Blog Archives - The County Insider

The County Insider

Attracting Bluebirds

2/28/2019

2/28/19 @ 11:30 a.m. - On Wednesday, March 6, 2019, Master Gardener Candace Bridgewater will conduct a class on attracting bluebirds to your landscape. The class will include a short history of the bluebird, information on the two enemies of nesting birds, how to best protect the bluebird, the ideal habitat, and best plant and food sources for bluebirds.

The class is free, however you may purchase a bluebird house to take home for $20. Please bring cash or a check made payable to the University of Florida.

What: Attracting Bluebirds Class
When: Wednesday, March 6th 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Where: Yulee County Building, 86026 Pages Diary Road, Yulee, FL 32097

If you have any questions, please contact the Nassau County Extension Office at (904) 530-6353.

-Sabrina Robertson
County Manager's Office

One Book, One Community Topic Announced

2/26/2019

2/28/19 @ 9:30 a.m. - Each year, the Library announces a new book for for their One Book, One Community Program. This county-wide initiative encourages residents to read the selected book and participate in numerous discussions and special events throughout the year. What a great way to meet other reading enthusiasts in your community!

Last week, Library Director, Dawn Bostwick, and Assistant Director, Janet Loveless, announced this year's One Book, One Community topic Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. The announcement was made an event held at the Fernandina Beach Middle School where about 400 people in attendance cheer in excitement.

Outlander is a historical romance novel about Claire Randall, a former combat nurse who is leading a double. She travels in time from her current married life in the 20th century, back to the 18th century where she finds romance and a renewed meaning to life. This book is one in a series of #1 New York Times bestsellers which has been published in 26 counties and in 23 languages.

Discussions and programs will be announced on the Library's website. If you have any questions, please call (904) 530-6500 or email [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
County Manager's Office

Railroad Crossing Closure on River Road

2/26/2019

2/26/19 @ 2:50 p.m. - CSX has hired Southern Commercial Development to make emergency repairs to the Railroad Crossing on River Road which will result in a complete closure of the crossing from 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 28th through noon on Saturday, March 2nd.

The proposed detour is Old Dixie Highway to Bypass Road to River Road.

If you have any questions, please contact Angela D. Nelis of Southern Commercial Development at (803) 808-3600.

-Sabrina Robertson
County Manager's Office

Public Meetings This Week

2/25/2019

2/25/19 @ 12:50 p.m. - Below are public meetings scheduled for this week:

Board of County Commissioners
Monday, February 25, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Development Review Committee
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Beach Community Working Group
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Planning & Zoning Board Workshop to Discuss William Burgess Context & Connectivity
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Conditional Use & Variance Board
Thursday, February 28,2 019 at 6:30 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Agendas can be located on our website.

-Sabrina Robertson
County Manager's Office

African American Read-In

2/25/2019

2/25/19 @ 1:15 p.m. - In celebration of Black History Month, a Read-In was held on February 4, 2019. The Read-in is a national event that focuses on African American literature, heritage and culture. This year was the 18th year that this event was held at the Fernandina Beach Library branch.

The event was co-hosted by Neil Frink, President of the Association for the Study and Preservation of African American History, and Chuch Comeau, President of the Friends of the Library. Participants shared excerpts from their favorite piece of literature written by an African American.

Group Photo
Right to left from Front: Host-Neil Frink, Thea Seagraves, Marsha Phelts, Jennett Wilson Baker, Joyce Frink, Charles L. Albert, Nanette Autry, Beverly Davis, Christine Meehan. Back Second Row: Rutha Jones, City Manager-Dale Martin, City Attorney – Tammi Bach, Gary Autry, Ron Kurtz, City Commissioner – Len Kreger, Marilyn Wesley, Friends of the Library president – Chuck Comeau, Denise Dinkins, Sherald Wilson, Joan Singleton, Viola Walker, Rev. Anthony Daniel

-Sabrina Robertson
County Manager's Office

Employees Recognized for Years of Service

2/20/2019

2/20/19 @ 10:50 a.m. - At today's meeting, the Board of County Commissioners recognized employees for years of service. Though employees have been receiving certificates of appreciation, County Manager, Mike Mullin, expressed an interest in bringing employees with 20+ years of service before the Board to be recognized. He stated, "The public doesn't always get an opportunity to see these great employees. They serve the citizens well and often go above and beyond the call of duty, so I think it's important that they be acknowledged publicly".

Those recognized included:
Benjamin Kay (Fire/Rescue) - 20 years
Darron Ayscue (Fire/Rescue) - 20 years
Mike Eddins (Fire/Rescue) - 20 years
Kelly Gunnell (Fire/Rescue) - 20 years
Clay Riddling (Fire/Rescue) - 20 years
Pat Gilroy (Engineering) - 20 years
Donald Light (Fire/Rescue) - 25 years
William Johnson (Road & Bridge) - 25 years

Gregory Roberts with Fire/Rescue was not able to attend however he is also celebrating 20 years of service.

Chairman Justin Taylor thanked each of the employees for all of their hard work and stated, "it certainly doesn't go unnoticed".

-Sabrina Robertson
County Manager's Office

Pictured left to right: Benjamin Kay, Darron Ayscue, Mike Eddins, Clay Riddling, Pat Gilroy, Kelly Gunnell, Donald Light, and William Johnson

Lane Closure Information the Week of February 16 Through February 22, 2019

2/15/2019

2/15/19 @ 11:45 a.m. - Below is lane closure information for State Road 200 the week of February 16-February 22, 2019. NOTE: THIS INCLUDES DAYTIME LANE CLOSURES BOTH EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND BETWEEN CHESTER ROAD AND DUVAL ROAD.

FDOT has indicated these closures are necessary to finish the final steps needed for the traffic shift.

SUBJECT: LANE CLOSURE INFORMATION
Job Description: SR-200 Reconstruction (W of Rubin Rd. to E of CR 107 Scott Rd.)
Financial Project Number: 210712-4-52-01 & 210712-4-56-01
Federal Aid Project Number: 4881064P
Contract Number: T2579
County - Section Number: Nassau - 74060

SPECIFIC LOCATION OF THE CLOSURE:

Daytime/Nighttime: ** These lane closures are necessary to shift the traffic safely. Once traffic is shifted and temporary barrier wall is set, lane closures will be removed.

SR 200 EB Left Lane from Chester Rd to Duval Rd; Friday, 02/15/19; 9:00 PM thru Monday, 2/18/19 6:00 AM
SR 200 WB Left Lane from Chester Rd to Duval Rd; Sunday, 02/17/19; 7:00 AM thru Monday, 2/18/19 6:00 AM

Nighttime:

SR 200 EB Left Lane from Chester Rd to Duval Rd; Monday, 02/18/19; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM
SR 200 WB Left Lane from Chester Rd to Duval Rd; Tuesday, 02/19/19; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM

REASON FOR THE CLOSURE (Type of Construction/Maintenance Activity):
Traffic Shift (Striping Removal, New Striping, Relocate Low Profile Barrier Wall)
Barrier Wall Removal & Reset

PROJECT ENGINEER OR CONTACT PERSON AND TELEPHONE NUMBER:
ETM
Carrie Smithheart, PA
Office: (904) 265-3170
Cell: (904) 509-9007

-Sabrina Robertson
County Manager's Office

Temporary Closures of William Burgess Blvd

2/12/2019

2/12/19 @ 10:00 a.m. - Nassau County has been notified that JEA has hired T.G. Utility Company, Inc., to replace a storm drainage pipe within William Burgess Blvd. at North Harts Rd. The project will require periodic closures of William Burgess Rd. between Augustus Ave. and N. Harts Rd. as described below for activities related to the project including dewatering measures, excavation, installation and backfill of the new storm drain.

Affected Roadways: Temporary road closure of William Burgess Blvd. between Augustus Ave. and N. Harts Rd.

SINGLE DAY CLOSURE: Friday, February 22, 2019 from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
FIVE DAY CLOSURE: Monday, February 25- Friday, March 1, 2019

Official Detour Routes: Motorists traveling eastbound on William Burgess Blvd. to U.S. 17 and North Harts Rd. will have to detour to State Road 200. Motorists traveling westbound on William Burgess Blvd. from U.S. 17 to Harts Rd. will detour to State Road 200 using North Harts Rd.

If you have any questions, please contact Scott Henderson with T.G. Utility Company, Inc., at (904) 228-3670 or via e-mail at [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
County Manager's Office

Beach Community Working Group to Hold First Meeting

2/8/2019

2/8/19 @ 4:50 p.m. -

On December 19, 2018, the Board of County Commissioners formed a Beach Community Working Group consisting of Mike Mullin, County Manager/County Attorney; Taco Pope, Director of Planning & Economic Opportunity; Doug Podiak, Facilities Maintenance Director; Gil Langley, Executive Director of the Tourist Development Council; Butch Osborne, Director of Operations for the Sheriff’s Office;
Mac Morris, Ex-Officio Member; and Lowell Hall, Ex-Officio Member.

The group has been directed to review current beach related Ordinances and use of the beach and to make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners as to any updates or amendments that need to be made.

The first meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers located at the James S. Page Governmental Complex, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097.

The group is seeking the public’s input and participation to assist in their efforts to ensure that beach related Ordinances are consistent with the community’s use of the beach.

Additional meetings of the Beach Community Working Group will be held throughout the County. Those dates and times will be announced following the first meeting.
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If you have any questions, please contact the County Attorney’s Office at (904) 530-6100.

-Sabrina Robertson
County Manager's Office

Spring Household Hazardous Waste Collection & Food Drive Event

2/7/2019

2/7/19 @ 8:30 a.m. - The Spring Household Hazardous Waste Collection has been scheduled for Saturday, March 30, 2019 at the Nassau County Convenience Center. Examples of items accepted include hazardous waste such as aerosol cans, batteries, fertilizers, pesticides, paints, paint thinner, propane tanks, oil filters, household cleaners, and fluorescent light bulbs, as well as electronics such as computer monitors, cell phones, cameras, radios, computers, and more. For a complete listing of items accepted, please see the attached flyer.

This event is free with proof of Nassau County residency. No commercial loads will be accepted.

In conjunction with this event, there will also be a food drive for Barnabas. Please consider bringing a non-perishable canned item to donate to the Barnabas pantry to help feed Nassau County residents in need.

What: Spring Household Hazardous Waste Collection and Food Drive Event
When: Saturday, March 30, 2019
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (or until trucks reach capacity)
Where: Convenience Recycle Center, 46026 Landfill Rd., Callahan, FL 32011

For additional information, please contact Keep Nassau Beautiful at (904) 261-0165.

-Sabrina Robertson
County Manager's Office

County Staff Reads to Elementary Schools in Recognition of Florida's Literacy Week

2/6/2019

2/6/19 @ 9:30 a.m. - On Tuesday, January 29th, Board Chairman, Justin Taylor, and Billing Supervisor, Margie Drawdy, were guest readers at Yulee Elementary School in honor of Florida's Statewide Literacy Week.

Ms. Drawdy selected The Keeping Quilt which tells the story of a young Russian immigrant who migrated to America with only a dress and a babushka. When she outgrew her dress, her mother used it to begin stitching a quilt. Over time, she added to the quilt using the little girl's clothing as she continued to outgrow them, as well as articles of clothing from other family members back home in Russia. The quilt was passed down through their family for almost a century and symbolized enduring love and faith. Ms. Drawdy said the children were very inquisitive and many shared stories about their own families.

Chairman Taylor selected the book The American Flag which teaches the history and heritage of American symbols such as the U.S. Flag and the bald eagle, and explains why these symbols represent America. Chairman Taylor was impressed by the children's knowledge of our country's history and how each symbol represents our freedom.

-Sabrina Robertson
County Manager's Office

CloudLibrary Update Coming Soon!

2/5/2019

2/5/19 @ 5:00 p.m. - As you may already know, library card holders can currently download hundreds of e-books at no charge through the library's website. On Tuesday, February 19, 2019, the Library's CloudLibrary software will be updated resulting in many new and exciting features. A new virtual wallet will allow you to store yours and your family's library cards in one place. The process for downloading e-books will also be shortened allowing for less clicks to reach your desired content!

Be one of the first one hundred people to receive a demonstration from Library staff and receive a free library tote sponsored by Barnes and Noble and the Friends of the Library.

For more information, please contact the Library at (904) 530-6500.

-Sabrina Robertson
County Manager's Office

Nassau County Landmark Featured in 2019 Florida Association of Counties Calendar

2/4/2019

2/4/19 @ 9:30 a.m. - In July 2018, the County urged residents to submit photos for the Florida Association of Counties' annual photo/calendar contest. This year's them was "Old Florida" and highlights Florida's rich and diverse history and features historical landmarks and sites.

Over 351 photos were submitted statewide and of those, only 15 were selected for the 2019 calendar. Stephan R. Leimberg, a local resident and photographer who specializes in wildlife, still life, and architecture from around the world, submitted a photo of the of the abandoned souvenir shop in the old welcome station on US Highway 17. The welcome station that was once filled with motels, billboards, restrooms, and souvenir stands for weary travelers now consists of ruins and buildings that are currently used for other purposes. Mr. Leimberg's photo of the old souvenir shop captured the unique experience of Old Florida and serves as a reminder on how far we have grown as a community.

Thank you Mr. Leimberg for submitting this photo to the Florida Association of Counties and for sharing a bit of Nassau County's history with the rest of the State.

-Sabrina Robertson
County Manager's Office

Stephan R. Leimberg

Lane Closures the Week of February 2 -February 8, 2019

2/1/2019

2/1/19 @ 2:45 p.m. - Below is lane closure information for the week of February 2 through February 8, 2019. NOTE: THIS INCLUDES A DAYTIME LANE CLOSURE TO THE LEFT WESTBOUND LANE BETWEEN CHESTER ROAD AND RUBIN DAVIS LANE ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2019.

Representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation told County Officials last week that they would do what they can do eliminate daytime lane closures, however the original agreement with the contractor did not require the contractor to do so. Nassau County will continue to urge FDOT to have this contract updated to eliminate daytime lane closures. In fact, Senator Bean emailed the project manager today requesting that the daytime closure this weekend not take place. At this current time, we are unsure if the daytime closure will actually occur, however we are sharing this as a precaution to keep the residents informed of the possibility.

SUBJECT: LANE CLOSURE INFORMATION
Job Description: SR-200 Reconstruction (W of Rubin Rd. to E of CR 107 Scott Rd.)
Financial Project Number: 210712-4-52-01 & 210712-4-56-01
Federal Aid Project Number: 4881064P
Contract Number: T2579
County - Section Number: Nassau - 74060

SPECIFIC LOCATION OF THE CLOSURE:

Daytime:

SR 200 WB Left Lane from Rubin Davis Lane to Chester Rd; Saturday, 02/02/19; 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Nighttime: For lane closures listed below, where right turn only is indicated, Contractor will be working in one intersection at a time.
** These lane closures are necessary to shift the traffic safely. Once traffic is shifted and low profile barrier wall is set, lane closures will be removed.

SR 200 EB Left Lane / WB Left Lane from Blackrock Rd to Duval Rd; Tuesday, 02/05/19; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Old Nassauville Rd, NB Left Lane Closed, Right Turn Only at SR 200, Tuesday, 02/05/19; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM
O’Neil Scott Rd, SB Left Lane Closed, Right Turn Only at SR 200; Tuesday, 02/05/19; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Barnwell Rd, NB Left Lane Closed, Right Turn Only at SR 200; Tuesday, 02/05/19; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Barnwell Rd, SB Left Lane Closed, Right Turn Only at SR 200; Tuesday, 02/05/19; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM
SR 200 EB Left Lane / WB Left Lane from Barnwell Rd to Chester Rd; Wednesday, 02/06/19; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Mt. Zion Loop, NB Left Lane Closed, Right Turn Only at SR 200; Wednesday, 02/06/19; 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Blackrock Rd, SB Left Lane Closed, Right Turn Only at SR 200; Wednesday, 02/06/19; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Arrigo Blvd, NB Left Lane Closed, Right Turn Only at SR 200; Wednesday, 02/06/19; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM
SR 200 EB Left Lane / WB Left Lane from Arrigo Blvd to Chester Rd; Thursday, 02/07/19; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Flora Park Crossing, NB Left Lane Closed, Right Turn Only at SR 200; Thursday, 02/07/19; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM
David Hallman Pkwy, SB Left Lane Closed, Right Turn Only at SR 200; Thursday, 02/07/19; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM
SR 200 EB Left Lane from Chester Rd to Duval Rd; Friday, 02/08/19; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM **
SR 200 EB Right Lane from Chester Rd to Duval Rd, Saturday, 02/09/19, 7:00 AM – Monday, 02/11/19, 6:00 AM **

REASON FOR THE CLOSURE (Type of Construction/Maintenance Activity):
Barrier Wall Repair
Asphalt Paving/Overbuild
Traffic Shift (Striping Removal, New Striping, Relocate Low Profile Barrier Wall)

PROJECT ENGINEER OR CONTACT PERSON AND TELEPHONE NUMBER:
ETM
Carrie Smithheart, PA
Office: (904) 265-3170
Cell:      (904) 509-9007

Notice of Traffic Shift Between Chester and Nassauville Road

2/1/2019

2/1/19 @ 2:30 p.m. - A traffic shift for State Road 200 between Chester Road to Nassauville Road is scheduled for February 8-February 10, 2019. The eastbound traffic will be shifted to the newly constructed asphalt in the middle of the road to allow for re-construction of the old east bound roadway. This means that both directions of traffic in this area will now be on new pavement for the rest of phase of the overall project and not the old deteriorating roadway. This is very exciting news!

This is being done in conjunction with Phase II of the overall State Road 200/A1A Widening Project. Phase II is a 4.9 mile project between Rubin Davis Lane and Nassauville Road. This entire segment is anticipated to be completed the spring of 2020.

If you have any questions, please contact England, Thims & Miller at (904) 265-3151.

-Sabrina Robertson
County Manager's Office