​2/24/26 @ 5:00 p.m.

​The State of Florida, through its Attorney General, and certain Local Governments, through their elected representatives and counsel, 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. 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.”
 
On April 8, 2024, the BOCC approved Resolution 2024-040, establishing the Nassau County Opioid Settlement Task Force. The Task Force 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. The Task Force has been charged with recommending 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.
​
Organizations interested in applying for settlement funds can do so by completing the Nassau County Opioid Settlement Application which can be located on our website at: https://nassaucountyfl.com/1403/Opioid-Settlement-Task-Force.
 
Completed applications can be returned via email at [email protected] or by mail to the County Manager’s Office, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097.
 
Completed applications are due by 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026.   
 
Opioid Task Force presentations will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL.
 

2/11/26 @ 4:30 p.m. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Gary Davis
Communications Manager
(904) 530-6010
[email protected]  

NONPROFIT FUNDING REQUESTS FOR FY 26/27

The Board of County Commissioners has begun the budgeting process for Fiscal Year 2026/2027.
 
Nassau County greatly values the benefits and contributions made by nonprofit organizations to the community. As such, we would like to extend an invitation to nonprofit 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/26-27FundingApplication.
 
In addition, please refer to the Nonprofit Grant Funding Policy for information regarding eligibility criteria and a uniform procedure for the submission, review, approval, and accounting of funding requests to the County from nonprofit organizations. This policy can also 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/26-27NFPFundingPolicy.
  
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 4, 2026.
 
On Friday, May 22, 2026, 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]. 

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

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