6/30/25 @ 12:45 p.m. - June is recognized annually as PTSD Awareness Month and is dedicated to raising awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and promoting resources for those affected by it.
 
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It’s often characterized by avoidance of trauma-related reminders, flashbacks, nightmares, and negative effects on mood.  It can result from various traumatic experiences such as natural disasters, accidents, assault, abuse, and combat.
 
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (1), about 6 of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lifetime. The symptoms of PTSD can cause significant distress and interfere greatly with a person’s ability to engage in daily activities. The symptoms can also cause co-occurring conditions such as depression, substance abuse, and anxiety disorders.
 
Residents experiencing PTSD symptoms are encouraged to seek mental health services to improve emotional wellness and to achieve stability and recovery. One agency serving residents in Nassau County is Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare. Established in 1992, Starting Point is Nassau County’s first mental health and substance abuse agency. Led by CEO Dr. Laureen Pagel, Starting Point provides a variety of services including, but not limited to, adult services, child and adolescent services, community outreach and education, and emergency services for anyone experiencing a health emergency.
 
Over the last 30 years, over 45,000 individuals have received treatment at Starting Point, many of which fully recovered from mental health and substance abuse challenges. From behavioral issues to drug addiction, from anxiety to depression, previous clients have provided testimonials about their journey to healing through Starting Point. 
 
Dr. Pagel stated, “PTSD affects people from all walks of life, but healing is possible with the right support. At Starting Point, we believe in meeting people where they are and walking with them through recovery. No one should have to face trauma alone.”

Do you find yourself suffering from PTSD symptoms? If so, you’re not alone! Starting Point is here to help you when you’re ready. Visit their website at www.spbh.org and begin your health journey today. Starting Point contracts with 50+ health insurance providers to make accessing services easier than ever. If you don’t have insurance, they also offer options based on income and family size. Regardless of your situation, there are treatment options available to you and those that you love.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

Source(s): 
(1) National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

6/27/25 @ 4:30 p.m.

​Below are pictures from the week of June 20 - June 27, 2025. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

6/27/25 @ 8:30 a.m. - On June 23, 2025, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) unanimously approved the adoption of the Timber to Tides Design Overlay (T2TDO)—a landmark decision that marks a significant step forward in managing growth, enhancing design standards, and preserving the unique character of the State Road 200 corridor and surrounding areas. The T2TDO represents a shift from traditional zoning methods to a form-based approach—a strategy focused on how buildings, streets, and public spaces interact to shape community form and function.

The Overlay emphasizes walkable, mixed-use environments, context-sensitive architecture, improved connectivity, and compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods. It offers a framework for high-quality development while protecting key community values such as housing diversity, economic opportunity, and long-term resilience. This initiative builds on years of public engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and strategic planning. The foundation of the Overlay was laid through prior efforts like the State Road 200/A1A Master Corridor Plan, which identified the need for a more intentional and design-driven approach to growth. The Overlay’s development included numerous public workshops, advisory meetings, and coordination with local residents, developers, and civic leaders. 

Key Actions Taken:

• Approved CPA25-001 to amend the Future Land Use Element, supporting the implementation of the Overlay through the County’s policy framework and by adopting a regulating plan
• Approved LDC25-001, which adds new Articles 44 and 45 to the Land Development Code thereby establishing a Transect-based zoning system and requiring increased development standards within the Overlay boundary
• Affirmed exemptions for single-family homes, mobile homes, religious institutions, and historic sites
• Provides a 7-month transition period for voluntary rezonings to the new Transect zones.

 
Key Benefits to the Community:

• Improves design standards across the SR 200/US 17 corridor to ensure development aligns with community expectations and the built environment reflects a high quality of life
• Promotes walkability and mixed-use neighborhoods, reducing car dependence and enhancing access to services and amenities
• Encourages context-sensitive development, allowing flexibility in housing form, while preserving the unique character of Nassau County’s urban and rural communities
• Establishes a predictable review process, with new tools for administrative interpretation, phased development, and clear development expectations
• Protects environmentally and culturally significant areas through targeted exemptions and form-based planning strategies that support better site design.

 
How You Can Take Action (those with property within the Overlay District)

• Contact the Planning Department to learn how the Overlay affects your property - Planning Department at (904) 530-6320 or email [email protected]
• Request a voluntary rezoning to one of the new Transect districts to access additional development rights
• Resolve nonconforming use issues by coordinating with the County’s Planning Department and Development Services team.

​

6/26/25 @ 3:00 p.m.-

At their meeting held on Monday, June 23, 2025, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners approved a proclamation declaring the week of July 26 – August 2, 2025, as Gullah/Geechee Nation Appreciation Week in Nassau County, Florida.

First established in 2012, Gullah/Geechee Nation Appreciation Week celebrates the living legacy of the Gullah/Geechee people—their history, heritage, and enduring cultural contributions. In Nassau County, their influence is deeply rooted in the stories of Amelia Island, Old Town, Yulee, Nassauville, Franklintown, and American Beach, reflecting both the painful legacy of enslavement and the powerful journey toward self-determination.

This legacy has been preserved and promoted thanks in large part to Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation, a native of St. Helena Island. For decades, Queen Quet has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of Gullah/Geechee history and to advocate for the protection of cultural heritage, human rights, and land and water access. The year 2025 marks her 25th Anniversary as Head pun de Bodee (Head of State) of the Gullah/Geechee Nation.
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This year’s theme, “25 Years of Self-Determination: Celebrating the Roots and Legacy of the Gullah/Geechee Nation,” honors her leadership and the resilience of the Gullah/Geechee people.

The Board extends its sincere appreciation to Queen Quet for attending the meeting and for sharing the profound importance of the Gullah/Geechee legacy and its lasting impact on Nassau County. 

​Residents can learn more about the Gullah/Geechee Nation by visiting https://gullahgeecheenation.com/.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

Nassau County Fire Rescue Hosts Annual Awards Ceremony
On May 29, 2025, Nassau County Fire Rescue proudly held its annual Awards Ceremony — a celebration of dedication, achievement, and excellence in service. This event honored new hires, recognized recent promotions, and presented awards to outstanding personnel who have gone above and beyond in their duties.

New Hires Welcomed
We are pleased to introduce the newest members of Nassau County Fire Rescue:
William Babick, Kieran Adamski, Maxwell Brown, Noah Brownell, Justin Harwell, Keith Jacobs, Conor McElhone, Ethan Michaelis, Izak Pornovets, Skylar Riddling, Andee Begier, Ryker Jett, Charles Morgan, Thomas Peacock, Jack Spitler, Hunter Collins, Ansley Ingram, Joshua Meeks, Jazlyn Smith, Dale Green, Jr., and Devon Jackson.

Promotions:
Congratulations to the following individuals on their well-deserved promotions

Engineers:
Jeffrey Gruentzel, Zachary Nall, Michael Taber, Hunter Sagers, Joseph Howell, Ryan Deeley, Tyler Klar, Symphoni Skipper, Brianne Bernard, Eric Baler, Colby Beverly, and Jacob Adams.

Captains:
Brett Louis and Matthew Patrick

Battalion Chief:
Ben Salter

Award Recipients:
We are proud to recognize the following team members for their outstanding service:

• Firefighter of the Year: Engineer Vincent McMonigal
• Paramedic of the Year: Lt. Brandon Taylor
• Fire Officer of the Year: Battalion Chief Chris Gamble
• Distinguished Service Medal: Engineer George Faucher
• Distinguished Service Medal: Thomas Kelley (Nassau County Sheriff's Office)

On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, we extend our sincere gratitude to all honorees for their continued service, bravery, and commitment to protecting the lives and property of all Nassau County residents and visitors. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

Photo credits: Brittany Powell Photography

6/24/25 @ 4:00 p.m. 
​
It's turtle nesting season! From May 1st - October 31st each year, sea turtles visit Amelia Island beaches to nest, and it's up to all of us to make their visit as safe as possible! Every Tuesday, we will provide you with fascinating facts about our local turtle population and what is being done to protect them.

For today’s Turtle Talk Tuesday, we’re sharing a special video of a sea turtle excavation from 2021. Every morning during nesting season, volunteers from the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch patrol the beaches, searching for signs that a turtle has come ashore to nest. Once a nest is discovered, it’s carefully marked and roped off for protection. 

Volunteers check on the nest daily throughout the incubation period — typically 50–60 days. After the hatchlings emerge, they return to excavate the nest, releasing any hatchlings that didn’t make it out on their own and counting the hatched and unhatched eggshells.

If you’ve never seen a sea turtle excavation up close, it’s truly an unforgettable experience! 🐣 Visit the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch website to locate the latest excavation schedule.

🎥 Video credit: Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

6/24/25 @ 10:00 a.m. - On Saturday, June 21st, Yulee Ballpark was filled with energy and excitement as hundreds gathered for the Two All Community Day Event, hosted by the Two All Foundation, the nonprofit organization founded by hometown hero Derrick Henry.

The event featured an array of free, family-friendly activities, including waterslides, obstacle courses, yard games, and more. In a special moment of generosity, 300 lucky attendees received free bikes and backpacks, all donated by the Foundation.

Derrick Henry was present for the entire event, warmly greeting guests, handing out backpacks, and making memories with fans by posing for photos and signing autographs. His kindness and humility left a lasting impression on all who attended.

Nassau County Parks & Recreation was proud to support this incredible community celebration. Special thanks go to the many volunteers who helped make the day a success, and to the Yulee High School Cheerleaders, who brought their Hornet spirit to life for the crowd.
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Most of all, thank you to Derrick Henry for continuing to give back and invest in the community that raised him. Your generosity and leadership are truly inspiring.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

#DerrickHenry #DerrickHenryGivesBack #BaltimoreRavens