5/31/17 @ 4:30 p.m. - Last week, the County held its annual health expo to provide health risk assessments, educate employees about healthy living practices, and to demonstrate the County's commitment to the health and wellbeing of its employees. Approximately 184 employees attended the two day expo which took place at Florida State Community College (FSCJ) in Yulee.

In an effort to detect health issues early, employees were provided numerous health screenings including blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes testing, bone density testing, mammograms, and  vision and hearing tests. These results will be compiled into an aggregate report which will outline the types of conditions employees have or are at risk of developing, and will help the County to determine which areas to concentrate on when developing wellness initiatives and programs.

The event featured numerous health related vendors including a chiropractor who provided spine assessments, a dermatologist who provided skin analysis, health club representatives who offered membership discounts, a nutrition expert who provided healthy recipe ideas, and much more. There were also vendors who provided information on alternative and holistic health methods such as Yoga and massage. The employees enjoyed sampling healthy snacks, getting mini massages, and obtaining tips on how to improve their overall health!

The expo was funded by a wellness incentive provided by the County's current health care provider, Florida Blue. There was no cost to the County for this event, however improvements to overall health of the employees and a reduction to health related claims could potentially save the County money in health insurance rates in upcoming years. For additional information, please contact Nassau County Human Resources at (904) 530-6075.

- Sabrina Robertson
  County Manager's Office

5/30/17 @ 9:30 a.m. - The last Burn Ban issued on May 22, 2017, has expired. Citizens are now able to burn yard debris such as grass clippings, brush, leaves, limbs, and any other related item resulted from yard maintenance.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture, yard debris can be burned under the following conditions:

• You must meet the required setbacks as depicted in the photo below
• The yard waste was generated on your property
• The yard waste must fit into an 8 foot diameter pile or non-combustible container
• The fire should be ignited after 9:00 a.m. (eastern time) and must be extinguished one hour before sunset

Outdoor Burning Tips

• Avoid burning on dry, windy days
• Burn small piles, gradually adding to the fire as it burns down
• Clear all dry grass and weeds from around your pile or burn barrel
• Cover a non-combustible container with wire mesh to keep sparks from flying out
• Have a water, rake and shovel handy
• Check with Nassau County Fire/Rescue to insure there are no restrictions in place. They can be reached at (904) 530-6600.

Large Burn Piles
Piles greater than 8 feet in diameter will require:

• An authorization from the Florida Forest Service
• Suppression equipment on hand
• Additional setback requirements

For additional info, please visit the Florida Department of Agriculture website.

Please note it is ALWAYS ILLEGAL to burn household garbage including paper products, treated lumber, plastics, rubber materials, tires, pesticides, paint and aerosol containers.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

5/26/17 @ 4:15 p.m. - County Offices will be closed on Monday, May 29, 2017 in observance of Memorial Day. Offices will return to normal business hours on Tuesday, May 30th. We hope that you all have a safe holiday weekend.

"A hero is someone who have given his or her life to something bigger than oneself" - Thomas Campbell

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

5/25/17 @ 2:50 p.m. - The 2017 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday has just been passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Scott. This sale begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 2nd and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 4th.

During this sales tax holiday, qualifying items related to disaster preparedness are exempt from sales tax. Examples include: batteries, flashlights, lanterns, gas or fuel containers, portable generators, radios, waterproof sheeting, reusable ice, first aid kits, and much more! For a complete listing of the types of items that qualify for the sales tax holiday, please see the attached flyer. You can also visit the Florida Department of Revenue's website.

Please note that the sales tax holiday does not apply to any items purchased in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport. Additionally, it does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

5/26/17 @ 8:35 a.m.- Below is lane closure information for State Road 200/A1A for the week of May 27 - June 2, 2017.

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: None
 
Nighttime:

• 200 WB Right Lane from Chester Rd to Blackrock Rd; Tuesday, 05/30/17 thru Friday, 06/02/17; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM
• NB Barnwell Rd at SR 200; Wednesday, 05/31/17; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM
• SB Barnwell Rd at SR 200; Thursday, 06/01/17 & Friday, 06/02/17; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM
• 200 EB Left Lane at St. Peter Blvd; Tuesday, 05/30/17 & Wednesday, 05/31/17; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM
• 200 WB Left Lane at St. Peter Blvd; Thursday, 06/01/17; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM
• 200 WB Right Lane at St. Peter Blvd; Friday, 06/02/17; 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM 

REASON FOR THE CLOSURE (Type of Construction / Maintenance Activity):
Set Low Profile Barrier Wall, Drainage Crossing, Utility Crossing
 
NOTE: Scheduled lane closures subject to change due to weather.
 
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

5/25/17 @ 1:40 p.m. - The Nassau County Library System and the Supervisor of Elections Office has created displays at each library branch in recognition of Memorial Day. The displays consist of library materials that are available for check-out, as well as FREE copies of the Nassau County Veterans of War Memorial Roll from the Supervisor of Elections Office.

For branch locations and hours of operation, please visit the Library's website.

5/23/17 @ 11:30 a.m. - At last night's meeting, the Board approved a Resolution extending the Burn Ban through May 29, 2017. Though we've had some rain, yesterday's fire danger index was at a level 2 (moderate). County Officials extended the Burn Ban an additional seven (7) days and will reevaluate conditions following this week's rain. All surrounding counties continue to maintain a Burn Ban at this time as well. Pursuant to Florida Statute, Section 252.38(3)(5), burn bans can only be declared locally for seven days, however they may be extended in seven day increments as needed.

During the local state of emergency, open burning of any kind and campfires are prohibited. Additionally, the use or discharge of personal fireworks, sparklers, flares, items containing "explosive compound", and any product containing pyrotechnic composition are also prohibited.

The following activities are permitted with certain conditions:

• Use of outdoor grills and cookers if attended by a responsible adult at all times while in use.
• Any agricultural, silvicultural, or land clearing burn that has been authorized by the Florida Forest Service and if determined that there will be sufficient fire suppression equipment and personnel on site.
• Properly permitted public fireworks displays with adequate fire suppression equipment and personnel on site.
• Flares discharged over the Atlantic Ocean.

Any person violating this order is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree and will be punished as provided by Florida Statutes, Section 775.082 or 775.083. In addition to the penalties described above, any violator shall reimburse Nassau County for all costs incurred as a result of such violation, including without limitation, response and suppression costs.

To report burning, please call 9-1-1. If you have any questions related to the Burn Ban, please contact Fire Rescue Headquarters at (904) 530-6600.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

Below is lane closure information for State Road 200/A1A for the week of May 20-May 26, 2017, INCLUDING A DAYTIME LANE CLOSURE THIS SATURDAY, MAY 20TH:

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:
 
Nighttime/Daytime:

• SR 200 WB Left Lane from Chester Rd to Blackrock Rd; Saturday, 05/20/17; 12:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  

Nighttime:  

• SR 200 WB Right Lane from Chester Rd to Blackrock Rd; Monday; 05/22/17 thru Friday; 05/26/17; 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM
• NB Barnwell Rd at SR 200; Wednesday, 05/24/17; 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM
• SB Barnwell Rd at SR 200; Thursday, 05/25/17 & Friday, 05/26/17; 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM
• SR 200 EB Right Lane at St. Peter; Monday, 05/22/17; 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM
• SR 200 EB Left Lane at St. Peter; Tuesday, 05/23/17 & Wednesday, 05/24/17; 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM
  
• SR 200 WB Left Lane at St. Peter; Thursday, 05/25/17; 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM
• SR 200 WB Right Lane at St. Peter; Friday, 05/26/17; 9:00 PM to 6:00 A

 
REASON FOR THE CLOSURE (Type of Construction Maintenance Activity):
Traffic Shift
Setting Low Profile Barrier Wall
Drainage Crossing
Utility Crossing
 
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          

5/19/17 @ 1:00 p.m. - The Nassau County Public Library System has begun registrations for Summer Reading Programs!

Children from birth to age 11 can register for Summer Reading for Kids. This year's theme is "Build A Better World". After you register online, bring each registered child into a library branch to receive a back pack containing a reading log, stickers, and fun activity sheets. For each week they return their reading log to the library, they will receive a prize (while supplies last). Registration is open until July 31st.

Teens and adults ages 13 and up also have a summer reading program. All you have to do is register online and read at least one book per week to be entered into a drawing for one of five Kindle Fires! They will also have drawings for signed copies of three of David Baldacci's books, The Finisher, The Keeper, and Width of the World. Be sure to register right away so you don't miss out on any drawings!

To sign up, please visit the Library's webpage. For questions, please call  (904) 530-6500.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

5/15/17 @ 1:25 p.m. - At a Special Meeting this morning, the Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution No. 2017-96, extending the Burn Ban through May 22, 2017. Pursuant to Florida Statute, Section 252.38(3)(5), burn bans can only be declared locally for seven days, however they may be extended in seven day increments as needed.

During the local state of emergency, open burning of any kind and campfires are prohibited. Additionally, the use or discharge of personal fireworks, sparklers, flares, items containing "explosive compound", and any product containing pyrotechnic composition are also prohibited.

The following activities are permitted with certain conditions:

• Use of outdoor grills and cookers if attended by a responsible adult at all times while in use.
• Any agricultural, silvicultural, or land clearing burn that has been authorized by the Florida Forest Service and if determined that there will be sufficient fire suppression equipment and personnel on site.
• Properly permitted public fireworks displays with adequate fire suppression equipment and personnel on site.
• Flares discharged over the Atlantic Ocean.

Any person violating this order is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree and will be punished as provided by Florida Statutes, Section 775.082 or 775.083. In addition to the penalties described above, any violator shall reimburse Nassau County for all costs incurred as a result of such violation, including without limitation, response and suppression costs.

To report burning, please call 9-1-1. If you have any questions related to the Burn Ban, please contact Fire Rescue Headquarters at (904) 530-6600.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office