FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer
(904) 530-6010
[email protected]
 
Board Votes to Reduce Tax Rate
 
Nassau County, Florida, September 17, 2021- At the Monday, September 13, 2021 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to lower the property tax rate and invest in our quality of life by delivering big on road, park and public safety projects.
 
Chairman Thomas Ford stated, “I am very proud of this Board for its in-depth review of the budget. We have worked hard to fund programs and initiatives that improve the quality of life for our residents. We have been given an opportunity to take some burden off the taxpayers by lowering the millage rate, while still having the funds needed to accomplish our goals for the next budget year”.
 
The tentative budget includes a robust, Capital Improvement Plan with $33 million allocated for major projects/initiatives in Fiscal Year 2021/2022, including but not limited to:
 
1) $6.2 million allocation for parks and recreation projects

• Hilliard Ballpark improvements for new playground installation
• Improvements at Holly Point Boat Ramp which includes a parking lot expansion and relocation of communal areas
• Improvements at Melton Nelson Boat ramp which includes a new kayak launch
• Tributary Community Park Phase One development which includes amenities for ballfields, concession stand, walking trails, and playground
• Blackrock Cove Community Park Development for site furnishings such as soccer goals, trash receptacles and parking lot lighting
• Nassau Crossing Community Park Development which includes lighting and landscaping
• American Beach Historic Park (exact activities to be determined)

 
2) $900,000 allocation for the Double Chip Seal Program. Double chip seal is a paving alternative used to treat dirt roads. It is similar to asphalt but about 50% cheaper. Roads designated for Double Chip Seal include:

• DB Hicks
• Sheri Lane
• Ann Drive
• Parks Rd.
• Lance Rd.
• Roy Booth Rd.
• Marlee Rd.
• Midway Rd.
• Hagan Lane
• Plum Loop  
• Pirates Bluff Rd.
• Will Young Rd.
• Durden Rd.
• Winona Bayview Rd.

3) $3.9 million allocation for the Pavement Management Plan that will allow 27 of the worst roads in Nassau County to be repaved. The roads to be repaved, in full or part, next year are:

• Barnwell Rd.
• Bailey Rd.
• Benchmark Avenue
• Dove Rd.
• Roses Bluff Rd.
• Duane Rd.
• Harts Road South
• Harts Lane
• Bill Johnson Rd.
• County Road 121 (from Duval line to SR2)
• Musselwhite Rd.
• Charlotte Drive
• Thomas Rd.
• Will Hardee Rd.
• South 4th Street
• Susan Drive
• South 5th Street
• Magnolia Street
• Clinch Drive
• Ocean Forest Drive
• Bonnieview Rd.
• O’Neil Scott Rd.
• Greenberry Rd.
• Hendricks Rd.
• Ocean Forest Lane
• Cayman Circle
• Arbor Lane

4) $15.3 million allocation for transportation projects:

• Amelia Island Parkway and Buccaneer Trail roundabout design
• Amelia Island Trail design (from South Fletcher Ave. to State Road 200/8th Street)
• Citrona Drive pedestrian safety improvements  
• County Road 108 repaving from Bay Rd. to Middle Rd.
• County Road 108 repaving from Middle Rd. to US 17
• Hendricks Rd. Extension to County Road 107 design and permitting.
• Hendricks Rd. Extension to Amelia Concourse design and permitting.
• Pages Dairy/Chester Rd. Signalization
• Sunberg Rd. paving.
• William Burgess Blvd. Extension design, permitting and early construction from U.S. 17 to Miner Rd.
  

5) $3 million allocation to replace fire Station 90 in Hilliard

The final hearing on the budget will take place on Monday, September 27, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Management & Budget at (904) 530-6010, option 2.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer
 

9/16/21 @ 5:30 p.m. - Nassau County Parks & Recreation presents it's very first Halloween Festival taking place from 5:00-9:00 p.m. on Friday, October 29, 2021 at the Yulee Sports Complex.

From 5:00 - 7:00, the event will feature:

-Halloween Themed Games
-Trick or Treat Alley
-Costume Contests
-Bounce Houses
-Face Painting
-Concessions
-Hay Rides

From 7:15 - 9:00 p.m., a free showing of Hocus Pocus will take place on the football field.

This event is completely FREE.

At this time, we are soliciting businesses to set up a booth and distribute candy on Trick or Treat Alley. If you are interested, please fill out the attached sponsor form and return it to Jay Robertson via email at [email protected] or mail to 45195 Musselwhite Rd., Callahan, FL 32011. If you have any questions, Jay can be reached at (904) 530-6127.

We look forward to seeing everyone dressed up in their costumes on October 29th!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

9/16/21 @ 10:45 a.m. - At the September 13th meeting, the Board approved Resolution No. 2021-175, proclaiming the month of September 2021 as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Nassau County, FL.

September is known around the United States as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and is intended to help promote awareness surrounding each of the suicide prevention resources available in our community. The simple goal is to learn how to help those around us talk about suicide without increasing their risk of harm.

Suicide can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, orientation, income level, religion or background and according to the Center for Disease Control, 47,500 deaths in 2019 were the result of suicide, making it the 10th leading cause of death among adults in the U.S.

Kayla Woodle, Mobile Response Team/Suicide Prevention Team Leader for Starting Point Behavior Health stated, "It's absolutely vital that we talk abut these difficult subjects. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death and each of those deaths is a tragedy". She challenged everyone to talk to their family members and ask how they're doing. A simple phone call, message, handshake, or hug can go a long way in making someone realize is not the answer.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please seek help immediately! Starting Point has a variety of programs and services available to assist you. Contact them directly at (904) 225-8280.

You can also contact the National Suicide Hotline 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

9/16/21 @ 10:15 a.m. - As a reminder, the Board of County Commissioners is seeking a volunteer to fill a vacancy on the Planning & Zoning Board. This is the perfect opportunity for a resident interested in learning more about the County's planning process to get involved. Volunteers are compensated for their time, as further explained below.

The vacancy will be for District One, however it is an At-Large position so the representative does not have to reside within that District.

The Planning & Zoning Board reviews all requests for rezoning of property, zoning amendments, Comprehensive Plan text amendments, Land Use Map amendments, and amendments to Ordinances that affect the use and development of land. The Board submits written recommendations on these matters and submits them to the Board of County Commissioners for a final determination. The Board also hears appeals where it is alleged that there is an error in a decision made by the Planning Director or staff, as it relates to Zoning Codes or the Comprehensive Plan. The Board also comments on preliminary site plans and serves as the Local Planning Agency for Nassau County.

The Board is made of up 11 members as follows:

• Five County Commission District representatives (one for each district)
• Five At-Large Representatives
• One School Board Representative

Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of the month beginning at 6:00 p.m. Members serve three (3) year terms and are required to file a financial disclosure. Board members are provided a stipend of $75 per meeting and are reimbursed for mileage at rates set by the Federal General Services Administration.

If you are interested in serving, please submit a resume to [email protected] by Friday, September 24th. Resumes will be provided to the Board of County Commissioners and will be considered at a Board meeting in early October. If selected, you will be notified in writing and scheduled for an orientation soon thereafter.

If you have any questions about the Planning & Zoning Board, please contact the Planning Department at (904) 530-6300. Additional information can also be found on the Planning Department's webpage.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

9/15/21 @ 9:40 a.m. - At today's Board of County Commissioner's meeting, two employees were recognized for 20 years of service to the County.

Margie Drawdy currently serves as the Billing Supervisor in the Office of Management & Budget. Tony Lombardi currently serves as the Facilities Manager for our Facilities Maintenance Department.

Both are outstanding employees and we appreciate all that they do! Congratulations Margie and Tony on 20 years!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

9/14/21 @ 10:00 a.m. - The Nassau County Department of Health has issued a Press Release indicating that their Hilliard WIC Office located at 37203 Pecan Street is temporarily closed for renovations. It is anticipated to remain closed for 60-90 days. During that time, clients will be sent to the Callahan WIC Office located at 45377 Mickler Street, Callahan.

If you have any questions, please contact the Nassau County Department of Health directly at (904) 875-6100.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

9/13/21 @ 4:15 p.m. - The Board of County Commissioners has two new job opportunities available: Road Supervisor and Senior Planner.

To view the job descriptions and salary range or to apply online, please click here.

If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources at (904) 530-6075.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

9/13/21 @ 11:00 a.m. - Below are public meetings scheduled for this week:

Board of County Commissioners
Monday, September 13, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. AND
Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Development Review Committee
Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Code Enforcement Board
Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Conservation Land Acquisition and Management (CLAM) Committee
Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Agendas can be located on our website.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

9/12/21 @ 2:00 p.m. - Over 100 people attended Saturday's 9/11 Tribute Event. The event featured speeches from several Elected Officials including The Honorable John Drew, Nassau County Tax Collector; The Honorable Thomas Ford, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners; and the Honorable Sheriff, Bill Leeper, as well as flag presentations by the Nassau County Sheriff's Office and Nassau County Fire Rescue's Honor Guard, and performances by the Nassau Community Band.

Th event also featured guest speaker, Valerie Gambino, sister of Thomas Gambino, Jr., an FDNY firefighter who perished at the World Trade Center. We listened intently as Mr. Drew gave dramatic readings about the history of the National Anthem and "My Name is Old Glory", a patriotic poem about the United States flag. The crowd watched on as members of the Honor Guard folded a U.S. flag and presented it to Ms. Gambino in honor of her brother. It was a beautiful and somber day as we remembered all the innocent lives lost. Photos and a video of the Old Glory presentation can be found below.

Thank you to all the individuals who coordinated and participated in the event... We could not have done this without you! Thank you as well to all the members of the public who joined us in commemorating the 20th anniversary of this tragic day in America.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

9/11/21 @ 7:15 a.m.

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Stephen W. Kelley. Steve served two 4- year terms as the District Two County Commissioner for Nassau County from November 2010 through November 2018. Steve also served as Vice Chairman of the Board from January - December 2017.

While in office, Steve obtained his Certified County Commissioner and Advanced County Commissioner Certifications through the Florida Association of Counties. He was a true public servant who served his community through his work with various non-profit organizations. He also represented the County on numerous boards including the Local Disadvantaged Transportation Board; the Mental Health Court Committee; the Value Adjustment Board; the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Committee; and the Nassau County Canvassing Board.

Steve served on the Sheriff's Administration Committee which developed the plans to fund a new administrative facility for the Sheriff's Office. Thanks to his contributions, the facility come to fruition and was opened in March 2017.
.
Steve will always be remembered for his kind and generous nature and his great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Bernice; their children Pam, Patrick, and Amanda; grandchildren Madison and Katie; his siblings; and numerous nieces and nephews. Please keep them all in your prayers during this difficult time.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

9/10/21 @ 2:00 p.m. - Please be advised that Nassau Place and Nassau Center Rd. will be closed on Saturday, September 11, 2021, for road re-striping. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions, please contact the Road Dept. at (9040 530-6175.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

9/9/21 @ 4:30 p.m. - For the August 2021 edition of our Proudly Serving Nassau series, we have featured our Senior Stormwater and Drainage Engineer, Katie Peay. Katie is the County's first engineer dedicated to reviewing the County's current drainage system and finding solutions to address drainage issues within the community.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

9/9/21 @ 8:10 a.m. - Don't forget that the Waste Tire Amnesty Day will be held this Saturday, September 11th at the Convenience Recycle Center located at 46026 Landfill Rd., Callahan.

This event allows Nassau County residents to safely dispose of up to 15 car and light truck tires at NO COST (must show proof of residency). Tires must be off the rim and free of debris. No commercial loads will be accepted.

The event begins at 8:30 and will last until 12:00 p.m., or until the trucks are full (whichever comes first).

As a reminder, residents can dispose of up to four (4) per year at the Convenience Recycle Center. So if you're not able to attend the event this Saturday and have tires to dispose of, you still have options.

If you have any questions, please contact Nassau County Solid Waste at (904) 530-6700.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

9/8/21 @ 3:40 p.m. 

As previously announced, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has commissioned Walker Associates, Inc. to develop a comprehensive plan for public beach access and parking on Amelia Island. The study area is inclusive of the beach access areas within the City of Fernandina Beach, the Florida state parks on Amelia Island, and the unincorporated beach access areas of Amelia Island.

As part of this study, we would like to hear from you, a valuable stakeholder in this process. We want to learn more about the parking and beach access patterns of current residents and visitors, with a goal toward understanding attitudes defined by parking and beach access related issues. As such, a survey has been created for you to tell us about your experiences related to accessing the beach.

​The total  time to complete the survey is about five to seven minutes. We realize that your parking and beach access choices may change from day to day, however we are asking that you tell us about your experiences on a typical day. 

Click here to access the survey.

If you have any questions about the study, please contact our Parks & Recreation Director, Jay Robertson, at (904) 530-6120 or via e-mail at [email protected]. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer