5/30/25 @ 9:00 a.m. - Nassau Council of Arts & Culture recently announced the first annual Make Music Day Nassau which will debut on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Make Music Day Nassau is part of Make Music Day, a global music celebration that takes place on summer solstice each year and brings people of all ages and skill levels together to make music. This year, over 150 U.S. cities will host thousands of Make Music performances across the country as part of the world's largest annual music event. 

Make Music Day Nassau will include free events in downtown Fernandina Beach in various venues such as the Train Depot, Pocket Park, Island Art Association, by the fountain at the Historic Courthouse, and the Marina. 

Any musician, amateur or professional, is invited to take part by signing up at www.makemusicday.org/nassaucounty. Registration closes on June 19, 2025. 

Any businesses, buildings, schools, churched, or other institutions that would like to offer outdoor spaces as a concert location can also visit the website above to make that request. 

A full schedule of events will be posted prior to the event. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer 

5/29/25 @ 12:30 p.m.

May is National Foster Care Month. Designated by President Ronald Reagan by Proclamation in 1988, National Foster Care Month is meant to raise awareness about foster care and acknowledge the contributions of foster parents.  Statistics show that as of September 30, 2023, there are over 343,077 children and youth in foster care through the United States.(1)

As of May 26, 2025, there are currently 31 children and teens in foster care here in Nassau County, Florida (2). Family Support Services of North Florida (FSSNF) is the lead agency in preservation, foster care and adoption services in both Duval and Nassau County. They provide a variety of services for families including in-home training and support to keep families together, ongoing support and resources to families and children, and programs for teens to help them prepare for adulthood. Another important service FSSNF provides is finding homes for children and teens in need. Whether it’s locating safe and loving foster homes for children or finding forever families for them through adoption, FSSNF strives to ensure that children have a chance to thrive, receive essential resources and find permanent, caring homes.

Foster care is crucial for children who for whatever reason cannot live with their biological families. Whether it’s abuse or neglect that prevent them from receiving proper care, having a safe place for them to heal from trauma and gain access to resources is very important. Further, it provides them with a place to live while their families receive support and resources to address these challenges and hopefully allow the child to return home to their families in the future.

Over the past 5 fiscal years, FSSNF has found permanent homes (through Reunification, Guardianship, or Adoption) for 179 children in Nassau County. Over the past 5 fiscal years, FSSNF has provided out-of-home care to an average of 81 children per year. By providing them with stable and supportive care, they are able to grow into successful, responsible adults and are able to break the cycle of poverty and other challenges they have experienced. 

Tiffany Ball, Director of Licensing and Kinship for FSS stated, “Family Support Services of North Florida is committed to ensuring the safety, stability, and well-being of children and families in Duval and Nassau Counties. Through foster care, prevention, adoption, and comprehensive support services, we partner with the community to protect children, strengthen families, and build brighter futures. Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued. At Family Support Services, we work every day to ensure children in our community have the stability and care they need to thrive. Foster parents play an essential role in this journey—they provide not just a home, but also hope and healing.  We celebrate our foster parents during National Foster Care Month each year and we are very grateful for the part they play in the child welfare system. Foster parents serve a critical role in our system of care and receive extensive training to be properly educated and equipped to understand the trauma our children have encountered and how to be compassionate and helpful to them during their time in out of home care. We’re grateful for the families who open their hearts and homes, and we encourage others to consider the incredible impact they can make in a child’s life.”

FSSNF seeks understanding, compassionate and patient individuals who are interested in helping a child in need. As a foster parent, you can join a network of families and professionals who offer support and encouragement to assist you throughout the process. More importantly, you can leave a lasting impression on a young person and help prepare them for success in the future.
If you’re unable to foster, you can still make an impact through financial contributions, in-kind gifts, and by volunteering at community and fundraising events. Visit www.fssjax.org to learn how you can make a difference in a child’s life today!

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer
 
 Sources:

1. Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System,  https://tableaupublic.acf.gov/views/afcars_dashboard_main_page, retrieved 05/26/25.
2. Children Active Receiving In-Home or Out-of-Home Services, Florida Safe Families Network Daily Reporting, 05/26/25 update.

 

5/22/25 @ 9:00 a.m. - Each year in May, Mental Health Awareness Month is recognized to support efforts at fighting the stigma associated with mental illness, providing support, educating and the public, and advocating for equal care. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), studies show that there are an estimated 57.8 million adults aged 18 and older in the United States which represents 1 out of every 5 adult Americans who experience mental illness each year, with 1 in 20 adults experiencing serious mental illness each year. However, due to limited or no knowledge of the need, barriers to care, or fear and shame, 60% of adults and 50% of youth do not receive the treatment necessary for their mental health needs and the average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years.

At the Wednesday, May 21, 2025 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners presented a Proclamation declaring May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Nassau County, Florida. Representatives from Starting Point Behavioral Health and NAMI were both in attendance to accept it. NAMI Executive Director Suzanne Mailloux stated, "We recently expanded our services to Nassau County and we're grateful to be here, grateful to serve the community and grateful to guide individuals through peer support, and help them find the treatment and services they need." Dr. Laureen Pagel thanked the Board of County Commissioners to for their continued support and expressed her excitement about having NAMI as a new community partner in Nassau County to help serve the residents.

Recognizing the impact of awareness and education, access to services, and acceptance of the importance of mental health to a person's overall success is important in the fight against the stigma associated with mental illness. The Board of County Commissioners joins the efforts of Starting Point Behavioral Health and NAMI in promoting mental health, wellness and community understanding of support and services with a focus on prevention and early intervention. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

5/9/25 @ 1:30 p.m.

​The Wild Amelia Nature Festival takes place from May 9 - May 17, 2025. Hosted by Keep Nassau Beautiful, this annual event includes 9 fun-filled days of ecotours, sunset river cruises, Wild Storytime events for kids, a community cleanup and more.


Another activity featured will be Cocktails for the Gardens, taking place on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Main Beach Park.

​Here, you can learn more about Keep Nassau Beautiful's newest program, Gardens of Amelia. Enjoy bidding on an array of experiences, collectibles, and gifts at the silent auction; take a picture in the photo booth, indulge in bites by Personal Cuisine, and select wine and beers while you listen to live music by local favorites, Hupp and Ray. Additional information including ticket prices can be found here: https://givebutter.com/c/GardensKNB

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

4/22/25 @ 2:30 p.m. 

In recognition of Earth Day, we wanted to highlight a local non-profit who goes above and beyond to keep Nassau County clean, safe, and beautiful for the community. 

Established in 1991, Keep Nassau Beautiful works to maintain litter and waste control programs, organize community beautification and conservation efforts, and promote the benefits of a clean and beautiful environment. This is accomplished in a variety of ways including organized roadside litter cleanup, community cleanup events, and planting trees and flowers around the county. Keep Nassau Beautiful also partners with the County twice a year to offer the Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Event aimed to keep harmful items out of the landfill. Hundreds participate in these recycling events each year to dispose of things like paint, electronics, pesticides, fluorescent lightbulbs, used motor oil, batteries and other similar items that are hazardous to the environment. 

Through its Gardens of Amelia Program, Keep Nassau Beautiful provides information on native plants and Nassau's historic maritime forest, and they recognize property owners who are preserving and regenerating the maritime forest. Another interesting program you may not be aware of is their Donate a Legacy Tree Program. This program is designed to enhance the existing tree canopy and beautify public spaces while allowing residents to honor a loved one. 

Last but not least, Keep Nassau Beautiful hosts the popular Wild Amelia Festival which introduces residents and visitors to Nassau County's diverse local ecosystems and the wonderful creatures that inhabit them. The 2025 Wild Amelia Nature Festival will take place from May 9 - May 17, 2025 and includes 9 fun-filled days of ecotours, sunset river cruises, Wild Storytime events for kids, a community cleanup and more. Be sure to stop by the Wild Amelia Eco-Expo on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 10am-3pm at Main Beach for children's activities, animal exhibits and informational booths by environmental organizations. There will be something for everyone at this wonderful family event. Relax, have fun and get in touch with nature. While there be sure to wander over to the County's Opening of the Beaches Event where you will find live music, food trucks and the County's Vision 2050 tent. 

About Keep Nassau Beautiful
Keep Nassau Beautiful is governed by a Board of Directors which consists of up to 25 members. The day-to-day management is overseen by an Executive Director who operates within the framework of the established budget, adopted programs, and policies developed by the Board of Directors. Annual reports can be located on their website at www.keepnassaubeautiful.org. Here you can also find information on how you can help including volunteer opportunities and ways to donate.  

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

2/12/25 @ 2:30 p.m. 

The Board of County Commissioners has begun the budgeting process for Fiscal Year 2025/2026.
 
Nassau County greatly values the benefits and contributions made by non-profit organizations to the community. As such, we would like to extend an invitation to non-profit organizations serving residents of Nassau County to apply to be considered for funding. To be considered, you must complete a Nonprofit Funding Request Application. This form can be found on the County’s official website at www.nassaucountyfl.com, under the Office of Management and Budget, or at this direct link: https://nassaufl.co/25-26FundingApplication.
 
Your funding request must be provided to the Office of Management & Budget located at 96135 Nassau Place, Suite 2, Yulee, FL 32097, by the close of business on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
 
On Friday, May 23, 2025, a Public Forum will be held for agencies to make a brief presentation regarding your organization and its request. Agencies submitting funding requests will be contacted by the Office of Management & Budget to schedule a time for your presentation.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Sr. Budget Coordinator, Sharon Johns, at (904) 530-6010, Option 2, or via e-mail at [email protected].
 
-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer 

1-3-25 @ 11:00 a.m.-

​Family Support Services is hosting a FREE online class on Human Trafficking on January 15, 2025 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Human Trafficking Vulnerability and recruitment is everywhere and remains a serious issue in northeast Florida. The region is actively addressing this complex situation and exploitation through collaborative efforts among law enforcement, non profit organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies.

Common themes in the anti-human trafficking field are "This Can Happen to Anyone" and "It's Happening in Your Backyard."  Victims could be your clients, patients, students, congregation members, and community members that you see and interact with on a regular basis. 

Residents are invited to join this learning opportunity where you can become more vigilant, learn to recognize the signs, and learn how to report any suspicious activities and/or potential victims. 

Register today by clicking here. Questions/ call (904) 402-4684. All information including the Zoom link and log-in ID can be found in the attached flyer. 

11/8/24 @ 3:00 p.m. -The State of Florida, through its Attorney General, and certain Local Governments, through their elected representatives and counsel, were engaged in litigation seeking to hold many of the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Participants accountable for the damage caused to the State by their misfeasance, nonfeasance and malfeasance ("Opioid Lawsuits").

On July 26, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) took action to participate in the Opioid Lawsuits by Resolution 2021-156 and beginning in January 2022, the State of Florida Attorney General negotiated settlement agreements of the Opioid Lawsuits with multiple parties requiring settlement payments be made over an 18-year period. Proceeds from the settlement agreements with the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Participants must be used to increase the amount of funding presently spent on opioid and substance abuse education, treatment, prevention and recovery services.

Nassau County's Opioid Settlement Task Force was created by Resolution No. 2024-040 in April 2024​. It is comprised of individuals and stakeholders with knowledge, direct or indirect experience with Opioid substance abuse, and a vested interest in the reduction of Opioid misuse. Their purpose is to recommend to the Board of County Commissioners the most efficient use of settlement funds in accordance with the Core Strategies and Approved Uses as dictated by the settlement agreements. 

In September 2024, the BOCC issued a Press Release notifying the community of an opportunity to apply for opioid settlement funds. On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the Opioid Settlement Task Force met to review Opioid Settlement Project Submission Packets that had been received from Starting Point Behavioral Health, The Coalition for Community Health, and Rise, all totaling $615,497 in funding requests.  Assistant County Manager Marshall Eyerman notified the Task Force that settlement funding for the year is $386,748. 

Each organization made presentations at the November 7th meeting to provide information on their organization and projects designed to offer additional opioid education, treatment and recovery programs to the community using the settlement funding. In order to be considered, each project must align with Core Strategies as dictated by the settlement agreements. No formal decision was made at the November 7th meeting, however the Task Force will meet again on December 14, 2024 at 2pm to continue the discuss related to the funding requests. These meetings are open to the public and are held in the County's Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL. 

If you would like to watch the November 7, 2024 meeting of the Opioid Settlement Task Force, please click here. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer 

9/25/24 @ 1:15 p.m. - At the Wednesday, September 18, 2024 meeting, the Board approved Proclamation No. 2024-032 recognizing the ARC Nassau on 50 years of service to Nassau County residents. Since 1974, the ARC Nassau has provided support and services to adults with intellectual disabilities. They recently announced a merger with the Northeast Florida Advocates for Autism and Related Disabilities and will now also provide services to youth. The Board commends the ARC Nassau on 50 outstanding years of services to Nassau County residents and wishes them well on all their future endeavors. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

9/12/24 @ 9:00 a.m. - In case you missed it! The Council on Aging is hosting the 10th Annual Senior Expo and Health Fair on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 9am-1pm. This event will include over 60 exhibits for senior services including, but not limited to, Social Security Administration, Veterans Services, State & Local Government Agencies, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Seniors vs Crime, Health Insurance Providers, Senior Living, Wellness, and more! The event will also include representatives from the Council on Aging sharing their senior programs, and Baptist Health who will provide information on nutrition, cancer, BMI screenings, and stroke education. 

The event will take place at the Atlantic Recreation Center located at 2500 Atlantic Avenue in Fernandina Beach. If you have any questions, please contact the Council on Aging at (904) 261-0701.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer