverse local ecosystems and the wonderful creatures that inhabit them. The 2025 Wild Amelia Nature Festival will take place from May 9 - May 17, 2025 and includes 9 fun-filled days of ecotours, sunset river cruises, Wild Storytime events for kids, a community cleanup and more. Be sure to stop by the Wild Amelia Eco-Expo on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 10am-3pm at Main Beach for children's activities, animal exhibits and informational booths by environmental organizations. There will be something for everyone at this wonderful family event. Relax, have fun and get in touch with nature. While there be sure to wander over to the County's Opening of the Beaches Event where you will find live music, food trucks and the County's Vision 2050 tent. 

About Keep Nassau Beautiful
Keep Nassau Beautiful is governed by a Board of Directors which consists of up to 25 members. The day-to-day management is overseen by an Executive Director who operates within the framework of the established budget, adopted programs, and policies developed by the Board of Directors. Annual reports can be located on their website at www.keepnassaubeautiful.org. Here you can also find information on how you can help including volunteer opportunities and ways to donate.  

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

Happy Earth Day!

Today, we would like to highlight Nassau County's recycling program. Recycling helps conserve natural resources, reduces the need for landfill space, and minimizes the environmental impact from producing new products.

Nassau County Solid Waste provides a Convenience Recycle Center for the collection and disposal of solid waste and recyclables for its residents. Located on Landfill Road in Callahan, this site accepts a variety of recyclable materials including cardboard, glass (clear, brown and green), aluminum, plastics (1 and 2), paper, electronics, appliances, paint and used cooking oil.

We also offer two additional recycling sites: 72823 Motes Road in Bryceville and 86200 Gene Lasserre Blvd. in Yulee. These two sites accept paper, glass (clear, brown and green); plastics (1 and 2), aluminum and cardboard.

All recycling sites are FREE to use by Nassau County residents. To learn more, visit https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/228/Solid-Waste.
​
We've also attached a handy recycling brochure to provide proper recycling techniques and information on what can and can't be recycled. You can download the PDF version here: https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/.../24233/Recycling-Brochure-
#earthdayeveryday #recycle #reducereuserecycle

4/21/25 @ 4:00 p.m.

The White House has issued a Proclamation ordering all flags to be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for the memory of Pope Francis. Flags will remain at half-staff through sunset on the day of interment.

To view the Proclamation, please click the link below.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/honoring-the-memory-of-his-holiness-pope-francis/

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

4/21/25 @ 11:15 a.m.

Several thousand residents and visitors joined us last May for an Opening of the Beaches event where we celebrated Nassau County’s 200th birthday and engaged with the community about the Nassau Vision 2050 initiative. We had so much fun last year that we’ve decided to make this an annual event!

Join us on Saturday, May 17, 2025, for our Second Annual Opening of the Beaches. This FREE, family-friendly event will bring the community together for nature-themed activities, food and beverage, music and fun, and updates on Vision 2050. This year, we will be celebrating at two locations: Main Beach and Peters Point.

Taking place at Main Beach from 10am-7pm will be food trucks, live music, a Children’s Entrepreneur Market, kid’s activities, and a beer garden. Featured on stage will be a series of local favorites including Laid Back, Brian Ernst, the Sean McCarthy Band, Gilberto 77 and The Honey Badgers.

While there, be sure to stop by the Vision 2050 tent to review and provide comments on the draft Vision 2050 plan. The draft Vision 2050 plan is the result of an 18-month collaborative effort to gain feedback on Nassau County’s future and represents the overarching themes and ideas of the collective community. The final Vision 2050 Plan will be used to guide policies that will promote and manage growth while protecting and enhancing key areas of importance.

Also featured at Main Beach will be the 16th Annual Wild Amelia Nature Festival, brought to you by Keep Nassau Beautiful, which will include exhibits and live animals at the Wild Amelia Eco-Expo. This popular annual event introduces Nassau County’s diverse ecosystem and the wonderful creatures that inhabit them.

Looking for something slower paced? Head down to Peters Point Beachfront Park between 10am-3pm where you will find a vendor’s market, food trucks and a DJ playing all your favorite tunes.

Be sure to visit our news blog at www.thecountyinsider.com for future updates on this event. You can also find updates on our FaceBook page at https://www.facebook.com/nassaucountyfl. We look forward to celebrating with you at the Second Annual Opening of the Beaches.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

4/21/25 @ 10:30 a.m. - Below are public meetings scheduled for this week. Agendas can be found at https://nassaufl.co/agendas.  

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

4/20/25 @ 7:30 p.m. 

Below are pictures from the week of April 11 - April 18, 2025. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communciations Officer

4/21/25 @ 5:00 p.m.

​At the Wednesday, April 16, 2025 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners recognized three County employees for outstanding years of service. 

Cindy Wood is celebrating 20 years of employment with Nassau County this month.  Hired by the Clerks of Courts in the accounts payable division, Cindy transferred to the OMB Office in March 2005 and served in various positions including Financial Management & Budget Coordinator and Senior Financial Management & Budget Coordinator. She was promoted to Assistant OMB Director in October 2022 where she plays a pivotal role in development of the annual budget, overseeing financial reporting for accuracy, monitoring of expenditures and operating expenses, and overseeing budget staff within the department. OMB Director Chris Lacambra stated, "Cindy has exceptional talent. To go from an accounts payable clerk to an assistant director.... she's a superstar. We call her the budget guru and budget master. I've enjoyed working with and appreciate her service."  County Manager Taco Pope added, "There was a period of time with turnover in the department. Cindy stepped up and if it wasn't for her, I'm not sure what the County would have done. I don't know if she's ever been publicly recognized for her efforts but it needs to be recognized because we wouldn't be here without her."

Grant Jones is celebrating 20 years with Nassau County Fire Rescue. Grant was hired in March 2005 as a Tactical Supply Officer. Throughout the years, he was promoted to Logistics Officer, Firefighter/Paramedic, Engineer/Paramedic/Firefighter, and to his current position of Lieutenant/Firefighter/Paramedic. He is currently assigned to Engine 71 at Fire Station 71 on Chester Road. He serves on the Special Hazard Operations Team (SHOT) and responds to hazmat situations. Most recently he has begun training all the new recruits. Chief Brandy Rigdon stated, "Everytime we hire new people, Grant spends 6-8 weeks with them in their early careers, training and getting them ready to hit the streets. We greatly appreciate all his efforts. 20 years is a good accomplishment."

The last employee recognized was John Horne who is celebrating 25 years of service this month. John was hired in April 2000 as a Landfill Spotter. John was promoted to a Landfill Operator I, then a Landfill Operator II before being promoted to his current position of Convenience/Recycle Center Closure Operator. In this position, John serves residents at the Convenience Recycle Center, hauls materials for recycling and empties and delivers new bins to the recycling sites. Solid Waste Division Manager Lynn Diden stated, "I've worked with John for 25 years. I can say that he's always been hard-working and dedicated. I rely on him heavily for training new employees. He's great with the employees, he's great with the residents and he goes great work."

Congratulations Cindy, Grant and John on your achievement! We are grateful to each of you for the outstanding service and dedication you have provided to Nassau County and its residents. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer