News
By Michael Hernandez, 8-12-24
YULEE, FL—The Nassau County Commissioners approved 10 contracts/expenditures worth $17.84 million by unanimous vote during their 8-12-24 meeting including development of 54 residential lots by Three Rivers Developers. The biggest contract approved was for Petticoat-Schmidt Civil Contractors, Inc. (Agenda Item J) which authorized a $16.45 million contract for William Burgess Blvd., designed to relieve pressure on highly trafficked roads. ALL votes were unanimous.
The William Burgess Extension Project will provide a parallel route to SR 200 (near Yulee and Middle and High School) and better connectivity between Miner Road and US 17. Funding for the project is included in the Nassau County adopted Mobility Plan. The Project includes three major intersections and a 10-foot paved trail which will be completed on the north side where the schools are located
9th Annual Dickens On Centre Drone Show Approved For $285,000 Contract
Sky Element, LLC has been approved for a $285,000 contract (Agenda Item N) for the 9th Annual Dickens On Centre Drone Show which will be paid for from Tourist Development Tax funds (generated from a five percent tax on short-term accommodations on Amelia Island. The event which goes from Dec. 12-15 provides a Victorian Christmas Market that transforms historic Fernandina Beach into Victorian London on Amelia Island. The hours for Thurs., Dec. 12 are from 5-7 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 13 from 5-9 p.m.; Sat. Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entertainment will be on two stages. The holiday Christmas event will also include Tiny Tim’s Kids Zone, costumed characters, holiday movies and festive food and drink.
$245,000 Approved For Re-Surfacing Henry Smith Road
The Nassau Board of Commissioners approved $245,000 (Agenda Item I) to WSB, LLC (formerly AE Engineering, Inc) for a Professional Services Continuing Contract for Construction Engineering Services that will resurface Henry Smith Road from CR 108 to SR 15 New Kings Road. The improvements will include drainage improvements, driveway improvements, guardrail installation, erosion control and improved signage and pavement markings. The improvements are expected to reduce the cost to the Nassau County Road Department’s repairs and maintenance budget. The new work authorization is to be completed with 240 days. A previous work authorization was for $183,000 making the new contract amount $429,000.
$200,000 Approved For Construction Management Software
Nassau County’s Capital Project Management Department is purchasing (Agenda Item F) a Procore license—a construction cloud-based software focused on construction project management for Nassau County. Currently Nassau County manages construction project across different divisions (Capital Projects, Public Works, Stormwater, etc.) primarily through emails and file sharing. The construction management software will improve both internal and external project collaborations.
$149,000 Approved For Additional Workspace For Employees
The Nassau County Office of Management and Budget and the Health Department Office will soon gain additional work spaces (Agenda Item K) for employees, including cubicles, desks and meeting spaces with a contract to approval with Vari Sales Corporation of $149,000.
$147,000 Approved For Sandy Ridge Development
The $147,000 is for purchase of property from Sandy Ridge Development, Inc. (Agenda Item U) adjacent to Miner Road for future right of way improvements.
$124,000 Additional Money For Boat Ramp Improvements Approved
Pond & Company Corporation was approved (Agenda Item G) for an increased contract of $124,000 to repair the county boat ramp (Goffinsville) increasing the existing work authorization to $443,000. Some $319,000 had been originally approved in November, 2023. Additional analysis will be done with other alternatives reviewed. Feedback from the fishermen and boaters who use the ramp will be taken and most likely the ramp will be moved back.
$103,000 Contract for Yulee Elementary Shared Used Path Approved
The Nassau County Board of Commissioners approved a contact (Agenda Item H) with the State of Florida and the Department of Transportation for the design and project management of a shared use path at Yulee Elementary on Felmor Road in the amount of $103,000.
Other Board Actions:
- The river is too high to make an assessment on the amount of federal and state monies needed for repairs from Hurricane Debby (Agenda Item P). More storms are expected.
- The Shade Meeting (Agenda Item Q) of the Board of County Commissioners was set for 3 p.m. Aug. 26 to discuss the Labor Agreement between Nassau County and Fire-Rescue Professionals, Local 3101.
- Nassau County approved a resolution (Agenda Item R) terminating the interlocal with the Fire Watch Council which fights to end veteran suicide which was first launched in Northeast Florida and is now available statewide and mobilizes 10,000 plus community members to be vigilant to the concerns of veterans and direct them to the support they need. The group is now a non-profit.
- Approved a $50,000 application (Agenda Item S) and resolution by the City of Fernandina Beach for Amelia Island Beach renourishment to fund dune walkover and repair (in the 2800 block of South Fletcher Avenue).
- Approved the purchase (Agenda Item T) of property (57 feet wide by 730 feet long) from Wildlight, LLC needed for Chester Road and Pages Dairy Road intersection improvements for $87,000.
- Approved of constructing of 54 residential lots (Agenda item B) on approximately 58 acres within the tributary subdivision by Three Rivers Developers, LLC.
Nassau County Board of Commissioner Comments:
- District 1: John Martin, Chair (Fernandina Beach): 904-570-2594 / [email protected] (Running for re-election- no opponent)
“Get out and vote. Early voting is now and Election Day is a week from tomorrow.”
- District 2: A.M. “Hupp” Huppmann, Vice-Chair (South Amelia Island): 904-319-0686 /
ahuppmann@nassaucountyflcom
“Early voting has started. The integrity of elections in Nassau County is among the highest in the country.”
- District 3: Jeff Gray (Yulee): 904-570-1946 / [email protected]
(Running for re-election)
“I wish to thank everyone for contributing for our children going back to school.”
- District 4: Alyson McCullough (Hilliard): 904-319-0689 /
“Every (new) home whether you have lived here one year, 10 or 12 years has impact fees to offset financial figures…I live on a dirt road, my road is flooded too. The river is steadily rising. We are a peninsula state surrounded by water which has to go somewhere. The water had no place to go, so get out your rain boots… Microchip your pet on Saturday, Aug. 17” (Editor’s Note: June is National Microchip Month).
- District 5: Klynt Farmer (Callahan, West Yulee): 904-570-1357
[email protected] (Running for re-election)
“I want to thank the boots on the ground for our Hurricane Debby response. We are doing all we can with our resources. Call our engineering staff. We will send resources to get in and out of your home. We don’t need to see a car upside down in a washout…I’m happy for the first day of school…If you don’t understand our political process in county government give us a call. Get the facts.”
Aug. 12 Agenda:
Watch Aug. 12 Meeting (53 minutes):
https://nassaufl.granicus.com/player/event/2633?view_id=2&redirect=true
Michael Hernandez, from California is co-founder of the Citizens Journal—Ventura County’s online news service. He is a former Southern California daily newspaper journalist and religion and news editor. Mr. Hernandez can be contacted at [email protected] and is editor of the weekly “Stories Speak Volumes,” “Nov. 5 Election Day Countdown,” and “Revive America.”
