12/31/24 @ 11:00 a.m. - County Offices under the purview of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 in observance of New Year's Day.

Please note that other Constitutional Offices (Tax Collector, Clerk of Courts, Supervisor of Elections, Property Appraiser and Sheriff's Office) are separate from the Board of County Commissioners and their holiday hours may vary. Please reach out to those offices directly with questions regarding holiday hours. To locate webpages for these Constitutional Offices, please click here. 

On behalf of the BOCC, we hope that everyone has a safe and happy New Year. Wishing you and your families many blessings in 2025!

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

12/30/24 @ 4:30 p.m. - In Nassau County, Florida, residents often enjoy bonfires on the beach. This popular tradition combines the beauty of the beach with the social appeal of a bonfire while creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, or relaxing under the stars. 

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) received the attached photo from a resident expressing concerns that pallets are being used for bonfires on the beach. At this time, we would to remind everyone of the Rules and Regulations related to fires on the beach.

First, please note that no one should ever burn pallets due to them being treated with chemicals that when burned, release toxic fumes and create a health risk to anyone inhaling the smoke. Additionally, pallets usually contain nail or staples which are left behind after the pallet burns. Leaving rusty nails and staples on the beach is a safety hazard for unsuspecting beach-walkers and is definitely not good for our nesting shorebirds or marine life. 

Nassau County Ordinance No. 2020-31, Section 4, regulates fires on County beaches (Peters Point south to the State Park) beach as follows: 

1. No fires shall be permitted between the dates of May 1 - October 31 each year (Sea Turtle Nesting Season)
2. Fires outside of those dates shall not take place in the dunes or outside the designated areas for vehicles.
3. Thou shall not use wood containing nails, staples, rivets, fasteners, straps or similar items.
4. No fire shall be vacated or left without completely extinguishing the fire and covering up the fire area. 

Violations to Section 4 shall subject the violator to an order to leave the beach. Should the violator fail to leave, the violator will be considered a trespasser and shall be subject to a penalty of a second degree misdemeanor punishable by five hundred dollars and/or sixty days in jail. 

Thank you for keeping these regulations in mind and ensuring that you are protecting both the environment and the residents and visitors of Nassau County.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

12/30/24 @ 9:00 a.m.

President Biden has issued a Proclamation ordering flags to be displayed at half-staff in memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr., who passed away yesterday at 100 years old. President Carter served as a State Senator and as Georgia's 76th Governor, and was ultimately was the 39th president of the United States from January 1977-January 1981. Flags will remain at half-staff for 30 days. Additionally, President Biden has designated January 9, 2025 as National Day of Mourning throughout the United States.  To view President Biden's Proclamation, please click here.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

Happy 200th Birthday to Nassau County!

Established on December 29, 1824, Nassau County boasts a unique history and culture. From historic Amelia Island, sandy beaches, and championship golf courses, to scenic rivers, green pastures, and majestic timberlands, Nassau County truly offers something for everyone.

Looking to the Future:
Like many Florida counties, Nassau County has experienced significant growth. While growth cannot be prevented, it's important that policies are in place for protecting and enhancing key areas of importance while accommodating future trends. Over the past 18 months, the Board of County Commissioners have worked tirelessly on the Nassau Vision 2050, a collaborative process involving local leaders, residents, businesses, and stakeholders to shape the future of our community. This planning process and the resulting policies will be critical for the ability to promote and manage growth.

"All Voices, One Vision"
The BOCC is excited about the progress that has been made so far with the Nassau Vision 2050 initiative and looks forward to implementing future policy based on the collective feedback of Nassau County residents.

Nassau Vision 2050 efforts throughout 2024 included identifying what makes the community unique, establishing the vision of what Nassau County desires to become in the future, and providing the necessary baseline for updates to the County’s State-mandated Comprehensive Plan.

Community outreach efforts have included stakeholder interviews, community surveys, and 20 pop-up events around the County. In an effort to gain as much feedback as possible, the BOCC and Planning Staff have also been present at numerous large, community events throughout the year such as the Independence Day Celebration in Callahan, the Opening of the Beaches Event in Fernandina Beach, the County's Bicentennial Kick-off Event in Yulee, and County’s Annual Tree Lighting.

We look forward to wrapping up the Nassau Vision 2050 initiative and sharing the results with the community in early 2025. For more information, please visit https://www.nassaufl2050.com/

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer 

12/27/24 @ 12:25 p.m. 

At the Wednesday, December 18, 2024 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) recognized Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller John Crawford and Property Appraiser Mike Hickox on their upcoming retirements, commending both on their outstanding service and dedication to Nassau County and its residents. 

Mike Hickox was elected by the citizens of Nassau County in 2013 and brought with him 35 years of experience as a State Certified Appraiser and Real Estate Broker to the position of Property Appraiser. As a lifelong resident of Nassau County, Mike has dedicated his public career to providing fair and equitable assessments to the citizens of Nassau County. In addition to determining the value of all property within the County, Mike is also responsible for maintaining property ownership records, parcel ownership maps, and for administering property tax exemptions. Throughout his career, Mike has held a variety of roles such as Past President of the Florida Association of Property Appraiser's, Past Director of the Nassau County Education Foundation, Past Director for the Nassau County Economic Development Board, and Real Estate and Appraisal Instructor for the local Association of Realtors.

​John Crawford has served Nassau County in different capacities throughout his career, first as a County Commissioner from 1990-1998, and then again when he was elected as Nassau County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller in 2005. While serving in this role, John has been responsible for a wide range of record keeping, information management, and financial management for the judicial system and County government including aiding in the judicial process, maintaining the County's official records, and serving as the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners. As the Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller, he also acts as accountant and custodian of County funds. 

Terms for Property Appraiser Mike Hickox and Clerk John Crawford end in January 2025. Both have delivered their duties in a conscientious and responsible manner, serving with dedication and distinction. The BOCC commends them both and wishes them the best in their well-deserved retirements. 

New Clerk and Property Appraiser to Be Sworn in Next Month
Kevin Lily will be sworn in as the newly elected Property Appraiser on Monday, January 6, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at the Historic Courthouse (411 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach).

Mitch Keiter will be sworn in as the newly elected Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. at the Robert M. Foster Justice Center (76347 Veterans Way, Yulee). 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

12/23/24 @ 9:00 a.m.

​The North Atlantic Right Whale is one of the world’s most endangered large whale species. They have been listed as endangered since 1970. According to NOAA, there are approximately 370 remaining, including fewer than 70 reproductively active females. Unfortunately, human impacts continue to threaten this species. 

Are you interested in learning more about Right Whales and what you can do to help? Join the Fernandina Beach Library on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. for “Right Whales in Our Waters”, as they discuss the Right Whale mothers and calves that visit our waters here off Amelia Island.  Learn why they come, why they’re endangered and how humans can help ensure their survival. 

There is no cost to participate however you are requested to RSVP at www.nassaureads.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

12/21/24 @ 9:00 a.m. - County Offices under the purview of the Board of County Commissioners will be closed in observance of holiday from Monday, December 23rd - Wednesday, December 25th. 

Please note that other Constitutional Offices (Tax Collector, Clerk of Courts, Supervisor of Elections, Property Appraiser and Sheriff's Office) are separate from the Board of County Commissioners and their holiday hours may vary. Please reach out to those offices directly with questions regarding holiday hours. To locate webpages for these Constitutional Offices, please click here. 

We hope that all residents have a safe and Happy Holiday.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

12/20/24 @ 4:00 p.m. - Below are pictures from the week of December 13-December 20, 2024. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

12/20/24 @ 3:00 p.m.

​The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) presented its final Nassau County Bicentennial Event, the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Thank you to all who joined, celebrating our community, and sharing your vision for the future of Nassau County at the Vision 2050 tent.

On behalf of the BOCC, we would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday season!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

​12/20/24 @ 1:35 p.m.

The County Extension is now accepting applications for the 7th Cadre of the 4-H Youth Emergency Team. This program trains youth using the FEMA approved Teen CERT Curriculum and 4-H philosophies instilling life-saving and critical thinking skills. The program consists of 11 Thursday evening and occasional Saturday sessions on local hazards, personal preparedness, and life-safety skills. All meetings are held at the Yulee County Extension Office on Miner Rd.

​Applications are due by January 6, 2025 and can be found at: https://nassaufl.co/YET.

If you have any questions, please contact Kelsey Irvine at (904) 530-5365 or via e-mail at [email protected]. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

12/18/24 @ 3:45 p.m. - At today's meeting, the Board of County Commissioners issued Proclamation No. 2024-041 honoring Pete Gunnell on his retirement from Nassau County Fire Rescue after 31 years of service. 

Pete began his employment as a part-time Paramedic on June 1, 1993 where he stayed until being promoted to a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic in September 1993. Pete was promoted to Lieutenant in December 1996, then again as Captain in February 2023. Pete was promoted once again in October 16 to Battalion Chief where he remained until his retirement date of December 2, 2024. 

Pete has consistently given all for  his employees and the residents of Nassau County and has reflected great credit upon the Board of County Commissioners. 

Assistant Fire Chief Greg Roland stated, "It's my honor to shake the hand of a Battalion Chief that's one of the best field marshalls we have. If you're on the scene of an accident or a house fire.... I can't think of a better field commander than Pete Gunnell. It's not often that we come across people like Pete. Someone that you know when they show up on scene, you're in good hands. I appreciate his service to Nassau County Fire Rescue. And on behalf of Chief Brady Rigdon, I wish Pete a happy retirement." 

Pete will be greatly missed by those who had the pleasure to work with him, as well as the citizens that he worked so hard to protect. 

Congratulations Pete! We wish you many years of continued health and happiness in the years to come. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

12/18/24 @ 2:00 p.m.

​At the Wednesday, December 18, 2024 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners recognized Jason Murphy on 25 years of service. Assistant Fire Chief Greg Roland stated, "It's not often we get a chance to say thank you to a 25 year employee. Jason  is a reliable employee and one of the best Engineers we've got. He's been in charge of a rescue unit so he's been multitasking the last 25 years and has done it well. It's an honor to be here in place of Chief Rigdon to recognize Jason Murphy. We hope he still has a few years left because he has institutional knowledge we don't want to lose."

Congratulations on 25 years Jason. We appreciate you and all that you do!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer  

The County is seeking one individual to serve on the Conservation Land Acquisition and Management (CLAM) Committee. Candidates should, at a minimum, have skills, expertise, or demonstrable experience that relates to the acquisition of lands in one of the following areas:

• Natural resource management and biology
• Agriculture and forestry
• Community Planning
• Environmental engineering or civil engineering where work has been in stormwater or green infrastructure projects
• Environmental regulations, land use law, or commercial real estate in so far that has dealt in vacant, rural lands

 
For more information about the CLAM program, click on the following link:  https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/1283/Conservation-Land-Acquisition-Management

If you have specific questions about the CLAM program or the role of the Committee, please contact Brandy Carvalho at (904) 530-6019 or via email at [email protected]. 

To apply, please click here. Applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer