6/29/21 @ 9:30 a.m. - At last night's meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution No. 2021-142, proclaiming the week of July 31 through August 8, 2021, as "Gullah/Geechee Nation Appreciation Week".

Gullah/Geechee Nation Appreciation Week was first recognized in 2012 in celebration of the living legacy of Gullah/Geechee history, heritage and culture. The Gullah/Geechees have an extensive history in Nassau County, specifically on Amelia Island in Old Town and American Beach, as well as Yulee, Nassauville, and Franklintown.

Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation, has been spreading awareness regarding the history and legacy of the Gullah/Geechees and has headed numerous endeavors that have led to global recognition. She also led several libation ceremonies in Old Town, including the Middle Passage Marker Ceremony. 

Queen Quet was in attendance to accept the Resolution. She stated, "We are so pleased that more people are recognizing the fact that the Gullah/Geechee Nation comes down here to Florida (from South Carolina). So many people want to stop it at Georgia's border and we have to emphasize that our ancestors continued southward. They came here for freedom. We appreciate the fact that you are highlighting those stories of freedom here in Nassau County".

During Gullah/Geechee Nation Appreciation Week, all residents and visitors are encouraged to take part in activities that coincide with global activities for the United Nation's International Decade of People of African Descent.

Note: The City of Fernandina Beach also recently approved a Proclamation in recognition of Gullah/Geechee Nation Appreciation Week. Queen Quet was unable to attend that meeting due to scheduling conflicts so City Commissioner, Len Kreger, attend the County meeting to present the City's Proclamation to Queen Quet.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

6/28/21 @ 1:30 p.m. - The Nassau County Department of Health will host free COVID-19 testing tomorrow at First Baptist Church in Callahan from 9:30-11:00 a.m.

See flyer for full details. If you have any questions, contact the Department of Health at (904) 875-6100.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

6/28/21 @ 1:15 p.m. - Below are public meetings scheduled for this week:

Board of County Commissioners
Monday, June 28, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Development Review Committee
Tuesday, June 29, 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

6/26/21 @ 1:30 p.m.

​The Friends of American Beach hosted a wonderful program this morning unveiling the new Historical Marker for the Evans Rendezvous. The Rendezvous was a jazz club owned by American Beah resident, Willie Evans. It has hosted many famous musicians including Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong.

The Rendezvous property was purchased by the Trust for Public Land in 2004 and given to the County for a future historic preservation project. The County is in the very early stages of selecting a design firm to revitalize this property.

Great job to the Friends of American Beach for putting this program together and for obtaining the historical marker.

6/25/21 @ 4:00 p.m.

Attached is the May 2021 edition of the Board of County Commissioner's Newsletter. This monthly publication features a variety of information related to projects and activities for departments under the Board of County Commissioners. It also includes information about road projects, adopted policies and procedures, community outreach programs/events, budget discussions, and more!

If you have any questions, please contact the County Manager's Office at (904) 530-6010.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer
(904) 530-6010
[email protected]
 
County Awarded Historic Resources Grant for Historical Resources Survey
 
Nassau County, Florida, June 25, 2021 – In May 2020, the Board of County Commissioners submitted an application to the State of Florida for a Historic Resources Grant to assist with Phase Two of a county-wide historic resources survey.
 
The purpose of the historic resource survey is to identify historic sites and structures within the County and submit the findings to the State of Florida for inclusion in the Florida Master Site File. The Master Site File is a form developed by the National Park Service that provides specific architectural, cultural, and historic information about each historic site and structure. Examples of historic sites include archeological sites, historic homes, commercial buildings, churches, barns, railroad beds, and bridges. County Master Site Files are several decades old and a new survey will determine which sites still exist and also identify historic sites and structures that have achieved historic significance in recent years.
 
The first phase of the project consisted of surveying areas in unincorporated Nassau County including 558 historic resources, each of which was recorded into a Master Site File. The second phase will consist of surveying an additional 1,200 – 1,300 structures in late 2021/early 2022. The last part of the project will be to complete the survey and recommend future historic preservation strategies for the County.
 
If you have any questions, please contact the Nassau County Planning Department at (904) 530-6300 or email [email protected].
 

6/24/21 @ 11:00 a.m.

The Nassau County Public Library System is pleased to announce its latest initiative—Intelligent Lockers by International Library Systems. This project is designed to extend Library services beyond our boundaries.

Walk up to the Intelligent Locker and tap the welcome screen.  The most popular feature is to pick up the items you have already placed on hold.  Easy!  Just scan your library card, the door with your materials opens, and your items are securely checked out to you.  Your receipt will be sent by email or text; your choice.  You can also search the catalog, download ebooks and audio books, and place items on hold.  Just be sure to select FERNANDINA or YULEE Locker as your pick-up location.

Anything in the Library’s collection that can be checked out, and can fit in the lockers, can be checked out this way.  You can request books, books on CD, DVD’s, games, puzzles, and equipment!  The small lockers can hold up to 15 books, the large lockers can hold up to 20, depending on the size of the books. 

You can even return items to the Library in the lockers.  Tap the welcome screen, tap return, and place your items in a locker.  You will receive your receipt by either email or text; your choice.  However, a drop box book return is located next to each of the lockers for your convenience.

Why use the Intelligent Locker?  You need to work late, the Library will be closed before you get there.  You just received an email from the Library, the book you have been waiting for is ready to be picked up!  Your child has books to pick up, it is convenient to go after sports practice.  You drive to the library during your lunch break, there is a line at the Circulation desk. The Library is closed at certain times, such as holidays.  And hopefully we will not face another pandemic.  Don’t have a Library card?  Register for a temporary one.  In any scenario, the lockers are there for you when you need them.

One will be conveniently located outside the front door of the Fernandina Beach Branch Library.  The other will be conveniently located outside, to the left, of the main entrance of the James Page Government Complex in Yulee.  The Intelligent Lockers are scheduled to be installed July 23rd.  The new drop box Book Return is already in place and available to use in Yulee; located to the left of the main entrance of the James Page Government Complex.  Five Minute Library Parking signs will be added.

For FY2020-21, 100% of the total costs for the CARES ACT Grant project #20-CARES-11 is supported by federal money; from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Florida’s LSTA program is administered by the Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services.  The total budget of the project is $51,888.
 

6/24/21 @ 9:00 a.m. - The Health Department will have free drive-through COVID-19 testing on Friday, June 25th from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the Bryceville Elementary School.

Please see flyer for full details. If you have any questions, contact the Nassau County Department of Health at (904) 875-6100.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

Contact:   Lynda Bell
Phone:     (904) 261-0165
Email:     [email protected]

Keep Nassau Beautiful is a Keep Florida Beautiful Award Recipient

Nassau County, Florida, June 22, 2021. – Keep Florida Beautiful (KFB) recently held its annual Awards Recognition Ceremony to honor the top Florida Affiliates of Keep America Beautiful and community partners for their environmental efforts. It was a virtual experience celebrating businesses and organizations for their efforts to keep Florida clean, green and beautiful! The award winners were instrumental in organizing cleanup events, increasing recycling efforts and hosting beautification projects.

During the virtual event KFB staff members presented awards in 12 categories. They recognized local Nassau County affiliate Keep Nassau Beautiful for its outstanding results in promoting the Florida Department of Transportation Adopt-A-Highway program. Jules Ruppel, Program Manager for KNB, championed the initiatives which led to KNB being recognized in the category. Jules set an annual goal to on-board new Adopt partners, encouraged Board of Directors members to participate in the Adopt program, led the creation of tools to support new and existing Adopt partners, and kept KNB and its Adopt partners focused on lending a hand to keep roadways, waterways and places in Nassau County litter free.

For information and to get involved: www.KeepNassauBeautiful.org or 261-0165.

About Keep Nassau Beautiful
Keep Nassau Beautiful, Inc. is working to inspire, educate, and equip individuals, groups, businesses, and governments to take action to make Nassau County a place where residents, visitors and wildlife can thrive and experience the beauty of Nassau County. www.keepnassaubeautiful.org

6/23/21 @ 11:15 a.m. - Yesterday, the County held a Dedication Ceremony for Nassau County Fire Rescue Station 71. We are excited to announce that there were approximately 100 people were in attendance!

The event began with an introduction by Chief Brady Rigdon who discussed the importance of the station and maintaining a high level of service for the residents. Crews actually began operating out of the station on Saturday, June 5th, and according to Chief Ridgon, the Station had already gone of 73 calls for service as of June 22nd.

The event also included remarks by Chairman Thomas Ford and District 3 County Commissioner, Jeff Gray. Both discussed the Board's commitment to the health and safety of Nassau County's residents. Each also thanked individuals who have been involved in planning and construction of the facility including past and present Commissioners; County Manager, Taco Pope; County Attorney, Mike Mullin; and Public Works Director, Doug Podiak.

Following the presentations, everyone gathered outside for the Ribbon Cutting. Guests were then invited to walk around the station and enjoy refreshments provided by Nassau County Professional Firefighters Union, Local 3101.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate this monumental event with us yesterday. This new, state of the art station will serve the residents well for many years to come.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer