3/31/21 @ 3:45 - Late last week, several County departments worked together to set up a large commercial tent at the AMC Threate in Yulee for the Health Department to have an additional POD (Point of Dispensing) location to administer COVID-19 Vaccinations.

This 40'x75' tent can comfortably hold about 200 people when spaced properly for social distancing. The tent has sides to protect individuals from harsh weather conditions. The County also installed an A/C Unit to keep everyone comfortable inside.

Installing the tent was truly a group effort as it took about 5 hours to set up. It also required proper inspections and permitting.

Kudos to the following departments for working together to make COVID-19 vaccination events accessible to all citizens and for fostering inter-departmental relations:

Facilities Maintenance: tent set up, installation of lighting, exit signs, air conditioner, large back-up generator, and porta potties
Sheriff's Office: Set up of small generator and coordination of life-safety requirements
Road Department: installation of barricades, signage, and fueling generator
Building Department: tent permitting and inspection
Emergency Management: Coordination of set-up, providing chairs and tables, and refrigeration for vaccines
Fire Department: filling of water barrels to hold tent in place, inspection

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

3/31/21 @ 1:40 p.m. - For the March 2021 Proudly Serving Nassau Series, we highlighted Grants Specialist/SHIP Administrator, Carol Gilchrist. Carol administers a variety of grants on behalf of the County and oversees the County's SHIP Program which provides down payment and rehabilitation assistance for residents in need. We appreciate everything Carol does for the County government and the residents of Nassau County.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

3/30/21 @ 10:45 a.m. - On Saturday, March 20th, Keep Nassau Beautiful, the City of Fernandina Beach, Dune Science Group and the Board of County Commissioners collaborated for a dune restoration project at beach accesses 4 - 11N along Ocean Avenue, between Dolphin Street and East 9th Street.

The dune system protects the barrier island from waves, storm surge and heavy winds. Not only will adding additional vegetation further protect homes from severe weather, it will also provide additional habitat for wildlife.

Fernandina Beach Parks and Rec Manager coordinated the event, with the help of Frank Hopf of the Dune Science Group. The City reached out to the County requesting use of the Road Department's jet vac truck to provide the initial watering of the newly planted vegetation. Lynda Bell, Executive Director for Keep Nassau Beautiful, stated that approximately 40 volunteers planted 1,700 native plants. Great job to everyone involved!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

3/29/21 @ 3:15 p.m. - On Friday, March 26, 2021, the Governor issued Executive Order No. 21-79, expanding the eligibility requirements for COVID-19 Vaccinations to include individuals age 40 and older beginning today. As of April 5th, any ADULT in Florida shall be eligible to receive the vaccine.

To schedule an appointment, visit OneNassau's Website.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

3/29/21 @ 2:15 p.m. - At the Monday, March 22, 2021 meeting, the Board approved Resolution 2021-36 proclaiming April 2021 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Nassau County, Florida. This was done to raise public awareness sexual violence, provide education on its impacts and encourage community response to sexual violence.

Lori Armstrong of the Women's Center of Jacksonville attended the meeting remotely to accept the Resolution. She stated, "It's because of our community partner relationships that survivors are able to get the support they need in Nassau County". She also thanked the Board of County Commissioners for their support.

The Women's Center of Jacksonville is the only certified rape crisis center in Nassau County. Their office is located within Family Support Services located at 96116 Lofton Square Ct. in Yulee. If you or someone you know needs help, please call their 24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline at 904-721-7273 or visit their website.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

3/29/21 @ 8:15 a.m. - Below are public meetings scheduled for this week:

Board of County Commissioners-Special Meeting
Monday, March 29, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee 32097

Development Review Committee
Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Agendas can be located on our website.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

3/26/21 @ 3:30 p.m. - Please see the below notice from the Road Department regarding work which will require a small segment of the Amelia River-to-Sea Trail to be closed beginning Monday, March 29th through Friday, April 16th.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 
Contact:
Nassau County Road Department
904 530-6175
e-mail:  jkirkland@nassaucountyfl.com

Nassau County, Florida -The Nassau County Road Department is issuing a Notice of Intent to begin construction March 29, 2021, on a retaining wall located on the south side of Simmons Road at the Amelia River-to-Sea Trail (Simmons Road Multi-Use Trail) across from Will Hardee Road. A small portion of the trail will be closed to pedestrians and bicycles for 175 feet West and East of Will Hardee Road between the hours of 8:00 am until 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday until April 16.
 
For additional information, please contact Nassau County Road & Bridge Department at 904 560-6715 or toll free at 1-877-588-6860

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer
(904) 530-6010
srobertson@nassaucountyfl.com
 
Amelia Island Foundation
 
Nassau County, Florida, March 26, 2021 – We have been made aware of concerns from Nassau County residents regarding a new non-profit organization, The Amelia Island Foundation, located in Fernandina Beach, and their efforts to partner with local businesses to generate funds for community projects.
 
To clarify, the Amelia Island Foundation has no association with the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) or the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council (AITDC). Neither the BOCC nor the AITDC were involved in the creation, organization, launch or operations of the Amelia Island Foundation’s initiative currently being piloted on Amelia island.
 
While the County currently contracts with the Amelia Island Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (AICVB) to provide administrative and operational support for tourist development activities on Amelia Island, the AICVB is a stand-alone entity and not part of the Nassau County government. Like with all contractors providing services, Nassau County pays a fee for the services the contractor provides us.
 
According to Maurie Dugger, Director of the Amelia Island Foundation, during the launch phase of the Foundation, governance and oversight is being provided by the AICVB’s Board of Directors.  Going forward, the Amelia Island Foundation will be governed by local community leaders who will serve as members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
 
The County has no involvement in the Amelia Island Foundation’s fundraising efforts, nor does the County have any authority to ask the Amelia Island Foundation to change its programs. Just like any other 501(c)3 charitable organization, the Amelia Island Foundation is an independent entity and must follow all laws and regulations applicable to a 501(c)3 organization. If you have any questions regarding the Amelia Island Foundation, please visit www.ameliaislandfoundation.com or contact Maurie Dugger at 904-556-7444 or mdugger@ameliaislandfoundation.com.
 

3/25/21 @ 2:00 p.m. - The Nassau County Library System will host 3 Easter Egg Hunts for ages 0-4. The events will also include Time for Tots Story Time/Bunny Stories, a picnic, and playtime. Participants are asked to bring stuffed eggs and baskets for hunting.

Wednesday, March 31st at 2:00 p.m.
Bryceville Library Branch
7280 Motes Rd., Bryceville, FL 32009

Thursday, April 1st at 11:00 a.m.
Yulee Sports Complex
86142 Goodbread Rd., Yulee, FL 32097

Tuesday, April 6th at 11:00 a.m.
Central Park
Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

If you have any questions, please contact Youth Librarian, Michelle Ford, at (904) 530-6506 or via email at mforde@nassaucountyfl.com. To RSVP, visit www.nassaureads.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

3/25/21 @ 1:30 p.m. - At the Monday, March 22, 2021 meeting, the Board approved Resolution No.2021-035 proclaiming April 2021 as Flood Awareness Month. The County's Stormwater Engineer, Katie Peay, was in attendance to accept the Resolution.

The Board of County Commissioners is a voluntary participant in the National Flood Insurance Program that provides residents with the opportunity to protect themselves against loss through the purchase of flood insurance at reduced premiums. The Florida Floodplain Management Association (FFMA) encourages public education and awareness of potential weather hazards. As such, the County utilizes public awareness campaigns and public outreach events to encourage residents to know their risks of flooding by determining their flood zone and taking necessary steps to protect personal property.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer