11/9/23 @ 4:00 p.m. - On Saturday, November 4, 2023, the County hosted a community meeting to discuss the potential use of the Evans' Rendezvous, a historical structure that served as a restaurant and entertainment venue in the American Beach Community. Several dozen residents were in attendance and shared ideas on what they envision for the site's future. 

The site was acquired by the County through a Florida Community Trust Grant in 2004 and consists of the lot containing the Evans's Rendezvous structure, two lots to the south, and three lots across the street. At this time, the County is working with a consultant to explore options for future use.

According to Principal Adrienne Burke of Community Planning Collaborative, planning efforts will include a focus on preservation, protection of the nearby dunes and vegetation, and rehabilitation of the structure, all while maintaining the unique and historic character of the community. 
 
A copy of Ms. Burke's presentation can be found here on the Planning Department's webpage. If you were unable to attend the presentation but have questions, please reach out to Planning Director, Elizabeth Backe, at (904) 530-6320 or via email at ebacke@nassaucountyfl.com. 

The next community meeting will take place on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. a the American Beach Community Center. Everyone is invited to attend.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

10/20/23 @ 8:45 a.m. - 

• The County seeks input from the community regarding the future use of Evans’ Rendezvous.   This site was a historical entertainment venue and restaurant located within the American Beach community on Amelia Island.  This venue impacted the American Beach community in the 1940’s and 1950’s, providing a rich history for travel and tourism.  Jazz greats such as Ray Charles, James Brown, Louie Armstrong, and more performed at Evans’ Rendezvous during the mid-1900’s.
  


• Investigations have been occurring to establish the current fitness of the structure.  Consultant partners will be working with County Planning staff to engage with the greater Nassau County community on the history of the structure, current investigations, and future plans for the community to have access to and use the structure.

Please join us on Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 11:00-1:00 p.m. at the American Beach Community Center to hear from the consultant and to share ideas about the future of structure. 

Future meetings will also be held on December 2, 2023 and January 27, 2024 so please save the dates! 

If you have any questions, please contact the Planning Department at (904) 530-5320.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

5/30/23 @ 2:50 p.m.

The water and sewer conversion project at Amerian Beach is underway. The contractor, U.S. Water Services Corporation, has advised the County of the need to close the drive-on access to American Beach at Lewis and Gregg Streets this Thursday, June 1, 2023, from 8:00am - 10:00am, to install a water main connection.
 
We apologize for the short notice on this closure and appreciate your patience as we work to establish water and sewer services for the American Beach community. If you have any questions, please contact the County Manager’s Office at (904) 530-6010. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

5/11/23 @ 9:20 a.m. -  
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Please be advised that Nassau County has been notified of the need for lane closures this Saturday, May 13th, for the milling of roads associated with Phase One of the American Beach Water and Sewer Conversion Project. Affected areas are a small portion of Lewis Street, Waldron Street (between Lewis and Julia Streets), and Julia Street (from Waldon Street to the American Beach Community Center). 

Attached is a map showing the affected areas. A flagman will be present to assist with traffic control associated with the closures. 

Individuals attempting to reach the drive-on access for American Beach should enter the community via Burney Road as Julia Street and Lewis Street are for local traffic only.
 
We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we work to establish water and sewer services for the American Beach community. If you have any questions, you can contact the County Manager's office, (904) 530-6010. ​

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

5/7/23 @ 7:30 p.m. 

The water and sewer conversion project at American Beach is underway. The contractor, U.S. Water Services Corporation, has advised the County of the need to close the drive-on access to American Beach at Lewis and Gregg Streets on Monday, May 8, 2023, for installation of a 40 ft. pipe connecting two manholes. It is anticipated that the work will be done on Monday, allowing the drive-on access to re-open on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
 
We apologize for the short notice on this closure and appreciate your patience as we work to establish water and sewer services for the American Beach community. If you have any questions, please contact the County Manager’s Office at (904) 530-6010. 

-Sabrina Robertson 
 Public Information Officer

3/21/23 @ 10:00 a.m. 

The Board of County Commissioners and the American Beach Water and Sewer District are currently seeking applicants to serve on the American Beach Water and Sewer District Advisory Board.  The Advisory Board represents the American Beach property owner’s interest by monitoring and evaluating the design and construction of the public water distribution and wastewater collection system within the District boundaries.

The Advisory Board shall consider matters related to and submitted by the District staff to the District Board related to the design and construction of the system and may offer comments, if any, concurrently.  Comments relating to design and construction of the system from the community residents, property owners, resident groups, associations, and other owner-based organizations may be considered by the Advisory Board and provided to the District Board.
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The Advisory Board is comprised of five (5) members, all of whom shall be legal owners of property in the American Beach Water and Sewer District service area and shall be appointed by the District Board.  Appointments to the Board shall be made based on prior community service experience and involvement in the community improvement planning within the District boundaries.
 
Applicants must include proof of ownership in the form of one of the following:

• Copy of a recorded Deed;
• Copy of documents from the Property Appraiser’s Office indicating ownership;
• Copy of documents from the Tax Collector’s Office indicating ownership.

Please note, all members of the Advisory Board shall abide by Florida Sunshine Law, F.S. Ch. 286; Florida Public Records Law, F.S. Ch. 119; Florida Code of Ethics, F.S. Ch. 112; and all other applicable local or state statutes, ordinances, or rules.
Applications and backup documentation will be accepted through Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at 5:00 pm.
 
Apply here: https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/1087/American-Beach-Water-Sewer-District
 
If you have any questions, please contact Administrative Manager, Amy Bell, at abell@nassaucountyfl.com.
 
-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

2/15/23 @ 1:30 p.m. - The water and sewer conversion project at Amerian Beach is underway. Work has now progressed to the intersection of Lewis Street and Gregg Street. The work in this area will require the adjacent drive-on beach access to be closed temporarily beginning at 2:00 p.m. today. It is anticipated that this closure will last through Friday, February 17, 2023.

A notice of temporary road closure for Gregg Street was sent out earlier this week. As a reminder, American Beach residents will be allowed to pass as needed, however the general public is encouraged to avoid the area. The temporary road closure for Gregg Street is anticipated to last through March 10, 2023.
We appreciate your patience as we work to establish water and sewer services for the American Beach community. If you have any questions, please contact the County Manager’s Office at (904) 530-6010.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

2/8/23 @ 9:30 a.m. - Construction has commenced for the American Beach Water & Sewer Conversion Project. Beginning on Monday, February 13th, the contractor will be working to install the new gravity sewer which will require daytime closures to Gregg Street. Residents of the area will be allowed to pass as needed. The contractors will also work with the postal company, garbage companies, etc. to allow them to pass, if and when needed. The daytime closures are expected to continue through March 10th.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/25/23 @ 4:40 p.m. - The Board of County Commissioners has received an Award of Excellence for Culture and Historic Preservation for the American Beach Community Master Plan. Since 2018, the County has worked hard to design a plan to enhance the community while maintaining its unique history and culture. The scope of work included extensive community engagement including public meetings with property owners, public workshops, and interviews with stakeholders. The needs and priorities identified through the outreach efforts were then used to develop the final master plan which includes protection of the beach and dunes, as well as the history of the community. The plan also includes enhancements for the community such as water/sewer lines, street lighting, paved streets and sidewalks, and preservation of historic structures such as the Evans Rendezvous. 

Seeing all the efforts put forth, the Northeast Florida Regional Council selected the County for this prestigious award. The Board was then recognized at their Awards Luncheon held on January 5, 2023. The Northeast Florida Regional Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Beth Payne, stated, “The Northeast Florida Regional Council is happy to recognize Nassau County’s outstanding efforts to preserve a piece of Northeast Florida history. American Beach is one of our area’s hidden gems and it is the Council’s pleasure to recognize the work done by the County, it’s staff and volunteers to continually engage the residents of American Beach and work together to safeguard the cultural history, as well as the future of the American Beach community."

Interim Planning Director/Economic Resources Coordinator, Holly Coyle, stated, “The American Beach Master Plan captures the essence of American Beach by protecting the sense of place, honoring the rich cultural heritage of the community, and authentically telling the story of American Beach through the built and natural environment. Through an extensive public engagement process, the community identified its needs and priorities and created a list of recommendations to achieve their final vision. Among those recommendations were the installation of public water and sanitary sewer; the paving and resurfacing of roadways; re-evaluation of The Crossroads; and the expansion of the A. L. Lewis Museum.  We are honored to have been selected for this award and look forward to bringing this initiative to fruition.”

To view the Northeast Florida Regional Council's Press Release regarding the 2023 Awards, please click here. 

If you have any questions related to the American Beach Community Master Plan, please visit https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/990/American-Beach-Neighborhood-Planning or contact the Planning Department at (904) 530-6300.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Office

1/24/23 @ 2:30 p.m. 

At the Board of County Commissioners meeting held yesterday evening, the Board approved Resolution No. 2023-004 proclaiming the 31st of January 2023 as "American Beach Day". 

American Beach was originally founded on January 31, 1935 by the Pension Bureau of the Afro-American Life Insurance Company for the purpose of developing an oceanfront resort for its employees and shareholders. The once bustling community now serves as a historic jewel that attracts visitors near and far. 

The Board of County Commissioners applauds everyone who has contributed in preservation of this landmark and unique community. in recognition of American Beach Day, residents are urged to visit the AL Lewis Museum to learn more about American Beach's rich culture and history. Additional information can be found on the Museum's website. 


-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer