12/27/21 @ 3:30 p.m. - At a Special Meeting held on November 3, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners approved eight (8) priorities to be submitted to the Florida Legislature to be considered for funding during the 2022 Legislative Session. Those 8 priorities can be located here.

Now that our priorities have been determined, the County must work hard to ensure the members of the State Legislature understand our needs. Last week, County Manager, Taco Pope, and Assistant County Manager, Marshall Eyerman, visited Tallahassee to meet with House and Senate Budget staff, State Agencies, and the Governor’s office of Policy and Budget. Approximately 10 meetings took place. Overall, it was a very productive trip, however there is a lot of work left to be done.

The 2022 Legislative Session will officially convene on January 11, 2022. County Officials will likely have to return to the Capitol for additional meetings as the Legislative process continues. They will continue to fight for Nassau County to ensure that our needs are not forgotten. We wish them luck in their endeavors and look forward to sharing news about any funds that are appropriated for Nassau County in the Spring of 2022.

12/25/21 @ 5:00 p.m.

​Week in pictures for December 17 -December 23, 2021.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

12/22/21 @ 5:15 p.m. - The Florida Department of Health in Nassau County (FDOH-Nassau) issued a Press Release today indicating that they are searching for past or present caregivers of persons with dementia to complete the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map Needs Assessment Survey. The feedback will be used to identify resources and services that are needed within Nassau County for people with Alzheimer's or related dementia and their caregivers.

Survey Link Here

If you have any questions, contact Emily Cason at (904) 557-9173 or via email at [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

12/22/21 @ 3:10 p.m. - Santa came early to Nassau County Animal Services! The Big Dog Little Dog Caring Foundation donated 800 lbs of food! They also donated tons of treats, toys, blankets and cleaning supplies today. This is the second year that this organization has made an incredible donation to our shelter. They were also out delivering donations to other shelters and dog rescue groups today.

The Big Dog Little Dog Caring Foundation is a small, nonprofit organization that relies heavily on donations to fund their cause. To learn more, visit their FaceBook page.

Thank you Big Dog Little Dog Caring Foundation for your generous donation to Nassau County Animal Services!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

12/21/21 @ 11:00 a.m.

The Board of County Commissioners is seeking a volunteer to serve on the Planning & Zoning Board, representing District 2. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone wishing to get involved or learn more about the County's planning process.

The Planning & Zoning Board reviews all requests for rezoning of property, zoning amendments, Comprehensive Plan text amendments, Land Use Map amendments, and amendments to Ordinances that affect the use and development of land. The Board submits written recommendations on these matters and submits them to the Board of County Commissioners for a final determination. The Board also hears appeals where it is alleged that there is an error in a decision made by the Planning Director or staff, as it relates to Zoning Codes or the Comprehensive Plan. The Board also comments on preliminary site plans and serves as the Local Planning Agency for Nassau County.

The Board is made of up 11 members as follows:

• Five County Commission District representatives (one for each district)
• Five At-Large Representatives
• One School Board Representative

Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of the month beginning at 6:00 p.m. Members serve three (3) year terms and are required to file a financial disclosure. Board members are provided a stipend of $75 per meeting and are reimbursed for mileage at rates set by the Federal General Services Administration.

If you reside in District 2 and are interested in serving, please submit a resume to [email protected] by Friday, January 14, 2022. Resumes will be provided to the Board of County Commissioners and will be considered at a Board meeting in late January. If selected, you will be notified in writing and scheduled for an orientation soon thereafter.

If you have any questions about the Planning & Zoning Board, please contact the Planning Department at (904) 530-6300. Additional information can also be found on the Planning Department's webpage.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

12/20/21 @ 4:50 p.m.

Join Amelia Island author Tom Hitchcock for the story behind the story, a free ranging discussion of his latest novel, Drowning. How the plot, the characters, and the settings-the Chesapeake, Fernandina Beach, and the Caribbean-set the stage for a taut drama.

WHAT: Author Talk with Tom Hitchcock
WHEN: Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Fernandina Beach Library Branch

Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in this program should contact (904) 530-6500 or the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8770(v) or (800) 955-8771(TDD) at least 72 hours in advance to request such accommodations.

-Julie Cannavino
 Asst. Library Director

12/20/21 @ 11:15 a.m. - Below are public meetings scheduled for this week:

Development Review Committee
Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.
Commission Chambers, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097

Board of County Commissioners: Special Meeting to Certify Minutes for Redistricting
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 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

12/19/21 @ 2:00 p.m.

Approximately 225 people attended our first Breakfast With Santa event yesterday, including some of Nassau County's cutest kids!

Everyone lined up with excitement as Santa arrived on the fire truck. They then took turn writing him letters, taking pictures with him and then eating pancakes and sausage. At the end. Santa handed off gifts to the children. It was a great day!

A big thank you to the County employees and the volunteers. We couldn't have done without everyone's help.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

12/17/21 - Below are pictures from the week of December 10 - December 17, 2021.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

12/17/21 @ 3:40 p.m. - The Board of County Commissioners hosted a Road Renaming Ceremony today, renaming Nassau Center Road to Steve Kelley Way, in honor of former County Commissioner, Steve Kelley. Approximately 65 people were in attendance for the event. Guest speakers included Tax Collector, John Drew; District One Commissioner, John Martin; County Attorney, Mike Mullin; and family friend, Jackie Osborne. Each shared stories about Steve's generosity and reflected on all of his wonderful qualities, including his great sense of humor. There were a lot of laughs and tears as we joined together to celebrate his legacy.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

12/17/21 @ 11:30 a.m. -

Congratulations to FSCJ on being awarded a $3.1 million dollar Florida Job Growth Grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and Enterprise Florida to support the Nassau County Transportation Education Institute. Governor Ron DeSantis visited Nassau County on Thursday, December 16, 2021, to make this very exciting announcement and we were fortunate to be in attendance. Not only will this new commercial driving program provide for new jobs in Nassau County, it will also give residents a new opportunity to learn a trade.

Below is a Press Release issued by FSCJ yesterday, as well as some photos we captured to commemorate the Governor's visit.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

For Immediate Release: December 16, 2021
Contact: Jill Johnson, (904) 632-5016
 
FSCJ Receives Florida Job Growth Grant to Support Commercial Vehicle Driving Program Expansion
 
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) received a $3,181,791.70 Florida Job Growth Grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and Enterprise Florida to support the Nassau County Transportation Education Institute. Governor Ron DeSantis and DEO Secretary Dane Eagle visited FSCJ’s Nassau Center on Thursday, December 16, 2021, to announce the grant award which will allow the College to establish a designated truck driving training facility at the Nassau Center.
 
Although there is a rapidly growing demand for drivers in Nassau County and surrounding areas, until now, there have been no state colleges that offer workforce certification training in Nassau County for these jobs. FSCJ has had a Commercial Vehicle Driving training program at its Cecil Center since 2007, and this grant will help FSCJ expand its offerings and support of workforce needs.
 
“Thanks to the Governor’s leadership, Florida continues to create and drive economic opportunities geared to advance business and our workforce at a critical time in our history,” said FSCJ District Board of Trustees Chair Mike Bell. “We appreciate Governor DeSantis for recognizing this need and providing the grant support that will help establish this first-of-its-kind workforce training resource right here in Nassau County that will prepare individuals to step into and excel in essential roles.”
 
By the end of the three-year project period, the goal is that 463 students will have enrolled in training programs and the Nassau County Transportation Education Institute, thanks to the acquisition of enduring equipment and sustained training components. These program graduates will also have a continued return on investment through their economic, workforce and social impact in the community over the next decade.
 
“Knowing that our area is among the best for logistics infrastructure thanks to our proximity to deep-water ports, major interstates, railroads and an international airport, we are excited to help expand the opportunities and outlook for the logistics and transportation industry,” said College President John Avendano, Ph.D. “With the support of our strategic partnerships across Nassau County and this significant grant, the Nassau County Transportation Education Institute will allow job training and placement opportunities for our students and will boost the economic future of this great community.”
 
For information on FSCJ’s Commercial Vehicle Driving Career Certificate program, visit fscj.edu/academics/areas-of-study/imc/commercial-vehicle-driving-cc.
 
About FSCJ
Known as “the community’s college,” Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) exists to provide valuable, high-quality learning opportunities to anyone with the desire to enhance themselves through the pursuit of higher education. Serving more than 45,000 students and awarding nearly 7,000 degrees and certificates on an annual basis, the College plays a significant role in supplying the region’s employers with a highly skilled, educated workforce.

12/16/21 @ 2:30 p.m. - We are honored to have participated in Leadership Nassau, Class 21's Government and Policy Day this week.

The class began their day with a Touch-a-Truck event where they learned all about the County's new ladder truck, rescue unit, fire engine, vacuum truck and bucket truck. Later, they convened in the County's Commission Chambers where they heard from Elected Officials at the local, state and federal levels, as well as other City and County Government Officials including County Manager, Taco Pope.

Below are some photos we captured from the day.

We look forward to participating in future Leadership Nassau events and learning more about our future County leaders!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

12/16/21 @ 11:40 a.m. - The Nassau County Department of Health issued the attached Press Release today regarding a new drug prevention website launched by the County Response to Opioids/Substance Within Nassau (C.R.O.W.N.). This new site is designed to provide residents with the resources they need regarding substance abuse.

The website can be found at www.nassaufldrugprevention.org. If you have any questions, please contact Amber Lee at (904) 557-9164 or via email at [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

12/16/21 @ 11:15 a.m. - Nassau County Parks and Recreation’s first Breakfast with Santa event will take place this Saturday, December 18, 2021, in the outdoor courtyard directly behind the Callahan Multi-Use Facility located at 543350 US 1, Callahan FL 32011 from 9am – 11am.

This family friendly event will be highlighted by free pancake breakfast from 9am – 10am (while supplies last). Also during that time frame, children can write a letter to Santa and present it to the big man himself at a picture meet and greet. There will also be an optional gift exchange with Santa beginning at 10:15am. If your child wishes to participate, bring one wrapped gift per child. (Boys should bring a boy gift and girls should bring a girl gift) Santa will then hand out a different boy/girl gift to them during the exchange.
 
Nassau County’s Toys for Tots program will be using another part of the complex, so there will be signage guiding you to the proper parking locations. Please view the below map for a quick guide to the event/parking layout. We look forward to seeing many of you at the event on Saturday.

If you have any questions, please contact Parks & Rec Director, Jay Robertson, at (904) 530-6120 or via e-mail at [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

12/15/21 @ 11:30 a.m. - Nassau County has three employees celebrating milestones in their employment this month.

At today's Board of County Commissioners meeting, Administrative Coordinator, Janet Wylie, was recognized for 20 years of service. Janet works in our Code Enforcement Department and provides exemplary service to the residents. In addition to receiving complaints and opening cases for reported code violations, she is thorough in helping residents understand what they need to do to obtain compliance. She also works directly with the Code Enforcement Board by creating their agendas and providing them with the information and knowledge needed to make decisions about violations that are presented to them.

Anthony Hamilton (Road Department) and Rob Patton (Fire Rescue) are both celebrating 25 years of service but were unable to attend today's meeting.

Congratulations to all three employees on their achievements. We appreciate all of them and wish them continued success.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer