4/16/19 @ 8:20 a.m. - Nassau County has been notified that Jax Utilities Management, Inc., will conduct road closures on Heron Isles Parkway from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23rd and Wednesday, April 24th, for construction of a new entrance for Blackrock Park Subdivision.

Motorists wishing to access Heron Isles Parkway from Blackrock Road will be required to travel north to Green Pine Road, south on Chester Road, and then commence east on Heron Isles Parkway. Those on Heron Isles Parkway wishing to access Blackrock will will be required to travel west on Heron Isles Parkway, and then north on Chester Road to Green Pine Road. See attached notice for additional information.

If you have any questions, please contact Jax Utilities Management, Inc. at (904) 779-5353.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

4/15/19 @ 5:05 p.m. - ElderSource, the Department of Elder Affairs and the Northeast Florida Area Health Education Center are sponsoring a series of FREE Chronic Pain Management Classes in Nassau County. Participants will be given techniques to deal with problems such as fatigue, frustration, isolation, and poor sleep. They will also learn how to effectively communicate with health professionals, family and friends and how activity, rest and health eating habits can improvement pain management.

Who should attend: People 60 years and up with chronic pain. Chronic pain last longer than 3 to 6 months, or beyond the normal healing time of an injury.

Participants will also receive a free "Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Pain Book: that includes the Moving Easy Program CD. Classes meet once a week for six weeks and are meant to enhance, not replace existing programs and treatments. There is no cost to attend but class size is limited.

WHERE: Nassau County Council On Aging- 1901 Island Walkway Fernandina Beach 32034
WHEN:  Mondays 9:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
DATES: 5/6/2019-6/17/2019.

Please see the attached flyer for additional information. Contact Sherri Cheshire, NEFAHEC Senior Programs Manager, at (904) 482-0189 to register or to ask questions.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

4/15/19 @ 8:45 a.m. - Below are public meetings scheduled for this week:

Development Review Committee
Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Americans with Disabilities Advisory (ADA) Committee
Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Planning & Zoning Board
Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Board of County Commissioners
Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Beach Community Working Group
Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.
American Beach Community Center, 1600 Julia Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Agendas can be located on our website.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

4/12/19 @ 4:30 p.m. - Nassau County's New County Engineer, Laura A. Borgesi, P.E., (pronounced Bor-jay-cee) will begin her employment on Monday, April 15th. Ms. Borgesi brings with her over 25 years of experience in engineering, land planning and development in both the private and public sectors.

Ms. Borgesi's education includes a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Florida International University, dual Bachelor's Degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Florida State University, as well as Florida Professional Engineering and Florida Professional Surveying and Mapping Licenses.

We are certain Ms. Borgesi has the skills and experience necessary to effectively manage Nassau County's Engineering Department and was are excited to have her on our team.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

4/12/19 @ 10:05 a.m.

Since August 2018, County Manager, Mike Mullin has been holding monthly meetings to make himself available to anyone wishing to ask County related questions and/or address County related issues. He is now expanding the schedule to include additional meetings throughout the County.
 
Below is a tentative meeting schedule for the next quarter:
 
Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.
James S. Page Governmental Complex, Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097
 
Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
Hilliard County Building, 37177 Pecan Street, Hilliard, FL 32046
 
Thursday, May 23, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.
James S. Page Governmental Complex, Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097
 
Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at 2:30 p.m.
American Beach Community Center, 1600 Julia Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
 
Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
Callahan County Building, 45401 Mickler Street, Callahan, FL 32011
 
Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.
James S. Page Governmental Complex, Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097
 
Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at 3:00 pm.
James S. Page Governmental Complex, Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097
 
Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 2:30 p.m.
Bryceville Community Center, 7280 Motes Rd., Bryceville, FL 32009
 
Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.
James S. Page Governmental Complex, Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097
 
Please note that dates can change due to unforeseen circumstances. Residents are urged to check our website at www.nassaucountyfl.com for current meeting information. You may also contact the County Manager’s Office at (904) 530-6010 to confirm meeting dates, times and locations.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

4/11/19 @ 2:45 p.m.

PRESS RELEASE FROM NASSAU COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES
 
Petco Foundation Invests in Lifesaving Work of Nassau County Animal Services
Grant of $50,000 will extend efforts to save more animal lives in Nassau County, Fla.
 
Fernandina Beach, Fla. (April 11th 2019) – Animal Services of Nassau County Florida announced it has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Petco Foundation to support its 2019 Spay/Neuter Nassau Initiative.
 
The Petco Foundation investment will help offer low to no cost spay/neuter surgeries. This initiative will help ensure that pet owners who otherwise would be unable to have access to these services have access to them.
 
“Providing access to these surgeries will help prevent overcrowding of our local shelters in the future. Having the support of the Petco foundation is invaluable, this grant will ensure an increased quality of life for animals in our community,” said Director of Animal Services, Timothy Maguire.
 
Nassau County Animal Services is a municipal shelter that has provided animal control and animal sheltering services to the citizens of Nassau County, Fla. for over 30 years. Nassau County Animal Services intakes an average of 2,100 animals a year and responds to approximately 3,000 animal control calls.
 
For more information about Nassau County Animal Services, visit www.nassaucountyflorida.com. For more on the Petco Foundation, visit www.petcofoundation.org and join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by using the hashtag #PetcoFamily.

Contact: Timothy Maguire, Nassau County Animal Services, Director of Animal Services
904-530-6150, [email protected]  
 
*********************************************************************************************************
 
About Nassau County Animal Services
Nassau County Animal Services is a municipal shelter. Nassau County Animal Services provides animal control and animal sheltering services to the citizens of Nassau County, FL. We strive to improve the quality of life for both the animals and citizens of Nassau County. If you would like to help the homeless animals of Nassau County, please consider adopting, fostering or donating.  We and our animals would love to have you. Nassau County Animal Services is a former recipient of the Florida Animal Control Association’s “Outstanding Agency of the Year” award.
 
About the Petco Foundation
At the Petco Foundation, we believe that every animal deserves to live its best life.  Since 1999, we’ve invested more than $250 million in lifesaving animal welfare work to make that happen. With our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners, we inspire and empower communities to make a difference by investing in adoption and medical care programs, spay and neuter services, pet cancer research, service and therapy animals, and numerous other lifesaving initiatives. Through our Think Adoption First program, we partner with Petco stores and animal welfare organizations across the country to increase pet adoptions. So far, we’ve helped more than 5.5 million pets find their new loving families, and we’re just getting started. Visit petcofoundation.org to learn more about how you can get involved.
 

4/11/19 @ 11:50 a.m. - Press Release from the Nassau County Department of Health:

Contact:                                                                                                       Mary von Mohr
[email protected]
904-557-9133

Fernandina Beach, Fla. —The Florida Department of Health in Nassau County is recruiting volunteers to help with two workgroups of the Nassau Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).

The Community Support workgroup is developing an intergenerational program for Nassau Seniors and Teens to come together and share talents, resources and support.  “Bridging the Years - Teens and Seniors Mixing It Up!” is slowly coming together.  We hope to launch this new program in the Fall of this year.  We need your ideas and suggestions for implementation.  We also need persons to coordinate.

The Health Disparities workgroup is focused on reducing health disparities across our county.  This workgroup will provide targeted health education to various sectors, including Nassau faith-based organizations. The workgroup is also seeking volunteers to champion the “Best Babies Zone” community project.  This new project will focus on reducing infant mortality by following the framework of the national model. Volunteers need to be passionate about improving the health of infants, women, and families located in targeted areas of Amelia Island.

All volunteers are welcome regardless of experience or education. Health is everyone’s responsibility. Working together, everyone can make Nassau County a healthier place to live, learn, work and play. To learn more about the CHIP workgroups call Mary von Mohr at 904-557-9133 or email at [email protected].

About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

4/10/19 @ 12:10 p.m. - JEA has hired T.G. Utility Company, Inc. to install a new water main which will require a single lane closure on N. Harts Road between Lumber Creek Blvd. and William Burgess Blvd.  from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11th. There will be flagmen in the vicinity to direct drivers. Motorists should expect minor delays.

If you have any questions, please contact Alvaro Rios at (904) 955-9821 or via email at [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

4/10/19 @ 8:35 a.m.

Support sending youth to Nassau County 4-H summer camps by participating in our Dinner & Donuts fundraiser! Tickets are available now through April 22. Order your spaghetti dinners for $5 each and 1 dozen Krispy Kreme donuts or a voucher for 1 dozen donuts for $7 each. Purchase 2 dinners and a dozen donuts for only $15! All donut vouchers are redeemable at any Krispy Kreme location at any time.

Pick-up for all items will be Friday, April 26 from 5:00-7:00pm at the Callahan Extension Office (543350 US Hwy 1, Callahan). All items must be pre-ordered by Tuesday, April 22. To purchase your tickets, contact a 4-H member directly or contact the 4-H office at 904-530-6353 or [email protected]. Your donation helps local youth attend fun and educational summer camps in Nassau County and beyond!

-Kristen Poppell
 4-H Extension Agent I
 County Extension Office

 

4/9/19 @ 5:25 p.m. Nassau County received the attached Press Release today from the Florida Department of Transportation regarding a temporary closure to the intersection at State Road 200 and William Burgess Blvd/Wildlight Avenue.

The closure will begin on Saturday, April 13th and continue until Monday, April 22nd, weather and schedule permitting. The closure will not impact drivers on SR200 traveling straight through the intersection in either direction, however there will be impacts to motorists attempting to access Wildlight Avenue and/or William Burgess Blvd. Please see the Press Release for complete details.

It is our understanding that FDOT has coordinated with local law enforcement agencies to assist with traffic management.

If you have any questions, please contact Hampton Ray with FDOT at (904) 360-5482 or via email at [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

4/9/19 @ 11:30 a.m. - We are pleased to introduce Fuzz 4 Fur. Over the coming month, Nassau County Animal Services will be featuring the Nassau County Sheriff's Office and the homeless pets currently at the shelter. Animal Services Director, Tim Maguire stated, "We are very excited about this program and beyond grateful for the help of the NCSO in finding homes of these animals."

Sheriff Bill Leeper was the first to stop by and help a homeless pet find a new home. He is pictured here with Cowboy, an 11 year old pup looking to spend his last couple years in his Furever home. Cowboy loves to lay around in the sun, play with tennis balls, and take naps. Cowboy has not shown any aggression while in the shelter, he does not guard resources, and pays no attention to other dogs. Cowboy just wants to lay around and occasionally play ball, hopefully with a new family soon!

Please share this post, tell your friends, and help Animal Services find a home for Cowboy.


-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

4/8/19 @ 9:30 a.m. - Below are public meetings scheduled for this week:

Board of County Commissioners
Monday, April 8, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

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

Ask the County Manager
Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Code Enforcement Board
Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Timber to Tides Open House: Residents West of I-95 to Highway 17
Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
FSCJ - Nassau Room,

Beach Community Working Group
Thursday, April 11, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.
Callahan Multipurpose Building, 543350 US Highway 1, Callahan, FL 32011

Agendas can be located on our website.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

4/5/19 @ 4:30 p.m.

FROM THE FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION'S WEBSITE

If you think bats may be living in your building, now is the time to check your attic, eaves or chimney spaces and take action to exclude them. Bat maternity season begins April 15 and runs through Aug. 15, and during this time it’s illegal to block bats from their roost.

“This is a critical time of year for bats, when they give birth and raise their young,” said Terry Doonan, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologist and mammal conservation coordinator. “If bats are excluded from a building before their young can fly, they can become trapped inside and die.”

Florida is home to 13 resident bat species, including listed species such as the Florida bonneted bat. Some bat species roost in artificial structures, including buildings and houses. Although it is illegal to harm or kill bats in Florida, rules have been developed stating that legal exclusion of bats has to occur outside of the maternity season. Bats cannot legally be captured or relocated.

Exclusion guidelines on how to remove bats from buildings can be found at MyFWC.com/Bats. Materials and methods to exclude bats can affect the success of that process. For more information on how to conduct a bat exclusion, watch this YouTube video: How to Get Bats Out of a Building. Further details on how to conduct a legal bat exclusion can be found at Bat Conservation International and on the National White-Nose Syndrome Response Team website.

Bats are beneficial to people and are an important part of the ecosystem. The state’s native bats help keep insect populations under control, with the average bat eating hundreds of insects a night. In addition to the benefit of keeping mosquitoes and other insects at bay for residents enjoying the outdoors, the value of insect suppression by bats to U.S. agriculture has been estimated to be in the billions of dollars.

There are several ways that Florida residents and visitors can help bats:

• Preserve natural roost sites, including trees with cavities and peeling bark. Dead fronds left on palms can also provide roosting spots for bats.
• Put up a bat house.
• Report unusual bat behavior to: MyFWC.com/BatMortality.

Bats can carry rabies. Although infected bats may not become aggressive, like any other wild animal, they may bite to defend themselves if handled. Don’t touch or go near any wild animal, especially one that’s not acting normally. For more information about rabies, visit the Florida Department of Health website at FloridaHealth.gov. 

If you need assistance, contact your closest FWC Regional Office to speak with a regional wildlife assistance biologist for more information.

For more information on Florida’s bats, go to MyFWC.com/Bats.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Administrative Specialist II, County Manager’s Office
(904) 530-6010
[email protected].
 
 
UPCOMING MEETINGS OF BEACH COMMUNITY WORKING GROUP
 
Nassau County, Florida, April 3, 2019 - 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 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.
 
Below are upcoming meeting dates, times and locations.
 
Thursday, April 11th at 5:30 p.m.
Callahan Multipurpose Facility, 543350 US Highway 1, Callahan, FL 32044
 
Wednesday, April 17th at 5:30 p.m.
American Beach Community Center, 1600 Julia Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
 
Wednesday, May 15th at 5:30 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097
 
 
Agendas and meeting minutes of the Beach Community Working Group can be located on our website at: http://www.nassaucountyfl.com/DocumentCenter/Index/959.
 
If you are unable to attend a public meeting, you may email your concerns and/or ideas to [email protected]. Your email will be included in the next available agenda for the Committee’s review.
 

4/3/19 @ 12:15 p.m. - The Boil Water Advisory issued on March 29, 2019 for Sailmaker Buildings 5, 6 and & 7 has been lifted following completion of a bacteriological analysis confirming that the water is safe for consumption.

Thank you for your patience. Should you have any questions, please contact Nassau Amelia Utilities at (904) 530-6450. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office