12/1/22 @ 1:15 p.m. - The Department of Health-Nassau has issued a Press Release regarding World Aids Day which is observed today around the world. Full details below. 

Thursday, December 1, 2022

DOH-NASSAU RECOGNIZES WORLD AIDS DAY 2022

Contact: Jennifer Bothast
Jennifer.Bothast@flhealth.gov
904-832-2644

Nassau County, Fla. – Each year on December 1, World AIDS Day is observed around the globe, serving as a memorial for those lost to HIV and as an opportunity to make people aware of enhanced HIV prevention and treatment options. This year’s World AIDS Day theme is “Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV," which encourages people to unite globally to eliminate the barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and treatment that are holding back progress on ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The Florida Department of Health in Nassau stands in solidarity with people and communities across the globe on World AIDS Day, especially our local community and partners that work every day to help end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Florida has made great strides to reduce HIV transmission and continues to work toward eliminating HIV-related deaths by providing equitable access to HIV prevention and care services. The rate of HIV deaths among all persons diagnosed with HIV in Florida has declined by 31% over the last decade, but there is still more progress to be made. In 2021, there were 120,502 people living with HIV in Florida, 4,708 of whom were newly diagnosed. In Nassau County, there were 152 people living with HIV in 2021.

It is important that people know their options when it comes to HIV prevention and treatment. Medication-based HIV prevention—called pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP—and HIV treatment are both based around antiretroviral therapy. Until recently, these medications were only available in pill form. Now, HIV prevention and treatment has evolved to include long-acting injectables. These medications are as effective as daily pills and provide individuals with additional options. Ensuring every single person
has an HIV prevention or treatment option that works for them is key to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Protect yourself. Get tested. Know your status. Learn what’s next.

Knowing your status is the first step toward effective HIV prevention and treatment. People can reduce their risk for HIV by using appropriate prevention strategies, such as taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), using protection, and getting tested regularly. Contact a health care provider to find out if PrEP is recommended for you. If you test positive for HIV, seeking HIV treatment is critical. Antiretroviral therapy can help people live longer, healthier lives. People living with HIV who take antiretroviral medication as prescribed and have an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners. Both PrEP and HIV treatment medications are now available as pills and long-acting injectables.

We have the power to both prevent and treat HIV. Visit the Know Your HIV Status website to learn about testing options near you or order a free at-home HIV testing kit mailed directly to the address of your choice. For more information, call 1-800-FLA-AIDS, or 1-800-352-2437; en español, 1-800-545-SIDA; in Creole, 1-800-AIDS-101.

To learn more about DOH-Nassau’s prevention and treatment options or to schedule an appointment for a no-cost HIV test, call (904) 875-6100 or visit the DOH-Nassau Florida Department of Health in Nassau (floridahealth.gov) or https://hivcarenow.com

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About the Florida Department of Health
The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
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Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

12/1/22 @ 10:00 a.m.

Nassau County has received a State-wide Award of Merit in the Neighborhood Planning category from the American Planning Association, Florida Chapter for its Timber to Tides Initiative [State Road 200/A1A  Corridor Master Plan]. This is now the 2nd State-wide award and 3rd overall award the County has received for the Initiative.

The Timber to Tides Initiative is the culmination of extensive public engagement and application of best practices to re-envision what the State Road 200/A1A Corridor from Police Lodge Road to the Amelia River has the potential to become over the coming decades and then produce a realistic, obtainable, and incremental Action Plan that sets the community on an evolutionary course to reach their defined vision and goals. The results were not only uplifting and transformational, they were reasonable and obtainable!     

The Timber to Tides Initiative is centered on five planning priorities:

1. Nurture Nature: 
Maintain, enhance, and extend the natural environment by creating opportunities for residents to access and enjoy Florida’s unique natural areas

2. Grow Sustainably: 
Help stage vibrant shopping center and neighborhood growth through development that creates places for people, supports local businesses and generates additional jobs, encourages an active lifestyle, and comprises a mix of housing options.

3. Connect Communities: 
Improve linkages between neighborhoods, shopping centers, and amenities through a network of slow, safe, and livable primary and secondary streets, trails, bike paths, and pedestrian infrastructure

4. Catalyze Culture:
Build on heritage while establishing new cultural assets that celebrate community creativity and identity in the public realm.
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5. Future Proof:
Prepare for a future by looking ahead to build a resilient community in the face of growing climate concern and technological advancements

Melissa Zornitta, the American Planning Association Florida Project Awards Chair stated, “The Master Plan was a complete envisioning of a new future for this important community corridor; the committee was impressed by the ability to overcome the challenges of Covid-19 in the community outreach and the thorough approach to addressing future issues along the corridor such as view sheds, multi-modal transportation and the need for mixed use nodes.”

Taco Pope, County Manager and life-long resident stated, “This is our home, it's where we, as a collective community, have chosen to invest our time, effort, and resources to build a life. Nassau County is what we, as a collective community, make it. We have an opportunity to define a resilient, sustainable, and people-centric future that prioritizes quality-of-life and quality-of-place. While it may seem a daunting task, a collective community moving in a unified direction can be the catalyst for generational change. The future is bright for Nassau.” 

The Board of County Commissioner adopted the Timber to Tides Initiative [State Road 200/A1A Corridor Master Plan] vision + planning priorities document and action plan on December 13, 2021 and directed County to staff to move forward with implementation. The referenced document can be found at https://bit.ly/SR200MasterPlan. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

Press Release #8
Evacuation Order Lifted
 
Effective at 2:00 p.m. today, the Evacuation Order in place for zones A and D has been lifted. The County is continuing to conduct emergency operations and damage assessments throughout the County. When returning home, please use caution. If you approach a road that is underwater, PLEASE TURN AROUND. Do not attempt to drive through standing water!
 
Beaches are still unaccessible at this time and residents are still urged to stay out of the water.
 
The Joint Information Center (call center) will close today at 5pm, however calls will still be taken at the Sheriff’s non-emergency dispatch line at (904) 225-5174.
 
Please report damages such as downed power lines, downed trees and other post-storm matters at  https://www.crisistrack.com/public/nassauFL/request.html or email via email at NCEM@nassauso.com.
 
-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer
 

11/10/22 @ 9:15 a.m.

Press Release #7
Tropical Storm Nicole Update
 
Below are updates from the 8:00 a.m. with the National Weather Service:






 

• A tropical storm warning is still in affect for our area.
• A tornado watch is in affect until 1:00 p.m.
• The next high tide will be at 9:46 a.m. Localized flooding is expected. Emergency personnel are continuously monitoring conditions along the Atlantic coast, intercoastal waterways and areas that commonly experience flooding.
• Double red flags are still place at the beach. Residents should stay out of the water as we continue to experience dangerous rip tides.
• Some beach erosion is likely.
• Northeast Florida could experience tropical storm forced winds through Friday morning.
• The County will issue messaging when the Evacuation Order is lifted.
• Residents are encouraged to remain in their homes until it is deemed safe to leave.

 
As a reminder, residents are asked to self-report any damages or flooding by visiting https://www.crisistrack.com/public/nassauFL/request.html or sending photos to NCEM@nassauso.com.
 
Information related to the storm can also be found at www.OneNassau.com Follow Emergency Management on social media at www.facebook.com/NassauEM or at www.twitter.com/NassauEM. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

11/9/22 @ 11:55 a.m. 

Please be advised that Nassau County administrative offices will be closed on Thursday, November 10, 2022. This includes offices reporting to the Board of County Commissioners, the Tax Collector’s Office, Clerk of Courts, Property Appraiser’s Office, and Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. This does not include public safety personnel and other employees assigned to work during this storm event. Animal Services, Public Works, Fire Rescue and Sheriff Deputies are working at the Emergency Operations Center, the shelter, and/or out in the field ensuring that the County is ready for whatever impact may come.
 
The Nassau County Supervisor of Elections' Office and the Canvasing Board will continue operations as previously scheduled. Public access for election activities remains open.  
 
Please continue to remain vigilant and follow public safety announcements. They can be heard on NOAA Weather Radio; Local radio stations 89.9 FM, 104.5 FM and 690 AM; and local news stations Channels 4, 12, 30 and 47.
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If you have any questions, please contact Nassau County Emergency Management at (904) 548-0900.

Information related to the storm can also be found at www.OneNassau.com Follow Emergency Management on social media at www.facebook.com/NassauEM or at www.twitter.com/NassauEM. 

Press Release #4
Evacuations of Zones A & D, Sheltering and Transportation

Evacuations:

As of 10:00 a.m. this morning, Nassau County has issued an Evacuation Order for Evacuation Zones A and D. An Evacuation Zone Map can be located at www.onenassau.com/evacuations. There is also an interactive version at www.nassauflpa.com, under the GIS Mapping feature.

Sheltering:

A shelter has been opened at the Callahan Multi-Purpose Facility located at 543350 US Highway 1, Callahan, FL 32011. This shelter is available for general population, individuals with special needs, and for pets. 

If you have special medical needs, please ensure that you have completed the special needs registration through the Department of Health. They can be reached at 888-353-8387. You can also register online at https://snr.flhealthresponse.com/. If you have already registered, you will be contacted by the Department of Health. 

If are feeling ill, report symptoms to the individual checking you in at the shelter. (gastrointestinal issues, fever, COVID symptoms, etc.)
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Everyone visiting a shelter should be prepared to bring: 

• Personal identification including Photo ID, insurance card, emergency contacts and your primary care
  provider’s contact information 
• Medical information including medications taken, dosage and doctor name/contact info
• Any prescription and/or over the counter medication that you may need 
• Vital equipment for those who are electrically or oxygen dependent
• Food/snacks, particularly those with special dietary needs
• Bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows)
• Sanitary supplies (soap, shampoo, sanitizer, disinfecting wipes)
• Clothing

Transportation: 

If you need transportation, please call the Emergency Operations Center at (904) 548-0900. A transportation schedule will be released later today. 

Nassau County is unable to tell residents when they will be able to return as that will depend on damages from the storm and associated assessments deeming it’s safe to return. Upon returning to Nassau County, please have identification available. This will ensure that you don’t have any issues returning to your home. If your identification card does not include your home address, please ensure you have some sort of documentation so they can confirm your address (deed, utility bill, property tax bill, etc.
Please continue to remain vigilant and follow public safety announcements. They can be heard on NOAA Weather Radio; Local radio stations 89.9 FM, 145.5 FM and 690 AM; and local news stations Channels 4, 12, 30 and 47. 
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If you have any questions, please contact Nassau County Emergency Management at (904) 548-0900. 

Information related to the storm can also be found at www.OneNassau.com Follow Emergency Management on social media at www.facebook.com/NassauEM or at www.twitter.com/NassauEM. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

11/8/22 @ 5:15 p.m. 

Nassau County has already begun experiencing dangerous rip currents and as a result, double red flags have been placed along the beach. Double red flags indicate that the water is closed! This includes all water activities including swimming and the use of watercrafts. (boats, jet skis, etc.)
 
Both Nassau County and The City of Fernandina Beach are closely monitoring the tides and may intermittently suspend beach driving as tides approach the dunes. This applies to Seaside Park in the City of Fernandina Beach, and the County’s beach driving areas at Peters Point, Scott Road and American Beach. We have been advised that the State Park on the south end of Amelia Island has already suspended beach driving temporarily.
 
Please continue to remain vigilant and follow public safety announcements. They can be heard on NOAA Weather Radio; Local radio stations 89.9 FM, 104.5 FM and 690 AM; and local news stations Channels 4, 12, 30 and 47.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Nassau County Emergency Management at (904) 548-0900.
 
Information related to the storm can also be found at www.OneNassau.com Follow Emergency Management on social media at www.facebook.com/NassauEM or at www.twitter.com/NassauEM.
 
-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

Executive Order No. 2022-01 has been issued declaring a local State of Emergency, effective at 3:00 p.m. today, in preparation of Tropical Storm Nicole.
 
Florida Statutes, Section 252.38, states that “safeguarding the life and property of (the County’s) citizens is an innate responsibility of the governing body of each political subdivision of the State,” and further grants the County the power to provide a State of Emergency for the health and safety of persons and property”. The State of Emergency will apply to all territory within the legal boundaries of Nassau County, including the unincorporated and incorporated areas.

Declaring a local State of Emergency allows your government officials quick access to resources to help manage a crisis until things return to normal. A State of Emergency also helps government officials take extra measures to protect the public, trigger anti-price gouging laws, and most importantly, seek State or Federal funding for disaster response and reimbursement of funds exhausted on things such as overtime costs and purchase of supplies and equipment needed to manage the emergency.

While Tropical Storm Nicole’s exact path is still uncertain, Nassau County is continuing to monitor the situation closely and are in frequent communication with the National Hurricane Center and local partners to ensure we are ready for any impacts that may come. Please continue to remain vigilant and follow public safety announcements. They can be heard on NOAA Weather Radio; Local radio stations 89.9 FM, 145.5 FM and 690 AM; and local news stations Channels 4, 12, 30 and 47.

If you have any questions, please contact Nassau County Emergency Management at (904) 548-0900.
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Information related to the storm can also be found at www.OneNassau.com Follow Emergency Management on social media at www.facebook.com/NassauEM or at www.twitter.com/NassauEM.

11/8/22 @ 11:50 a.m. - 

Nassau County is continuing to monitor Tropical Storm Nicole. While it’s still too early to determine the exact impacts of the storm locally, preparations are taking place to ensure we are ready. At a minimal, Nassau County is expected to be impacted by storm surge.
 
Nassau County residents living in low-lying and/or flood prone areas should begin preparing now. The County will have sandbags available at two locations:
 

• Yulee Road Department: 86200 Gene Lasserre Boulevard, Yulee, FL 32097
• Hilliard Road Department: 37356 Pea Farm Road, Hilliard, FL 32046

 
Both sites will be open beginning at 12:00 p.m. today and will close at 7:00 p.m. tonight. Tomorrow, the sites will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  
 
Bags are pre-filled and ready for pickup. Public Works personnel will be onsite to assist you. You will be required to show proof of residency.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Nassau County Emergency Management at (904) 548-0900.
 
All updates and information related to the storm can be found at www.OneNassau.com.
Follow Emergency Management on social media at www.facebook.com/NassauEM or at www.twitter.com/NassauEM.
 

The Nassau County Road Department is happy to announce it has completed its scheduled list of chip sealed roads for the 2021 and 2022 fiscal years.
 
Twenty-two dirt roads totaling 29,145 feet (roughly 5.5 miles) were upgraded to a newly paved surface utilizing the chip seal process. When the repetitive maintenance of dirt roads becomes timely and costly and/or driver safety is compromised, chip seal is a great option because it’s similar to asphalt in durability and appearance, but much less expensive.  
 
The chip seal surface treatment consists of an application of heated asphalt liquid, followed by a layer of crushed rock with a roller to create a smooth surface. Chip seal roads enhance public safety by providing good skid resistance, an anti-glare surface during wet weather, and an increased reflective surface for night driving.
 
During adoption of the Fiscal Year 22/23 budget, the Board allocated $900,000 for the Chip Seal Program. This will allow an additional fifteen roads totaling 17,975 feet to be resurfaced this Fiscal Year. Roads identified for chip seal this Fiscal Year include:
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• Milton Road
• Dawson Road
• Boyd Road
• D. Fouraker Road
• Middle Road
• Lawhon Road
• Debbie Road
• Howard Road
• Oelsner Drive
• Wilder Boulevard
• Arbor Lane
• Seymour Lane
• Nassau River Road
• Freeman Road
• Myrtice Road

We want to thank the citizens of Nassau County for their patience during the preparation process. We would also like to thank our County Commissioners, (District 1) John F. Martin, (District 2) Aaron C. Bell, (District 3) Jeff Gray, (District 4) Thomas R. Ford, (District 5) Klynt A. Farmer, for their support and allocating funding for this initiative.
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If you have any questions, please contact the Nassau County Road Department at (904) 530-6175.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer