11/30/18 @ 3:45 p.m. - Below is State Road 200 lane closure information for the week of December 1st through December 7th:

SUBJECT: LANE CLOSURE INFORMATION 
Job Description:  SR-200 Reconstruction (W of Rubin Rd. to E of CR 107 Scott Rd.)
Financial Project Number:  210712-4-52-01 & 210712-4-56-01
Federal Aid Project Number:  4881064P
Contract Number:  T2579
County - Section Number:  Nassau - 74060
 
SPECIFIC LOCATION OF THE CLOSURE:
 
Daytime:  
 

• SR 200 WB Right Lane from Gene Lasserre Blvd to Lofton Creek; Saturday, 12/01/18; 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• SR 200 EB Left Lane from Rubin Davis to David Hallman Parkway; Saturday, 12/01/18; 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

 
Nighttime:

• SR 200 WB Right Lane from Rubin Davis to David Hallman Parkway; Monday, 12/03/18; 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

 
REASON FOR THE CLOSURE (Type of Construction/Maintenance Activity):
Installation of Barrier Wall
Repair of Barrier Wall
 
PROJECT ENGINEER OR CONTACT PERSON AND TELEPHONE NUMBER:
ETM                                        
Carrie Smithheart, PA              
Office: (904) 265-3170          
Cell: (904) 509-9007   

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office                

 

UPDATE:
12/7/18 @ 1:20 P.M. - The Boil Water Advisory for Shipwatch South has been rescinded. Please click here to view the Rescission Notice.

11/29/18 @ 2:20 p.m. - A Boil Water Advisory has been issued for Shipwatch Villas Building B South until further notice. The water has been temporarily shut off due to a customer's request for a repair. The advisory will remain in effect until bacteriological samples are collected and analyzed.

Should you have any questions, please contact NAU Costumer Service at (904) 530-6030. We will send out an announcement when the advisory has been rescinded.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

11/28/18 @ 1:45 p.m. - The Fernandina Beach Library Branch will be hosting a Family Holiday Festival this Saturday, December 1st, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. The event will feature a variety of holiday activities including music, stories, crafts, games, balloon art, character appearances and more!

This event is sponsored by the Fernandina Beach Friends of the Library and is free and open to all ages. If you have any questions, please contact Youth Librarian, Michelle Forde, at (904) 530-6506 or via email at [email protected].

Date: Saturday, December 1, 2018
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Fernandina Beach Branch Library,25 North 4th Street

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

11/27/18 @ 12:30 p.m. - The Board of County Commissioners is aware of the concerns related to the condition of South 14th Street between Sadler Road and First Coast Highway and have been planning for the improvements for several years. Recently, numerous citizens have inquired as to why the process has taken so long, so we wanted to share information on how funding was allocated for this project and a timeline on events that had to occur to get us where we are today, which is approximately 1 week away from the project's start date.

You may not realize that the State of Florida provides Small County Road Assistance Program (SCRAP) funding to counties with populations less than 75,000. Due to the amount of work that needs to be completed and the overall cost of the project, the County applied for SCRAP funding in 2012 in order to maximize funding and provide for all needed improvements in lieu of doing the improvements gradually. Though the project was not approved in 2012, the County applied again in 2013 and was accepted. At that time, the project was officially added to the State's 5 year work program, thus determining that funding would be made available to the County in 2018.

In March 2017, the County entered into an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for them to provide the County with $1,230,000 to be used for the project. The following month, the County issued a Work Authorization to Peters & Yaffee, Inc. to design the project according to the County's specifications of improvements that needed to be done.

The Scope of Work included: 

• design for resurfacing the existing pavement
• design for reconstruction of the segment of roadway between Sadler Road and Nottingham Drive
• design for replacement of existing guardrails
• upgrades for any ADA Pedestrian deficiencies identified

During the design phase, Peters & Yaffee discovered the need for a cross drain replacement at Ocean Breeze Drive and an additional supplemental agreement for Peters & Yaffee was signed in January 2018 authorizing them to include the cross drain replacement in the Scope of Work.

Following completion of the Scope of Work, the County advertised bids for construction and a contract was awarded to Florida Infrastructure, Inc. on November 9, 2018. We are happy to report that construction is scheduled to begin on December 3, 2018. It will take approximately 90 days to complete. CDM Smith has been authorized to perform Construction Engineering Inspection (CEI) Services for the project and will serve as the County's representative from now until completion.

If you have any questions about this project, please contact Engineering Services at (904) 530-6225 or email Public Works Director, Becky Bray, at [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

11/28/18 @ 11:15 a.m. UPDATE: The leak has been repaired and the restrooms have re-opened.

11/27/18 @ 10:00 a.m. - We have just been notified that the Peters Point Restrooms had to be temporarily closed due to a water leak. Contractors are currently on site doing repairs. We will send out an update once the restrooms have re-opened.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions, please contact Nassau County Parks & Recreation at (904) 530-6120.


-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

11/30/18 @ 10:00 a.m. - On Tuesday, November 13, 2018, third graders from Fernandina Beach Christian Academy participated in a field trip organized by Commissioner Justin Taylor, where they learned about the three branches of government and had the opportunity to meet with several local leaders to discuss their roles.

Their day began in the County's Commission Chambers where the class heard a presentation by Tax Collector, John Drew, who discussed some of his local and state responsibilities related to collection of property taxes and registering of motor vehicles. Clerk of Courts, John Crawford, then provided the class with an overview of the Declaration of Independence and how it signifies the birth of a nation and America's intent to create its own government. Property Appraiser, Michael Hickox, discussed his role in the fair appraisal of properties, provided a mapping demonstration, and led the class through a tour of his office where they met some of the staff members. The class returned to the Commission Chambers and were greeted by State Representative Cord Byrd and Senator Aaron Bean where they received information on their roles in the Florida Legislature. Their final activity in the Commission Chambers was a mock County Commission Meeting led by Commissioner Taylor. Students acted as Commissioners, heard concerns from their peers, and voted on important issues.

For the final half of the day, the class visited the Robert M. Foster Justice Center where Judge Foster discussed the Judicial Branch and gave the kids a tour of his Courtroom. Their last stop was at the Sheriff's Administration Building where they met Sheriff Leeper to discuss law enforcement in the community, met K9's and toured sheriff vehicles.

All in all, it was a very informative and fun day for those in attendance. The Elected Officials who participated stated that the children were very eager to learn and they truly enjoyed spending time with our future leaders.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

STORY UPDATED BELOW

11/27/18 - Nassau Amelia Utility Customers, please be advised that Precautionary Boil Water Notices have been issued for the following areas:

Turtle Dune Villas on Beach Walker Rd. NAU experienced a loss of pressure due to a water meter replacement. Please click here for more info.

Amelia Golf Club Owner's Clubhouse and Pro Shop Kitchen on Sea Marsh Rd. NAU experienced a loss of pressure due to a water main leak. Please click here for more info.

Both advisories will remain in effect until bacteriological samples are collected and analyzed. After completion of this process, notices will be issued rescinding the advisories.

If you have any questions, please contact NAU Customer Service at (904) 530-6030.
*********************************************************************************************************

UPDATE: As of 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, November 29th, the boil water advisory for Turtle Dune Villas has been rescinded.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

11/26/18 @ 4:50 p.m. - The County has received the attached notification from JEA that a temporary closure of North Harts Road will take place beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 14, 2018, for installation of a new force and reclaim water main.

Affected roadways include North Harts Rd., William Burgess Blvd., State Road 200, and US 17.

Official detour routes: eastbound and westbound traffic on William Burgess Blvd. will detour to SR200 or US17. Southbound motorists traveling from SR200 along North Harts Road are advised to take an alternative route that includes using US17.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Scott Henderson, Traffic Supervisor with T.G. Utility Company, Inc., at (904) 228-3678 or via e-mail at [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

11/26/18 - Below are public meetings scheduled for this week:

Board of County Commissioner's Meeting
Monday, November 26, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Development Review Committee Meetings:

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Public Services Building, 96161 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Special Meeting
Thursday, November 29. 2018 at 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Public Services Building, 96161 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Western Nassau Heritage Preservation Committee Subcommittee Meeting
Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Callahan County Building, 45401 Mickler Street, Callahan, FL 32011

Ask the County Manager
Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Agendas can be located on our website.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

11/26/18 @ 1:15 p.m. - The City of Fernandina Beach has coordinated the 4th Annual Guns & Hoses Event for Saturday, December 8, 2018. The event will feature food trucks, emergency vehicles, bounce houses, and exciting softball games played by the City of Fernandina Beach Police Department, City of Fernandina Beach Fire Department, Nassau County Fire/Rescue and the Nassau County Sheriff's Office. 

The event will take place at the Ybor Alvarez Sports Complex from 9am-4pm. Please see the attached flyer for specific game times.

The cost for entry is $5 for adults and kids 12 and under are free. Proceeds will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

11/15/18 @ 4:55 p.m. -  Below is lane closure information for State Road 200 for the week of November 17 through November 23, 2018. NOTE: THIS INCLUDES DAYTIME LANE CLOSURES ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH.

SUBJECT: LANE CLOSURE INFORMATION 
Job Description:  SR-200 Reconstruction (W of Rubin Rd. to E of CR 107 Scott Rd.)
Financial Project Number:  210712-4-52-01 & 210712-4-56-01
Federal Aid Project Number:  4881064P
Contract Number:  T2579
County - Section Number:  Nassau - 74060
 
SPECIFIC LOCATION OF THE CLOSURE:
 
Daytime:  

• SR 200 WB Right Lane from Gene Lasserre Blvd to Lofton Creek; Saturday, 11/17/18; 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• SR 200 EB Right Lane from Rubin Davis to Duval Rd; Saturday, 11/17/18; 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

 
Nighttime:  None at this time
 
REASON FOR THE CLOSURE (Type of Construction/Maintenance Activity):
Barrier Wall Installation
Roadway Clean-up
 
PROJECT ENGINEER OR CONTACT PERSON AND TELEPHONE NUMBER:
ETM                                        
Carrie Smithheart, PA              
Office: (904) 265-3170          
Cell: (904) 509-9007     

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office             

 

11/15/18 @ 9:15 a.m. - The Supervisor of Elections has issued a Public Notice of Recount by the Nassau County Canvassing Board indicating that if the Secretary of State orders a manual recount in the U.S. Senate, the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, and/or any other race before 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 16, 2018, the Nassau County Canvassing Board will meet on Friday, November 16, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. to conduct that recount. If the recount is ordered after 1:00 p.m., the recount shall immediately commence thereafter. The recount, if ordered, will occur at the Supervisor of Elections Office located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097. The recount will be open to the public.

Please read the attached Public Notice for information on appeals and accommodations for persons with disabilities wishing to participate in the meeting.

If you have any questions, please contact the Supervisor of Elections Office at (904) 491-7500.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

11/14/18 @ 1:45 p.m. - The Florida Department of Health has issued the attached Press Release regarding their new Flu Free Florida Initiative "Windows Down, Sleeves Up". This campaign serves as a reminder to residents to get their flu shot before the height of the upcoming flu season.

Part of the initiative also includes an upcoming event featuring FREE Flu Shots for the first 300 people in attendance. This event will take place on Friday, November 30, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Journey Church located at 95707 Amelia Concourse, Fernandina Beach. All participants must be over the age of 13.

For additional information about influenza or influenza-like illnesses in Florida, please visit the Florida Department of Health Website. You may also contact your local Health Department at (904) 875-6100.

11/14/18 at 1:15 p.m. - Swearing-in Ceremonies for the incoming County Commissioners will be held on Tuesday, November 20th, as that is the first day of their four-year terms. Each Commissioner will take an Oath of Office affirming their duties as required by Florida Statute.

The ceremonies will be as follows:

Thomas Ford
Mr. Ford was elected to serve as County Commissioner for District 4 (Hillard, Bryceville, Boulougne, Kings Ferry & Nassau Oaks). His ceremony will be held on Tuesday, November 20th at 11:30 a.m. at the Historic Courthouse in Fernandina Beach. The ceremony will be officiated by the Honorable Judge Robert Foster.

Aaron Bell
Mr. Bell was elected to serve as County Commissioner for District 2 (South Amelia Island, Nassauville & O'Neil). His ceremony will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at the Historic Courthouse in Fernandina Beach. The ceremony will be officiated by the Honorable Judge Wesley Poole.

Please join us in celebrating these two events! If you have any questions, please contact the County Attorney's Office at (904) 530-6100.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

11/13/18 @ 2:10 p.m. - The Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission sent out the below message reminding everyone to look out for manatees in November as they begin migrating to warmer waters.

From FFWC:

Look out and slow down for manatees in November to help them as they begin migrating to warmer waters.

November is Manatee Awareness Month. Florida has more than 6,600 manatees swimming in rivers, bays and coastal waters. These large aquatic mammals can weigh over 1,000 pounds.

As the weather cools, manatees are on the move, searching for warmer waters to survive the winter. Remember: Disturbing manatees at warm-water sites may cause them to leave those areas at a time when it is critical for them to remain there. 

“Boaters who look out for migrating manatees and follow posted manatee protection zones contribute to the conservation of this threatened species. They are reducing the chance of manatee injuries and disturbance, while enjoying their time on the water,” said Carol Knox, who leads the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Imperiled Species Management Section.
Seasonal manatee protection zones also go into effect in the fall, depending on the county. The zones are marked by waterway signs, and maps of local manatee protection zones are available online at MyFWC.com/Manatee by clicking on “Data and Maps."

How can you help manatees?

• Wear polarized sunglasses to spot them moving, grazing and resting in the water. Keep a lookout for the circular “footprints” or ripples they leave on the surface of the water.
• Follow posted manatee zones.
• Observe manatees from a distance to limit disturbance. Disturbing manatees at their warm-water sites may cause them to leave these areas during the winter.
• Report injured, entangled, orphaned or dead manatees to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-FWCC (3922), #FWC or *FWC on your cellphone or text [email protected].
• Access and share A boater’s guide to living with Florida manatees and  Guidelines for successful manatee watching in Florida that focuses on paddlers.
• Purchase the manatee decal and license plate, and tell everyone how the decal and license plate  support the FWC’s manatee conservation efforts.
• Contribute to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida’s Marine Mammal Fund by visiting WildlifeFlorida.org and clicking on “Support Us,” “Funding Priorities” and “Marine Mammal Fund.

Florida invests over $2 million annually in manatee conservation, with FWC biologists, managers and law enforcement working with partners to research, rescue and manage Florida manatees.
Want to see a manatee? Go to MyFWC.com/Manatee and click on “Where Can I See Manatees?”

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office