10/31/23 @ 11:25 a.m. 

Nassau County Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Breakfast With Santa event. This event features a free pancake breakfast and pictures with Santa. Following breakfast, there will also be a gift exchange with presents handed out by Santa himself. To participate in the gift exchange, please bring one wrapped gift per child valued at $20 or less. (boys bring a boy gift, girls bring a girl gift). 

WHAT:      Breakfast With Santa
WHEN:      Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 9:00-11:00 .m.
WHERE:     Callahan Multi-Use Facility, 543350 US Highway 1, Callahan, FL 32011

If you have any questions, please contact Parks & Recreation Director, Jay Robertson, at (904) 530-6120 or via email at jrobertson@nassaucountyfl.com. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

10/30/23 @ 9:30 a.m. - Below are public meetings for this week: 

Development Review Committee
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 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

10/27/23 @ 2:45 p.m. - Below are photos from the week of October 20 - October 27, 2023. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

10/27/23 @ 10:45 a.m. -  Kerry Waldron with the Florida Department of Health attended the October 23, 2023  Board of County Commissioner's meeting to introduce Ms. Cara Gluck as the new Administrator of the Nassau County Department of Health. He stated, "We think we have a great candidate for Nassau County. She comes with 20+ years of experience, ranging from local, statewide and regional management positions and has a strong background in emergency management and planning. Ms. Gluck also has a Masters Degree in Public Health and ." 

Though the Florida Department of Health interviews and selects the person for this position, pursuant to Florida Statutes, Section 154.04(b) requires that the Board of County Commissioners provide concurrence on the position. The Board approved the appointment with a 5-0 vote. She will begin as the new Administrator in early 2024. 

"I am excited about this opportunity and to working with you to ensure we're providing the best services from a public health perspective for all of the residents", stated Ms. Gluck. 

The Board looks forward to working with Ms. Gluck and supporting her in her new role as Administrator of the Nassau County Department of Health. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

10/27/23 @ 9:15 a.m. - The Nassau County Legislative Delegation held a meeting on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, to select the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Legislative Delegation, and to receive input ahead of the upcoming Legislative Session in Tallahassee. Senator Clay Yarborough and State Representative Dean Black listened as representatives from the County, City of Fernandina beach, Towns of Hilliard, School Board and several non-profit organizations explained their funding needs ahead of the upcoming Legislative Session. Several individuals also spoke about Legislation they wish to see amended and/or introduced in support of various causes and issues important to them.

Anyone requesting additional information about topics discussed should reach out to Senator Yarborough's Office at (850) 487-5004 or via email at Podvia.David@flsenate.gov. 

We appreciate the Legislative Delegation for visiting Nassau County and for giving our community the opportunity to share needs and ideas ahead of the Legislative Session. We also appreciate our State Officials for all they do to secure Legislative funding on behalf of the County and their commitment to helping us improve the quality of life for our residents. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

10/26/23 @ 5:00 p.m. - As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on October 25, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. directed all flags to be lowered to half-staff immediately. Pursuant to this direction, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida immediately until sunset on Monday, October 30, 2023.

Please see the Proclamation by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. please click here. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

10/26/23 @ 2:30 p.m. - Last week, the Board of County Commissioners approved Proclamation No. 2023-03 declaring the week of October 22 - October 28, 2023 as Breast Cancer Awareness Week in Nassau County, and designating Wednesday, October 25th as Pink Day. On Pink Day, residents and staff are encouraged to wear pink in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to breast cancer, and to show support for those who are currently fighting the disease. 

Below are photos of various County department and employees wearing their pink in recognition of this important cause. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

10/26/23 @ 9:30 a.m. - It's almost time for Nassau County's biggest and best Halloween event, so we wanted to take a moment to give everyone a final rundown of all the fun stuff we have planned. 

On Friday, October 27th, Nassau County Parks & Recreation will host the 3rd Annual Halloween Festival. The event is from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Yulee Ballpark located at 86142 Goodbread Road. There are 85 individuals/businesses signed up to hand out candy in our trick-or-treat alley. The event will also feature a kids zone, hayrides, costume contest and more. The event is FREE however there will be food available for purchase for the league concession stand or the food truck area. 

While the entire event is from 5:00-8:00, there are some time specific activities we want everyone to be aware of so you don't miss out. 

Pumpkin Carving/Decorating Contest
To participate, purchase a pumpkin, design it and deliver it to the Yulee Ballpark on Friday, October 27th, anytime between 8am-4pm. 

CATEGORIES

• Adults/teens can submit one carved pumpkin per person for judging
• Children 12 and under can submit one decorated pumpkin per person for judging

Prizes will be given for 1st - 3rd place in each category. Winners will be announced on Saturday, October 28th. 

Costume Contest
The costume contest is only from 5:30-6:30 p.m. so if you want to enter, please find the costume judging area located within one of the softball fields during during this timeframe (see site maps below). 

There will be prizes awarded for best adult costume, best child's costume, best family/group costumes, and best pet costume. Judging will be done by your County Commissioners and winners will be announced on Saturday, October 28th. 

Teen Activity: Big B's Zombie Hunt
This activity is specifically for our teens ages 13-17. There will be two zombie hunts with two chances to win at 6:30 and 7:00 p.m. To participate, find Big B's Booth before one of the scheduled times and get a scorecard. Be the first to find the cardboard cutout zombies hidden throughout the event site and return to Big B's booth. First person to find them all wins!

Terror on the Timberfarm
This year, we have partnered with our spooky neighbors, Amelia Shotgun Sports, to offer you an opportunity to enjoy two events. Between the hours of 7:00-8:30 p.m. on October 27th (during our Halloween Festival), Amelia Shotgun Sports will have a shuttle going from the Festival to their Terror on the Timberfarm Haunted Trails located roughly 1/2 mile up the road. Use the code Terror10 to get 10% off your pass to the Haunted Trail for visits scheduled during that window of 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Visit www.terroronthetimberfarm.com for more information.

We can't wait to celebrate with all of you tomorrow night! If you have any questions in the meantime, email Parks & Recreation Director, Jay Robertson, at jrobertson@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

10/24/23 at 3:30 p.m. - At the Monday, October 23, 2023 meeting, Deputy County Manager/County Engineer, Robert Companion, provided an update on Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Projects. The County's CIP is updated annually during the budget process and provides a proactive approach in planning for infrastructure needs such as roadways, facilities and parks. Not only does it identify projects and funding sources, it also provides a project schedule. 

The County's current Five-Year CIP includes $159 million in projects that are currently funded. Of those, $37 million in projects are currently underway with an additional $48 million in projects anticipated to begin within the next 6 months. 

Like many other entities, the County has suffered delays due to external issues such as lack of qualified bidders and supply chain issues. Regardless, we have continued to move forward to ensure that the Board's priority projects are being addressed. Additional information can be heard in Mr. Companion's presentation which is linked below. However, below are highlights of a few projects that may be of interest to our residents. 

Transportation and Drainage Projects: 

County Road 108 Safety Improvements
This project consists of resurfacing, striping and adding new signage and was broken into two phases.  The first phase is the segment between Middle Road and US 17 project which is currently under construction and nearing completion. The second phase is between Bay Road and Middle Road which is also under construction and nearing completion. 

Amelia Island Parkway Trail
This project consists of adding a multi-use trail from South Fletcher Avenue to 8th Street and will be done in four phases. The first phase is currently under construction and should be completed around May 2024. Bids for Phases 2 and 3 are anticipated to be advertised within the next 6 months. Phase 4 should be advertised to bid in the fall of 2024. 

Pages Dairy/Chester Road Intersection
The County is currently working with CSX on a railroad agreement for work within their right-of-way. Once the agreement is executed, the County will advertise bid, hopefully before the end of 2023. 

William Burgess Boulevard Extension
This project will connect US 17 to Miner Road, providing another route parallel to State Road 200. On the October 23rd meeting, the Board approved an easement within JEA's property for drainage purposes. It is anticipated to be bid-out before the end of 2023. 

Henry Smith Road
This project consists of resurfacing and improvements to the 1.9 mile long, two-lane roadway from County Road 108 to US 1. This project has been sent for bid however all bids came back higher than the budgeted amount. Staff will be seeking direction from the Board about how to move forward. 

Spring Lake Estates
This drainage project was designed in-house, however outside contractors are needed to complete the project. A contract was issued in mid-October and following a pre-construction meeting in the next few weeks, work will commence for Phase 1. 

County Road 121
This project consists of multiple phases. The first phase is for reconstruction and resurfacing of the segment between the Duval County line and County Road 119. The bid for construction will be sent out in early January with the intention to begin construction in March. Phase 2-5 consists of resurfacing the segment between County Road 119 and US 1. The County anticipates advertising a Request for Qualifications for design within the next 6 months. 

Pratt Siding Road
This project includes paving the 1.5 mile long, 2-land dirt roadway from County Road 115 to US 1. The design is completed, however the County is currently working with about 28 property owners to obtain additional right-of-way needed for the project to move forward. 

Pages Dairy Extension
This includes extending Pages Dairy Road from Chester Road to Blackrock Road. This project was funded for design and construction in the 24/25 Fiscal Year. Staff is preparing to advertise a Request for Qualifications for the design process so that once funding is available, design-work can commence fairly quickly. 

Amelia Island & Buccaneer Trail Roundabout
Construction of a roundabout will improve the intersection's safety and operation. The design process is nearing completion. During the Winter Strategic Planning Session, the Board will discuss when to fund the actual construction of the project. 

Public Works Projects 

Fire Stations 70 and 90 
A site has been acquired on Old Nassauville Road for the new Station 70 (the Station 90 will be at its existing site on River Road). The design process is nearing completion and staff is working on obtaining the necessary permits. It is anticipated that construction for Station 70 will commence in November 2023 and Station 90 in December 2023. 

Old Sheriff's Administration/Jail property on SR200
An environmental study has been completed and a contractor has been selected for removing/demolishing the portables. Bids for demolishing the main structure are due in November 2023. 

Fire Station 20 Quarters Addition
This consists of design a new crew quarters at the existing station. The design process will begin in December 2023. 

Parks & Recreation Projects

Westside Regional Park
The design process is completed and timbering (tree removal) has begun at the site. The County is preparing the bid packet for construction which should be advertised before the end of 2023. This timeline would have construction commencing in the first quarter of 2024. 

Goffinsville Boat Ramp Improvements
This project is meant to improve capacity, user ease and safety at the launch facility. A study has been completed to address the eddy current. The design and specifications will take a year to complete. It's anticipated that work will commence at the end of 2024 to address the eddy current. 

Nassau Crossing Park Improvements
A bid has been issued for the soccer field sod and irrigation. A bid is also being advertised by the end of the calendar year for construction of the splash pad area. 

Sports Complex Improvements
Activities recently completed or currently underway at the various sports complexes include: improved player/spectator safety (netting and backstops) at all complexes; new bleachers with shade structures a all complexes; field lighting at the Callahan soccer/multi-purpose fields; and playgrounds at the Callahan, Hilliard and Bryceville Ballparks. 

The CIP also includes $7.45 million in chip seal projects and another $24.36 million in pavement management projects. Chip seal is an alterative surface treatment used to create an asphalt layer and is often used on lower traffic volume roads. Pavement Management funds are used to improve/repair existing paved roads and increase their lifecycle. 

Again, these are just highlights of some of the capital projects underway. To view the entire CIP including projects currently funded, as well as projects that have been identified as a need but still need dedicated funding, please visit our Capital Projects webpage. ​

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

​