4/21/25 @ 5:00 p.m.

​At the Wednesday, April 16, 2025 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners recognized three County employees for outstanding years of service. 

Cindy Wood is celebrating 20 years of employment with Nassau County this month.  Hired by the Clerks of Courts in the accounts payable division, Cindy transferred to the OMB Office in March 2005 and served in various positions including Financial Management & Budget Coordinator and Senior Financial Management & Budget Coordinator. She was promoted to Assistant OMB Director in October 2022 where she plays a pivotal role in development of the annual budget, overseeing financial reporting for accuracy, monitoring of expenditures and operating expenses, and overseeing budget staff within the department. OMB Director Chris Lacambra stated, "Cindy has exceptional talent. To go from an accounts payable clerk to an assistant director.... she's a superstar. We call her the budget guru and budget master. I've enjoyed working with and appreciate her service."  County Manager Taco Pope added, "There was a period of time with turnover in the department. Cindy stepped up and if it wasn't for her, I'm not sure what the County would have done. I don't know if she's ever been publicly recognized for her efforts but it needs to be recognized because we wouldn't be here without her."

Grant Jones is celebrating 20 years with Nassau County Fire Rescue. Grant was hired in March 2005 as a Tactical Supply Officer. Throughout the years, he was promoted to Logistics Officer, Firefighter/Paramedic, Engineer/Paramedic/Firefighter, and to his current position of Lieutenant/Firefighter/Paramedic. He is currently assigned to Engine 71 at Fire Station 71 on Chester Road. He serves on the Special Hazard Operations Team (SHOT) and responds to hazmat situations. Most recently he has begun training all the new recruits. Chief Brandy Rigdon stated, "Everytime we hire new people, Grant spends 6-8 weeks with them in their early careers, training and getting them ready to hit the streets. We greatly appreciate all his efforts. 20 years is a good accomplishment."

The last employee recognized was John Horne who is celebrating 25 years of service this month. John was hired in April 2000 as a Landfill Spotter. John was promoted to a Landfill Operator I, then a Landfill Operator II before being promoted to his current position of Convenience/Recycle Center Closure Operator. In this position, John serves residents at the Convenience Recycle Center, hauls materials for recycling and empties and delivers new bins to the recycling sites. Solid Waste Division Manager Lynn Diden stated, "I've worked with John for 25 years. I can say that he's always been hard-working and dedicated. I rely on him heavily for training new employees. He's great with the employees, he's great with the residents and he goes great work."

Congratulations Cindy, Grant and John on your achievement! We are grateful to each of you for the outstanding service and dedication you have provided to Nassau County and its residents. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

4/8/25 @ 9:00 a.m.

​16 Members of Nassau County Fire Rescue recently completed a 160-hour course of instruction for becoming a Hazardous Materials Technician with the ability to serve on the Hazmat Team and respond to situations that pose a potential threat to human health, safety or the environment. 

The training, led by Engineer George Faucher, began on January 30 and was completed on March 27, 2025. The overall course consisted of on-line and text book lessons, required reading, and meetings on Saturdays at Fire Station 31 for the hands-on portions. The training is a requirement for those members that want to obtain their Florida State Certification as a Hazardous Materials Technician.

This training and subsequent testing by the Florida State Fire Marshal will add to NCFRs complement of HAZMAT Techs that are able to respond to special hazard calls for service such as flammable liquid spills or leaks, Lithium-Ion battery fires to include Electric Vehicles, HAZMAT spills or leaks of all types, and rail incidents within the county.  These members will become force multipliers should the need arise, keeping Nassau County and its residents safe.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

4/3/25 @ 11:30 a.m. -

​We are excited to announce that Nassau County’s Director of Strategic Advancement Brandy Carvalho was one of 20 women selected for the Jacksonville Business Journal’s Women of Influence Award. This award recognizes extraordinary women who have great impact on their communities in Northeast Florida either through professional success, community involvement and volunteerism.
 
The Board of County Commissioners is proud to employ an outstanding woman who has positively impacted all three areas. Brandy has a long history of volunteerism in Nassau including, but not limited to, the Nassau County Education Foundation; Keep Nassau Beautiful; the Conservation Land Acquisition and Management (CLAM) Committee; Baptist Nassau Board of Directors; St. Marys River Keeper; the Nassau Racial Equality Coalition; and as a mentor through Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
 
Upon being selected, Brandy stated, “I greatly appreciate the honor, and really took it as an opportunity to showcase Nassau County and the amazing work being done in and for our community as a whole.”
 
As Director of Strategic Advancement, Brandy has led the County’s efforts in increasing public engagement, enhancing civic engagement, and improving transparency. She facilitated the County’s Bicentennial initiative in 2024 to bring the community together to celebrate the County’s 200th birthday while using these events as opportunities to engage with residents and obtain their feedback as the County prepares for the next 25 years. She has also led the efforts of the County’s Conservation and Land Acquisition (CLAM) Program and established the County’s new non-profit organization, Imagine Nassau, which will focus on fundraising for four key areas including Nassau County Animal Services, Nassau County Fire Rescue, Nassau County Parks & Recreation and land conservation.
 
Though not outward facing, Brandy has made other significant impacts within the County organization. She meticulously tracks the Board’s identified strategic priorities to ensure that directives are being carried out and that progress is being monitored and recorded for increased transparency. Brandy was also instrumental in creating and facilitating the County’s Internal Leadership Program. This consisted of identifying employees with leadership abilities and providing a series of classes and activities to enhance those abilities. This is beneficial to the County and the employee as it boosts their sense of pride by being identified as a potential future leader.
 
County Manager Taco Pope stated, “The citizens of Nassau County are lucky to have Brandy working hard for them.  It will be exciting to see what she accomplishes in the coming years.”
 
As a life-long resident of Nassau County, Brandy has firsthand knowledge of the various issues facing the community. Her unique combination of skills in management, fundraising, volunteerism and community relations has had a positive impact on the County government and the residents of Nassau County.
 
Please join us in congratulating Brandy on her accomplishment of being named as one of twenty Women of Influence in Northeast Florida for 2025.
 
 
 
 
 

04-01-25 @ 10:00 a.m. -

​At the Monday, March 24, 2025 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners recognized Pat Gilroy retirement. Hired in 1999 as a Construction Engineering Inspector with Nassau County Public Works, Pat always strived to ensure the best roadway and construction for the citizens of Nassau County. He was promoted in April 2018 to a Plans Review Specialist where he worked to ensure proper application of civil engineering principles and techniques related to road construction. This included reviewing all variance requests related to road and drainage standards; attending Development Review Committee meetings; meeting with developers to discuss proposed projects; processing abandonment applications; and writing construction plan comments.  

Development Service Director Caleb Hurst stated, "Just to say a few words today about Pat. We've been before you recently for a few different things. He was recognized for 25 years of service last year and the year before he was Employee of the Quarter. I wanted to get up here one last time and say a sincere thank you. I know that when I first started here six years ago, Pat was my direct report.  He helped me in learning what I know now about Nassau County's road construction. I can truly say that he not only helped me directly, he has helped just about every employee we've had, teaching them exactly what it means to work for Nassau County."

Pat's last day of employment was Monday, March 31, 2025. He will be greatly missed by everyone here at the County. During the meeting Pat stated, "It's time for a new journey. 31 years ago I promised that pretty young lady back there (pointing to wife China) that I would take her back to Panama and that's what I plan on doing." 

Congratulations Pat! We wish you many years of health, happiness and good fortune.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

2/23/25 @ 11:30 a.m. - On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners recognized Engineer/Paramedic Gregory Jones on his upcoming retirement after 31 years of outstanding service. 

Engineer Jones began his employment with Nassau County on September 7, 1993, as a part-time Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). He was promoted to the position of full-time Firefighter/EMT on April 2, 1994 and stayed in that position until March 6, 1997 when he was promoted again to the position of Engineer/EMT. Engineer Jones was promoted once again on March 3, 1999 to his current position of Engineer/Paramedic on March 3, 1999 where he spent the last 26 serving Nassau County residents and visitors during their time of need.

Engineer Jones also served his fellow firefighters by serving on the Peer Support Team providing a variety of services to his colleagues including emotional support, action planning, directing them in self-care methods to address any concerns they are experiencing, and by just being a good listener. His hard work and dedication earned him a spot in the News-leader and Nassau County Record's "40 Over 40" award in 2021. 

During the BOCC Meeting, Commissioner Alyson McCullough presented a Proclamation to Engineer/Paramedic Jones and stated, "I asked specifically to read this Proclamation because this is more than just a retirement ceremony. You mean more to my family than you'll ever know. If you know Greg Jones, you'll know that he not only serves as a Chaplain to the firefighters, he is such an encouragement for every single person he comes in contact with." She then added, "It is a privilege to call you friend and you will definitely never be replaced."

​Chief Brady Rigdon stated, "About 7 years ago, Engineer Jones talked to me about becoming the (Fire Rescue) Department's Chaplain. He has a true love and compassion for our people, and he wants to see them cared for. He's hoping to continue in that role, so he's not leaving. We will keep him plugged in and engaged."

Engineer Jones' retirement will be effective on March 7, 2025. The Board extends their best wishes to Engineer Jones and wishes him many years of health and happiness. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

2/22/25 @ 1:00 p.m. 

At the Wednesday, February 19, 2025 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners recognized Lt. Jamie Graf who is celebrating 25 years of service with Nassau County Fire Rescue. In his position as Lieutenant, Jamie is a field-level supervisor serving on Engine 70 of Fire Station 70. This is one of our busiest stations so most of his time while on duty is spent responding to every type of call including house fires, car fires, medical calls, car crashes, etc.

Chief Brady Rigdon stated, "25 years is no small feat. Jamie, we appreciate your service." 

​When not on-duty, Jamie enjoys spending time with his children and caring for their show horses. 

On behalf of the BOCC. congratulations Jamie on 25 years of outstanding service. We appreciate all that you do for the community and its residents. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

1/15/25 @ 10:15 a.m. - At today's meeting, the Board of County Commissioners recognized Joe Nordeng for 25 years of service. 

Joe began his employment in January 2000 as a Preventative Maintenance Technician at the landfill. Throughout the years, Joe has advanced to various positions, including his current position as a Facilities Technician III for the Facilities Maintenance Department.

Joe has dedicated his time to continuing his education and advancing his skillset. Joe completed the apprenticeship program, earning his HVAC certification. From there, Joe became an instructor where he has continued teach HVAC skills to others. Joe also completed a locksmith training program and has maintained responsibility for all locks and keys for County facilities.

Facilities Division Manager Jeff Little stated, "Joe is tenacious, smart, creative and dedicated. If he tells you he's going to do something, he will do it." The BOCC is grateful to Joe for all he does for the County and commends him for 25 years of outstanding service and dedication. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications 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