Blog Archives - The County Insider

The County Insider

Costumes for a Cause

10/31/2014

To celebrate Halloween, County employees participated in a costume contest that was held as part of the Board of County Commissioner's annual United Way Campaign. Each participant was required to make a $5 donation to the United Way and then presented themselves to judges for a chance to win first and second place prizes. More than a dozen employees entered the contest and others came to show their support, and to see all the wonderful costumes which included a werewolf, several mental patients, a mad doctor, Malificent, and a witch. Some even came dressed up as Nassau County Property Appraiser, Mike Hickox, in various forms such as Business Mike and Casual Friday Mike.

United Way Campaigns run from July 1 through June 30 of each year, however instead of just having one big event where employees are asked to pledge money, the County allows staff to hold various fundraising events throughout the year. Not only does this keep United Way in the forefront of everyone's mind, it encourages employee participation and raises even more money for the cause. Previous events include the annual golf tournament against the City of Fernandina Beach, chili cookoffs, book sales, and candy-grams for Valentine's Day. All of these events are funded by the employees and are no cost to the taxpayers.

The Board of County Commissioner's Campaign continues to grow and has received platinum awards for their last two campaigns. The FY 2012/2013 campaign raised $8,345 and FY 2013/2014 raised $9,518. All of that money benefits those living in Northeast Florida. To learn more about the United Way and the programs they fund, please visit their website.

-Sabrina Robertson
Nassau County Manager's Office

Smoke Detector Safety and Free Alarms for Needy Residents

10/24/2014

Daylight savings time ends on Sunday, November 2nd and Nassau County Fire Rescue would like to remind citizens to check the batteries in their smoke detectors. Having a working smoke alarm in your home cuts your chances of dying in house fire in half. Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths result in homes with no smoke alarms, or in homes where the alarms are not working properly.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, only 30% of fires begin in the kitchen. It turns out that the most dangerous room in the house is the bedroom due to unattended candles, smoking in bed, and use of space heaters. You should never leave a space heater on while you are sleeping and should always keep the heater at least three feet away from bedding, curtains, and furniture. It is also recommended that smoke detectors be installed inside and outside of each bedroom and sleeping area, as well as on every level of your home. People who are hard of hearing should install special alarms with strobe lights and bed shakers.

After changing your batteries, test each alarm using the test button. Be sure that each member of your household understands the meaning of the alarm, and how to evacuate safety. It is also a good idea to designate a meeting place outside of the home. After checking your alarms, consider checking the smoke detectors in your elderly neighbor's home or your parent's home. Most smoke alarms are installed on the ceiling and cannot be accessed without a ladder or stool, making it difficult for seniors to check safely.

Do you know of someone that is in need of need smoke detectors but can't afford them? Nassau County Fire Rescue offers free smoke alarms to needy citizens residing in the unincorporated areas of the County. Simply fill out the attached application and return it to Fire/Rescue Headquarters located at 96160 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097. If accepted, Fire Inspector Jerry Marrison will contact you to schedule a date and time for installation. For more information, you can reach Mr. Marrison at (904) 491-7525 or via email at jmarrison@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
Nassau County Manager's Office

Nassau County Animal Control Reaches No-Kill Status

10/23/2014

Like many counties, Nassau County has had its fair share of problems related to animal control. And with numerous reductions to staff and declining budgets, the County has struggled to maintain their same level of service without decreasing the care given to each animal. In order to overcome these obstacles, the Board knew they needed a strong Director with innovative ideas to help turn the department around.

In October 2012, Nassau County Manager, Ted Selby, hired Joe Novello to be the Director of Animal Control, after serving as the Interim Director for nearly a year. Joe had worked in the department since 2008, first as an Animal Control Officer and later as the Shelter Manager, so he was familiar with all the functions of the department and knew which areas needed improvement. Since Joe became Director, intake rates and euthanasia rates have steadily decreased, while adoption rates and customer service satisfaction have steadily increased.

In Fiscal Year 2011/2012, animal intakes were at a high of 2,500 per year, euthanasia rates soared at 1,200, and only 435 animals were adopted. In his first year as director in FY 12/13, Joe was able to reduce intakes slightly by obtaining a two-year Petsmart Grant in the amount of $180,000 to spay/neuter 2,800 animals. To decrease euthanasia rates, Joe implemented several new programs and practices to insure that animals coming into the shelter, left the shelter. First he began transporting animals to other large facilities in the State or transferring them to various rescue groups. To increase an animal's chances for adoption, an on-line picture gallery of pets was created and for the first time, the department began participating in several mega-adoption events per year. The department also began capturing feral cats and spaying/neutering them prior to being re-released as part of the new Barn Cat Program or Trap, Neuter, Release Program. Lastly, the shelter began micro-chipping every animal that came into the shelter so if they were picked up again, the owner could be identified quickly and the pet could be returned. Due to all these efforts, euthanasia rates were nearly cut in half to 600.

FY 13/14 was even more impressive. The department received another Petsmart Grant in the amount of $200,000 to spay/neuter an additional 3,600 animals. They also continued participating in large adoption events and transferring animals to rescue groups in an effort to reduce euthanasia rates. Due to all of their efforts, intake rates were at an all-time low of 2,370 and euthanasia rates were down to 189. Additionally, an astounding 956 animals were adopted and another 542 were transferred, bringing Nassau County Animal Control to non-kill status for the first time in history. This is quite remarkable when you look at the figures from the 2009/2010 fiscal year where 2,000 animals were euthanized and only 279 were adopted. All of these improvements have not gone unrecognized as the department won the Florida Animal Control Association's 2014 Outstanding Agency of the Year Award.

Kudos to Joe and his staff for all their hard work! As we enter into FY 14/15, the County is confident that Joe and his dedicated staff can continue to save lives and find families for many more animals. If you haven't visited the Animal Control facility lately, we encourage you to stop by and see all the wonderful changes for yourself. The shelter is located at 86078 License Road in Yulee. Please visit their website to view shelter hours, and to see all the wonderful pets available for adoption.

-Sabrina Robertson
Nassau County Manager's Office

County Employees Participate in "Pink Day" in Observance of Breast Cancer Awareness

10/22/2014

On October 13th, the Board of County Commissioners approved a Resolution proclaiming the week of October 19-25, 2014 as "Breast Cancer Awareness Week" in Nassau County, Florida. October 21, 2014 was also declared "Pink Day" to promote breast cancer awareness and to remind everyone of the value of early detection. County employees were encouraged to dress in pink to commemorate this day and show their support for the cause.

To see a copy of the Resolution, please click here.

-Sabrina Robertson
Nassau County Manager's Office

Tiger Cub Scouts Visit Station 30

10/21/2014

A group of Tiger Cub Scouts visited Nassau County Fire Rescue Station 30 on Monday, October 6th. The children were able to tour the station, climb aboard fire apparatus, and they met some of our local heroes.

Tiger Cub Scout Volunteer, Mitch Davison, sent an e-mail to the Fire Chief thanking the staff for their hospitality. According to Mr. Davison, "The boys were very inquisitive, learned a lot, and had a great experience. The firemen that we met yesterday exhibited great passion to serve and help others in our community which is a great example for our young scouts. The citizens of Nassau County are in really good hands. Thank you so much for arranging our visit."

The Firefighter/Paramedics on duty (pictured with Tiger Cub Scouts) are: Firefighter Michael Arnold, Engineer Tracy Weaver, Lieutenant Kelly Gunnell, and Engineer James Graf.

-Sabrina Robertson
Nassau County Manager's Office

Tentative Schedule for Final Stages of Fernandina Library Construction

10/15/2014

Below is a tentative schedule for the final stages of the Fernandina Beach Library construction. Everything has stayed on schedule thus far, however please note some dates may change due to unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, the Fernandina Library will need to close for a couple weeks during the final stages of the project and during that time, they will be unable to process passport applications.

On November 1, library staff will attempt to "check-out" all materials until ready for move-in
On November 19, the Library will close to the public while staff disconnects computers and equipment, packs up office supplies, labels furniture, etc.
It is anticipated that movers will be working from December 1-5.
Staff will begin unpacking and setting up offices to prepare for opening between December 8-12.
New library wing to open on December 13
Tentative date for completion of current building is January 19, 2015
Grand opening events to be announced at a later time

If you have any questions related to this schedule, please contact Library Director, Dawn Bostwick, at (904) 277-7365 or via e-mail at dbostwick@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
Nassau County Manager's Office

Public Information Meeting re: SR200/A1A Reconstruction Project

10/14/2014

The Florida Department of Transportation will host a Public Information Meeting on Thursday, November 13, 2014, to discuss the proposed improvements of SR 200/A1A from I-95 to CR 107/O'Neil-Scott Road.

The meeting will be held at the Florida State Community College in the "Red Bean" Center. The doors open at 4:30 p.m. for public review of documents related to the project. An official presentation by FDOT and an opportunity for public comment will commence at 6:30 p.m.

For additional information, please contact FDOT Project Manager, Will Lyons, at (904) 360-5574 or via e-mail at will.lyons@dot.state.fl.us.

-Sabrina Robertson
Nassau County Manager's Office

Results from 3rd Annual City/County Charity Golf Tournament

10/13/2014

The City of Fernandina Beach and the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners hosted the 3rd annual charity golf tournament on Saturday, September 27th which raised $4,439 for the United Way of Northeast Florida. That's an increase of $1,018 from last year!

Eleven teams of four played an open scramble format at the City of Fernandina Beach Golf Club. The winning team with a score of 56 included Bill Osmum, Scott Mikelson, R.J. Voit, and David Jeans, playing on behalf of the City of Fernandina Parks & Recreation Department. Their team earned the City the highly coveted trophy and bragging rights for beating the County for two consecutive years. Last year's winner, Westrec Marina, came in second at 62.

Additional "challenges" were presented at various holes. The County's team, sponsored by Precision Chiropractic, was the Speed Challenge Winner, earning each player of their team tickets to the Daytona Speedway. The Distance Challenge was won by Scott Mikelson of the City Parks & Recreation Team. A great time was had by all.

A big thank you to our players, as well as those who sponsored the event or made donations for the raffle.

Sponsors:
First Coast Community Bank
Publix
Baptist Medical Center (Nassau)
Westrec Marina
Rayonier
Rock Tenn
Precision Chiropractic
Passero & Associates
FPU
Bogdahn Group

Donations:
The Residence Inn
Amelia Hotel & Suites
OMNI Amelia Island Plantation
The Surf Restaurant
Amelia River Golf Club
The Gator Store
The Jacksonville Suns
The Jaguars
Go Yoga
Arbonne Consultant, Karina Mikelson
Rodan & Fields Consultant, Rosa Goss
Bradford Renaissance Portraits
Publix
Aimee Taryn Photography
Fernandina Beach Cycling & Fitness Center

-Sabrina Robertson
Nassau County Manager's Office

Flags at Half-Staff Sunday October 12, 2014

10/10/2014

Flags will be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings in Florida on Sunday, October 12, 2014 in observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. To view the directive issued by Governor Rick Scott, please click here.

-Sabrina Robertson
Nassau County Manager's Office

Plant Sale! Saturday October 11th from 9am-12pm

10/10/2014

The Nassau County Extension Office is holding their bi-annual plant sale this Saturday, October 11th, from 9am-12pm at the James Page Governmental Complex located at 96135 Nassau Place in Yulee (across from Flora Parke). Here you will find a large selection of propagated plants, trees, shrubs, and various flowers. There will also be beautiful custom painted planters that you can't find anywhere else.

Not sure what to buy? No problem! Master Gardeners will be available to help you find the perfect plants for your landscape and to answer any questions you may have. All proceeds will benefit the County Extension's Master Gardener Program. Hope to see you there!

-Sabrina Robertson
Nassau County Manager's Office