Press Release
By Nassau County Board of County Commissioners
10-11-24
Hurricane Milton
Nassau County had another crazy, busy week working on storm preparations and response. What started out on Sunday as a tropical depression quickly turned into a Category 5 hurricane.
By Monday, Emergency Management staff and Officials from the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) were participating in calls with the National Weather Service and preparing for what was to come. A local State of Emergency was issued to allows the County quick access to resources to help manage a crisis until things return to normal.
Public Works issued sandbags for 3 days, ultimately distributing over 15,000 to Nassau County residents. Essential staff reported to the Emergency Operations Center to answer phones or fill roles in various areas as needed such as purchasing, procurement, public information, shelter coordination and more.
Fortunately, Nassau County was spared from any major damage and BOCC offices resumed normal business hours on Friday, October 11, 2024. Only 7 more weeks left in this hurricane season. Think we can make it through without another threat? Let’s hope so!
Reporting Severe Weather Impacts
Residents are urged to self-report severe weather impacts at www.onenassau.com. Please provide the location, a description of the damages, and photos, if available.
EM uses the data you share to verify severe weather forecasts from the National Weather Service and automatically sends road damage information to the Public Works Department so they can take action quickly to ensure public safety.
A Peak Inside the Emergency Shelter
Director of Strategic Advancement Brandy Carvalho and School Superintendent Kathy Burns gave us a peek inside the emergency shelter at Wildlight Elementary and provided insight on the countywide coordination required to operate the shelter.
False Reports About Nadine
From Nassau County Emergency Management:
We’ve noticed false rumors circulating on social media about “Hurricane Nadine.” As of 7 pm, October 10, 2024, there was no organized system heading toward Florida.
Stay informed with information from official sources such as US National Weather Service Jacksonville Florida.
Workshop Session for Nassau Vision 2050
The County launched Nassau Florida Vision 2050, a collaborative 18-month process involving local leaders, residents, businesses, and stakeholders to shape the future of our community. This planning process and the resulting policies will be critical for the ability to promote and manage growth as well as, protect and enhance key areas of importance while accommodating future trends. This includes identifying what makes the community unique, establishing the vision of what Nassau County desires to become in the future, and providing the necessary baseline for an update to the County’s Comprehensive Plan.
The consultant team with Halff Associates presented to the BOCC on October 18, 2023, at the onset of the planning process. The BOCC has scheduled a Workshop scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. (immediately following the regularly scheduled BOCC Meeting) for Halff Associates to present an update and to discuss the next steps. The public is welcome to attend.
The meeting will be held in the County Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097. Should you have any questions about Nassau Vision 2050, please reach out the Planning Director Elizabeth Backe at (904) 530-6320 or via email at [email protected].
Nassau Vision 2050 Community Meeting
In addition to the BOCC presentation on October 16, 2024, there will also be a community meeting from 5:00-7:00 p.m. This is another opportunity for residents to meet with planning staff and the consultants overseeing the Nassau Vision 2050 initiative and to provide feedback to shape Nassau County’s future. There will be formal presentations at 5:15 and 6:15 p.m.
The community meeting will be held in the Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097. Should you have any questions about Nassau Vision 2050, please reach out the Planning Director Elizabeth Backe at (904) 530-6320 or via email at [email protected].
2024 General Election: Important Dates
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Turtle Talk Tuesday: Florida Bay Population Study
This week, we provided information on a study in the Florida Bay that allows researchers to determine long-term trends in sea turtle populations.
Florida Bay is an important sea turtle habitat located between the southern tip of the Florida peninsula and the Florida Keys. Every summer, a team of researchers captures sea turtles that live in Florida Bay to learn more about them. The information gathered by this study allows the researchers to determine long-term trends in sea turtle abundance and to monitor and investigate any changes in the sea turtle populations.
Library Book Sale
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The Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library is hosting a book sale from Thursday, November 7 through Saturday, November 9, 2024. This event will feature thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, audio books, puzzles and more, most under $3!
Friends of the Library members can enjoy a preview sale on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. If you are not a member but are interested in becoming a member, you can join at the door.
Proceeds benefit the Fernandina Beach Library Branch. If you have any questions, please contact the Library at (904) 530-6500.
Local Resource Guide
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The Nassau County Health Improvement Coalition has created “No Wrong Doors”, a community resource guide to help individuals find support when in need.
The “No Wrong Doors” Resource Guide For Local Support exists to assist a greater number of community members find resources available for Nassau County resident, and be a “Keymaker”. No Wrong Door Partners will be able to use this guide, so that no one seeking help will leave without understanding their options, and knowing how to access the services they need. Expected result is a better-served community, and improved quality of life and health outcomes.
Bicentennial & Nassau Vision 2050 Activities
Bicentennial Scavenger Hunt
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The Bicentennial Scavenger Hunt kicked off on October 1, 2024. This challenge runs through November 1, 2024 so it’s not too late to participate! This challenge is designed to teach you Nassau County’s history and encourage you to visit places you may have never seen or heard about.
Each participant completing the challenge will earn a special Bicentennial Challenge Coin and be entered into a drawing for a hotel stay, graciously donated by the Residence Inn by Marriott-Amelia Island.
In order to participate, you will need to do the following:
- Download the Eventzee App, available in the iTunes and Google Play Stores.
- After downloading the app, create an Eventzee Account by entering an email address, password, and username.
- Enter the event code: Winswag
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Hidden History of Amelia Island
On October 17, 2024 at 6pm, the Hilliard Library will hold a presentation on Jeff Suwak’s book Hidden History of Amelia Island which the Florida Writers Association has recently named as a finalist for the 2024 Royal Palm Literary Award.
This local Hilliard author will take you on a tour of the often overlooked and all-but-forgotten components of Amelia Island’s history. The author will be selling and signing books following the presentation.
There is no cost to participate, however an RSVP is required. Visit www.nassaureads.com to register.
Community Building Blocks Survey
| YOUR VOICE SHAPES NASSAU COUNTY’S FUTURE! WE HEARD YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE VISION. NOW, SHARE YOUR IDEAS ON THE BUILDING BLOCKS! Nassau County is building a vision for the future, and we need YOUR input! Over thousands of voices shared their hopes for Nassau’s future. Take the quick second survey to share your ideas on the community’s DRAFT “Community Building Blocks” – these core values will guide recommendations and strategies for the Nassau Florida Vision 2050 plan. These draft Building Blocks were created by synthesizing: the community’s voice and a recognition of future needs following an analysis of existing conditions. The County launched Nassau Florida Vision 2050, a collaborative 18-month process involving local leaders, residents, businesses, and stakeholders to shape the future of our community. The Building Blocks were identified through community engagement, and a review of the County’s plans, studies, and existing conditions. Spread the word and share the survey with your friends and family! To learn more about the project, future Bicentennial events, and ways to get involved, please visit www.nassaufl2050.com. |
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Public Meetings
Below are public meetings scheduled for the week of October 14 – October 18, 2024.
Please note that meetings are subject to change. Please review our website calendar for up-to-date information.
Meeting agendas can be located here.
Board of County Commissioners
WednMonday, October 14, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.,
Commission Chambers
96135 Nassau Place,
Yulee, FL 32097
Development Review Committee
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
Commission Chambers
96135 Nassau Place,
Yulee, FL 32097
Planning & Zoning Board
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers
96135 Nassau Place,
Yulee, FL 32097
Board of County Commissioners: Regular Meeting
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
Commission Chambers
96135 Nassau Place,
Yulee, FL 32097
Board of County Commissioners: Workshop for Vision 2050 Update
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. (immediately following the regular meeting)
Commission Chambers
96135 Nassau Place,
Yulee, FL 32097
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers
96135 Nassau Place,
Yulee, FL 32097
Vision 2050 Community Meeting
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers
96135 Nassau Place,
Yulee, FL 32097
Conservation Land Acquisition Management Committee (CLAM)
Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers
96135 Nassau Place,
Yulee, FL 32097
