4/15/26 @ 6:00 a.m.

​At its meeting on Monday, April 13, 2026, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) proudly approved a proclamation recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12–18, 2026.

First established in 1981 and recognized nationwide by the U.S. Congress, this week honors the dedicated professionals who serve as the first point of contact in emergency situations. Whether coordinating responses for law enforcement, fire rescue, or emergency medical services, telecommunicators play a critical role in ensuring help arrives quickly and efficiently when it is needed most.

The proclamation highlights the vital connection between the public and first responders, noting that the safety of deputies, firefighters, and paramedics depends heavily on the accuracy and clarity of information gathered and relayed by 9-1-1 operators. In Nassau County, these individuals have made significant contributions to public safety through their role in assisting with emergency response, supporting lifesaving efforts, and helping bring offenders to justice.

Often referred to as the “silent service,” public safety telecommunicators work behind the scenes with professionalism, compassion, and calm under pressure, qualities that are essential during moments of crisis. While their work may go unseen by many, its impact is felt throughout the community every day.

Through this proclamation, the BOCC formally recognizes the dedication and service of Nassau County’s public safety telecommunicators and encourages residents to join in expressing appreciation for the critical role they play in protecting lives and property.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

10/28/25 @ 8:45 a.m.

Today, on National First Responders Day, the Board of County Commissioners extends our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated men and women who serve our community as first responders.

Every day, our firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, dispatchers, and other emergency service professionals stand ready to protect lives and property, often putting their own safety at risk to help others. Your courage, professionalism, and compassion are the backbone of our community’s safety and resilience.

We recognize the long hours, the personal sacrifices, and the unwavering commitment you show in times of crisis. Whether responding to emergencies, natural disasters, or moments of everyday need, you embody the very best of public service.
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On behalf of all our residents, the Board of County Commissioners thanks you for your service, your strength, and your steadfast dedication to keeping our county safe.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

9/12/25 @ 1:00 p.m. 

SAVE THE DATE!

The Nassau County Sheriff's Office is hosting Nassau Night Out on Tuesday, September 30, from 4–6 PM at Hagan Ace Hardware in Callahan!

Bring the family to check out our vehicles, snap photos, and hang out with our deputies and staff.
Meet community partners like Micah's Place, First Coast Crime Stoppers, Nassau County Fire Rescue, Starting Point Behavioral Health, Nassau County Emergency Management, and more!

Nassau County Animal Services will also be there with adoptable pets who can't wait to meet you!

Don’t miss this FREE, fun, family-friendly event! Questions? Email [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

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

6/18/25 @ 12:00 p.m. 

On Monday, June 16, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and Nassau County Sheriff's Office (NCSO) hosted a Ribbon Cutting celebrating the completion of Phase Two of the Nassau County Public Safety Training Complex. 

Phase One was completed in March 2021, consisting of a gun range and a temporary parking area. This initial $1.6 million investment was made possible through investments by the BOCC and from federal funds. Phase Two includes an indoor training facility that will allow for enhanced capabilities of Nassau County’s public safety and first responders. This $7.95 million facility was funded through a $5.95 million State Legislative Grant received by the BOCC, along with the use of $2 million in impact fees paid by new developments. The facility has several classrooms, a MAT room, a simulator room for practicing real-life scenarios, a fitness room, and a training room for 911 operators. 

Monday's event began with an invocation led by Chaplain Arlie Johns, followed by the Nassau County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard and the Pledge of Allegiance. BOCC Chairman Hupp Huppmann began with a welcome message stating, "To the men and women of the County's Sheriff's Department, you've chosen a path and profession that requires a level of dedication and service that is unequal to anything outside of your ranks and qualifications. You've chosen a life of service, and we are sincerely grateful for your service." Chairman Huppmann explained how Sheriff Leeper's visionary leadership brought the training complex to where it is today, adding, "The Board of County Commissioners, through the Sheriff's superb leadership, believes this training facility will assist our public safety and first responders in keeping their skills sharp for decades to come."

The next speaker was Nassau County native and Congressman, Aaron Bean, who shared stories about his interactions with NCSO and his overall respect for law enforcement. He also expressed excitement about NCSO's ability to train here at home, stating, "What a monumental day for Nassau County! God bless the people who will train at this facility to save lives and keep Nassau County safe."

Last but not least, we heard from Sheriff Leeper. He began by providing a brief history of the overall Public Safety Training Complex, including future plans for a K-9 training facility and a training facility for fire and emergency medical services personnel. Sheriff Leeper expressed his appreciation to the Board of County Commissioners, both current and past, for supporting public safety. He stated, "A safe community is a great community. It's a place that people want to live, work, and raise a family. Nassau County is that place."  

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

6/12/25 @ 11:00 a.m. - Just a friendly reminder that the Board of County Commissioners and Nassau County Sheriff's Office are hosting a Ribbon Cutting in celebration of the completion of Phase Two of the Nassau County Public Safety Training Complex. The event will take place on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at 153322 County Road 108, Yulee. 

Phase One was completed in March 2021 and consisted of a gun range and temporary parking area. Phase Two includes an indoor training facility that will allow for enhanced capabilities of Nassau County's public safety and first responders, allowing them to maximize their skills through training and mock exercises. For additional information, please click here.  

This Ribbon Cutting Event is open to the public. We hope to see you there!

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

5/27/25 @ 3:15 p.m. - The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) invites you to a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. as we celebrate the completion of Phase Two of the Nassau County Public Safety Training Complex. 
 
Phase Two includes an indoor training facility that will allow for enhanced capabilities of Nassau County’s public safety and first responders. This $7.95 million facility was funded through a $5.95 million State Legislative Grant received by the BOCC, along with use of $2 million in impact fees paid by new developments.
 
Phase One, completed in March 2021, consisted of a gun range and a temporary parking area. This initial $1.6 million investment was made possible through investments by the BOCC and through federal funds. 
 
Upon final completion, the Public Safety Training Complex will serve as a site where our local public safety and first responders can maximize their skills through training and participate in exercises consisting of realistic events to help them prepare for future incidents.
 
The BOCC is currently designing a new K-9 training facility, also funded by Legislative Grants.  With the Sheriff’s Department utilizing the first improvements at the site, the remaining portions of the Public Safety Training Complex buildout will include future site improvements to support Nassau County Fire Rescue and other local public safety services.
 
The BOCC is grateful to the Sheriff and his personnel for taking the lead to bring the training building to completion and is looking forward to celebrating with the NSCO and the community at the Ribbon Cutting on June 16th.
 
-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

5/15/25 @ 6:00 a.m. - It's Peace Officers Memorial Day. Today, we honor the brave officers who serve on the front lines to protect our families and safeguard our communities from violence and disorder. Their oath to serve and protect comes with extraordinary risk and sacrifice. Sadly,  hundreds of law enforcement officers die in the line of duty each year. Residents are encouraged to take time today to pray for those who grieve the fallen and to pay tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer 

5/13/25 @ 1:30 p.m. - May 15th was designated by Presidential Proclamation in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy as Peace Officer Memorial Day and the week on 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 citizenry to pay tribute and express their gratitude to those who serve, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. At the Monday, May 12, 2025 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) issued a Proclamation proclaiming May 11 - May 17, 2025 as National Police Week and Wednesday, May 15, 2025 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in Nassau County, Florida. 

There are currently over 800,000 law enforcement officers nationwide, including the dedicated members of the Nassau County Sheriff's Office and the City of Fernandina Beach Police Department. Since the first recorded death in 1786, there are currently more than 24,000 law enforcement officers in the United States who made the ultimate sacrifice and have been killed in the line of duty, including thirteen Law Enforcement Officers from Nassau County: 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 Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Law Enforcement, and 1 Hilliard Constable.

Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper and various personnel from the Sheriff's Office were in attendance to accept the Proclamation, as well as Commander Jim Norman accepting on behalf of the FBPD. 

The BOCC acknowledges and commends all law enforcement personnel in Nassau County for their service and dedication to the residents. The BOCC also encourages citizens to know and understand the duties, responsibilities, and sacrifices our local law enforcement officers make for our community and to credit them for their efforts in safeguarding life and property and protecting us from violence and disorder. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

2/25/25 @ 10:00 a.m.

​The Nassau County Sheriff's Office has been receiving reports of people getting texts saying they have unpaid tolls. please note SunPass does not ask customers for payments or to take immediate action on their account over text.

Remember, DO NOT click links or respond! If you receive a similar message:

• Ignore and delete
• Never share personal information
• Contact SunPass directly to make payments

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To report suspicious activity related to SunPass or E-ZPass, Floridians can file complaints at FDLE's Report a Cybercrime webpage or call (866) 9NO-SCAM. You also can file a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

-Sabrina Robertson 
 Communications Officer

1/23/25 @ 2:40 p.m. 
​
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