Press Release
By Nassau County Board of County Commissioners
09-08-24
Pages Dairy & Chester Road Intersection Improvements Postponed
The Nassau County Engineering Department is reconstructing Chester Road and Pages Dairy Road including the railroad crossing on Chester Road. The railroad crossing section of reconstruction will be from Pages Dairy Road intersection at the Railroad crossing to the entrance of Fantastic Gymnastics.
It was previously announced that work would commence on Thursday, September 5, 2024, however due to heavy rains expected this week, the project is now expected to start on Sept 19th. Completion of the reconstruction is expected to take 5 days (through September 23rd), potentially including night activities. Traffic will be maintained in accordance with FDOT design standards throughout the project. During the reconstruction there will be a detour via Pages Dairy Road to Felmor Road to SR 200 / A1A. During the reconstruction Chester Road will be closed to complete work, as shown in the graphic below.
Nassau County BOCC selected Reeves Construction Co. to complete this project in late 2025, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting. The public’s patience and understanding while we bring your community these needed improvements are appreciated. Questions or concerns may be directed to Project Administrator James Cuneo of CSI Geo at [email protected]
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Budget Hearings Scheduled
The First Public Hearing for consideration of the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 budget will take place during the BOCC’s regular meeting scheduled for Monday, September 9, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. The second hearing will take place during the regular meeting scheduled for Monday, September 23, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
Please note that the budget being considered for FY 24/25 includes a millage (tax) rate reduction for the 4th consecutive year. This was achieved while continuing to fund the critical capital improvement plan, pavement management plan, chip seal program, and improving public safety through investments into the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and the Nassau County Fire Department. Additionally, the budget provides funding for the staffing and operations of the new Fire Station No. 10, currently under construction.
Understanding the demands of the County residents and the future economic pressures, the tentative budget continues to focus on improving the quality of life while working within the restricted revenues of the County. The budget is structured to continue funding for investment into land conservation and management programs, in line with the request from the community and pursuant to the voter approved referendum in November 2022.
Agendas can be located on our website on the Thursday prior to the meetings. Should you have any questions, please contact the County Manager’s Office at (904) 530-6010.
Upcoming Meetings Regarding Timber to Tides Design Overlay
The County will host three open houses regarding the proposed Timber to Tides Overlay document which would enforce certain principles and priority actions established in the SR200/A1A Corridor Plan. Learn more here.
Those with properties located within the overlay boundary should receive a post card notifying you of dates/times of three upcoming meetings for the Planning Department to discuss new regulations regarding the T2TDO. However, the postcard is displayed above as well. Though notices were sent to affected property owners, these meetings are open to everyone!
Florida Master Naturalist Program
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The Nassau County Extension Office is offering a Florida Master Naturalist Program in which participants can earn a certification. This three-day course will take place from September 24 – September 27, 2024. For additional information including course guidelines, attendance policy and full course agenda, please click here.
Registration closes at noon on Wednesday, September 18th so don’t delay! Sign up at the link above and use Course Code IP24-06.
If you have any questions, please contact David Herbert, Extension Agent I, at (904) 530-6356 or via email at david.hebert@ufl.edu.
Turtle Talk Tuesday
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| It’s turtle nesting season! From May 1st – October 31st each year, sea turtles visit Amelia Island beaches to nest, and it’s up to all of us to make their visit as safe as possible! During this turtle nesting season, we are introducing “Turtle Talk Tuesday”. Every Tuesday, we will provide you with facts about our local turtle population and what is being done to protect them. This week’s message: Have you ever wondered about the process of a nesting sea turtle? Well, you no longer have to wonder. Below is some information from the Sea Turtle Conservancy which will provide you with insight on this very interesting topic. The female turtle emerges at night and ascends to the beach, searching for a suitable nesting spot. Once choosing a site, she using all four flippers to begin digging a pit. Once the pit is complete, she begins to dig an egg chamber using her rear flippers, alternating between the right and left flipper to scoop out damp sand. When she can reach no deeper, she will stop and contractions will begin. Following each contraction, the mother will drop between one and four eggs in short intervals until the chamber is nearly full. She will then use her rear flippers to replace the sand on top of the chamber until the eggs are completely covered. She will then pat down the area using the underside of her shell to camouflage the area. Slowly moving forward, she continues to flip dry sand behind her in an effort to conceal the location of her eggs from predators. The eggs will then incubate for approximately 60 days before hatching. Above we’ve shared a fun graphic from the Inwater Research Group showing the Anatomy of a Nesting Sea Turtle. Enjoy! |
Bicentennial & Nassau Vision 2050 Activities
Bicentennial Scavenger Hunt
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| As part of our year-long Bicentennial Celebration, we are hosting a Scavenger Hunt featuring photo challenges, quizzes and information about Nassau County’s history. The Scavenger Hunt is designed to take you all over the County, many places you may have never seen or even heard about. The Scavenger Hunt will take place from October 1 – November 2, 2024 so participants have a whole month to complete the challenge at your own pace. 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 Please note that you won’t be able to see any of the challenges until the event starts, on October 1, 2024. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. |
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Turpentine Days
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In celebration of Nassau County’s 200th birthday, the Nassau County Public Library System is hosting a special program, Turpentine Days. Led by local historian John Hendricks of the West Nassau Historical Society, this event will include discussions on one of Nassau County’s first industries, turpentine production, and the economic and social impact the industry had on the development of Nassau County.
WHAT: Turpentine Days Event
WHEN: Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Yulee Branch, 76346 William Burgess Blvd., Yulee (within FSCJ College)
This free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Yulee Branch Library.
Questions? Call (904) 530-6500 or 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.
Bicentennial Corn Maize
| Throughout the year, Conner’s A-Maize-ing Acres, located in Hilliard, provides family-friendly and agritourism opportunities to the community by allowing the public to visit the farm for photo ops and good, wholesome fun. They host field trips and parties and provide the annual sunflower patch and the pumpkin patch and corn maze. Each year, Conner’s A-Maize-ing Acres creates a new design of the corn maze which is unveiled before opening day. We are excited to announce that as part of our year-long Bicentennial, Nassau County has partnered with Conners A-Maize-ing Acres for a special Bicentennial-themed corn maze design. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we highlight this tedious process and provide sneak peaks of the mystery design. An announcement will be made this summer about a joint unveiling event between Conner’s A-Maize-ing Acres and the Board of County Commissioners. You won’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime (more like 200 years!) design unveiling or the loads of fun waiting for you at Conner’s A-Maize-ing Acres. |
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.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Below are public meetings scheduled for the week of September 9 – September 13, 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
Monday, September 9, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers
96135 Nassau Place,
Yulee, FL 32097
Development Review Committee
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
Commission Chambers
96135 Nassau Place,
Yulee, FL 32097
Code Enforcement Meeting Before a Special Magistrate
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.
Commission Chambers
96135 Nassau Place,
Yulee, FL 32097
Timber to Tides Design Overlay – Community Engagement Meeting
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers
96135 Nassau Place,
Yulee, FL 32097
American Beach Water & Sewer District Advisory Board
Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
Commission Chambers
96135 Nassau Place,
Yulee, FL 32097
