5/25/23 @ 3:10 p.m. - At the Monday, May 22nd meeting, the Board approved Resolution No. 2023-112 proclaiming the week of June 1 - June 7, 2023, as CPR and AED Awareness Week. 

This week is recognized nationally by the American Heart Association to spotlight how lives can be saved if more Americans know how to administer Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). 

According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year and of those, 70% happen in the home. About 90% of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die, however the victim's chance of survival more than doubles if a bystander immediately performs hands-only CPR. 

The Nassau County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) has spearheaded a free hands-only CPR and AED public education program and has already trained more than 800 Nassau County residents. The Board recognizes the value MRC's Lifesavers Initiative Outreach Program and extends their gratitude to its volunteers and educators for their service to the residents of Nassau County. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

5/16/23 @ 1:00 p.m. 

The Department of Health-Nassau has issued a Press Release encouraging residents to begin preparing now to protect their health heading into hurricane season. This includes signing up for the Florida Special Needs Registry, cataloging a list of medications, updating contact lists, and more. 

If you have any questions, please reach out Jennifer Bothast of DOH-Nassau at (904) 832-2644 or via e-mail at Jennifer.Bothast@flhealth.gov. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

5/12/23 @ 10:00 a.m. -

As a voluntary participant in FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS), residents in the unincorporated areas of the County enjoy a reduction in the cost of their flood insurance policy premium. This is accomplished through the County's efforts to undertake floodplain activities that exceed minimum FEMA/NFIP floodplain standards such as retrofit of facilities, drainage improvements, public outreach events, and community messaging that earn the County "credits" to improve its CRS ranking

Participation in the CRS program also provides credit to the county for submitting the five-year Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) and its annual update. The LMS is produced by the Nassau County Emergency Operations Center and is required by the Florida Division of Emergency Management for the purpose of assessing potential hazards that threaten the County and identifying cost-effective actions that will reduce or eliminate the impacts of these hazards. Mitigation proposals are prioritized and the entities responsible for implementing the action are identified, as are sources of potential funding. 

Presented here today, is the required publication of the Annual Progress Report of Nassau County’s Local Mitigation Strategy for CRS credit which outlines the progress toward completing the County’s various flood-related mitigation strategies.
 
If you have any questions, please reach out to CRS Coordinator, Naomi Braff, at (904) 530-6250 or via email at nbraff@nassaucountyfl.com. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

4/21/23 @ 5:00 p.m. - Below is an update on the Bryceville Fire from the 4:00 pm briefing. 

• Fortunately, fire activity was minimal today and great progress was made
• It will probably be another day or two before we have the final count on acres burned but it is still believed to be around 1600 acres 
• The Division of Forestry will be deploying strike teams tomorrow and through the weekend to address hot spots
• NCFR will provide supplemental tanker trucks to support operations through the remainder of the incident  
• Roads have been reopened. However, NCSO will be patrolling through the evening. If the smoke settles back in and visibility is compromised then road closures will be reinstated as needed   

​
-Sabrina Robertson 
 Public Information Officer

4/21/23 @ 10:00 a.m. - First responders have been fighting a brush fire in Bryceville since yesterday afternoon. The Florida Forest Service is the lead agency, however Nassau County Fire Rescue and the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department are assisting. The cause of the fire has not been determined and is currently being investigated. 

As of 9:30 a.m. this morning, the fire is at 1600 acres and 50% contained. No evacuation orders have been issued. Units have been strategically placed near any homes that could potentially be threatened so that first responders can act quickly, if needed. 

First responders currently have their food needs met today thanks to the Red Cross, however drinks are always appreciated. Anyone wishing to donate water, Gatorade, etc. can deliver them to Station 60 located at 8291 US Highway 301, Bryceville. 

County Road 121 is closed to motorists however individuals who live in the area will be allowed to pass by showing proof of residency. If you are in the area today, please be kind to the officers working. They are hot... they are tired... they are stressed... and unfortunately, some of our residents have not been the nicest to them. They are trying to do a job and trying to keep everyone safe. They are not there to ruin your day. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer 

4/18/23 @ 9:30 p.m. 

The National Association of Counties (NACo) has proclaimed April as National County Government Month. Each day this month, we will provide different facts about Nassau County, including information about its history, services provided and more.





SPECIAL NEEDS REGISTRY
When an evacuation order is given, your best choice is to travel to an area outside of the anticipated impact area. However there is a Special Medical and Transportation Needs Program is designed for those who:
1) must seek refuge in an emergency public shelter during an evacuation, AND
2) have special medical/functional needs OR require government transportation assistance to a public shelter.

The “Special Needs” Registry – Annual Enrollment is REQUIRED 

Residents who wish to participate in the Special Needs Program, either for transportation assistance to a public shelter or supplemental medical assistance in a public shelter during a disaster, must enroll and update registration information annually prior to hurricane season (June 1st), even if there have been no status changes.

Enroll On-Line – use the Florida Department of Health web-based secure registration tool found at the link below. – Individuals can self-register or have their caregiver or a relative register for them.
Residents with questions about the Special Needs Registry may contact the health department via email at SNR@FLHealth.gov.

https://snr.flhealthresponse.com

​-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

Nassau County Emergency Management & the Nassau County Sheriff's Office has coordinated a presentation to teach participants what to do if they find themselves in an active shooter event. Topics include the history and prevalence of active shooter events, the role of law enforcement, and civilian response options.

This event is open to individuals 16+ and will take place on Thursday, April 25th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Yulee Middle School.

Register here. 

If you have any questions, please contact Jamie McCormick at (904) 206-3262.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

3/10/23 @ 9:00 a.m.

It's Flood Awareness Week in Nassau County, Florida. Each day, we will share a tip on protecting yourself and your property from flood damage.

DAY FIVE: BUILD RESPONSIBLY
Build responsibly. Avoid building in floodplains. Before you build, find out what the regulations are and what permits are required. Be aware of substantial improvement rules, which are there to correct structures built before regulations and flood mapping. These apply when a structure is below a known base flood elevation plus freeboard.

​For more information, visit https://library.municode.com/fl/nassau_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COORNACOFL_CH10_1-2FLMA