9/12/26 at 9:00 a.m. 

The Nassau Prosperity Alliance Q2 Newsletter is now available!

Partnership drives prosperity, and this quarter's newsletter highlights the collective efforts underway to support business growth, workforce development, community investment, and economic opportunity throughout Nassau County. From attracting new business prospects and supporting entrepreneurs through the RISE Program to strengthening workforce pipelines and celebrating community assets like Westside Regional Park, this issue showcases the impact of collaboration across our county. 

The Nassau Prosperity Alliance brings together organizations committed to ensuring Nassau County remains a great place to live, work, and do business. We invite you to read the newsletter, learn more about the initiatives shaping our community's future, and connect with our partner organizations to discover opportunities to get involved. Together, we're building a stronger, more prosperous Nassau County.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

7/23/26 @ 11:30 a.m.

​Nassau County’s RISE (Resources for Independent Small Businesses) Program has reached an exciting milestone!

The Dog & Pickle is the first business to receive support through the RISE Program. Planned for Yulee, this innovative destination will feature a 21,500-square-foot dog park, six covered pickleball courts, and a covered deck and bar, creating a unique space for recreation, connection, and community.

We are proud to support local entrepreneurs like Alex and William Herrera as they bring their vision to life and contribute to Nassau County’s growing business community. Through programs like RISE, the County continues to foster entrepreneurship, encourage economic growth, and support the small businesses that help make Nassau County a great place to live and work.
​
Learn more about program eligibility requirements and schedule an appointment by visiting the RISE Program webpage: Nassau County RISE Program. The program provides eligible small businesses with resources to help offset certain County development costs and supports entrepreneurs as they expand their operations in Nassau County.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

5/29/26 @ 9:00 a.m. 

The 2025 Nassau Prosperity Alliance Annual Report reflects a community moving forward with purpose, alignment, and a shared vision for long-term prosperity.

The Nassau Prosperity Alliance (NPA) brings together the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, Nassau County Chamber of Commerce, West Nassau Chamber, Nassau County Economic Development Board, Small Business Development Center at UNF, and Prosper Nassau into a unified coalition focused on strengthening Nassau County’s economic future.

Guided by Nassau Vision 2050 and aligned with the county’s Interim Strategic Plan and Fiscal Stewardship and Economic Prosperity Initiative 1, the NPA is advancing a coordinated approach to economic development, business growth, job creation, and long-term competitiveness under Florida’s Six Pillars framework.

The 2025 report highlights key focus areas, including innovation and economic development, talent supply and education, infrastructure and growth leadership, and a strong, competitive business climate. Together, these priorities reflect a deliberate strategy to support business expansion and retention while building a workforce and infrastructure system ready for future growth.

More than individual initiatives, the report showcases alignment, tourism, workforce, education, and economic development partners working as one system rather than in silos.

The result is a clearer path forward: a resilient, sustainable, and opportunity-rich economy designed for both today and the next generation.

2/5/26 @ 2:00 p.m.

​The Nassau Prosperity Alliance (NPA) has released its Fourth Quarter Report for December 2025. The report highlights a wide range of initiatives including progress on Comprehensive Plan updates, economic development achievements, and key activities from partner agencies. Featured contributions include updates from the Nassau County Economic Development Board and its ongoing efforts to support business retention and expansion throughout Nassau County.

Established in November 2022, the NPA is a collaborative coalition comprised of representatives from the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce, the Nassau County Economic Development Board, the Small Business Development Center at UNF, and Prosper Nassau. Together, these partners work to advance strategic initiatives that strengthen economic development efforts and support the county’s broader economic ecosystem.

The NPA’s mission is to nurture a resilient, sustainable, equitable, and prosperous economy through a generational lens—enhancing regional and global competitiveness, promoting prosperity and high-paying jobs, and fostering vibrant, resilient communities that offer a high quality of life. This mission is carried out through priority initiatives outlined in the County’s Interim Strategic Plan.

Additional information about the NPA can be found here. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

9/21/25 @ 9:00 a.m. 

If it feels like Nassau County is getting busier, you're not imagining it. According to the newly released 2025 Growth Trends Report, Nassau is one of the fastest-growing communities in Florida—and it’s earning national attention, too. Between 2020 and 2024, the County’s population increased by 14.65 percent, making it the 53rd fastest-growing county in the United States out of more than 3,000. Within Florida, Nassau ranks as the 8th fastest-growing county by percentage change, with a 15.1 percent population increase over the same period.

The Growth Trends Report provides a detailed look at how and where the county is growing, and what that means for housing, infrastructure, roads, parks, and public services. It serves as a planning tool to help County staff and elected officials make informed decisions that reflect both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with rapid growth.

People continue to choose Nassau County for its natural beauty, welcoming neighborhoods, and strong sense of place. As the community grows, so does the County’s commitment to protecting quality of life, preserving rural and environmental character, and investing in the future.

The full 2025 Growth Trends Report is available online at https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/1408/Growth-Trends

- Josh Macbeth
​ Senior Planner

5/28/25 @ 9:00 a.m. 

The Nassau Prosperity Alliance serves as a think-tank and unified coalition in facilitating certain strategic initiatives, as requested by the County’s Office of Strategic Advance­ment and Economic Resources related to the local economic ecosystem. Membership shall consist of representatives from the following organizations, and may be amended as needed. Individuals representing the organizations should have executive decision-making authority.

Established in November 2022, the NPA consists of representatives from the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce, Nassau County Economic Development Board, Small Business Development Center at UNF and Prosper Nassau, and serves as a unified coalition to facilitate strategic initiatives that promote economic development and support the local economic ecosystem.

The NPA has released their Annual Report for 2024.  This serves as a State of the Local Economic Ecosystem and covers a variety of topics including, but not limited to, labor force and unemployment, economic development, infrastructure and growth leadership, business climate, governance, quality-of-life, and quality-of-place. 

Additional information on the NPA can be found here. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

4/3/25 @ 11:30 a.m. -

​We are excited to announce that Nassau County’s Director of Strategic Advancement Brandy Carvalho was one of 20 women selected for the Jacksonville Business Journal’s Women of Influence Award. This award recognizes extraordinary women who have great impact on their communities in Northeast Florida either through professional success, community involvement and volunteerism.
 
The Board of County Commissioners is proud to employ an outstanding woman who has positively impacted all three areas. Brandy has a long history of volunteerism in Nassau including, but not limited to, the Nassau County Education Foundation; Keep Nassau Beautiful; the Conservation Land Acquisition and Management (CLAM) Committee; Baptist Nassau Board of Directors; St. Marys River Keeper; the Nassau Racial Equality Coalition; and as a mentor through Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
 
Upon being selected, Brandy stated, “I greatly appreciate the honor, and really took it as an opportunity to showcase Nassau County and the amazing work being done in and for our community as a whole.”
 
As Director of Strategic Advancement, Brandy has led the County’s efforts in increasing public engagement, enhancing civic engagement, and improving transparency. She facilitated the County’s Bicentennial initiative in 2024 to bring the community together to celebrate the County’s 200th birthday while using these events as opportunities to engage with residents and obtain their feedback as the County prepares for the next 25 years. She has also led the efforts of the County’s Conservation and Land Acquisition (CLAM) Program and established the County’s new non-profit organization, Imagine Nassau, which will focus on fundraising for four key areas including Nassau County Animal Services, Nassau County Fire Rescue, Nassau County Parks & Recreation and land conservation.
 
Though not outward facing, Brandy has made other significant impacts within the County organization. She meticulously tracks the Board’s identified strategic priorities to ensure that directives are being carried out and that progress is being monitored and recorded for increased transparency. Brandy was also instrumental in creating and facilitating the County’s Internal Leadership Program. This consisted of identifying employees with leadership abilities and providing a series of classes and activities to enhance those abilities. This is beneficial to the County and the employee as it boosts their sense of pride by being identified as a potential future leader.
 
County Manager Taco Pope stated, “The citizens of Nassau County are lucky to have Brandy working hard for them.  It will be exciting to see what she accomplishes in the coming years.”
 
As a life-long resident of Nassau County, Brandy has firsthand knowledge of the various issues facing the community. Her unique combination of skills in management, fundraising, volunteerism and community relations has had a positive impact on the County government and the residents of Nassau County.
 
Please join us in congratulating Brandy on her accomplishment of being named as one of twenty Women of Influence in Northeast Florida for 2025.
 
 
 
 
 

The Nassau Prosperity Alliance (NPA) has released the first quarter report for FY 24/25. This document includes updates on a variety of initiatives including the Transit Study Update, Timber to Tides Design Overlay, Vision 2050, economic development highlights, partner agency events and more. 

Established in November 2022, the NPA consists of representatives from the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce, Nassau County Economic Development Board, Small Business Development Center at UNF and Prosper Nassau, and serves as a unified coalition to facilitate strategic initiatives that promote economic development and support the local economic ecosystem.

The NPA's mission is to "nurture a more resilient, sustainable, equitable and prosperous ecosystem cultivated with a generational perspective and crafted to increase competitiveness on a regional and global scale, promote prosperity and high-paying jobs, and create vibrant and resilient communities that offer the highest quality of life". This mission is supported by priority initiatives established in the County's Interim Strategic Plan. 

Additional information about the NPA can be found here. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

The Nassau Prosperity Alliance (NPA) has released the fourth quarter report for FY 23/24. This document includes updates on a variety of initiatives including the Transit Study Update, Timber to Tides Design Overlay, economic development highlights and more. 

Established in November 2022, the NPA consists of representatives from the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce, Nassau County Economic Development Board, Small Business Development Center at UNF and Prosper Nassau, and serves as a unified coalition to facilitate strategic initiatives that promote economic development and support the local economic ecosystem.

The NPA's mission is to "nurture a more resilient, sustainable, equitable and prosperous ecosystem cultivated with a generational perspective and crafted to increase competitiveness on a regional and global scale, promote prosperity and high-paying jobs, and create vibrant and resilient communities that offer the highest quality of life". This mission is supported by priority initiatives established in the County's Interim Strategic Plan. 

Additional information about the NPA can be found here. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

3/4/24 @ 2:40 p.m. 

On Saturday, March 2, 2024, several members of the Nassau Pride professional basketball team joined us for a quick photo shoot before their final regular season game at home against the Columbus Skyhawks.  We appreciate them taking time out of their busy schedule to help us raise awareness for Nassau County Animal Services! 

Are you interested in adopting a pet? Visit Nassau County Animal Services to see all the cute dogs and cats looking for their furever homes!

Visiting hours: 
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11am-4pm
Wednesday: 1pm-6pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11am-4pm
Monday: Closed to the public

Questions? Call Animal Services at (904) 530-6150.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

5/30/23 @ 12:30 p.m.

​The Board of County Commissioners is excited to introduce its Productivity Dashboard. This new, on-line feature provides a reporting of activities of key departments and services and places them in one location for residents to easily access, thus further increasing transparency and reporting of data in real-time. The new Productivity Dashboard currently features Nassau County Animal Services, the Building Department, the Library, and the Road Department. New departments will be added in the coming months.  
 
The Department of Strategic Advancement has been working closely with the Nassau County Property Appraiser’s Office for several months to make this information available to the public, utilizing the GIS Software the PA office already had in place. The project began with departments entering metrics back to the beginning of 2021 so they could begin to build a history of data in the system.
 
Each month, these departments will enter metrics of services/activities they track such as number of permits issues, number of intakes at the shelter, number of pet adoptions, number of books circulated, etc.  This information provides residents with detailed information of activities that are taking place each month. It also provides the Board the necessary data needed to make informed decisions during the budget process to ensure that the department has what it needs to keep up with the current demand while planning for expanded services as the County continues to grow.
 
Director of Strategic Advancement, Brandy Carvalho, stated, “The Productivity Dashboard is one of the ways we are honoring our Strategic Planning initiatives to ‘improve transparency and be the catalyst for a collaborative approach to governance that facilitates the shared pursuit of the common good’. Starting with these 4 departments, we will use community feedback and user experiences to expand the Dashboard and features, growing into a robust and multi-faceted tool for the residents to see the impact of our County’s departments and staff. We would like to thank Property Appraiser Mike Hickox’s GIS team, particularly GIS Director, Jason Gregory, and GIS Analyst/Programmer, Kathy Mulcahy, for their expertise, creativity and time in designing the Dashboard.”
 
The Productivity Dashboard can be located at: https://bit.ly/NassauDashboard.
 
Should you have any questions, please contact Brandy Carvalho at (904) 530-6010, Option 7, or via email at [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

5/4/23 @ 11:30 a.m. - On Sunday, April 23rd, Mocama hosted their quarterly fundraising event with Nassau County Animal Services as the recipient. The donation-based event was called "Bend and Brew" and featured yoga in the taproom, coffee and adoptable pets from NCAS. Today, Director of Strategic Advancement, Brandy Carvalho, was presented a check for just over $500 for NCAS. These funds will be used to provide care for shelter animals while waiting for adoption. 

We appreciate everyone who participated in the event and made donations for our cause. We are also very grateful to Mocama for hosting the event and for selecting NCAS as their quarterly fundraising recipient. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

4/26/23 @ 10:45 a.m. - The Nassau County Record and the News-Leader recently asked their readers to nominate individuals over the age of 40 who are community-drive and have contributed to the greater good of the County. We are pleased to report that the Board of County Commissioner's very own Director of Strategic Advancement, Brandy Carvalho, is a recipient of the 40 Over 40 Award!

Brandy joined Nassau County as the first Director of Strategic Advancement in September 2022. In this position, Brandy leads the County's efforts in increasing public engagement, enhancing civic engagement and improving transparency as a means of creating a more effective, efficient and inclusive government. She also leads efforts to support the annual budget by reducing the demand on ad valorem dollars to execute special projects, programs and initiatives through alternative revenue generation such as fundraising, capital campaigns, grants, partnerships and other non-traditional methods.

Since arriving in Nassau County, Brandy has been busy working with our Economic Resources Director on implementation of the County's Conservation Land Acquisition Management (CLAM) Program and and is developing a capital campaign to raise funds for a new animal shelter. She also serves as a liaison between the County and various agencies engaged in creating and sustaining a health economic ecosystem such as the Chamber of Commerce, JaxUSA and the Nassau County Economic Development Board. Brandy works closely with the Directors of the Nassau County Public Library System, the County Extension Office, the Public Information Office, and Nassau County Animal Services Office to ensure that their activities are consistent with the County's adopted strategic plan and to facilitate efforts to further the department's mission in providing programs and services to the community. 

We are proud to have Brandy on our team and would like to extend a big congratulations to her, as well as to all the other recipients of the 40 Over 40 Award! We have a lot of amazing and talented people in our community and we could not be more proud to have one of them representing the Board of County Commissioners. 

For those that are interested, below is Brandy's Q&A segment from the newspaper article.