1/31/23 @ 12:15 p.m. - The Fernandina Beach Library will be hosting a new program: The Fighting Baileys: Florida's Black Military Experience event on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

SUMMARY OF PROGRAM

During World War II and Korean War, seven brothers from a black Punta Gorda family served overseas. Yet, the family received no acclaim for over fifty years for their exploits. From a high-flying Tuskegee airman to a grunt in the Red Ball Express, the Bailey brothers’ struggles in a Jim Crow south speak to the hidden and ongoing struggle to accord black Americans in their place in the military. The library’s seating capacity is limited. Please pre-register to attend by calling 941-764-5562 or visiting the registration link.

James Abraham is a former journalist who now edits and publishes books. His Book-Broker Publishers, which he founded in 2004, has produced and edited more than 500 books in a variety of genres. Abraham is a writing coach, critic, and lecturer. He has conducted the longest-running race relations class in Charlotte County. A graduate of Oberlin College, Abraham is the author of Century: A People’s History of Charlotte County.

This Florida Talks program is a partnership between Florida Humanities and the Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library. Funding for this program was provided by Florida Humanities.

ACCOMMODATIONS

​Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in this program should contact (904) 530-6500 or the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8770(v) or (800) 955-8771(TDD) at least 72 hours in advance to request such accommodations.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

Below are meetings scheduled for the week of January 30 - February 3, 2023. 

Development Review Committee
Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. 
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Board of County Commissioners: Closed Session regarding Case(s) No. 2021-CA-190 and No. 2022-CA-247, Riverstone Properties vs. Nassau County
Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Construction Board of Adjustments & Appeals
Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Agendas can be located on our website. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/27/23 @ 2:35 p.m. - Below are pictures from the week of January 20 - January 27, 2023. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

Each month, the Nassau County Extension office releases a calendar to let residents know the appropriate dates to plant vegetables. Below is the calendar for February.

If this type of information is of interest to you, consider signing up for their monthly newsletter. Visit their website and sign up for newsletters on the top right under "Learn Something New".
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/27/23 @ 8:40 a.m. - The Master Plan for Tributary Regional Park (formerly known as Three Rivers) includes a boardwalk, platform, floating dock, and a canoe/kayak launch in Phase Two. We are excited to report that Nassau County Parks & Recreation applied for a Florida Recreation Development Assistance  (FRDAP) grant to assist with costs for engineering and design and was subsequently awarded a $200,000 grant!

The Board approved the grant agreement with the State of Florida at their Board Meeting held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. The design/engineering process will commence within the next couple months and it is anticipated that construction will begin by the end of 2023. 

If you have any questions, please contact Parks & Recreation Director, Jay Robertson, at (904) 530-6120 or via e-mail at [email protected]. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/26/23 @ 10:30 a.m. - Nassau County Solid Waste will host their next Waste Tire Amnesty Day on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at the Convenience Recycle Center located at 46026 Landfill Road in Callahan. 

This event allows Nassau County residents to safely dispose of up to 15 light car or truck tires for proper recycling. There is no cost to participate however you will be required to show proof of residency. 

All tires must be off the rim and free of debris. No commercial loads will be accepted. 

WHAT: Waste Tire Amnesty Day
WHEN: Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. - noon (or until trailer reaches capacity, whichever comes first)

If you have any questions, please contact Nassau County Solid Waste at (904) 530-6700.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/25/23 @ 4:40 p.m. - The Board of County Commissioners has received an Award of Excellence for Culture and Historic Preservation for the American Beach Community Master Plan. Since 2018, the County has worked hard to design a plan to enhance the community while maintaining its unique history and culture. The scope of work included extensive community engagement including public meetings with property owners, public workshops, and interviews with stakeholders. The needs and priorities identified through the outreach efforts were then used to develop the final master plan which includes protection of the beach and dunes, as well as the history of the community. The plan also includes enhancements for the community such as water/sewer lines, street lighting, paved streets and sidewalks, and preservation of historic structures such as the Evans Rendezvous. 

Seeing all the efforts put forth, the Northeast Florida Regional Council selected the County for this prestigious award. The Board was then recognized at their Awards Luncheon held on January 5, 2023. The Northeast Florida Regional Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Beth Payne, stated, “The Northeast Florida Regional Council is happy to recognize Nassau County’s outstanding efforts to preserve a piece of Northeast Florida history. American Beach is one of our area’s hidden gems and it is the Council’s pleasure to recognize the work done by the County, it’s staff and volunteers to continually engage the residents of American Beach and work together to safeguard the cultural history, as well as the future of the American Beach community."

Interim Planning Director/Economic Resources Coordinator, Holly Coyle, stated, “The American Beach Master Plan captures the essence of American Beach by protecting the sense of place, honoring the rich cultural heritage of the community, and authentically telling the story of American Beach through the built and natural environment. Through an extensive public engagement process, the community identified its needs and priorities and created a list of recommendations to achieve their final vision. Among those recommendations were the installation of public water and sanitary sewer; the paving and resurfacing of roadways; re-evaluation of The Crossroads; and the expansion of the A. L. Lewis Museum.  We are honored to have been selected for this award and look forward to bringing this initiative to fruition.”

To view the Northeast Florida Regional Council's Press Release regarding the 2023 Awards, please click here. 

If you have any questions related to the American Beach Community Master Plan, please visit https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/990/American-Beach-Neighborhood-Planning or contact the Planning Department at (904) 530-6300.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Office

1/25/23 @ 8:30 a.m. 

Kick off Black History Month by attending the annual African American Read-In at the Fernandina Beach Library on Monday, February 2, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. This event is free and open to everyone. Anyone wishing to participate in the Read-In can bring a 1-2 minute reading material written by an African American. 

If you have any questions, please contact Julie Cannavino at (904) 530-6500 or via e-mail at [email protected]. 

The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Fernandina Library and will be hosted by former Assistant Library Director, Janet Loveless. Janet retired in May 2021 after 25 years of service to the Nassau County Public Library System. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/24/23 @ 2:30 p.m. 

At the Board of County Commissioners meeting held yesterday evening, the Board approved Resolution No. 2023-004 proclaiming the 31st of January 2023 as "American Beach Day". 

American Beach was originally founded on January 31, 1935 by the Pension Bureau of the Afro-American Life Insurance Company for the purpose of developing an oceanfront resort for its employees and shareholders. The once bustling community now serves as a historic jewel that attracts visitors near and far. 

The Board of County Commissioners applauds everyone who has contributed in preservation of this landmark and unique community. in recognition of American Beach Day, residents are urged to visit the AL Lewis Museum to learn more about American Beach's rich culture and history. Additional information can be found on the Museum's website. 


-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/23/23 @ 11:15 a.m.

​Attached is the December 2022 edition of the Board of County Commissioner's monthly newsletter. This monthly publication features a variety of information related to projects and activities for the departments under the Board. It also includes information about road projects, special events, adopted policies and procedures, budget discussions, and more!

-Sabrina Robertson 
 Public Information Officer

1-23-23 @ 9:45 a.m. - Below are public meetings scheduled for this week: 

Board of County Commissioners
Monday, January 23, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Development Review Committee
Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. 
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Joint Meeting: Board of County Commissioners and Nassau County School Board
Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Conditional Use & Variance Board
Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Agendas can be located on our website. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/23/23 @ 9:30 a.m. - President Biden has issued a Proclamation ordering all flags to be flown at half-staff through sunset on Thursday, January 26, 2023, out of respect for the victims of the senseless act of violence that occurred on January 21, 2023 in Monterey Park, California. 

To view the Proclamation, please click here. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/20/23 @ 4:40 p.m. - Below are pictures from the week of January 13 - January 20, 2023. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/20/23 @ 3:30 p.m. - The Board of County Commissioners is seeking a dynamic, energetic, and forward-leaning professional to lead Nassau County's award winning Planning Department. The Planning Director will be a hands-on, working manager with the technical expertise to produce/implement exceptional work product and the internal drive to take the agency to the next level.

The Planning Department consists of 8 employees, including the Planning Director, and supports in delivering the strategic directives of the Board of County Commissioners and County Manager. The Planning Department staff are extremely visible within the community and serves as the lead professional staff in response to high-profile development proposals, planning initiatives and the formation of public policy as it relates to applicable subject areas. 

The Board of County Commissioners offer the following benefits to its employees: 

• Free health benefits (for employee)
• Optional vision, dental, long and short term disability, and life insurance
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid time off (starting at 140 hours per year)
• Participation in the Florida Retirement System
• Tuition reimbursement

To learn more about the Planning Director position including full job description and salary range, please click here. Apply online at: https://bit.ly/WorkforNassau. The deadline to apply is February 10, 2023.

If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources at (904) 530-6075.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/20/23 @ 10:30 a.m. 

​NASSAU COUNTY has an allocation of approximately $300,000 in affordable housing dollars available through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program.
 
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Twenty percent (20%) of the 2022-23 SHIP funding has been designated to serve persons with Special Needs as defined in F.S. 420.004 (13)  “Persons with special needs” means an adult person requiring independent living services in order to maintain housing or develop independent living skills and who has a disabling condition; a young adult formerly in foster care who is eligible for services under F.S.. 409.1451(5); a survivor of domestic violence as defined in F.S. 741.28; or a person receiving benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program or the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program or from veterans’ disability benefits to meet set aside requirements. A child receiving SSDI qualifies the household for assistance.
 
PROGRAMS FUNDED FOR THE 2022-2023 FUNDING PERIOD include:

• Emergency Repairs Grant for minor repairs to owner occupied housing such as but not limited to roof repairs/replacements, wheelchair ramps, septic tank repairs/replacements, and heating/air conditional repairs/replacements. Repair costs cannot exceed $10,000.
• Purchase Assistance with or without Rehabilitation Loan for buyers who do not currently own a home. Repair costs cannot exceed $5,000. 
• Purchase Assistance Loan for the purchase of new or existing manufactured home/land packages that are less then 20 years old.  Maximum award $25,000.  

 
Eligible applicants can only receive assistance through the SHIP Program once in a 10-year period.
                                             
Applications will be available Friday, February 24, 2023, starting at 9 a.m. Applications will not be accepted after funds are exhausted.  Applications will be processed “first come, first qualified, first eligible” with a priority given to Special Needs and Essential Service Personnel defined as teachers, police and fire personnel, health care personnel and skilled building trades personnel.
 
Assistance Limits for Emergency Repairs: Eligible applicants must qualify under very low- or low-income limits. The maximum award for emergency repairs is $10,000. Repairs will include minor work necessary to provide general renovation of the housing stock to correct code violations. No application will be accepted for SHIP clients who have received SHIP funds within the previous ten years.
 
Assistance Limits for Home Purchases: Currently assistance limits are 20%, 25% and 30% of the sales price of a home and the amount of funding is dependent on the income level of the applicant’s household. The maximum deferred loan is $102,747 and the maximum price of a home for SHIP eligibility is 90% of the Median Home Sold Price for the last 12 months not to exceed $359,263.80 for applicants meeting income limits. Funds may be used for closing costs, first mortgage down payment or a combination of both needs. Up to $5,000 can be used for home repair costs such as roof repairs, window replacement, plumbing, electrical etc. The buyer must occupy the home for ten (10) years for the SHIP loan to be satisfied. A pre-qualification letter from your primary mortgage lender is required for submission of your application.
 
Assistance Limits for Manufactured Home Purchases: Assistance limits are $25,000 with a maximum purchase price of 90% of the Median Home Sold Price for the last 12 months not to exceed $359,263.80 for applicants meeting the income limits. Funds may be used for closing costs, first mortgage down payment or a combination of both. The buyer must occupy the home for ten (10) years for the SHIP loan to be satisfied. A pre-qualification letter from your primary mortgage lender is required for submission of your application. Only new and existing manufactured land/home packages less than 20 years old are eligible for assistance.
 
THE NASSAU COUNTY Grants Specialist administers the local SHIP program. Applications will be available on Friday, February 24th, 2023, at 9 a.m. and can be picked up at the address below. Individuals interested in participating in the SHIP program are encouraged to visit our website at www.nassaucountyfl.com and under DEPARTMENTS click on Office of Management and Budget then SHIP. It will provide Purchase Assistance Guidelines and Emergency Repair Guidelines for application or call Carol Gilchrist, Office of Management and Budget, 96135 Nassau Place, Suite 2, Yulee, FL 32097, (904) 530-6020, [email protected].