8/31/25 @ 9:00 a.m. - Please join us in wishing A.M. "Hupp" Huppmann a very happy birthday! Commissioner Huppmann proudly serves as the District Two County Commissioner and is currently the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners.

A U.S. Veteran, Chairman Huppmann served 16 years in the Submarine Force, including two tours at Kings Bay, Georgia. Following the events of 9/11, he completed two aircraft carrier-based combat deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His shore duty assignments included serving on the personal staff of three Submarine Flag Officers. He retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8), qualified in Submarines, Surface, and Aviation Warfare.

In addition, Commissioner Huppmann was a member of the Foar From Home all-veteran ocean rowing team from Amelia Island, which successfully completed a nearly three-year campaign to raise awareness and resources for veteran suicide and PTSD-related issues. The team rowed 3,000 nautical miles across the North Atlantic Ocean in just 51 days.

We thank Chairman Huppmann for his service to our nation and our community, and wish him a wonderful birthday! 
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-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

8/29/25 @ 2:00 p.m. - On Monday, July 28, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners held a workshop to review the tentative budget and maximum millage rate for Fiscal Year 2025/2026. Based on the budget presented, the BOCC is proposing a structurally balanced budget which includes the fifth consecutive year of millage rate [property tax rate] reductions, while continuing to fund the critical Capital Improvement Plan, Pavement Management Plan, Chip Seal Program, and improving public safety through investments into the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and the Nassau County Fire Department. 

The BOCC's first public hearing to consider adoption of the FY 25/26 budget is scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL. The public is welcome to attend and address the Board. During the hearing, the BOCC will schedule the second/final budget hearing, as required by Florida Statute. 

To view the tentative budget as presented on July 28, 2025, please click here to watch the budget workshop. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

8/29/25 @ 2:30 p.m. - At the Monday, August 25, 2025 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners took time to honor Building Official Keith Ellis as he prepared to retire after an incredible 29 years of service to Nassau County.

Keith’s career in the construction industry spans more than four decades, beginning in the private sector before joining Nassau County nearly 30 years ago. Over that time, he wore many hats, beginning as a Building Inspector, then moving into roles such as Plans Examiner, Senior Plans Examiner, Interim Building Official, and ultimately serving as the County’s Building Official and Floodplain Administrator.
His commitment to professionalism never wavered. Keith earned State of Florida licenses as an inspector and plans examiner in every various trades including Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical,as well as the Florida Building Code Administrator license. Beyond that, he pursued 27 International Code Council Certifications, including the highly respected Master Code Professional and Certified Building Official titles. In 2009, he also became a Certified Floodplain Manager, adding another layer of expertise to his work.

For nearly three decades, Keith worked side by side with Nassau County’s building community and local property owners, always striving to ensure that projects met safety and code requirements. His knowledge, fairness, and dedication made him a trusted figure for contractors, homeowners, and colleagues alike.
As he officially steps into retirement on August 29, 2025, Keith leaves behind a legacy of professionalism and service. He will be deeply missed by those who had the privilege of working with him, as well as by the many citizens whose homes, businesses, and community spaces are safer because of his work.
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The Board of County Commissioners expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Keith Ellis, commending his outstanding service and wishing him health, happiness, and fulfillment in this next chapter of life.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

8/29/25 @ 4:00 p.m. 

Below are pictures from the week of August 22 - August 29, 2025. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

8/29/25 @ 11:15 a.m. 

At the Wednesday, August 20, 2025 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) recognized Road Department employees Cody Pruett, Kenneth Thornton and DJ Blake on completing the Nassau County Operator Apprenticeship Program. 

This Nassau County Operator Apprenticeship Program was created in 2021 in an effort to recruit and retain high caliber employees in a competitive job market. The program was designed to provide Road Department employees with a clear, defined career path upon beginning their employment, and to provide an avenue to increase their skillset through training. A three-year Equipment Operator Apprenticeship Program was developed to train the employees on the safe and efficient operation of small equipment, heavy trucks and heavy equipment. Their first step in the program is obtaining a Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License, followed by learning all aspects of the Road Department to become a highly valued Equipment Operator.

At the August 20th meeting, Safety/Equipment Trainer Joey Usina gave an overview of the employees’ journey through the Apprenticeship Program, highlighting both classroom instruction and hands-on training with heavy equipment. His presentation showcased the wide range of skills they developed, shared photos capturing their progress over the past three years, and outlined each participant’s individual achievements. Joey also noted their success in recent equipment rodeos, where they competed and placed among their peers.
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When addressing the BOCC, Joey stated, "These three individuals have completed the Program. In the beginning, they focused on routine, maintenance work. However in the last 18 months we have included them on road upgrades and some complicated drainage projects. These guys are now your lead operators on some of these projects. This is the fruit of your labor for putting this program together."  

The Board extends its warmest congratulations to Cody, Kenneth, and DJ on this tremendous accomplishment. Completing the rigorous Apprenticeship Program is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and dedication to serving Nassau County. We are proud to celebrate their success and look forward to the many contributions they will continue to make as skilled Equipment Operators leading critical projects that improve our community.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

8/28/25 @ 8:15 a.m. - In accordance with the Presidential Proclamation issued on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, flags will be flown at half-staff through sunset on August 31, 2025, as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragedy in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Lowering the flags serves as a symbol of national mourning and solidarity as we honor the lives lost and keep their families, friends, and community in our thoughts during this difficult time.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

8/26/25 @ 2:15 p.m. 

At the Monday, August 25, 2025 meeting, Nassau County Fire Rescue Professionals Local 3101 made a generous donation to Imagine Nassau to support a new facility for Nassau County Animal Services. 

Imagine Nassau is the Board of County Commissioners’ (BOCC) nonprofit organization created to foster charitable and educational activities through fundraising and grants in four key areas: Nassau County Parks & Recreation, Nassau County Animal Services, Nassau County Fire Rescue, and the Conservation Land Acquisition and Management (CLAM) Program.

In December 2022, a needs assessment was conducted for a new animal shelter. The study analyzed the existing facility, explored potential future use options, and identified long-term funding strategies.  In June 2024, the BOCC closed on a 6.76-acre property on State Road 200, chosen for its central location and high visibility. 

The future new facility will provide a healthier environment for animals and expand capacity to meet future growth. Features will include separate lobbies for intakes and adoptions, adoption galleries, isolation rooms, puppy play yards, walking trails, a cattery, quarantine areas, administrative offices, and even a barn for housing large animals.
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The BOCC extends its deepest appreciation to Local 3101 for their generosity and continued commitment to the community. Their support goes beyond their service as first responders. It reflects a true dedication to improving quality of life for both residents and animals across Nassau County. This donation is an inspiring example of how community partnerships can make lasting impacts.

The future Nassau County Animal Services facility is currently being designed. Stay tuned for details on a capital campaign to support the construction.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

8/26/25 @ 9:00 a.m. - It's Turtle Talk Tuesday!

Did you know that sea turtles are an important part of the environment? Sea Turtles are considered a "keystone species", which means if they are removed from a habitat, its natural order can be disrupted, affecting both wildlife and fauna in different ways. 

Five Reasons Why Sea Turtles Are Really Important (according to See Turtles, a non-profit foundation dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles worldwide).

1. Turtles help control their prey.  For example, a hawksbill turtle helps reefs by eating sponges that compete with them for space. Also, leatherbacks help manage the amount of jellyfish in the ocean. 
2. Turtle nesting helps beaches.  Nutrients left behind by eggs and hatchlings that don't survive are an important source of coastal vegetation. 
3. Hatchlings are an important source of food. Many animals such as birds, fish and mammals like raccoons rely on hatchlings to survive during nesting season. 
4. They are important for coastal economies and native communities. Many communities rely on turtle watching or diving for jobs and income. Plus, there are emotional and psychological benefits to seeing a sea turtle in the wild. 
5. Green turtles grazing on seagrass is important. Healthy seagrass benefits many species and store carbons for healthy seagrass beds. 

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​To learn more, visit See Turtle's website. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

8/25/25 @ 1:15 p.m.

The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has been awarded the 2025 Award of Excellence in Audio Visual Communication from the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) for its video, Paving the Way to a Better Nassau.
 
NACIO's Awards of Excellence program honors the innovative, creative, and outstanding work of county government communicators and communications departments throughout the nation.
 
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is committed to keeping residents informed through a variety of channels. Recognizing that not all residents receive their news through traditional media, the BOCC has begun producing short videos to help bridge that gap and share important information in a more accessible way. The latest video, Paving the Way to a Better Nassau, was produced by Multimedia and Communications Manager, Omari Matlock. The video highlights the County’s Pavement Management Program and its benefits to the community. It also features a Nassau County resident who shares how recent road improvements have positively impacted his neighborhood, offering a firsthand perspective on how this work is making a difference for taxpayers across the County.
 
BOCC Chairman A.M. “Hupp” Huppmann stated, “Paving the Way to a Better Nassau focuses on the County’s commitment to improving mobility and provides insight into how tax dollars are being utilized. Paving the Way to a Better Nassau is more than just a project update. It’s a visual representation of the Board’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and long-term investment into the County’s infrastructure.”
 
“At NACIO, we are honored to recognize the exceptional talents of our Awards of Excellence winners. The innovative approaches and compelling storytelling efforts of county communicators across the country are commendable,” said Schuyler Harding, NACIO President. “These awards underscore the impact of the work that shapes effective and meaningful public communication. We congratulate and celebrate all winners in this year’s program for their outstanding contributions to their communities.”
 
As an active affiliate of the National Association of Counties (NACo), NACIO works to promote the value of professional PIOs and communicators to county governments. NACIO members serve as judges for NACo's annual National County Government Month contest, and NACIO experts present highly entertaining workshops on media relations best practices at the NACo Annual and Legislative conferences. To learn more about NACIO, go to nacio.org.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

8/25/25 @ 9:00 a.m. - 

Below are public meetings scheduled for the week of August 25 - August 29, 2025. Agendas can be found at http://nassaufl.co/agendas.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

8/23/25 @ 9:00 a.m. - At the Board of County Commissioners meetings held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Administrator/Health Officer Cara Gluck, provided a quarterly update on the Nassau County Department of  Health activities. The presentation included information on the Department's operating budget, community health programs, environmental health activities, clinical services and school health. 

The video can be seen on the Clerk of Courts website by clicking here. The presentation is listed under Tab D. 

About the Nassau County Department of Health
The Nassau County Department of Health is a division of the State of Florida's Department of Health. DOH-Nassau works to protect, promote and improve the health of all residents and is part of the statewide public health system providing a wide range of clinical, nutritional, and environmental services. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer