1/23/25 @ 2:40 p.m. 
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The Nassau County Sheriff's Office is hosting a "Teen Driver Challenge" on Saturday, February 8, 2025. The course is offered four times a year, so if you miss this one, do not worry, there will be more opportunities!

Did you know that teen drivers face a three times higher risk of fatal crashes compared to other drivers? Sheriff Bill Leeper and the Nassau County Sheriff's Office are dedicated to safeguarding our young drivers and actively working to reduce traffic crash injuries and fatalities. That is why we have teamed up with the Florida Sheriff’s Association to present the Teen Driver Challenge. This free program aims to enhance teens' driving abilities and lower the likelihood of accidents through a blend of classroom learning and practical driving exercises.

Teens aged 15-19 with a valid Florida Operators License or Learner's License, along with at least six months of on-the-road driving experience, are eligible to participate. Participants must bring their own vehicle and provide current copies of their driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance. Each class is limited to 12 students. Students must be Nassau County residents. Lunch will be provided at no cost to you.

Sheriff Bill Leeper emphasizes, "We're here to guide young drivers in mastering both crisis situations and everyday traffic. Awareness is key—defensive driving not only involves being mindful of your actions but also of fellow motorists." The Teen Driver Challenge is primarily a defensive driving program covering various topics and exercises including:

• Vehicle Dynamics
• Human Factors
• Responsibility
• Liability
• Drug and Alcohol Awareness
• Night Driving
• Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
• Safe Driving Habits
• Using Your Senses
• Vehicle Knowledge

All instructors are Nassau County Sheriff Deputies. Upon completion, students receive a certificate which could lead to a reduction in auto insurance premiums.

Sheriff Leeper expresses his enthusiasm by saying, "I'm proud to collaborate with the Florida Sheriff’s Association on this invaluable program and encourage your teen to enroll in this life-saving course."
The Teen Driver Challenge takes place at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds in Callahan, located at 543378 US-1, Callahan, FL 32011.

For further details and registration forms, visit our website at https://www.nassauso.com under the Programs tab.
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For inquiries or registration assistance, contact Nicole Maddox at the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office by phone at 904-548-4020 or via email at [email protected] #ncsotrafficsafety

10/16/24 @ 12:00 p.m. -

The Nassau County Sheriff's Office has partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to organize a "Drug Take Back Day." This event offers the community an opportunity to safely dispose of old prescription medication, vitamins, and similar items responsibly, preventing them from entering our landfills and waterways, or worse, ending up in the hands of someone else. 

See flyer for full details.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

Nassau County Animal Services (NCAS) recently recognized several outstanding Nassau County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) Officers with the first “Animal Hero Awards,” recognizing their work in responding to a recent animal cruelty case.
 
As previously reported, NCAS and NCSO responded to a call on Sunday, July 7, 2024, reporting that a lady outside Target was threatening customers and mistreating a kitten. Upon arrival, NCSO reviewed the store's video surveillance footage and determined that the individual intentionally inflicted pain upon this innocent animal. NCSO arrested the individual and she has since been charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty. Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper stated, "We take cases of animal cruelty very seriously, and cruelty to animals will not be tolerated in our community." The kitten, later named Bullseye, was taken by NCAS to the animal shelter where he was checked by a vet and determined to be in good health. He will remain with NCAS until the case goes to court and then will be eligible for adoption. 

The following NCSO Officers were awarded the Animal Hero Awards in appreciation of their efforts in rescuing Bullseye: Deputy Charles Chandler; NCSO Deputy Mitchell Spencer; NCSO Deputy Nathan Hilliard; and NCSO Deputy James Nosan.
 
Animal Services Director Tim Maguire stated, "During the last fiscal year, NCAS responded to 6,223 calls for service. This can be anything from animals running at large to bite cases and sometimes even animal cruelty cases. The animal cruelty calls are always the hardest to respond to but we are happy to have the support of NCSO and appreciate their efforts in ensuring animal abusers face proper punishment. It's also rewarding to watch as the animal regains its health and finds a home that will give them the best life possible."

Stay tuned for updates on Bullseye, and for future awards recognizing local Animal Heroes. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

4/19/24 @ 12:00 p.m.

The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with Walmart in Yulee for this event, aimed at strengthening the connection between law enforcement and the community. Join them in the back parking lot of Wal-Mart in Yulee near the gas station for a memorable evening on Thursday, April 25th, from 5-7 PM.

They'll have food trucks offering delicious treats and various community partners showcasing their services. Let's come together to make "Nassau Night Out" a celebration of unity and community strength.

Crime prevention information will be available, and you can also look forward to other community groups like Skittles the Clown, the Instrument Zoo, Micah's Place, Nassau County Health Dept, Special Touch Ministry, Starting Point, Nassau County Fire-Rescue, and more!

Additionally, they'll have scent kits, Autism stickers, a brand-new surprise for the little ones and a variety of vehicles available on-site for the family to explore!

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

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

10/13/23 @ 2:15 p.m. - The Nassau County Sheriff's Office is participating in the DEA's National Take Back Day. This event allows residents to safely dispose of prescription medications, OTC medications, vitamins, ointments and more, keeping them out of the environment and out of the wrong hands. 

See flyer for full details including date, time and drop-off locations. 

Also, please note that they will be be accepting liquids or syringes at this Take Back event. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

8/7/23 @ 4:50 p.m. - Project Opioid Jax, Callahan First Baptist Church, LSF Health Systems, Community Coalition Alliance and the Nassau County Coalition for Community Health have partnered to bring an Overdose Awareness Seminar which will discuss the overdose crisis in Nassau County and what we can all do to help.

The event will take place on Thursday, August 31st from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Callahan Baptist Church located at 45090 Green Avenue. Guest speakers include Undersheriff, Jon Hooper; Nassau County's Assistant Fire Chief, Greg Roland; Dr. Scott Miles of Coast Community Health; and Nassau County School Superintendent, Dr. Kathy Burns. There is no cost to participate, however registration is required. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer 

Get to know Sheriff Leeper better during this latest edition of the Florida Sheriff's Association podcast. Sheriff Leeper was sworn in FSA’s 101st president on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

FSA Announcement:

In Episode 86, we dive into the mind and history of Sheriff Leeper:

• How did Sheriff Leeper get to where he is today as Sheriff of Nassau County?
• What are the biggest challenges facing law enforcement and public safety?
• What would you tell a young adult or child interested in a law enforcement career?
• What are the goals for Sheriff Leeper during his term as President of the FSA?
• What is Sheriff Leeper's secret talent?

To listen to the podcast, please click here​

5/17/23 @ 12:45 p.m. - 

May 15th was designated by Presidential Proclamation in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy, as Peace Officer Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week. This was designated to honor those officers, Federal, State and local, who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty. National Police Week has become widely recognized throughout the United States of America as a new way for the citizenry to pay tribute and express their gratitude to those who serve and to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. 

Since the first recorded death in 1786, there have been 23,785 law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice and were killed in the line of duty. In the Spring of 2023, 556 new names of fallen heroes were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, including 224 killed in 2022.

​To date, Nassau County has suffered the loss of 13 law enforcement officers, heroes who have fallen in the line of duty, including 8 from the Nassau County Sheriff's Office, 1 from the City of Fernandina Beach Police Department, 1 Florida Highway Patrol Officer, 2 from the Florida Department of Agriculture, and 1 Hilliard Constable. 

At today's Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board approved Resolution No. 2023-110 proclaiming the week of May 14 - May 20, 2023 as National Police Week and Monday, May 15, 2023 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in Nassau County, Florida. Representatives from the Nassau County Sheriff's Office and City of Fernandina Beach Police Department were in attendance for the reading of the Resolution. 

The Board commends all law enforcement personnel for their service and dedication to Nassau County and its residents. Nassau County residents are encouraged to thank a law enforcement officer this week for all they do to keep our community safe from violence and disorder. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

4/21/23 @ 5:00 p.m. - Below is an update on the Bryceville Fire from the 4:00 pm briefing. 

• Fortunately, fire activity was minimal today and great progress was made
• It will probably be another day or two before we have the final count on acres burned but it is still believed to be around 1600 acres 
• The Division of Forestry will be deploying strike teams tomorrow and through the weekend to address hot spots
• NCFR will provide supplemental tanker trucks to support operations through the remainder of the incident  
• Roads have been reopened. However, NCSO will be patrolling through the evening. If the smoke settles back in and visibility is compromised then road closures will be reinstated as needed   

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-Sabrina Robertson 
 Public Information Officer

4/21/23 @ 10:00 a.m. - First responders have been fighting a brush fire in Bryceville since yesterday afternoon. The Florida Forest Service is the lead agency, however Nassau County Fire Rescue and the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department are assisting. The cause of the fire has not been determined and is currently being investigated. 

As of 9:30 a.m. this morning, the fire is at 1600 acres and 50% contained. No evacuation orders have been issued. Units have been strategically placed near any homes that could potentially be threatened so that first responders can act quickly, if needed. 

First responders currently have their food needs met today thanks to the Red Cross, however drinks are always appreciated. Anyone wishing to donate water, Gatorade, etc. can deliver them to Station 60 located at 8291 US Highway 301, Bryceville. 

County Road 121 is closed to motorists however individuals who live in the area will be allowed to pass by showing proof of residency. If you are in the area today, please be kind to the officers working. They are hot... they are tired... they are stressed... and unfortunately, some of our residents have not been the nicest to them. They are trying to do a job and trying to keep everyone safe. They are not there to ruin your day. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer