Nassau Now

Press Release

By Nassau County Board of County Commissioners

11/23/24

Employees of the Quarter In January 2022, County Manager Taco Pope, instituted new Customer Care Standards to govern both internal and external interactions and to create a more positive work environment. Part of this initiative includes an Employee Recognition Program in which employees can nominate co-workers who have demonstrated Nassau County’s Customer Care Standards and/or has provided exceptional performance beyond established duties and responsibilities.  At this morning’s Board of County Commissioners Meeting, three employees were recognized as the new Employees of the Quarter due to collective efforts in the Planning Department. The Planning Department had several vacancies and as a result, needed help from other departments to keep things running smoothly. Holly Coyle from the Department of Strategic Advancement, Katie Brock from the County Manager’s Office, and Susan Gilbert (formerly) of the County Attorney’s Office spent approximately 3 months assisting the Planning Department, filling vacant roles, reviewing procedures and implementing new procedures to enhance the department’s function and improve processes.  Planning Director Elizabeth Backe stated, “We thank the County Manager for sharing them with us at and having this idea and concept at a time when our department was short-staffed. All three of these ladies are humble, smart, they never seek the limelight or recognition, they have a great internal drive to succeed, impressive work ethic, not afraid to get “into the weeds” on issues, and they think about how to make process improvements and not just accept the status quo of “that’s how it’s always been done.” They really represent the best and the brightest of Nassau County employees and are exemplary models of what it means to serve the public.” Pictured: BOCC Chairman Joh Martin; Planning Director Elizabeth Backe; Economic Resources Coordinator Holly Coyle; Senior Management Analyst Susan Gilbert; Administrative Coordinator Katie Brock; County Attorney Denise May; and County Manager Taco Pope

In 2024, Nassau County Animal Services introduced their mascot, Ted E. “Bear”. Bear had been picked up as a stray but after getting to know this pup, the kind folks at NCAS decided to name him as mascot due to his gentle, loving nature. Since then, Animal Cruelty Investigator Marty Pruitt has taken Bear to several schools to teach kids animal safety, including safe human/animal interactions.  We wanted to share this wonderful article written by two journalism students at Westview K-8. Bear visited there recently during an assembly for students PK-5. One student stated, “Bear is a well-trained Pitbull dog that showed all the students how great he is. Bear is a very smart dog, but unfortunately he’s allergic to people so he needs a weekly allergy shot to continue doing what he loves which is helping fight the stigma that all Pitbulls are mean and scary.” If you’re interested in meeting Bear or scheduling an animal safety discussion, please contact Mr. Pruitt at (904) 530-6150.

In August 2024, the County announced that the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) had opened their annual calendar photo contest. This annual initiative invites residents and organizations around the State to submit photos to be considered in FAC’s annual calendar. This year’s theme was “Stormy Skies”. We are excited to announce that the 2025 FAC Calendar will feature a photo from one of Nassau County’s own, Ms. Kellie Boston, owner of Boston Photography. Below is the wonderful photo she entered of a shelf cloud on Amelia Island. Congratulations Kellie! And thank you for entering a photo on behalf of Nassau County.

Vision 2050 Growth Scenario Survey 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.   On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) hosted a Workshop for an update on the initiative from the County’s consultant Halff Associates. For the past year, Halff and County personnel have been busy studying the county’s history, culture and values, and obtaining feedback from the community through a series of interviews, community surveys, and pop-up events. In an effort to gain as much feedback as possible, they have also been present at numerous large, community events throughout the year such as the Independence Day Celebration in Callahan, the Opening of the Beaches Event in Fernandina Beach, the County’s Bicentennial Kick-off Event in Yulee, and more.   The presentation on October 16th included results of the community engagement process which led to the establishment of community building blocks, a framework to achieve the community-identified goals. The presentation also included information on growth projections and a market analysis identifying needed jobs and housing to accommodate a growing County. The community’s feedback, community building blocks, and market analysis data were used to create three growth scenarios which were also displayed.   At this time, residents are urged to review the growth framework presentation and provide input on the three scenarios. One final preferred growth scenario will be created and included in the 2050 Vision Plan. This preferred scenario will inform updates to the Future Land Use Map and the Future Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan. You can provide input by completing the survey linked here.  If you have any questions, please reach out to the Planning Department at (904) 530-6320 or via email at [email protected].

4th Annual Breakfast With Santa

Nassau County Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the 4th Annual Breakfast With Santa. This event features a free pancake breakfast and pictures with Santa. Following breakfast, there will also be a gift exchange with presents handed out by Santa himself. To participate in the gift exchange, please bring one wrapped gift per child. (priced under $20)

WHAT: 4th Annual Breakfast With Santa

WHEN: Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

WHERE: Callahan Multi-Use Facility, 543350 US Highway 1, Callahan

If you have any questions, please contact Parks & Recreation Director Jay Robertson at (904) 530-6120 or via e-mail at [email protected]. 

County Offices will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29, 2024 in observance of Thanksgiving. We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday.

Public Meetings

Below are public meetings scheduled for the week of November 25 – November 29, 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.

Nassau County BOCC | 96135 Nassau Place | Yulee, FL 32097 US