10/1/26 @ 3:15 p.m. 

​Congratulations to Barb and Ken Porter, owners of Whit's Frozen Custard in Yulee, on their new business venture. Through Nassau County's Resources for Independent Small Business Expansion (RISE) program, the Porters were able to use fee credits to help offset some of the county fees associated with opening their business.

The RISE Program is designed to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses by reducing barriers to growth and investment in our community.

Pictured are Barb and Ken Porter, Mike Mickler with the Florida SBDC, and Kathy Freyman with Nassau County.

If you haven't stopped by Whit's yet, consider this your sign. Supporting local business has never tasted so sweet! 

Interesting in learning more about the RISE Program, visit Nassau County's website. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

9/12/26 at 9:00 a.m. 

The Nassau Prosperity Alliance Q2 Newsletter is now available!

Partnership drives prosperity, and this quarter's newsletter highlights the collective efforts underway to support business growth, workforce development, community investment, and economic opportunity throughout Nassau County. From attracting new business prospects and supporting entrepreneurs through the RISE Program to strengthening workforce pipelines and celebrating community assets like Westside Regional Park, this issue showcases the impact of collaboration across our county. 

The Nassau Prosperity Alliance brings together organizations committed to ensuring Nassau County remains a great place to live, work, and do business. We invite you to read the newsletter, learn more about the initiatives shaping our community's future, and connect with our partner organizations to discover opportunities to get involved. Together, we're building a stronger, more prosperous Nassau County.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

7/23/26 @ 11:30 a.m.

​Nassau County’s RISE (Resources for Independent Small Businesses) Program has reached an exciting milestone!

The Dog & Pickle is the first business to receive support through the RISE Program. Planned for Yulee, this innovative destination will feature a 21,500-square-foot dog park, six covered pickleball courts, and a covered deck and bar, creating a unique space for recreation, connection, and community.

We are proud to support local entrepreneurs like Alex and William Herrera as they bring their vision to life and contribute to Nassau County’s growing business community. Through programs like RISE, the County continues to foster entrepreneurship, encourage economic growth, and support the small businesses that help make Nassau County a great place to live and work.
​
Learn more about program eligibility requirements and schedule an appointment by visiting the RISE Program webpage: Nassau County RISE Program. The program provides eligible small businesses with resources to help offset certain County development costs and supports entrepreneurs as they expand their operations in Nassau County.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

7/7/26 @ 2:00 p.m.

​Calling all small business owners and entrepreneurs!

Thank you to the Nassau County Economic Development Board for helping bring the Florida Rural Business Resource Tour to the Nassau Center in Yulee (FSCJ Campus - William Burgess Blvd.). This event will connect local businesses with valuable resources, expert guidance, and networking opportunities to support growth and long-term success.

Hosted by the Florida SBDC Network and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Rural Business Resource Tour is designed to strengthen rural businesses and communities across Florida.

Interested in attending? Register today: https://events.blackthorn.io/.../floridas-rural.../overview

Questions? Please contact the Nassau County Economic Development Board at (904) 225-8878.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

6/24/26 @ 2:00 p.m. 

The Nassau Prosperity Alliance (NPA) has released its Quarter 1 Newsletter, highlighting the organization's ongoing efforts to support economic development, attract new businesses, create jobs, and strengthen Nassau County's economy.

As Nassau County's economic development organization, the NPA works to promote business investment, support existing industries, and create opportunities that benefit residents and improve quality of life. The quarterly report provides valuable insight into current projects, business recruitment efforts, industry partnerships, and economic trends shaping our community's future.

Read the full newsletter to learn more about the progress being made to keep Nassau County prosperous, competitive, and positioned for long-term success.

-Sabrina Robertson 
​Communications Officer

5/29/26 @ 9:00 a.m. 

The 2025 Nassau Prosperity Alliance Annual Report reflects a community moving forward with purpose, alignment, and a shared vision for long-term prosperity.

The Nassau Prosperity Alliance (NPA) brings together the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, Nassau County Chamber of Commerce, West Nassau Chamber, Nassau County Economic Development Board, Small Business Development Center at UNF, and Prosper Nassau into a unified coalition focused on strengthening Nassau County’s economic future.

Guided by Nassau Vision 2050 and aligned with the county’s Interim Strategic Plan and Fiscal Stewardship and Economic Prosperity Initiative 1, the NPA is advancing a coordinated approach to economic development, business growth, job creation, and long-term competitiveness under Florida’s Six Pillars framework.

The 2025 report highlights key focus areas, including innovation and economic development, talent supply and education, infrastructure and growth leadership, and a strong, competitive business climate. Together, these priorities reflect a deliberate strategy to support business expansion and retention while building a workforce and infrastructure system ready for future growth.

More than individual initiatives, the report showcases alignment, tourism, workforce, education, and economic development partners working as one system rather than in silos.

The result is a clearer path forward: a resilient, sustainable, and opportunity-rich economy designed for both today and the next generation.

5/20/26 @ 7:00 a.m.

Nassau County Launches New RISE Program to Support Small Business Growth
Nassau County is proud to announce the launch of the RISE Program—Resources for Small Business Expansion, a new initiative designed to encourage local investment, support entrepreneurs, and help small businesses grow right here at home.
As part of Nassau County’s continued commitment to strengthening the local economy, the RISE Program provides meaningful financial relief to qualifying small businesses looking to expand operations within the county.

What is the RISE Program?
The RISE Program offers eligible small businesses up to $20,000 in credits that can be applied toward certain county development-related costs. These include expenses such as impact fees, permitting, inspections, and other applicable development charges associated with expansion projects. By reducing upfront costs, the program helps make it easier for businesses to invest, grow, and create new opportunities in Nassau County.

Supporting Local Growth and Opportunity
Small businesses are the backbone of Nassau County’s economy, and the RISE Program is designed with that in mind. Whether it’s a new startup opening its doors or an established business ready to expand, RISE helps remove financial barriers that can sometimes slow growth.
The program also supports broader community goals, including:

• Encouraging job creation within the county
• Strengthening the local business community
• Keeping investment and talent in Nassau County
• Supporting long-term, sustainable economic development.

How the Program Works
Interested businesses begin by connecting with a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) advisor, who helps guide them through the eligibility and application process. Once approved, businesses may receive credits to offset qualifying county fees tied to their expansion project. This collaborative approach ensures applicants receive both financial support and expert guidance as they grow.

Building a Stronger Future Together
The RISE Program reflects Nassau County’s ongoing commitment to being a business-friendly community where entrepreneurs can thrive. By investing in local success stories, we are investing in the future of our entire region. Together, we are helping businesses rise, right here in Nassau County.

Contact
To schedule an appointment, please scan the attached QR Code. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Mickler of the Small Business Development Center at [email protected] or Economic Resources Manager for Nassau County, Kathy Freyman, at [email protected]. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

2/6/26 @ 11:30 a.m.  

On Monday, January 26, 2026, the Nassau County Economic Development Board's (NCEBD) Executive Director Sherri Mitchell provided an update to the Board of County Commissioners regarding NCEBD activities for Fiscal Year 24/25. Presentation topics included the NCEBD Strategic Plan focused on increasing prosperity, improving quality of life and enhancing job growth;  job expansion and investments targeted to occur by 2030. The NCEBD Annual Report for FY 24/25 can be found here. 

To view the Ms. Mitchell's presentation, please visit the Clerk's website. The presentation is listed under Tab B. 

About the NCEDB
The NCEDB is a nonprofit organization focused on business recruitment, business retention, and economic growth in Nassau County. Key functions including diversifying the local economy by attracting high-quality jobs and supporting business expansion. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

2/5/26 @ 2:00 p.m.

​The Nassau Prosperity Alliance (NPA) has released its Fourth Quarter Report for December 2025. The report highlights a wide range of initiatives including progress on Comprehensive Plan updates, economic development achievements, and key activities from partner agencies. Featured contributions include updates from the Nassau County Economic Development Board and its ongoing efforts to support business retention and expansion throughout Nassau County.

Established in November 2022, the NPA is a collaborative coalition comprised of representatives from the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce, the Nassau County Economic Development Board, the Small Business Development Center at UNF, and Prosper Nassau. Together, these partners work to advance strategic initiatives that strengthen economic development efforts and support the county’s broader economic ecosystem.

The NPA’s mission is to nurture a resilient, sustainable, equitable, and prosperous economy through a generational lens—enhancing regional and global competitiveness, promoting prosperity and high-paying jobs, and fostering vibrant, resilient communities that offer a high quality of life. This mission is carried out through priority initiatives outlined in the County’s Interim Strategic Plan.

Additional information about the NPA can be found here. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

The Nassau Prosperity Alliance (NPA) has released the first quarter report for FY 24/25. This document includes updates on a variety of initiatives including the Transit Study Update, Timber to Tides Design Overlay, Vision 2050, economic development highlights, partner agency events and more. 

Established in November 2022, the NPA consists of representatives from the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce, Nassau County Economic Development Board, Small Business Development Center at UNF and Prosper Nassau, and serves as a unified coalition to facilitate strategic initiatives that promote economic development and support the local economic ecosystem.

The NPA's mission is to "nurture a more resilient, sustainable, equitable and prosperous ecosystem cultivated with a generational perspective and crafted to increase competitiveness on a regional and global scale, promote prosperity and high-paying jobs, and create vibrant and resilient communities that offer the highest quality of life". This mission is supported by priority initiatives established in the County's Interim Strategic Plan. 

Additional information about the NPA can be found here. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

The Nassau Prosperity Alliance (NPA) has released the fourth quarter report for FY 23/24. This document includes updates on a variety of initiatives including the Transit Study Update, Timber to Tides Design Overlay, economic development highlights and more. 

Established in November 2022, the NPA consists of representatives from the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce, Nassau County Economic Development Board, Small Business Development Center at UNF and Prosper Nassau, and serves as a unified coalition to facilitate strategic initiatives that promote economic development and support the local economic ecosystem.

The NPA's mission is to "nurture a more resilient, sustainable, equitable and prosperous ecosystem cultivated with a generational perspective and crafted to increase competitiveness on a regional and global scale, promote prosperity and high-paying jobs, and create vibrant and resilient communities that offer the highest quality of life". This mission is supported by priority initiatives established in the County's Interim Strategic Plan. 

Additional information about the NPA can be found here. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

9/11/23 4:15 p.m. - On Monday, September 11, 2023, the Town of Callahan and Board of County Commissioners held a ceremony in celebration of the Town's water and sewer expansion project to the Crawford Diamond area which upon completion, could pave the way for industrial development and thousands of high-wage jobs. 

In the rail industry, a diamond intersection is where two rail lines intersect. Diamond intersections are rare on the eastern shore board and the only diamond intersection in the State of Florida is here in Nassau County, in the area historically known as Crawford Florida. This unique diamond intersection is what led to the industrial designation and non-residential use of the surrounding lands. 

Over the past decades, there has been substantial investment into the Crawford Diamond area to develop the roadways and invest in alterative energy sources. The area has also been identified as a prime spot for economic development due to its close proximity to several major highways and the access to two major rail lines. However attracting businesses to the area has been slowed due to the need for water and sewer capacity. To resolve the issue, the Town of Callahan agreed to expand their existing water and sewer services to the Crawford Diamond area. 

The Town took the initiative to seek funding sources and was successful in obtaining $11.4 million in grants from the Florida Department of Commerce, coupled with a $4.5 million investment from the Board of County Commissioners to make this project a reality. Today, we celebrated a major milestone toward reaching that needed capacity and truly activating the area as a job center for the County. 

FPL's Director of External Affairs Jim Bush, stated, "I want to begin by congratulating the Town of Callahan and Nassau County for all the work you've done to make today a reality. It takes tremendous vision and commitment to make days like today possible. These infrastructure improvements are incredibly important, not just for economic development but for the entire community. Our economic development team plays a key role in building communities by promoting sites like the Crawford Diamond Industrial Park, and by sharing the advantages the region has to offer, we can attract companies and high-wage, high-skilled jobs. I'm excited to be here today to see the great progress made and I can't wait to welcome the first tenant at this industrial site."

The Town's Public Works Director Mike Williams spoke briefly and thanked the State Legislature and the County for helping the Town get to this point. He introduced the individuals/entities that are currently working on the project and provided a progress update. At the end of his speech, he added, "One small step for Callahan, one giant leap for Nassau County economic prosperity." 

Executive Director for the Nassau County Economic Development, Sherri Mitchell, also spoke stating, "This long-awaited water plant is a critical piece of infrastructure needed so that when one of these industries with the ability to bring these high-wage jobs comes forth, we will be prepared." 

Lastly, Aaron Bowman, Senior Vice President of Business Development for JaxUSA spoke, stating, "JaxUSA represents seven northeast counties of Florida and our job is to bring and expand companies here. Once a company makes a decision to come someplace, they're ready to get started and that's what's held this area back for so many years. We couldn't give them (the companies) a defined path of when the utilities could be here. That has changed and so, we've got a lot of companies in the que that are ready and are going to be interested in this property. Manufacturing brings great jobs and for every one manufacturing job, it makes about 3 total jobs." 

Thank you to everyone who attended today's event. We trust that you found it informative and left with a better understanding of how the Crawford Diamond area benefits Nassau County's economy. 

If you were unable to attend but would like to see the presentations from today's ceremony, please click here. 

Note: the development around the Crawford Diamond includes the approximately 1,800 acre Crawford Diamond Industrial Park which currently has about 400 acres available for development and approximately 187 acres of property south of Crawford Road. For additional information about Crawford Diamond industrial development opportunities, please contact the Nassau County Economic Development Board at (904) 225-8878 or visit their website at www.nassauflorida.com. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer
(904) 530-6010
[email protected]
 
 
ELECTED OFFICIALS SITE TOUR AND PROGRESS UPDATE FOR THE CALLAHAN WATER & SEWER EXPANSION PROJECT
 
Nassau County, Florida, September 4, 2023 – On Monday, September 11, 2023, the Town of Council of Callahan will host a site tour for the Board of County Commissioners and provide a progress update on the Town’s water and sewer expansion project which will provide utilities to the Crawford Diamond Industrial Park and the surrounding area.
 
The Crawford Diamond Industrial Park is a McCallum Sweeney Certified Industrial Park consisting of 1,814 acres and approved for up to 10.5 million square feet of industrial use. It’s proximity to three ports, two interstates, and two railroad lines makes it a prime location to drive economic development with the opportunity to bring thousands of jobs to Nassau County. However, attracting companies has been difficult due to the lack of water and sewer services at the site.
 
To resolve this issue, the Nassau County Prosperity Plan provided $4.5 million of funding for an industrial water plant to support the Crawford Diamond Industrial Park.  The funding provided a match for the anticipated $11.4 million State DEO Jobs Grants award to the Town of Callahan to construct a 3 million gallons per day (mgd) water plant to support job creating industrial development.  This combined collaboration makes the $15.9 million project attainable.  With the utility portion in process, a coalition consisting of the Board of County Commissioners, the Nassau County Economic Development Board, JaxUSA, Florida Power and Light and the Town of Callahan are collaborating to market the site to potential developments.
 
Work commenced on the water and sewer expansion project in 2021 with the design/build project awarded to TB Landmark (contractor) and Mittauer & Associates (Design Engineers).   To date, approximately 3.6 miles of line along Highway 301 to the site have been installed.  The electrical control building, high service water pumps and three wells are in the works with completion expected by mid-2024.
 
“The success of any entity, be it a family, church, business, or country, starts with a strong foundation. For the Crawford Diamond Industrial Park, a big part of that foundation is the water and wastewater system. The Town of Callahan looks forward to serving the businesses that come and build upon this foundation”, stated Randy Knagge, Mayor for the Town of Callahan.
 
On September 11, 2023 at 9:00 a.m., representatives from the Town of Callahan will host a brief site tour for the Board of County Commissioners and provide an update on the project, including anticipated timeline for completion. The event will take place at the Crawford Diamond at the entrance leading into the Industrial Park off Woods Lane. The public is welcome to attend the project update. The site tour will be limited to The Callahan Town Council, Board of County Commissioners and previously identified staff.   
 
Should you have any questions, please reach out to Shawna Gugliuzza, Town Clerk, at (904) 879-3801 extension 203, or via email at [email protected].
 
 
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer
(904) 530-6010
[email protected]
 

Board to Designate $4 Million in American Rescue Plan Act Funding to Town of Callahan to Expand Water & Sewer Services for Economic Development and Job Growth in Nassau County
 
Nassau County, Florida, June 23, 2022 – The Crawford Diamond Industrial Park is a McCallum Sweeney Certified Industrial Park consisting of 1,814 acres and approved for up to 10.5 million square feet of heavy industrial use. It’s proximity to three ports, two interstates, and two railroad lines makes it a prime location for Economic Development with the opportunity to brings thousands of jobs to Nassau County. However, attracting companies has been difficult due to the site’s lack of water and sewer services.

A coalition consisting of the Board of County Commissioners, the Nassau County Economic Development Board, JaxUSA, and the Town of Callahan have been collaborating efforts to expand the Town’s current water and sewer system to the Crawford Diamond.  
In an attempt to fund the expansion, the Town of Callahan applied for a 21/22 Florida Job Growth Public Infrastructure Grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity in the amount of $4 million. In order to qualify for the grant, the Town of Callahan needed support from the Board of County Commissioners. The County’s contribution will be the final financial piece to make this estimated $12 million project a reality.  The investments into these critical infrastructure projects will place the County in a very competitive position to bring significant economic development and job growth within the County. 

On January 4, 2022, County Manager, Taco Pope, sent a letter to the Economic Development Board tentatively committing $4 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding received from the U.S. Department of Treasury following the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding the project is consistent with guidelines set forth by the U.S. Treasury and the Nassau County Prosperity Plan adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in May 2021.

In the January 4th memo, Mr. Pope stated, “The establishment of a public water system to serve the Crawford Diamond Industrial Park supports community goals by creating a more diversified, resilient, sustainable and prosperous local economic ecosystem; improves access to public water; creates high wage jobs; leverages state and federal dollars to build strategic infrastructure; and expands the local tax base”.

We are excited to announce that on Monday, June 20, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis visited Nassau County and presented the Town of Callahan with a check to assist in funding the project! This funding is in addition to $4 million awarded to the Town during the previous fiscal year.

Following the Governor’s check presentation to the Town of Callahan, County Manager, Taco Pope, stated, “This is a big day for Nassau County! By working together to find solutions, the Coalition has finally found a way to bring water to the Crawford Diamond. The Board of Commissioners will continue to invest in infrastructure and to expanding our County’s workforce to strengthen our local economy”.

Construction of the water plant follows the $9 million Crawford Road improvements project completed by the Board of County Commissioners in November 2021. Later this year, the Board of County Commissioners will commence a $2 million intersection improvements project at US 301 and Crawford Road to allow heavy truck traffic to access the Crawford Diamond Industrial Park.
​
Sherri Mitchell, Executive Director for the Nassau County Economic Development Board, stated, “This is such an exciting time for Nassau County and I couldn’t be more thrilled! When we all work together to create planned developments that are diverse, we are truly paving the way for a stronger future. I want to thank the Board of County Commissioners and the Town of Callahan for their commitment to this specific infrastructure project for the Crawford Diamond. Infrastructure is crucially important to foster Nassau County’s economic development and prosperity. This is a game changer and will have a direct effect as it contributes to higher productivity and growth, facilitates connectivity, and promotes economic inclusion”.