3/17/23 @ 2:45 p.m.- County Manager, Taco Pope, hosted the 2023 Winter Strategic Planning (WSPS-23) of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The WSPS-23 is annual event where the BOCC discusses the strategic direction of the organization, defines organizational priorities, allocates resources, and serves to ‘kick-off’ the County’s annual budget development process.

As part of the WSPS-23, County Manager Pope presented the BOCC with the County Manager’s 2022 Annual Report. The report highlights achievements, projects and initiatives of the BOCC, county staff, and management from the period of October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022. The report provides great insight into the County’s operations, progress in executing directives of the elected body, and priorities of the BOCC.   

“A look back at 2022 illuminates the dedication of County employees, local leaders, and elected officials in promoting the long-term best interests of Nassau County residents. While Nassau is in the midst of extraordinary change, local leaders continue to champion a collaborative and community-based approach to governance that places quality-of-life and generational sustainability at the apex of decision making.” – Taco Pope, AICP, County Manager.
​
We would encourage residents, partner agencies, and interested parties to view the 2022 Annual Report at: https://bit.ly/NC2022AnnualReport. 

9/20/19 @ 4:15 p.m. - At the Board of County Commissioner's meeting held on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, the Board presented Resolution No. 2019-140 commending government employees, agencies and individuals who assisted the County during Hurricane Dorian.

The room was filled with law enforcement personnel, first responders, employees and various agencies such as the Port Authority, Florida Department of Health, Florida Department of Transportation, School Board, Baptist Medical Center Nassau, among many, many others.

Chairman Justin Taylor expressed his gratitude to everyone for all their efforts and stated, "I know it was tough being away from your families and working hard for several days. I want the citizens to know that they were well taken care of should the storm had taken a catastrophic turn".

County Manager, Mike Mullin, echoed Chairman Taylor's sentiments, adding, "The public never gets the opportunity to see what happens at the Emergency Operations Center. If they did, they'd have an entirely different view. Sometimes the public feels irrirated whether it's a curfew that's been implemented or an evacuation order. They don't realize how many hours all these good men and women devote to listening to the Hurricane Center, to evaluating the information, to making decisions for the safety of the residents".

To watch the presentation, please click this link.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

5/17/19 @ 8:45 a.m.

We are pleased to announce that Taco Pope has accepted the position of Assistant County Manager.

Mr. Pope is a life-long resident of Nassau County with fourteen years of professional experience in the public sector serving as both a technical practitioner and administrator for local government in the State of Florida. Mr. Pope has held several positions with Nassau County since being hired in 2005 including serving the last three years as the Director of Planning and Economic Opportunity. In that position, Mr. Pope has been instrumental in fostering a collaborative approach to community formation through meaningful public engagement, transparency and a holistic approach to quality of life.

Mr. Pope holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University of North Florida, a BBA in Business Management and a BBA in Transportation and Logistics. Mr. Pope undertook his graduate studies through Florida Gulf Coast University as part of their Master of Public Administration (MPA) program where he concentrated in Planning and Environmental Policy. Mr. Pope also holds professional accreditation through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and is a full member of the International City/County Managers Association and Florida City/County Management Association, a member of the American Planning Association, and the Urban Land Institute.

As Assistant County Manager, Mr. Pope will be responsible for directly handling matters of organizational importance on behalf of the County Manager, supporting the County Manager on various programs and governmental services, and assisting in development and implementation of County goals, project priorities, and programs. He will also act as the County Manager in his absence.

Mr. Pope was an excellent candidate for the position given his experience in local government, education, and familiarity with the community, residents, local policies and the challenges that are ahead.

We are excited to welcome Mr. Pope to his new position as Assistant County Manager and wish him many years of success!

 County Manager's Office

3/12/19 @ 11:00 a.m. - A Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. to review and coordinate a response to proposed Legislation of the 2019 Legislative Session which may have an impact on local government. The meeting will take place in the Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097 (James S. Page Governmental Complex).

A copy of the agenda containing information on each Legislative item can be located on our website.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

8/2/18 @ 9:30 a.m.

As a reminder, Interim County Manager, Mike Mullin, will be holding two meetings per month to make himself available to anyone wishing to ask County related questions and/or address County related issues. These meetings will be held on the second Tuesday and the fourth Thursday of each month from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers located at the James S. Page Governmental Complex, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097. 
 
Below is the meeting schedule for August and September 2018:

• August 14, 2018
• August 30, 3018 (moved from August 23rd due to scheduling conflict)
• September 11, 2018
• September 27, 2018

If you have any questions, please contact the County Manager’s Office at (904) 530-6010.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office
 
 

7/17/18 @ 9:35 a.m. - As previously announced, County Attorney Mike Mullin has been appointed as Interim County Manager until the position of County Manager is filled. Mr. Mullin will be holding two meetings per month to make himself available to anyone wishing to ask County related questions and/or address County related issues. These meetings will be held on the second Tuesday and fourth Thursday of each month from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097 (James S. Page Governmental Complex).

The public can also contact Mr. Mullin via phone at (904) 530-3010 or via e-mail at countymanager@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

9/13/17 @ 1:45 p.m. - The School Board announced this morning that Nassau County schools will be closed tomorrow. Due to power outages, flooding or roads, school closings, etc., Administrative Offices will also be closed to the public tomorrow. This includes administrative departments under the Board of County Commissioners, the Tax Collector's Office, the Clerk's Office, and Supervisor of Elections. Public safety personnel, road and bridge employees and other county staff will continue to clear blocked roadways, address drainage issues and assist with the overall recovery process.

Please note that the landfill will be open their regular hours of 8am-5pm. Although the Property Appraisers Office will also be closed to the public, their staff will be out doing damage assessments.

​We will continue to respond to messages left through this website or via our email address:insider@nassaucountyfl.com. For questions related to Irma or to report blocked roadways, please contact the EOC at 904-548-0900.

-Sabrina Robertson
County Manager's Office

01/25/17 at 2:15 p.m. - On Wednesday, January 18, 2017, the Board of County Commissioners recognized County Manager Ted Selby on his upcoming retirement after eighteen years of service with Nassau County.

Ted Selby began his employment with Nassau County on September 28, 1998 as an Internal Auditor for the Clerk of Courts. During his eight years of employment with the Clerk, he also served as Budget Supervisor and Financial Services Director. Ted was hired by the Board of County Commissioners on January 23, 2006 as the Administrative Services Director where his duties included overseeing fiscal operations including preparation of the annual budget and enforcement of internal auditing controls. Ted was always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty and he served as Interim County Administrator on two different occasions; once from March 1, 2007 to October 8, 2007 and again from April 10, 2010 through June 1, 2010 when he was hired for the position of County Manager.

During his time as County Manager, Ted always searched for ways to make the County more efficient and often analyzed departments and policies to find cost saving measures. He revised the Employee Leave Policy where new hires were placed on a "Paid Time Off" plan instead of a traditional Vacation/Sick Plan, thus drastically reducing the number of hours accumulated annually. He revised County policies including the travel policy and eliminated mileage reimbursements for employees choosing to take their own vehicles to classes and conferences. He is also credited for adoption of a Fleet Replacement Program which consists of long-term planning for maintaining and replacing vehicles when needed. These are just a few examples of Ted's ability to plan for future stability of the County.

Chairman Danny Leeper expressed his gratitude to Ted for serving the County with the highest of integrity and for having the foresight needed to achieve many great things. Under Ted's leadership, the County has received numerous awards including the Florida Animal Control Association's Agency of the Year Award   and the Regional Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing from the Northeast Florida Regional Council. Major projects completed during his tenure include expansion of the Fernandina Beach Library, construction of the Emergency Operations Center, the addition of the 911 Communications Center, and construction of the new Sheriff Administration Facility. Chairman Leeper stated, "You are the best manager I've ever had the pleasure of working with. You leave behind a great team and that is a sign of great leadership". The other four commissioners echoed Chairman Leeper's comments and agreed that Ted has been an outstanding asset to the County and has provided exemplary service to the citizens.

Ted has been a humble leader who sincerely cares about his staff and he is widely recognized throughout the County organization for his honesty, integrity and leadership ability. During the January 18th meeting, several employees came forward to express their gratitude to Ted.

Public Works Director, Scott Herring, stated "I don't say this lightly, you were the best boss I ever had. The confidence you've shown in me, the mentorship... the past seven years have been wonderful and I appreciate everything you've done for me".

Assistant County Manager, Shanea Jones, said "I'm really just grateful for all the patience you've had with me and all the opportunities you've given me. You deserve to retire and do something enjoyable".

Ted thanked the Board and all the previous Commissioners for providing him with the opportunity to be the County Manager. "It has certainly been challenging at times, but at the end of the day, it was very rewarding. I appreciate the support you've given me and the trust you've placed in me to lead this organization". Ted also thanked his wife, Bunny, for being with him "every step of the way" through two careers which included 22 years of service in the United States Navy. "I've been paying into social security since 1966 and it's time for me to get something out of it", joked Ted.

Ted's last day of employment is Friday, February 3, 2017. He will be greatly missed by those who had the honor to work with him, as well of the citizens of Nassau County. We wish Ted many years of health and happiness and extend our congratulations on his retirement.

-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
 


 

0/11/16 at 5:20 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 11, 2016
 
County to Begin Negotiations with Shanea Jones for the Position of County Manager
 
In September, County Manager Ted Selby, announced his retirement effective in January 2017. Recently, the Board of County Commissioners held a workshop to discuss the process for hiring a new County Manager. Human Resources Director, Ashley Metz, distributed a proposed job description and salary range based on counties of similar size. She also provided the Board with an option of hiring a recruiting firm should they choose to begin a search for candidates. The cost estimate was $30,000-$35,000.
 
At the Monday, October 10th meeting, the Board discussed the position further and voted to offer the position to Assistant County Manager, Shanea Jones. Not only does this option save the taxpayers $30,000 by not contracting with a search firm, the Board has identified a local, qualified individual who is already intimately involved in all facets of County Government.
 
Mrs. Jones is a Nassau County native. She attended Nassau County Public Schools, went on to receive her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Florida and her Master’s in Business Administration from the University of North Florida.
 
Mrs. Jones began working for the County in July 2004 and has held various leadership positions including Office of Management & Budget Director and Assistant County Manager. Mrs. Jones is a Certified Government Finance Officer, is a member of the International County/City Managers Association, the Florida Association of County Managers, Florida Governmental Finance Officer’s Association and is a graduate of ICMA’s Senior Executive Institute Leadership Program as well as Leadership Nassau.
 
Mr. Selby stated, “I hired Shanea 12 years ago shortly after she graduated from the University of Florida. I have watched her grow from an energetic young employee into a truly outstanding, dedicated professional. She has never ceased to amaze me as I have watched her accept every challenge and commit herself to the successful conclusion of every project. I am totally confident that she will be an outstanding County Manager”.
 
Please contact Ted Selby at (904) 530-6010 if you have any questions.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office