4/30/24 @ 3:30 p.m. - ​Happy National Small Business Week from the Board of County Commissioners and the Nassau Prosperity Alliance!

For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration has celebrated Small Business Week to acknowledge the contributions of America's entreprenuers and small business owners. This year, National Small Business Week takes place from April 28 - May 4, 2024. Nassau County has a plethora of small businesses serving our community and supporting the local economy. From restaurants to small shops, each small business creates jobs, drives innovation, and boosts our economic health. This week we celebrate all Small Businesses in Nassau County. However we also want to express our appreciation to two organizations in Nassau County that provide support to small businesses and business leaders in our community.

The Small Business Development Center supports potential business owners by helping them get their businesses up and running. Examples include sharing ideas, assessing your skills and expertise, conducting market research and writing a business plan. Jodi Henson, Assistant Director for the SBDC in Nassau County, stated, "This week we are celebrating National Small Business Week, and Nassau County is the picture-perfect example of the power and importance small businesses play in our community. Over 99% of the businesses in our county meet the definition of a small business, and their impact to our lives is mighty.  At the SBDC, we see the hard work, sweat, and tears every day of businesses working tirelessly to provide their products and services that make our lives better.  Our mission at the SBDC is to help small businesses thrive and we stand ready to support the thousands of Nassau County businesses every day!  Please remember to support your local small business.  And if you need assistance with your small business, please reach out to the FL SBDC.  We are here to help."

Another very important resource for small businesses is the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce. This member-based organization supports businesses by providing strategies and resources for growing your business and making it thrive. Chamber President Regina Duncan stated, "Small businesses are the heartbeat of Nassau County. With nearly half of our workforce employed by businesses with less than 100 employees, they are not just contributors but the very essence of our community's originality and spirit. At the Chamber of Commerce, we are grateful for the opportunity to witness a variety of unique ideas, programs, services, and products which emerge from our own backyard. Our commitment to their success is unwavering, and by supporting our small businesses, we not only foster economic growth but also celebrate the richness of our local talent and creativity."

Residents can support Small Businesses by shopping and dining local not just this week, but year-round. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

4/29/24 @ 9:00 a.m. - Below are public meetings scheduled for this week: 

Development Review Committee
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. 
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Planning Advisory Committee re: Nassau Vision 2050
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. 
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Agendas can be found on our website.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

4/26/24 @ 2:30 p.m. - On Saturday, April 20, 2024, the West Nassau Historical Society hosted the 19th Annual Railroad Days Festival. This evenet featured food and craft vendors, music,  classic cars, and displays of railroad antiques.  The County also had its Nassau Vision 2050 tent. Over 100 people stopped by to participate in the Visioning exercise and provided input that will be used to shape Nassau County's future. 

Below are some photos from the event. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

4/26/24 @ 3:00 p.m. - Below are pictures from the week of April 22 - April 29, 2024. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

4/26/24 @ 1:15 p.m. - At the Monday, April 22, 2024 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved Proclamation No. 2024-021 proclaiming May 2024 as Lupus Awareness Month in Nassau County, Florida. 

Lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease that can cause severe damage to the tissue and organs of the body, and in some cases can cause death. The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans, and at least 5 million people worldwide, suffer from the devasting effecs of this cruel and mysterious disease. There is a deep, unmet net worldwide to educate and support inidivuals and families affected by Lupus. There is also an urgent need to increase awareness of the worldwide dehabilitating impact of Lupus. 

To learn more about how you can help in the fight against Lupus, please visit www.lupus.org. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

4/26/24 @ 10:20 a.m. - Attached is the March 2024 edition of the Board of County Commissioner's 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

4/25/24 @ 4:00 p.m. - The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in partnership with numerous community partners are hosting a Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10am-2pm on Saturdasy, April 27, 2024.

Please bring your unused, unwated and expired medication for safe disposal. Items accepted include: 

• Vitamins
• Prescription medications
• Prescription patches
• Prescription ointments
• Pet medication
• Over-the-Counter medication. 

Locations for drop-off include: 

Nassau County Council on Aging: 1901 Island Walkway in Fernandina Beach
Hagan Ace Hardware: 85880 Miner Road in Yulee
Hagan Ace Hardware: 450037 State Road 200 in Callahan
Hilliard Pharmacy: 551770 US 1 in Hilliard

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

4/25/24 @ 9:00 a.m. - On Satuday, April 20, 2024, Nassau County Solid Waste and Keep Nassau Beautiful hosted the bi-annual Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Event. Nearly 500 cars came through during the 4-hour event, disposing of waste that is too hazardous for the landfill including 100 gallons of cooking oil, 80 propane tanks and a 30 yard dumpster full of paint! Other items collected included electronics, power tools, fluorescent lightbulbs, pesticides, and more. 

Thank you Nassau County residents for doing your part in caring for our environment and ensuring that hazardous waste items are disposed of properly. We also appreciate the hard work of County staff, Keep Nassau Beautiful volunteers, and the agencies involved with making this event a huge success. The next Hazardous Waste Recycling Event will be held in the Fall of 2024. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

4/23/24 @ 4:15 p.m.- At the Wednesday, April 17, 2024 meeting, the Board approved Proclamation No. 2024-020 proclaiming April 2024 as National Volunteer Month and the week of April 21-27, 2024 as National Volunteer Week in Nassau County, Florida. 

National Volunteer Month is celebrated each April to recognize and celebrate the efforts of Volunteers at local, state and national levels. Volunteers provide countless hours of service to residents, staff and the visitors of Nassau County. The knowledge and skills provided by Volunteers enhance our quality of life and improve the social, environmental, and economic quality in our county.

Specifically in Nassau County, Volunteers often give their time, efforts and knowledge in our Libraries, Animal Care & Control facility, UF/IFAS County Extension, Emergency Operations Center and at County events. They are a vital component to Nassau County's future and their efforts reflect a true committment to serving others. 

During the meeting, 4-H Agent Kelsey Irvine had a surprise announcment - long-time UF/IFAS Volunteer, Ms. Wanda Simmons, is being inducted into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame after 33 outstanding years of volunteerism for the County Extension Office! Ms. Simmons has been heavily involved in the annual Northeast Florida Fair, has taken 4-H teams to national competitions, has mentored hundreds of youth in our county, and has even mentored other volunteers, including Kelsey. "Ms. Wanda has not just made an impact here locally, but also statewide", stated Kelsey. Now Ms. Simmons' efforts will be forever recognized in the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame. 

Thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers throughout the County. We are so grateful to those who devote their talent and resources to demonstrate love, compassion, and respect for humankind through service. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

4/23/245 @ 8:30 a.m. - Please be advised that Nassau COunty's Traffic Signal Team will be performing maintenance to the light at 14th Street and TJ Courson Road today from approximately 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. This will involve the replacement of the traffic signal cabinet with upgraded components and backup power supply. During this time, the signal will be temporarily out of service.  

Should you have any questions, please call (904) 530-6225. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer