11/4/25 @ 2:00 p.m.

Nassau County Fire Rescue has partnered with the Barnabas Center to host a Thanksgiving Food Drive, and are collecting non-perishable food donations now through November 24th at any Nassau County fire station.

If crews are out on a call when you stop by, please feel free to leave your donation safely at the front door of the station.

Let’s come together as a community to ensure no family goes hungry this Thanksgiving. Every donation makes a difference! 
​
A heartfelt thank you to Nassau County Fire Rescue and Barnabas Center for their continued commitment to helping Nassau County families in need.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

10/18/25 @ 9:00 a.m.

At the Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Board of County Commissioners meeting, Angie McClellan with the Yulee Historic Council shared an inspiring update on the group’s ongoing efforts to preserve Yulee’s rich history.

From restoring beloved landmarks like the old Yulee Middle School on U.S. 17 to safeguarding treasures such as the Joe Lee Higginbotham Homestead, Yulee Depot, Howell/Higginbotham structure on Pages Dairy Road, and the Brady Point Red School House, the Council is keeping local heritage alive for generations to come.

Founded in 1998, the Yulee Historic Council is dedicated to documenting Yulee’s past and protecting the stories and sites that define the community’s identity. One of their exciting goals is the creation of a living museum near the historic John Muir Ecological Park, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to step back in time and experience Yulee’s history firsthand.

The Council meets monthly on the second Monday at 86365 Pages Dairy Road, Yulee, and welcomes anyone interested in preserving the community’s history. To learn more or get involved, attend an upcoming meeting or call (904) 415-7513.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

10/12/25 @ 9:00 a.m.

It’s National Foodbank Week! Observed every October, this week raises awareness about food insecurity and honors the volunteers and donors who make food banks possible.

In Nassau County, several food banks provide vital support, and today we’re highlighting our community partner, the Barnabas Center. This local non-profit empowers individuals and families to become healthy, thriving citizens, offering resources that enhance stability, health, and overall well-being.

Food insecurity affects 1 in 6 adults and 1 in 4 children in Nassau County. To help meet this need, Barnabas offers a variety of programs. Their food pantry allows residents to access everything needed for healthy, balanced meals. Individuals and families can visit the pantry twice a month to pick up items such as frozen meats, canned tuna and chicken, fresh and frozen produce, milk, and canned vegetables.

Barnabas also hosts five monthly mobile food distributions throughout the County. These events are open to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees can visit twice per month, no ID is required, and only a few basic questions are asked such as household size and ages. This information helps Barnabas identify community needs and allows them to tailor programs and resources to better serve local families.

Barnabas President and CEO Jamie Reynolds stated, "The need for food assistance has grown significantly. Since July, Barnabas Center has seen a 35% increase in families visiting the pantry—this number includes 1,033 children. In response, the Barnabas Center has launched an additional evening food distribution each month. In just the first three distributions, 68 families received food.  We live in a generous community, and we are grateful for the support from the County, City and a variety of service groups/clubs that have organized canned food drives to help Barnabas with this increase in need."

In recognition of National Foodbank Week, residents are encouraged to learn more about local food banks and ways to reduce hunger. You can support your local food bank through financial or food donations, or by volunteering at a distribution event. Learn more at: https://barnabasnassau.org.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

10/01/25 @ 9:00 a.m.

At the Monday, September 22, 2025 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved a Proclamation declaring the month of October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Nassau County, Florida. 

In the United States, it is believed that all citizens have a fundamental right to safety in their lives, homes and community. However, statistics show that 24 people become victims of domestic violence every minute. Studies have also revealed that domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 18-34. 

​Domestic violence plays a key role in other social problems including homelessness, pregnancy outcomes, mental health decline, substance abuse, child abuse, and unemployment. The provision of education on community services available for victims is one of the most important life-saving services a community can provide.  Coordination between law enforcement, the Department of Children and Families, civil and criminal courts, health care providers, batterers intervention programs, domestic violence centers, and the community has proven to be the best way to provide for the safety of victims. 

Representatives from Micah's Place, Nassau County's only certified domestic violence center, were in attendance to accept the Proclamation. Executive Director Tracie Fasel stated, "Recognition like this allows us to spread awareness to the community. We are hopeful we can make the statistics go way down. We attempt to do that everyday through our shelter,  our outreach services, and with our community partners. Micah's Place remains committed to working with those survivors every single day, not just during the month of October. Thank you so much for recognizing us and bringing awareness to this issue and for supporting those survivors and their families." 

The Board of County Commissioners encourages all residents to take part in raising awareness of domestic violence and supporting survivors in their journey toward safety and healing. By working together as a community, we can break the cycle of abuse, promote healthy relationships, and create a safer, stronger Nassau County for everyone.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer 

8/17/25 @ 9:00 a.m. - National Nonprofit Day is observed annually on August 17th to recognize nonprofit organizations and their ongoing service to the community. Nonprofit organizations work tirelessly to protect our environment and improve lives, often relying on the generosity of others to be successful. Whether it’s through a donation, volunteering your time, or simply sharing their mission with others, your support makes a difference. Let’s come together today and give back to the causes that make our community stronger.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

7/18/25 @ 9:00 a.m. 

July is National Make a Difference to Children Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging positive actions that support our youth. During this month, people around the world are encouraged to come together to uplift the youngest members of our society.

By offering support, love, and resources, you can make a significant difference. You can do this by serving as a role model to a child you know, supporting organizations that help children, spending quality time with your own children, and promoting education and literacy. Another powerful way to support children is through volunteerism.

With that in mind, we want to take this opportunity to recognize a non-profit organization: Take Stock in Children — a Florida-based program that helps low-income, at-risk students break the cycle of poverty through education.

Founded in 1995, Take Stock in Children works to combat America’s persistent dropout rate by giving students the resources they need to graduate high school, attend college, earn a degree, and build successful futures. To date, the program has served more than 44,100 students, including:

• 8,000+ middle and high school students
• 7,000+ postsecondary scholars
• 10,319 mentors who have volunteered over 3 million mentoring hours, with an estimated value of more than $66 million
• $303 million in Florida Prepaid Foundation Project STARS College Scholarships awarded

Take Stock in Children has had 28 years of success in Nassau County alone, serving more than 800 students and awarding over $8 million in scholarships. Students in the program meet weekly with a caring mentor, receive personalized college support, and commit to a TSIC contract to maintain good attendance and grades, uphold a minimum GPA, attend college readiness programs, and remain drug- and crime-free.

Nassau County’s Take Stock in Children’s Executive Director, Robin Lentz, stated, “Take Stock Nassau has helped hundreds of local students break the cycle of poverty through mentoring, success coaching, and rewarding students’ hard work with four-year tuition and dorm scholarships.  We are grateful for the support we receive from the community from our volunteer mentors and generous donors”. 
​
Ms. Lentz invites anyone wishing to be a mentor to reach out to Take Stock in Children at (904) 432-8584.
Children need positive influences and mentors to help guide them, but not every child has someone like that in their life. Could you be the person they are missing? You might just be the one who helps guide a child to a bright and successful future.
​
Learn more today at https://www.takestockinchildren.org/.
 

7/10/25 @ 2:15 p.m. 

The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) and the State Attorney’s Office are proud to launch “Pack the Patrol Car,” a school supply drive supporting children in Nassau County who are experiencing homelessness.

The NCSO is collecting classroom essentials for Barnabas, a local nonprofit that helps children facing housing instability start the school year prepared and empowered.

Did you know?
Nearly 95,000 students in Florida are experiencing homelessness.

Right here in Nassau County, over 400 children don’t have a stable place to call home.

Let’s come together as a community to help them succeed—one backpack, one notebook, one smile at a time.

Supply Drop-Off Location: Nassau County Sheriff’s Office
Deadline: July 31st

What’s Needed:
Backpacks (all sizes), pencils, crayons, glue sticks, folders, pencil pouches, binders, dry erase markers, notebook paper, composition notebooks, highlighters, rulers, sticky notes, Lysol wipes, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and other classroom essentials.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Let’s pack those patrol cars and give every child a strong start to the school year!

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

7/7/25 @ 1:30 p.m.

CPR training is crucial because it equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to respond to a cardiac arrest emergency, significantly increasing a person’s chance of survival by maintaining blood flow to the brain and preventing or minimizing brain damage.

This video highlights the outstanding efforts of Hands4Hearts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving community awareness of sudden cardiac arrest through education and support. Hands4Hearts relies on volunteers—many of whom are experienced medical professionals who have witnessed firsthand the impact of sudden cardiac arrest—to help advance its mission.

Hear powerful testimonies from real survivors sharing how CPR saved their lives, along with an inspiring story of a couple whose quick actions saved a woman in a local restaurant. Lastly, retired Critical Care Paramedic Jim Bollenbacher discusses the importance of CPR and how Hands4Hearts is spreading awareness throughout Nassau County through hands-only CPR classes and community education events.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

6/30/25 @ 12:45 p.m. - June is recognized annually as PTSD Awareness Month and is dedicated to raising awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and promoting resources for those affected by it.
 
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It’s often characterized by avoidance of trauma-related reminders, flashbacks, nightmares, and negative effects on mood.  It can result from various traumatic experiences such as natural disasters, accidents, assault, abuse, and combat.
 
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (1), about 6 of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lifetime. The symptoms of PTSD can cause significant distress and interfere greatly with a person’s ability to engage in daily activities. The symptoms can also cause co-occurring conditions such as depression, substance abuse, and anxiety disorders.
 
Residents experiencing PTSD symptoms are encouraged to seek mental health services to improve emotional wellness and to achieve stability and recovery. One agency serving residents in Nassau County is Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare. Established in 1992, Starting Point is Nassau County’s first mental health and substance abuse agency. Led by CEO Dr. Laureen Pagel, Starting Point provides a variety of services including, but not limited to, adult services, child and adolescent services, community outreach and education, and emergency services for anyone experiencing a health emergency.
 
Over the last 30 years, over 45,000 individuals have received treatment at Starting Point, many of which fully recovered from mental health and substance abuse challenges. From behavioral issues to drug addiction, from anxiety to depression, previous clients have provided testimonials about their journey to healing through Starting Point. 
 
Dr. Pagel stated, “PTSD affects people from all walks of life, but healing is possible with the right support. At Starting Point, we believe in meeting people where they are and walking with them through recovery. No one should have to face trauma alone.”

Do you find yourself suffering from PTSD symptoms? If so, you’re not alone! Starting Point is here to help you when you’re ready. Visit their website at www.spbh.org and begin your health journey today. Starting Point contracts with 50+ health insurance providers to make accessing services easier than ever. If you don’t have insurance, they also offer options based on income and family size. Regardless of your situation, there are treatment options available to you and those that you love.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

Source(s): 
(1) National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

DEBUT OF MAKE MUSIC NASSAU COUNTY

Tomorrow is Nassau County's first Make Music Day, hosted by the Nassau Council of Arts & Culture. 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.

A full schedule of events can be found at: https://makemusicday.org/nassaucounty/

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

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