The Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce that at the Florida Engineering Society’s (FES) annual conference held in late July, Deputy County Manager/County Engineer, Robert Companion, was named the FES 2022 Government Engineer of the Year.

The FES is the State’s leading organization committed to supporting engineers and the engineering profession. The FES supports their 3,000+ members by providing educational opportunities, professional licensures, and promotion of ethical and competent practices.

To be considered for this prestigious award, an individual must be able to demonstrate outstanding contributions within their communities, as well as to the advancement of other engineers employed by the Federal, State, County or Municipal Governments in the State of Florida.

Jess VanEyk, Chair of the Florida Professional Engineers in Government, stated, “When reviewing potential award recipients, we look at the applicant’s noted contributions to the engineering practice and how they have improved or enhanced that practice. Mr. Companion’s adaptation and enhancement of capital improvement projects and corresponding mobility projects were the key factors in our vote. Another factor in this vote was Mr. Companion’s development of Nassau County’s first pavement management plan. Mr. Companion’s contributions are a demonstration of meaningful engineering planning and its benefit to Nassau County and its residents”.

As Deputy County Manager/County Engineer, Mr. Companion provides direct support to the County Manager as part of the executive leadership team charged with strategically aligning the County’s goals and resources. He also oversees the County’s Public Works and Community Development Divisions as they relate to community planning, capital improvement projects, stormwater/drainage improvements, and construction/maintenance of roads.

Taco Pope stated, “As County Manager, I am extremely proud of Robert. As a citizen of Nassau County, I am thankful that Robert has chosen to apply his professional talents to making our community the best it can be. Every day, I witness the time, effort and passion he puts into executing his craft on behalf of the residents and visitors of Nassau County”.

Mr. Companion is a life-long resident of Nassau County who is committed to improving the quality of life for our residents. Mr. Companion’s education includes an Associate of Science Degree in Computer Aid Drafting and Design (CADD) from ITT Technical Institute, as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of North Florida.

Companion’s work experience includes over a decade of roadway and development design experience in both the private and government sectors. He has served the Nassau County residents as both the Senior Transportation Engineer and County Engineer before being promoted to Deputy Manager/Assistant County Manager earlier this year. Mr. Companion also serves his community through volunteer efforts which have included the Relay for Life of Fernandina Beach / Yulee and most recently Kairos Prison Ministry.
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In response to receiving the award, Mr. Companion stated, “It is a privilege to serve the residents of Nassau County every day and an honor to be recognized by FES for the good work we have been doing to better serve the citizens”.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

7/28/22 @ 9:30 a.m. 

At the Board of County Commissioners’ meeting held on Monday, July 11, 2022, the Board approved a Capital Improvement Plan valued at $133 million with $49 million in CIP Projects funded for Fiscal Year 2022/2023. We are pleased to announce that the Board was able to determine funding sources that will not require the use of FY 22/23 projected ad valorem revenues earned from property tax collection, but instead utilize a diverse mix of funding sources including grants, impact fees, mobility fees, tourist development tax funds and other restricted funds.

What are capital improvement projects you ask? Capital improvement projects refer to physical assets that include the design, purchase, construction, maintenance, or improvement of public resources such as land, buildings, parks, public infrastructure, equipment and public spaces.

The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a working blueprint for building and sustaining the community’s publicly funded infrastructure. It identifies capital improvement projects and funding sources; prioritizes improvements based on available funding; and provides an estimated timeline for completion of each improvements project.

Each year, the County compiles a list of identified projects for the CIP. The current CIP reflects the goals and objectives in the County’s first interim Strategic Plan, adopted earlier this year. The interim Strategic Plan sets a definable course, expectations and fearless targets to work towards a more resilient, equitable, sustainable, and prosperous County. The Interim Strategic Plan can be found at https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/1282/Strategic-Plan.

Projects identified in the updated CIP include a variety of ongoing and new projects focused on quality-of-life, public safety, economic development, job attraction, public facility needs, maintenance or replacement of existing facilities in infrastructure, and pavement management.
Sampling of Funded Projects for Fiscal Year 2022/2023 includes:

Transportation

• Extension of Amelia Island Trail from Simmons Road to Hickory Street
• Reconstruction of County Road 121
• US 301-Crawford Road Intersection Improvements
• Dove Road extension to William Burgess Blvd.

Parks, Recreation & Quality of Life

• Goffinsville Boat Ramp improvements
• New bleacher pads, new bleachers, and new shade structures at the Yulee, Hilliard, Callahan, and Bryceville Sports Complexes
• Nassau Crossing/William Burgess Community Park ‘Splash Pad’
• Callahan “Town Center/Farmers Market”
• Bryceville Community Park “Town Center/Social Space”
• Wilson Neck Boat Ramp [John Claxton Boat Ramp] Park Improvements

Public Safety

• Public Safety Training Complex – Phase Two. The County celebrated the completion of Phase One at a Ribbon Cutting on July 13, 2022.
• Security camera replacement for the Detention Center
• Equipment update at the Emergency Operations Center

Stormwater/Drainage

• Clements Road drainage improvements
• Thomas Creek mitigation project

Facilities

• Civic Center Campus conceptual design work and preliminary engineering
• New courtroom buildout
• Historic Courthouse window replacement

Again, this is just a sampling of capital improvement projects that have been approved for the next Fiscal Year. To see all projects in 5-Year CIP (fiscal years 2022/2023 through 2026/2027), including the current fiscal year (2021/2022), visit https://bit.ly/NassauCIP.
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Please note that projects placed into the County’s 5-year CIP are considered to be funded, however the CIP is subject to the adoption of the annual budget which is considered at two public hearings each September.

7/15/22 @ 2:40 p.m. 

​The Florida City-County Management Association (FCCMA) has recognized Nassau County Manager Taco Pope for his personal and professional excellence in local government administration. Last month, the FCCMA publicly celebrated achievements of its members and their significant contributions to the management of local government as part of the association’s annual State conference. County Manager Pope was one of only two City/County Managers selected statewide for the FCCMA’s 2022 Who’s Who Under 40 Award.

The Who’s Who Under 40 Award was created by the FCCMA to acknowledge the industry’s top emerging talent who will serve as an integral part of local government for years to come. To be considered, the recipient must have a great aptitude for local government work and must exemplify the tenets of the code of ethics established by the International City/County Manager’s Association (ICMA).

FCCMA’s Association Services Coordinator, Nykierama Cooper, stated, “The Who’s Who Under 40 Award recognizes top local government leaders in Florida under the age of 40 for their personal and professional excellence. Those selected are among the industry’s top emerging talent and will be an integral part of the FCCMA and local government administration for years to come. Mr. Pope was selected for this award because of his contribution to the field of Public Administration and for his positive community impact.”

Board of County Commissioners Chairman Jeff Gray stated, “Taco is an excellent example of what a true public servant should be. He is devoted to the success of the County and the well-being of its residents. His long-term vision and strong work ethic provides the foundation needed to establish generational sustainability and a quality of life that our residents can enjoy for years to come. We are happy to have him on our team and are excited about the County’s future under his leadership.”
In response to receiving the state-wide recognition, County Manager Pope stated, “I am humbled to be recognized by my peers from across the State. I am extremely appreciative to receive validation from a respected independent third-party like the FCCMA. This recognition reaffirms that we, as a collective community, are making tremendous strides forward. Ultimately, this is our home and it is what we make it.”

As County Manager, Mr. Pope serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the county government. He provides fiscal, strategic, and operational leadership to the organization, as well as sound analysis and professional recommendations and implementation of the Board’s policies. The County Manager promotes quality-of-life/quality-of-place and generational sustainability through the professional management of the organization’s resources.

Mr. Pope is a native Floridian and 35-year resident of Northeast Florida. He is a certified professional planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) with seventeen years of local government experience in the State of Florida. Taco has served Nassau County citizens as both a technical practitioner in the field of urban/community planning and as an administrator/program manager. Prior to accepting the position of Nassau County Manager in 2020, Taco served the citizens of Nassau County in several roles including, Assistant County Manager, Planning and Economic Opportunity Director, and as a community planner. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and two Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Administration.

Beginning this Fall, Mr. Pope will be hosting “Ask the County Manager” sessions across the county where citizens can discuss current topics with the County Manager and senior staff members. Be sure to sign up for the weekly County news blast at https://bit.ly/NassauNews to be notified of the meetings.

7/12/22 @ 4:30 p.m.

Commissioner John F. Martin was presented with the Advanced County Commissioner Level I (ACC I) designation from the Institute for County Government (ICG) at an award ceremony held at the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Annual Conference and Educational Exhibition in Orange County, Florida on June 30, 2022.
 
The ACC I designation signifies the commissioner's completion of a comprehensive study program designed by ICG. The ACC I education program, consisting of three two-day seminars and 27 hours of total coursework, focuses on leadership development with an emphasis on the future of Florida. Commissioners are given the opportunity to participate following their graduation from the Certified County Commissioners (CCC) program.
 
“As an optional program, it takes a commissioner who is truly dedicated to serving their community to pursue this designation and it speaks volumes about those who do,” shared the Institute for County Government’s Executive Director, Eric Poole. “This program brings together commissioners who are committed to facing Florida’s greatest challenges and allows them to collaborate and grow as they learn new strategies, which they may use to better their communities.”
 
Upon completing the program, Commissioner John Martin stated, “The Advanced County Commissioner Program has provided me with a better understanding of the complex issues that counties are facing around the State. This knowledge has further prepared me in planning for Nassau County’s future and will be useful in effectively representing our constituents. I highly recommend the Advanced County Commissioner program to any Elected Official who wants to expand their expertise in governmental affairs and maximize their leadership skills”.
 
The ACC I education program was launched in 2006 and commissioners must fully commit to the coursework to graduate from the program. Participants are challenged to act, think and lead during times of uncertainty and adversity. Alongside Commissioner Martin, 17 commissioners earned the designation at the 2022 award ceremony and a total of 285 commissioners have earned the designation since the inception of the program.
 
The education program is made possible in partnership with the University of Florida/IFAS Extension, who has sponsored this program for the last fifteen years and has offices in all 67 Florida counties.
To learn more about the ACC program and other education programs offered through the Institute for County Government, please visit flicg.org.
 
Founded in 1929, the Florida Association of Counties has represented the diverse interests of Florida’s counties, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule – the concept that communities and their local leaders should make the decisions that impact their community. The Florida Association of Counties helps Florida’s counties effectively serve and represent their communities through Advocacy, Collaboration, and Education.

 

6/24/22 @ 1:15 p.m. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer
(904) 530-6010
srobertson@nassaucountyfl.com
 
 
NASSAU COUNTY RECEIVES 2022 SUSTAINABILITY AWARD FOR STATE ROAD 200 CORRIDOR MASTER PLAN
 
Nassau County, Florida, June 24, 2022 – Nassau County has received its second award for the State Road 200 Corridor Master Plan. The first award was an Award of Excellence in Planning from the Northeast Florida Regional Council earned in January 2022. This most recent award is the 2022 Sustainability Award from the Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA) which was earned for creating a plan that improves on and harmonizes with the natural environment.
This plan was the result of a two-year planning initiative which consisted of online citizen surveys, interviews and community meetings in which stakeholders were asked to share their thoughts about the State Road 200/A1A Corridor.
 
This process revealed that county residents, young and old, share a desire for a safe, comfortable, and attractive corridor that connects them to the places they are seeking access to. They also desire more trees, sidewalk/bicycle paths, and gathering spaces such as parks and public markets. At the Board of County Commissioner’s meeting held on December 13, 2021, the Board adopted a Resolution approving the SR200/A1A Corridor Master Plan which will serve as the blueprint for plan implementation through upcoming comprehensive plan policies and land development code standards.
 
Joseph Quinn, Senior Project Manager for the Southwest Florida Water Management District and President of the FPZA, stated, “The Nassau County State Road 200/A1A Corridor Master Plan reflects the incredible long-range vision of staff, residents, businesses owners, and others to foster a sense of community and connectivity not traditionally seen in such car-centric corridors. The broad stakeholder engagement in the Master Plan development is a testament to the community’s desire to create a vibrant, connected, and sustainable corridor addressing enhanced livability for both current and future residents. Given the exceptional aspects of the State Road 200/A1A Master Plan, the Florida Planning and Zoning Association was extremely excited to present Nassau County with the 2022 Sustainability Award!”
 
Nassau County recognizes that the current pattern of development along the SR200/A1A Corridor is not fiscally sustainable, nor does it represent the interests of the community. With the recent widening of SR200 to six lanes, its wide vehicle travel ways, unshaded sidewalks, and unprotected bike lanes, automobile transportation is prioritized.
 
Nassau County’s goal is to establish nodes of compact, walkable areas along the corridor, linked by safe routes for bicycling and future transit, while creating a sense of place and historic identity. Five planning priorities identified include:  

• Nurture Nature: Maintain, enhance, and extend the natural environment by creating opportunities for residents to access and enjoy Florida's unique natural areas.
• Grow Sustainably: Help stage vibrant shopping center and neighborhood growth through development that creates places for people, supports local businesses, and generates additional jobs, encourage active lifestyles, and comprises a mix of housing options.
• 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.
• Catalyze Culture: Build on heritage while establishing new cultural assets that celebrate community creativity and identity in the public realm.
• Future Proof: Prepare for a future by looking ahead to build a resilient community in the face of growing climate concern and technological advancement.

 
The State Road 200 Corridor Master Plan outlines Low Impact Design (LID) principles that work with nature to manage stormwater and preserving natural landscape features. It also includes guidelines for maintaining natural areas and protecting viewsheds along the corridor which would be accomplished by strategic acquisition of parcels along the State Road 200 corridor.   
 
County Manager, Taco Pope, stated, “The State Road 200 Corridor Master Plan- The Timber to Tides Project charts a path towards a more resilient and people centric development program that prioritizes quality-of-life and generational sustainability. I am proud to have been part of the planning team that delivered this project to the citizens of Nassau County”.
 
The Master Plan can be located here.

If you have any questions about the SR200/A1A Corridor Master Plan, please contact the Nassau County Planning Department at (904) 530-6300 or email planninginfo@nassaucountyfl.com.
 
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer
(904) 530-6010
srobertson@nassaucountyfl.com
 

Board to Designate $4 Million in American Rescue Plan Act Funding to Town of Callahan to Expand Water & Sewer Services for Economic Development and Job Growth in Nassau County
 
Nassau County, Florida, June 23, 2022 – The Crawford Diamond Industrial Park is a McCallum Sweeney Certified Industrial Park consisting of 1,814 acres and approved for up to 10.5 million square feet of heavy industrial use. It’s proximity to three ports, two interstates, and two railroad lines makes it a prime location for Economic Development with the opportunity to brings thousands of jobs to Nassau County. However, attracting companies has been difficult due to the site’s lack of water and sewer services.

A coalition consisting of the Board of County Commissioners, the Nassau County Economic Development Board, JaxUSA, and the Town of Callahan have been collaborating efforts to expand the Town’s current water and sewer system to the Crawford Diamond.  
In an attempt to fund the expansion, the Town of Callahan applied for a 21/22 Florida Job Growth Public Infrastructure Grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity in the amount of $4 million. In order to qualify for the grant, the Town of Callahan needed support from the Board of County Commissioners. The County’s contribution will be the final financial piece to make this estimated $12 million project a reality.  The investments into these critical infrastructure projects will place the County in a very competitive position to bring significant economic development and job growth within the County. 

On January 4, 2022, County Manager, Taco Pope, sent a letter to the Economic Development Board tentatively committing $4 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding received from the U.S. Department of Treasury following the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding the project is consistent with guidelines set forth by the U.S. Treasury and the Nassau County Prosperity Plan adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in May 2021.

In the January 4th memo, Mr. Pope stated, “The establishment of a public water system to serve the Crawford Diamond Industrial Park supports community goals by creating a more diversified, resilient, sustainable and prosperous local economic ecosystem; improves access to public water; creates high wage jobs; leverages state and federal dollars to build strategic infrastructure; and expands the local tax base”.

We are excited to announce that on Monday, June 20, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis visited Nassau County and presented the Town of Callahan with a check to assist in funding the project! This funding is in addition to $4 million awarded to the Town during the previous fiscal year.

Following the Governor’s check presentation to the Town of Callahan, County Manager, Taco Pope, stated, “This is a big day for Nassau County! By working together to find solutions, the Coalition has finally found a way to bring water to the Crawford Diamond. The Board of Commissioners will continue to invest in infrastructure and to expanding our County’s workforce to strengthen our local economy”.

Construction of the water plant follows the $9 million Crawford Road improvements project completed by the Board of County Commissioners in November 2021. Later this year, the Board of County Commissioners will commence a $2 million intersection improvements project at US 301 and Crawford Road to allow heavy truck traffic to access the Crawford Diamond Industrial Park.
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Sherri Mitchell, Executive Director for the Nassau County Economic Development Board, stated, “This is such an exciting time for Nassau County and I couldn’t be more thrilled! When we all work together to create planned developments that are diverse, we are truly paving the way for a stronger future. I want to thank the Board of County Commissioners and the Town of Callahan for their commitment to this specific infrastructure project for the Crawford Diamond. Infrastructure is crucially important to foster Nassau County’s economic development and prosperity. This is a game changer and will have a direct effect as it contributes to higher productivity and growth, facilitates connectivity, and promotes economic inclusion”.
 

6/13/22 @ 10:40 a.m. 

In January 2017, the Board of County Commissioners dedicated 40 acres of County-owned property for a Public Safety Training Center to be used by public safety personnel. Long term plans for the center include gun ranges, training rooms, a mock jail, K-9 training area with kennels, an SRT training obstacle course, shoot house, dive-team training pond, Fire/Rescue training area (with classroom, training tower, railcar prop, semi/fuel prop) and other possibilities as future needs develop.

A Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on March 21, 2021, to celebrate the commencement of construction. The first phase of the Public Safety Training Center consisting of gun ranges and temporary parking is now complete. To celebrate, the Board will host a Ribbon Cutting for Phase One and Firing of the First Shot Ceremony on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the site’s location at 153322 County Road 108, Yulee, FL. The public is invited to attend.

Phase Two of the project will commence in the very near future and will include construction of the classroom building with airnaseum, a storage building, and resurfacing of the parking lot.

If you have any questions, please contact the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office at (904) 225-0331.
 

Nassau County, Florida, May 25, 2022 – On Friday, June 10, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., the Board of County Commissioners will host a Ribbon Cutting in celebration of the completion of the new County Extension Office located at 85831 Miner Road, Yulee, FL 32097.

The Board of County Commissioners broke ground on this project on May 15, 2019.  All construction work has been done in-house by Facilities Maintenance staff consisting of over 1,800 man-hours and resulting in significant savings to the County.

Upon completion, this new 2,000 square foot facility will serve as the administrative office for the County Extension staff and will feature classrooms for horticulture, natural resources, agriculture, 4-H Youth Development, and family consumer classes and training rooms for the master gardener volunteers and extension agents. The property will also feature demonstration gardens, a nature trail with learning stations, an orchard, and an aquatic pond for pond maintenance training.

At the May 15, 2019 groundbreaking event, an announcement was made that the facility would be called the “Rebecca L. Jordi Cooperative Extension Office” in honor of Extension Director Rebecca L. Jordi who spent countless hours advocating for a new facility for Extension services. Unfortunately, Ms. Jordi passed away on July 31, 2020, however having the facility named after her will ensure that she will always be remembered for her great passion for agriculture and horticulture and for all her efforts in bringing this project to fruition.
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Members of the public are invited to attend and participate in this celebration.

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The Smith Lever Act of 1914 established the Cooperative Extension Service as a partnership between land grant colleges nationwide, including the University of Florida and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in order to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public through educational programs.  The Nassau County Extension is a joint partnership between the University of Florida and the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners and has been in operation since 1915.

-Sabrina Robertson 
 Public Information Officer
 
 

5/17/22 @ 10:45 a.m. - 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer
(904) 530-6010
srobertson@nassaucountyfl.com
 
 
The 2020 – A Look Back Photo Exhibit on Display at the James S. Page Governmental Complex

Nassau County, Florida, May 17, 2022 – We are pleased to announce that The 2020-A Look Back photo exhibit is on display now through Monday, November 14, 2022, at the James S. Page Government Complex located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097.

2020 was an unprecedented year that caused uncertainty to citizens across the country, including Nassau County. Amelia Island Plantation Artist’s Guild and Gallery members Karen Bowden, Barbara Hopkins, Dickie Anderson and Sarah Edwards thought it would be interesting to put together an exhibit that showed how residents navigated through the trials presented in 2020, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
In January 2021, the group solicited photos from the public that depicted how Nassau County residents faced these new challenges. The community response was outstanding, and they ultimately ended up with an exhibit of approximately 100 photos that exemplify how Nassau County residents persevered during a difficult time.
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On April 9, 2021, the exhibit opened at the Plantation Artists Guild and Gallery and has been featured at various locations including the Amelia Island Courtyard and Springhill Suites, the Song & Story Bookstore and Bistro, the Council on Aging, and the Fernandina Beach Library.
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The 2020-A Look Back photo exhibit designated Arts Alive as the recipient of any revenues resulting from the project. The organization provides free or low-cost music and arts instruction for Nassau County children who have little or no access to them.
 
Any member of the public wishing to view the Exhibit can do so Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm (except for holidays). If you have any questions, please contact the County Manager’s Office at (904) 530-6010.