The late John F. Claxton served as District 3 County Commissioner from November 16, 1976 - November 21, 1988. During those 12 years, Mr. Claxton was called upon to deal with matters ranging from roads to growth management. Mr. Claxton went above and beyond to meet the needs of the County. He was instrumental in obtaining the land needed to construct beach accesses for the public to enjoy, as well as obtaining the land needed to construct the boat ramp in Wilson Neck. He was a true community builder, mentor and trust elected official.

After finishing his final term as County Commissioner, Mr. Claxton served as Nassau County's Director of Animal Control from February 3, 1992 - July 30, 1999. He served the citizens with favor and distinction.

On July 27, 2015, the Board unanimously agreed to rename the Wilson Neck Boat Ramp to the John F. Claxton Boat Ramp to honor Mr. Claxton for his many contributions to Nassau County and its citizens. A dedication ceremony was held on November 16, 2015 to unveil the new sign and to remember Mr. Claxton. Speakers included Board of County Commissioner Chairman Pat Edwards, Nassau County Attorney, Mike Mullin, and Ed Lawhon, owner of Lawhon Law and long-time friend of Mr. Claxton.  Each one shared stories regarding Mr. Claxton's amazing negotiating techniques and expressed how his determination and hard work made him a well respected County Commissioner. What a wonderful tribute to Mr. Claxton and his family!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Nassau County Manager's Office

No animal should have to spend the holidays in a shelter and Nassau County Animal Services is looking for help from the public to insure all their pets find forever homes before the end of 2015.

Nassau County Animal Services will be hosting a Mega Adoption event December 4-December 6, 2015, and is looking for 40 people to donate $35 to cover adoption fees for families to bring home pets this holiday season. The $35 donation will be used to vaccinate, spay/neuter and microchip each pet to insure they are ready for adoption. Any family wishing to adopt will be required to fill out the necessary forms through Animal Control and will be evaluated to insure they are a good fit for the pet and that they are truly ready to care for an animal.

If you are able to make a donation, please mail a check to Nassau County Animal Services or deliver it in person to 86078 License Road, Fernandina Beach, FL (across from Target). All donors will be acknowledged publicly on the County's FaceBook page. We appreciate your consideration and hope to find homes for as many animals as possible. If you have any questions, please contact Shelter Manager, Timothy Maguire, at (904) 530-6150 or via e-mail at tmaguire@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

As you all know, Daylight Savings Time ended on Sunday, November 2nd and citizens are always encouraged to use the time change as a reminder to check the batteries in your smoke detectors. Statistics show that having smoke detectors in your house cuts your chances of dying in a house fire in half. Additionally, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths result in homes without smoke alarms or in homes where the alarms are not working properly.

Below are some safety tips recommended by the National Fire Protection Association:

• Install smoke detectors inside and outside of each bedroom
• Install smoke detectors on each level of the home
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month to insure they are working properly
• People who are hard of hearing should install special alarms with strobe lights and bed shakers
• Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years

Additionally, be sure that each member of your family understands the meaning of the alarm and how to evacuate safely. It is also a good idea to designate a meeting place outside of the home. Visit the National Fire Protection Association's website to build a fire escape plan for your family and to get tips on how to talk to your children about fire safety.

If you are in need of smoke detectors but cannot afford them, Nassau County Fire Rescue offers FREE smoke detectors to needy citizens in the unincorporated areas of the County. Simply fill out the attached application and return it to Nassau County 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 may reach Mr. Marrison at (904) 491-7525 or via e-mail at jmarrison@nassaucountyfl.com.

- Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

The Florida Department of Transportation has provided the attached monthly status report for the State Road 200/A1A Widening Project. The report gives an overview of activities that have taken place since the project began in September 2014, as well as activities that are expected to be performed in November.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Debbie Delgado, Public Information Officer for Adkins Global, at (904) 524-3869 or via e-mail at Debbie.Delgado@atkinsglobal.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

Please be advised that the  next shift of temporary traffic lanes on SR200 is planned to occur on Saturday, November 7th. Westbound traffic from the railroad crossing west of U.S. 17 to west of Still Quarters Road will be shifted southward close to the present eastbound lanes. 

For other information related to the SR200/A1A Widening Project, visit FDOT's website online at www.nflroads.com. Follow FDOT on Twitter @myFDOT_NEFL and FaceBook at http://facebook/com/MyFDOTNEFL. Smart phone users may also wish to download the app "Florida 511" which includes current traffic conditions and travel times.

For information related to this project, please contact Debbie Delgado, Public Information Officer for Atkins Global, at (904) 360-5437r via e-mail at Debbie.Delgado@atkinsglobal.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office