News
By Michael Hernandez, 1-13-25
YULEE, FLORIDA—The Nassau Board of Commissioners approved $5.6 million in expenditures (9 items) at its Jan. 13 meeting.
Expenditure Approvals
- Approved Jax Utilities Management, Inc. (Agenda D) for an amount not to exceed $2.5 million for Storm Drain Installation, Repair and Replacement.
This bid terminates with two possible one-year renewals. Motion: Klynt Farmer
Second: Jeff Gray.
- Approved purchase of two Caterpillar 140 AWD Motorgraders (Agenda G) not to exceed $804,000.
- Approved work authorization (Agenda K) to Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc. for Double Chip Seal Projects in 2024-25 in the amount of $721,395. This is part of Asphalt Management Plan. Motion: Klynt Farmer. Second: Alyson McCullough.
- Approved Nassau County Fire Rescue request for one new 2024 E-One Tanker (Agenda M) from Matheny Motor Tuck Company, Inc. for $480,614.
- Approve 2024 TYMO Model 600 Street Sweeper for the Road Department (Agenda J) not to exceed $349,000.
- Approved purchase of a Mowermax (Agenda I) for the Road Department from ATMA Equipment Co. not to exceed $273,000.
- Approved purchase of a Wheel Loader Caterpillar 926 (Agenda E) not to exceed $226,000 with Ring Power Corporation.
- Approved purchase of Excavator for the Road Department (Agenda F) not to exceed $150,000 with Ring Power Corporation.
- Approved purchase of a Compact Track Loader for Road Department with Ring Power Corporation not to exceed $108,000.
Fire Rescue Awarded 2024 Port Security Grant of $996,000 with Local Match of $332,000
Nassau County Fire Rescue received notification from the Department of Homeland Security 2024 Port Security Grant Award that an application was approved for almost $996,000 with a local 25 percent grant match in the amount of $332,000. The Nassau County Fire Rescue intends to purchase a 48-foot Coastal Fast Response Boat in the amount of $1.1 million with Silver Ships Inc. Contract originally was for a 39-foot boat. “It makes a huge difference between a 39-foot boat and 48-foot boat,” said Klynt Farmer. “This is a tremendous asset.” Motion: Klynt Farmer. Second: Jeff Gray.
Nassau County Proclaims Jan. 31 as American Beach Day

American Beach was founded on Jan. 31, 1935. This year will mark the 90th anniversary. Motion: By Klynt Farmer. Second by Jeff Gray. Originally known as Negro Playground. Listed since 2002 as historical site.
Other Board Actions
- Approved signing the purchased and sale agreement with Dayspring Property Services LLC for surplus property in Hilliard less than $15,000 of four lots for affordable housing. Motion: Alyson McCulloch. Second: Jeff Gray.
- Set joint meeting (Agenda S) with City of Fernandina Beach on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. at the James S. Page Governmental Complex, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, Florida 32097. Motion: Klynt Farmer. Second: Jeff Gray.
- Set joint meeting (Agenda T) with Nassau County Board of Commissioners City on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. at the James S. Page Governmental Complex, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, Florida 32097. Motion: Alyson McCullough. Second: Klynt Farmer.
Quasi-Judicial Public Hearings:
- Approved the final development plan (Agenda V) for Lofton Creek Dental Phase II to include the addition of 15,860 square feet of commercial space (District 3).
Initially adopted in 1988. Motion: Jeff Gray. Second: Klynt Farmer. Passed: 4-0.
- Approved rezoning (Agenda W) of 2.08 acres located between Lofton Creek and St. Peter Boulevard (District 3) from Open Rural to Commercial, General.
Motion: Jeff Gray. Second: Alyson McCullough. Passed: 4-0.
- Approved rezoning (Agenda X) of .95 acres located on the west side of US Highway 1 between Pickett Street and Woodside Lane (District 5) from Open Rural to Commercial. Motion: Klynt Farmer. Second: Alyson McCullough. Passed: 4-0.
Approved American Beach Water and Sewer District Drinking Water and Wastewater System Asset Management and Fiscal Suitability Plans
Asked to adapt and implement both plans. This includes manholes, lifts and fire hydrants with annual replacement costs under $50,000. Motion made by Klynt Farmer. Second by Alyson McCullough.
Nassau County Now Newsletter (Posted Jan. 11)
Commissioner Comments
Chair John F. Martin: District 1 (Fernandina Beach): 904-570-2594: Absent
A.M. “Hupp” Huppmann: District 2 (South Amelia Island): 904-319-0686: “The Coalition for the Homeless is looking for volunteers.”
Jeff Gray: District 3 (Yulee): 904-570-1946: ”The league president contacted me that Saturday March 1st will be our season opening ceremonies.”
Alyson R. McCullough: District 4 (Hillard: 904-319-0689): “I will continue to make a difference for educating youth.
Klynt A. Farmer: District 5 (Callahan: 904-570-1357): “Kiwanis International will be coming to the west side of Nassau County.”
Nassau County Jan. 13 Meeting Agenda (4 pages)
Nassau County Jan. 13 Watch (1 hour/25 minutes):
https://nassaucounty.novusagenda.com/AgendaPublic/MeetingView.aspx?MeetingID=1653&MinutesMeetingID=-1&doctype=Agenda
Nassau County Commissioners Set To Approve 3 Expenditures For $4,165,000 on Jan. 15
Nassau County Board of Commissioners have three expenditures on their Jan. 15 meeting scheduled at 9 a.m. at the James S. Page Governmental Complex, 96135 Nassau Place in Yulee, Florida 32097:
- Not to exceed $3.8 million with North Florida Lawn Maintenance for county-wide mowing for a 3-year-term effective Jan. 1, 2025.
- Not to exceed $292,000 to Amelia Lawn and Landscaping Services LLC for county-wide mowing for a 3-year-term effective Jan. 1, 2025.
- Not to exceed $93,000 to Kelly Klean LLC for county-wide mowing for a 3-year- term effective Jan. 1, 2025.
- Staff has also recommended a workshop to discuss Timber to Tides after the Feb. 19 board meeting.
Nassau County Looking For Cat And Dog Foster Care Homes
Currently, there are 44 dogs in the kennel and 77 in foster care and 23 cats in the kennel and 18 in foster care.
Jan. 15 Agenda: 2 Pages
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.”