12/30/16 at 4:55 p.m. - Just a friendly reminder that County Offices will be closed on Monday, January 2, 2017. We hope you all have a safe holiday and wish you much happiness in the year to come!

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

12/30/16 at 10:50 a.m. - Below is lane closure information from the Florida Department of Transportation for the week of December 31, 2016 through January 6, 2017:

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:    None

Nighttime:    

• SR 200 EB/WB at Old Nassauville Rd; Tuesday, 01/03/17 – Thursday, 01/05/17; 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM

REASON FOR THE CLOSURE (Type of Construction Maintenance Activity):
Finish Installation of Temporary Signals

NOTE: Scheduled lane closures subject to change due to weather.

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

12/30/16 at 10:00 a.m. - Nassau County Manager, Ted Selby, presented his annual report to the Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, in accordance with his employment contract. This report provides insight to the County’s current financial situation while illustrating some of the major achievements for Fiscal Year 15/16 which ended on September 30, 2016. This presentation can be found on the County’s website under Live Board Meetings.

Below are some highlights of achievements from Board of County Commissioner Departments in FY 2015/2016:

• Animal Control hired a veterinarian and was able to reduce costs associated with outsourcing animal care. They also increased the live release rate to 92% and reduced euthanasia rates by 20%. This was accomplished by a variety of methods including participation in seven major offsite adoption events and use of animal behaviorists to make the pets more adoptable.

 

• The Building Department worked with FEMA to conduct a complete audit of the Floodplain Management Program and attained compliance for 45 structures, thus granting the county approval to submit an application to the Community Rating System. If accepted, Nassau County residents could see a significant reduction in their flood insurance rates.

 

• The County Attorney assumed control of pending litigation previously accomplished by outside counsel, provided legal representation to all of the County’s Constitutional Offices, and supervised and directed the work of the State Lobbyist.

 

• The County Extension provided educational programs to nearly 16,000 residents on a variety of topics including landscaping, plant clinics, and small farming. The department utilized volunteers who provided a total of 3,947 hours assisting Nassau County residents and saving them approximately $87,000 (versus cost of hiring a professional).

  

• The County Manager’s Office created and monitored a new general contact email address for the public to submit inquiries when unsure of which department to contact. They also created a process for issuing permits for disabled persons to leave items on the beach following adoption of the Leave No Trace Ordinance.

 

• The Department of Planning & Economic Opportunity amended the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and made several revisions to the Land Development Code. They also collaborated with the City of Fernandina Beach and Transportation Planning Organization for completion of the Amelia Island Bicycle & Pedestrian Study and the Nassau County Transit Study.

 

• Facilities Maintenance completed numerous beachfront parks and boat ramp projects including a new observation platform at American Beach, beach walkover replacements at Burney Park and Scott Road, and renovated pavilion at Burney Park and a new pavilion at the the John F. Claxton Boat Ramp. The Yulee Sports Complex received a new football field (partially funded by the Jaguars Foundation) and a new roof and renovated floor for the gymnasium.

 

• Fire Rescue established Rescue 71 and placed into service one (1) new fire engine and three (3) rescue units to improve response capabilities. They also coordinated recertification for all Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians.

 

• Human Resources completed all required Healthcare Reform reporting and successfully advertised and awarded bids for employee life, health, dental and vision insurance.

 

• The Library applied for and received $67,000 in grant funding to assist with operation costs, supplies, and program materials. They also generated over $57,000 in revenue processing passport applications and providing passport photo services.

 

• The Office of Management & Budget updated the Five Year Fleet Replacement Plan and Five Year Capital Improvement Plan. They also worked with a consultant to complete a Water & Waste Study for Nassau Amelia Utilities resulting in an updated fee structure and ten year sustainability financial management plan.

 

• Public Works completed many large projects including guardrail repairs throughout the County; drainage projects at 10th and Lime, Otter Run Subdivision, Swallowfork Subdivision, Bridal Road, Fouraker Road, Conner Nelson Road, Maranatha Road, and Horseshoe Circle; as well as road and ditch projects on Lawhon Road, Debbie Court, and Meadowfield Bluff Road. 

 
Due to the overwhelming list of accomplishments in FY 2015/2016, we are unable to list them all here. A complete list is available on our website and can be found by viewing individual department pages. There you will also find each department’s goals for Fiscal Year 2016/2017.
 
 
-Sabrina Robertson
 Nassau County Manager’s Office
 


 

12/28/16 @ 3:20 p.m. - In October 2016, the Board of County Commissioners applied for a Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Innovative Projects Grant through the St. Johns River Water Management District in an effort to obtain funding to restore another portion of Thomas Creek. The County received notification on December 13th that it will be receiving $500,000 for Phase 8 of the restoration project which is expected to begin in the Spring of 2017.

Phase 8 of the project consists of de-snagging an additional 6,000 feet of Thomas Creek to remove dead trees, limbs, and uprooted trunks to alleviate flooding issues experienced to adjacent properties and to improve water quality. Over 25,000 feet of the creek have already been de-snagged during the first 7 phases of the project, a majority of which has been funded through various grants.

Attached are maps that reflect information related to all 8 phases of the project including the length of creek restored during each phase and a list of identified properties along the creek that may have benefitted from this project.

If you have any questions regarding the Thomas Creek Project, please contact Engineering Services at (904) 530-6225.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

12/28/16 @ 10:45 a.m. - Attached is the final status report from FDOT for 2016 related to the widening of State Road 200/A1A. This report includes information on the portion of SR200 from west of Rubin Davis Lane to east of County Road 107/O'Neil Scott Road. This 4.9-mile project is the second of a three-phase project to widen A1A from Interstate 95 to O'Neil Scott Road. 

If you have any questions, please contact Odette Struys with the Florida Department of Transportation at (904) 360-5582 or via e-mail at Odette.Struys@dot.state.fl.us.


-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

12/21/16 @ 2:00 p.m. - We are pleased to announce that at today's Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board approved an employment contract with  Shanea Jones for the position of County Manager.

Shanea graduated from Fernandina Beach High School and went on to receive her Bachelor's in Business Administration from the University of Florida and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of North Florida. She began working for the County in 2004 and has worked in various positions including Budget Coordinator, Director of the Office of Management & Budget, and most recently, as Assistant County Manager. Shanea is a Certified Government Finance Officer, a member of the International County/City Manager's Association (ICMA), the Florida Governmental Finance Officer's Association and is a graduate of ICMA's Senior Executive Institue Leadership Program, as well as Leadership Nassau.

Shanea's contract will go into effect on February 6, 2017, following the retirement of the current County Manager, Ted Selby, whose last day of employment is Friday, February 3rd. Some of her duties will include administering the directives and policies of the Board of County Comissioners, submittal of the annual operating budget, capital budget, and capital program, managing the work of County departments under the Board of County Commissioners, making recommendations to the Board regarding actions or programs she deems necessary for improvement of the County and the welfare of its citizens, and addressing concerns of the taxpayers.

Shanea was an excellent candidate for the position as she is a life long resident who is already familiar with the County's demographics. Additionally, Shanea has been actively involved with the County government for 12 years and has a great understanding of County policies and finances.

We are excited to welcome Shanea Jones in her new position as County Manager and wish her many years of success!

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

12/21/16 @ 11:15 a.m. - At today's Board of County Commissioners meeting, County employee Winifred Favors, was recognized for 28 years of service to Nassau County.

Winifred began her employment in August 1988 as a 4-H Program Assistant/Secretary II where she mentored hundreds of 4-H youth while planning, developing, and conducting County sponsored 4-H programs. During her employment, she was promoted to an Administrative Assistant II in 1999 and later to an Office Manager position in 2005. Winifred was always looking for opportunities to expand her knowledge of County Extension services and completed both the Master Gardener Program and the Master Food Edcuator Program.

Winifred announced her retirement effective December 30, 2016. Nassau County has truly benefitted from her service, strong work ethic, good nature, and compassion. She will be greatly missed by those who had the honor to work with her, as well as the citizens of Nassau County.

Congratulations Winifred! We wish you continued success, happiness, and health in the years to come.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

County Offices will be closed the following dates in observance of the Holiday Season:

• Friday, December 23rd
  
• Monday, December 26th
• Monday, January 2nd

We hope that you all have blessed and happy holidays! We look forward to serving you in the new year.

-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 on activities that have taken place since the project began in September 2014, as well as the activities that are expected to be performed this month.

If you have any questions, please contact Rob Itttle, Public Information Officer for FDOT, at (904) 360-5436 or via e-mail at Ron.Tittle@dot.state.fl.us.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

12/13/16 @ 8:48 a.m.- According to the News Release issued by FEMA, Friday, December 16th is the last day for residents who suffered losses or damages during Hurricane Matthew to apply for federal disaster aid. Please see below for additional infromation.


NEWS RELEASE
December 9, 2016
TALLAHASSEE – With only 7 days left to apply, Hurricane Matthew survivors who suffered losses or damages are urged to register for federal disaster assistance now. The registration deadline is Friday, December 16, 2016.

Floridians with disaster-related damage or loss from Hurricane Matthew may be eligible for assistance if they live in the following counties: Brevard, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Nassau, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia.

Disaster Survivor Assistance teams will continue to canvass disaster affected communities to answer questions and support you with on-the-spot registration.

Assistance from FEMA may include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property loss and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Survivors in the designated counties may register for assistance the following ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  
• Phone 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585).

Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

• Via the FEMA app, available for Apple, Android, and Blackberry mobile devices.

To download visit: fema.gov/mobile-app.

• To locate a DRC nearby, visit the DRC locator.
  

Survivors can access various resources that can aid with recovery by visiting floridadisaster.org. On the website, information is available on the Emergency Food Assistance Program, National Flood Insurance Program, Disaster Contractors Network and other programs or resources to help survivors rebuild. Survivors may also call 211 for disaster assistance information.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4283, twitter.com/femaregion4, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers. For imagery, video, graphics and releases, see www.fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS - Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available (for Spanish, press 2).

Michael B Peacock
Intergovernmental Affairs Manager
DR-4283 St. Johns County Florida
Phone: (202) 709-0759
Email: Michael.peacock@fema.dhs.gov