News
By Michael Hernandez, 4-17-24
YULEE, FLORIDA—Three Nassau County employees were honored at the County Board of Commissions meeting April 17. Commendations were given to:
- 30-year employee Greg Jones of the Nassau Fire Rescue Department;
- 25-year employee Darren Marsh, Assistant Road Director; and
- 20-year employee Laura Marino of UF-ISAS Extension.
The Nassau County Board of Commissions also adopted resolutions that promote: National Volunteer Month (National Volunteer Week of April 21-27); April as Nassau Water Conservation Month and as Landscape Architecture Month.
Volunteers such as Jacque Osborne—who gave a report of animals at the local shelter (Animal Care and Control) as well as volunteers who give their time to county libraries and at county events were recognized by Chair John Martin (District 1). A motion for the volunteer proclamation was made by Commissioner A.M. Huppmann (District 2) with a second from Klynt Farmer (District 5).
Wanda Simmons was recognized for her 33 years of service in 4-H—where she has been inducted in their Hall of Fame. Commissioner Alyson McCullough (District 4) speaking of Simmons said: “Wanda is a rare breed. Her life is committed to making every one’s life better. We are grateful for you. You have made so much impact.”
A motion for the Nassau Water Conservation Proclamation was made by Commissioner Jeff Gray (District 3) with second from Huppmann. A motion for the Landscape Architecture Month Proclamation was made by Huppmann with second from Jeff Gray (District 3).
A motion to approve consent items was made by Gray with second from Huppmann.
A public comment made by Casey Jones at the beginning of the meeting on sea turtle safety was later addressed by commissioners at the conclusion of the board meeting. Huppmann said he would personally do a review of the matter. Board Chair Martin said: “We are actually doing a robust sea-turtles program in the community. I am proud of the work we have done.”
Commissioners unanimously oppose California rail emission standards
A motion was made by Farmer with second by Gray to send a letter to the Florida Congressional delegation opposing adoption of California’s greenhouse gas emission rules for trains in Florida.
The motion was unanimously approved by the Commissioners to oppose the California rail emission standards in Florida.
The California rule (adopted April, 2023) would ban locomotive engines more than 23 years old by 2030 and increase the use of zero-emissions technology to transport freight from ports and throughout railyards. It would also ban locomotive in the state from idling longer than 30 minutes if they are equipped with an automatic shutoff.
These California state standards need approval from the Biden administration to move forward. They follow the Environmental Protection Agency rules to cut emissions from heavy trucks. Locomotives run on diesel, a more powerful fuel than gasoline. The California Code signed as Executive Order R-23-004 was pushed through the California Resources Board (CARB) and certified by the Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency. To see the California locomotive fact sheets go to: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/reducing-rail-emissions-california/locomotive-fact-sheets
“While California wants zero emissions from locomotives,” said Farmer, “this is not something Florida is ready for. I make a recommendation that a letter be sent by our Attorney (Denise May). We have 15 railways across Florida that move freight over land while mitigating traffic.
Any disruption would jeopardize goods and services.”
Fernandina Beach Middle School Champions
Congratulations was given to the Fernandina Beach Middle School for being baseball champions in Nassau County.
Upcoming Saturday, April 20th Nassau County Events
- Yulee (8 am to 12 noon or until reach capacity): Nassau County Household Hazardous Waste Collection and Food Drive (Nassau County Road Dept: 86200 Gene Lasserre Blvd.). Proof of Nassau County residency required. No commercial without prior approval. Small business should call in advance for pricing: 352-334-0440.
- Yulee (9 am to 1 pm) Healthy Kids Day with YMCA at Wildlight (Tributary Park: 7543 Edwards Road). Free (open to the public). Call: 904-849-9622.
- Yulee (10 am to 6 pm) 11th Annual Katelyn’s Ride for Autism. Line-up at Pirates Wood Clubhouse (97542 Blackbeards Way) at 10 am. $95 registration cost. Theme: “Like The Stars, You Were Born to Shine!” All proceeds benefit The Arc. For more information: Katelynsride.com.
- Callahan (9 am to 4 pm) 19th Railroad Day Festival and Classic Car Show: Historic Callahan Train Depot. Arts/Crafts vendors with live entertainment. Call: 904-879-3406.
The third Wednesday Nassau Board of Commissioners meeting began at 9 am at the James S. Page Governmental Complex, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee. Evening Board of Commissions meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 6 pm with the next meeting on April 22 at 6 pm. The April 17th Nassau Board of Commissions meeting began at 9 am and adjourned at 10:23 am.
REFERENCE:
Nassau County Board of Commissioners- https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/91/Board-of-County-Commissioners
Agenda: https://nassaufl.granicus.com/AgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1795
Video: https://nassaufl.granicus.com/player/clip/1828?view_id=2&redirect=true
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Michael Hernandez, a Shasta County, CA resident, 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 “America: The End and Our Hope.”
