Category: State-of-florida - The County Insider

The County Insider

Resurfacing of US 17 From Lippizan Court to the Georgia State Line

6/12/2026

6/12/26 @ 8:30 a.m. -

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced a new paving project beginning next week on U.S. 17 from Lippizan Court to the Georgia State line. Improvements consist of milling and resurfacing, highway signing, and other incidental construction.

No lane closures will be allowed from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

According to FDOT, completion is expected in late 2026, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting.

Stay informed about lane closures and roadwork in your area by following FDOT District 2 at @MyFDOT_NEFL on X, at MyFDOTNEFL on Facebook or by visiting nflroads.com. Drivers seeking real-time traffic alerts may visit www.FL511.com or download the FL511 app.

Questions? Contact the FDOT Communications Division at (904) 360-5484.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Enjoy Florida's License Free Fishing Weekend

6/5/2026

6/5/26 @ 3:15 p.m.

Grab your rods and reels because Florida’s License Free Saltwater Fishing Weekend is here! On June 6-7, residents and visitors can enjoy saltwater fishing without needing a fishing license. Whether you’re casting from the shoreline, a boat, or one of Nassau County’s beautiful piers, it’s a great chance to get outdoors and make memories with family and friends.

Please remember that while licenses are waived this weekend, all other fishing regulations including bag limits, size limits, and seasons still apply.

Thank you to the MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife for providing this opportunity to enjoy Florida’s incredible natural resources responsibly.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Hunting, Fishing and Camping Sales Tax Holiday

11/21/2025

11/21/25 @ 9:00 a.m.

In case you missed it! Consumers can currently purchase qualifying hunting, fishing, and camping supplies exempt from tax during the 2025 Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday. Passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the sales tax holiday began Monday, September 8 and extends through Wednesday, December 31.

Some items that are tax exempt can be found in the below graphic. For a full list of eligible items, please visit floridarevenue.com/HuntFishCamp.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

NEFRC Legislative Priorities for 2026

10/21/2025

10/21/25 @ 10:45 a.m.

Each year, the Northeast Florida Regional Council (NEFRC) solicits legislative priorities from its member counties, including Nassau County. Prior to the start of the Legislative Session, the NEFRC, with guidance from the Legislative Policy Committee, develops the Northeast Florida Regional Priorities which highlight critical issues that often have a regional impact.

At the Wednesday, September 17, 2025 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) discussed their top regional priorities to be submitted to the NEFRC for the upcoming Legislative Session. They are as follows:

Property Tax Reform
Florida 2026 Senate Bill 180
Home Rule
Flood Mitigation/Resilience
Small, Rural and Transitioning Counties Infrastructure Program Support
Live Local Act/Affordable Housing
Conservation Land Acquisition funding
Maintain Regional Councils.

Information about each priority and its overall effect on the region can be found in the attached Memorandum from County Manager Taco Pope.

To hear the discussion, please visit the Clerk's Website to watch the meeting. The discussion is listed under "Tab J".

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Nassau Legislative Delegation Holds Meeting

10/5/2025

10/5/25 @ 9:00 a.m.

On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the Nassau County Legislative Delegation held a meeting to select the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Legislative Delegation, and to receive input ahead of the upcoming Legislative Session in Tallahassee. Senator Clay Yarborough and State Representative Dean Black listened as representatives from the County, City of Fernandina Beach, Towns of Hilliard and Callahan, School Board and several non-profit organizations explained their funding needs. Several individuals also spoke about Legislation they wish to see amended and/or introduced in support of various causes and issues important to them.

Anyone wishing to watch the meeting can do so by visiting the Florida Channel. Questions should be directed to Senator Yarborough's Office at (850) 487-5004.

We appreciate the Legislative Delegation for visiting Nassau County and for giving our community the opportunity to share needs and ideas ahead of the Legislative Session. We also appreciate our State Officials for all they do to secure Legislative funding on behalf of the County and their commitment to helping us improve the quality of life for our residents.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Nassau County Legislative Delegation

9/5/2025

9/5/25 @ 3:00 p.m.

Senator Clay Yarborough and State Representative Dean Black have scheduled the next Nassau County Legislative Delegation Meeting for Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers located 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL.

The purpose of the Legislative Delegation Meeting is to elect the 2025 Delegation Chair and Vice Chair, and to hold a general legislative public hearing. Anyone wishing to speak must complete the attached Speaker Request Form and mail it to Cam Brown of Representative Dean Black's Office at 12529 Yellow Bluff Road, Unit 6 PMD 112, Jacksonville, FL 32226, by the close of business on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

If submitting materials/handouts via U.S. mail, individuals are asked to provide three (3) sets of three-hole punched, 8 ½ x 11 copies and use the Speaker’s Request Form as a cover sheet to be included in the Members’ meeting packets.

Questions may be directed to Cam Brown, Office of Rep. Dean Black, at (904) 717-9750 or by emailing [email protected].

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Chapter 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons in need of special accommodations to participate in the meetings, including agendas, interpreters, or assisted listening devices, should contact Cam Brown at (904) 717-9750 or [email protected] by close of business on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025.

All Nassau Legislative Delegation meetings are open to the public.

Please note this is NOT a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. All questions should be directed to Cam Brown as indicated above.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Back to School Sales Tax Holiday

7/13/2025

7/13/25 @ 9:00 a.m. - The Florida Legislature recently passed House Bill 7031, allowing for certain back-to-school items to be permanently exempt from sales tax during the entire month of August. This is a change from previous years when the sales tax holiday lasted for 1 or 2 weeks.

Beginning August 1 - August 31, 2025, the following items will be exempt from sales tax:

Clothing, footwear, and accessories: $100 or less per item
Most school supplies: $50 or less per item
Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles: $30 or less per item
Personal computers and related accessories: $1,500 or less per item

For complete details, please visit the Florida Department of Revenue website.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Permanent Tax Exemptions on Certain Disaster Preparedness Supplies

7/9/2025

7/9/25 @ 9:00 a.m. -

During the adoption of the FY 2025-2026 budget, the Florida Legislature established a permanent sales tax exemption on certain disaster preparedness items. Previously, Florida held temporary sales tax holidays for disaster preparedness twice each summer. With the new permanent exemption, however, various qualifying items will now be tax-free year-round, beginning August 1, 2025.

For tips on preparing your disaster supply kit, visit www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hurricane-supply-checklist/.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Daytime Closures Next Week to US 17 Over St Marys River

1/31/2025

1/31/25 @ 9:00 a.m.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has notified the County that the U.S. 17 over the St. Mary’s River will see full closures Monday, Feb. 3 through Thursday, Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily for routine bridge maintenance.

During the closures, motorists will not be able to cross the St. Mary’s Bridge and will be detoured to I-95 to cross the river.

If you have any questions, please contact the FDOT District 2 Communications Office at (904) 476-8330 or email [email protected].

About the St. Mary's Bridge:
The St. Mary’s Bridge was constructed in 1927 and is a movable swing bridge, where the center span twists to open for vessels. The bridge is completely manual and requires a crew to unlock the vessel, manually turn the bridge and relock the bridge when vessels request an opening.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

FDOT Scheduled to Begin Resurfacing SR200 on November 25, 2024

11/19/2024

11/19/24 @ 3:00 p.m. - The Florida Department of Transportation issued the below Press Release yesterday notifying the public of the upcoming resurfacing of SR 200 from Nassauville Road to the Amelia River/Shave Bridge.

We appreciate the efforts of State Representative Dean Black on getting this much needed project moved up from 2025.

Florida Department of Transportation
1109 South Marion Avenue
Lake City, Florida 32025-5874

RON DESANTIS
GOVERNOR

JARED W. PERDUE, P.E.
SECRETARY

For Immediate Release
Nov. 18, 2024
Contact: FDOT District 2 Communications
(904) 360-5582 | [email protected]

FDOT Scheduled to Begin Resurfacing State Road A1A/State Road 200 on Nov. 25

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – Resurfacing of State Road A1A (State Road 200) between O’Neil Scott Road and the Amelia River is scheduled to begin Nov. 25. Improvements under this project include milling and resurfacing, shoulder treatment, guardrail, highway signing and other incidental construction.

Traffic will be maintained in accordance with FDOT design standards throughout the project. Drivers can expect single lane closures between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Monday through Friday. No lane closures will be allowed 6 a.m. through 7 p.m. Drivers should exercise caution during construction.

Preferred Materials was awarded the $4 million project, which is expected to be completed by spring 2025, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting.

Stay informed about lane closures and roadwork in your area by following FDOT District 2 at @MyFDOT_NEFL on X (formerly Twitter) at MyFDOTNEFL on Facebook or by visiting nflroads.com. Drivers seeking real-time traffic alerts may visit www.FL511.com or download the FL511 app.

NFLRoads.com | X: @MyFDOT_NEFL | Facebook: @MyFDOTNEFL

The Florida Department of Transportation’s mission is to provide a safe statewide transportation system that promotes the efficient movement of people and goods, supports the state’s economic competitiveness, prioritizes Florida’s environment and natural resources, and preserves the quality of life and connectedness of the state’s communities.

Nassau Legislative Delegation Holds Meeting

11/14/2024

11/14/24 @ 12:15 p.m.

On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, the Nassau County Legislative Delegation held a meeting to select the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Legislative Delegation, and to receive input ahead of the upcoming Legislative Session in Tallahassee. Senator Clay Yarborough and State Representative Dean Black listened as representatives from the County, City of Fernandina Beach, Towns of Hilliard and Callahan, School Board and several non-profit organizations explained their funding needs. Several individuals also spoke about Legislation they wish to see amended and/or introduced in support of various causes and issues important to them.

Anyone wishing to watch the meeting can do so by visiting the Florida Channel. Questions should be directed to Senator Yarborough's Office at (850) 487-5004.

We appreciate the Legislative Delegation for visiting Nassau County and for giving our community the opportunity to share needs and ideas ahead of the Legislative Session. We also appreciate our State Officials for all they do to secure Legislative funding on behalf of the County and their commitment to helping us improve the quality of life for our residents.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

Opioid Settlement Task Force Hears Settlement Funding Requests

11/8/2024

11/8/24 @ 3:00 p.m. -The State of Florida, through its Attorney General, and certain Local Governments, through their elected representatives and counsel, were 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 and 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.

Nassau County's Opioid Settlement Task Force was created by Resolution No. 2024-040 in April 2024. It 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. Their purpose is to recommend 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.

In September 2024, the BOCC issued a Press Release notifying the community of an opportunity to apply for opioid settlement funds. On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the Opioid Settlement Task Force met to review Opioid Settlement Project Submission Packets that had been received from Starting Point Behavioral Health, The Coalition for Community Health, and Rise, all totaling $615,497 in funding requests. Assistant County Manager Marshall Eyerman notified the Task Force that settlement funding for the year is $386,748.

Each organization made presentations at the November 7th meeting to provide information on their organization and projects designed to offer additional opioid education, treatment and recovery programs to the community using the settlement funding. In order to be considered, each project must align with Core Strategies as dictated by the settlement agreements. No formal decision was made at the November 7th meeting, however the Task Force will meet again on December 14, 2024 at 2pm to continue the discuss related to the funding requests. These meetings are open to the public and are held in the County's Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL.

If you would like to watch the November 7, 2024 meeting of the Opioid Settlement Task Force, please click here.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

Nassau County Legislative Delegation

11/7/2024

11/7/24 @ 3:30 p.m. - As previously announced, Senator Clay Yarborough and State Representative Dean Black have scheduled the next Nassau County Legislative Delegation for Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the County's Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097.

The purpose of the Legislative Delegation Meeting is to hold a general legislative hearing for residents to express ideas and/or concerns ahead of the upcoming Legislative Session. Anyone wishing to speak must complete the attached Speaker Request Form and return it to Kelley Walker at Senator Yarborough's Office BY THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2024, to be placed on the agenda. You must also provide all materials/handouts prior to this cut-off date as well. Documents must be mailed to The Office of Senator Clay Yarborough at 1615 Huffingham Road, Suite 1, Jacksonville, FL 32216, prior to the cut-off date.

If submitting materials/handouts via U.S. mail, individuals are asked to provide four (4) sets of three-hold punched 8 1/2 x 11 copies and use the Speaker's Request Form as a cover sheet to be included in the Member's meeting packets.

All Legislative Delegation meetings are open to the public. In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and Chapter 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons in need of special accommodations to participate in the meetings, including agendas, interpreters, or assisted listening devices, should contact Kellie Walker at (904) 723-2035 or via email at [email protected].

Please note this is NOT a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. All questions should be directed to Kellie Walker at the number/email above.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

Nassau County Legislative Delegation Scheduled

10/3/2024

10/3/24 @ 4:30 p.m.

Senator Clay Yarborough and State Representative Dean Black have scheduled the next Nassau County Legislative Delegation for Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the County's Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097.

The purpose of the Legislative Delegation Meeting is to hold a general legislative hearing for residents to express ideas and/or concerns ahead of the upcoming Legislative Session. Anyone wishing to speak must complete the attached Speaker Request Form and return it to Kelley Walker at Senator Yarborough's Office BY THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2024, to be placed on the agenda. You must also provide all materials/handouts prior to this cut-off date as well. Documents must be mailed to The Office of Senator Clay Yarborough at 1615 Huffingham Road, Suite 1, Jacksonville, FL 32216, prior to the cut-off date.

If submitting materials/handouts via U.S. mail, individuals are asked to provide four (4) sets of three-hold punched 8 1/2 x 11 copies and use the Speaker's Request Form as a cover sheet to be included in the Member's meeting packets.

All Legislative Delegation meetings are open to the public. In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and Chapter 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons in need of special accommodations to participate in the meetings, including agendas, interpreters, or assisted listening devices, should contact Kellie Walker at (904) 723-2035 or via email at [email protected].

Please note this is NOT a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. All questions should be directed to Kellie Walker at the number/email above.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

Sales Tax Holiday

8/22/2024

Mark your calendars! The second 2024 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is set for Aug. 24-Sept. 6. During Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays, you may purchase qualifying items exempt from sales tax. For more information click here https://floridarevenue.com/DisasterPrep/Pages/default.aspx

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer