The Yulee News May 26, 2022

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Honoring All Who Sacrificed

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• Vol. 1 - No. 2

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“The Heart of Nassau County”

Memorial Day Is More Than the Unofficial Start of Summer

“To us, the red in our flag is a reminder of all the blood that has been spilled to protect our nation and keep it free.”

-Tammy Youngblood, Yulee resident

by John Hendricks, West Nassau Historical Society

by Nancy Lee Bethea To many of us, Memorial Day means a day off. It is time to relax by firing up the grill for hotdogs and hamburgers, swimming at the beach or in the pool, or going to a park for a hike and a picnic. After

Index

American flags adorn the graves of North Florida’s veterans at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.

The cemetery is located on Lannie Road on Jacksonville’s north side.

all, Memorial Day is the unofficial start of the summer season.

Yet, Memorial Day is much more than a day off work or school. Its purpose is to provide time to honor the

men and women who died while serving in the military. It is a day to unplug from our busy schedules and remember those

Memorial Day, See Page 3

Callahan, FL Permit No. 4

On January 6, 1855, Florida passed the Internal Improvement Act which encouraged the construction of roads and railroads from the populated coastal towns into the sparsely populated interior. Fernandina citizen, David Yulee, and others were among the first to take advantage of the state’s offer of free land by forming the Florida Railroad. The senator’s goal was to connect Fernandina on the Atlantic Ocean to Cedar Key on the Gulf Coast.

Up-and-coming railroad contractor, Daniel Callahan, began construction in the winter of 1855 and completed the massive, milelong swing span rail bridge across the Amelia River by the end of the year. Now

History, See Page 10

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• May 26, 2022 A Brief History of Railroads in Yulee, Nassau County

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Page 2

The Yulee News

May 26, 2022

Hurricane Preparedness Event FSCJ to Host Business Speaker Series Event, “FinTech” Revolutionizing How We Relate to Money

On May 19th, NCEDB hosted the 2022 Hurricane Preparedness Workshop at FSCJ campus in Yulee. Thank you to Martha Oberdorfer, Deputy Director of Nassau EM, Royce Proctor, Marketing Director of Okefenoke REMC Steve Turner, Owner of Turner Ace Arlington and Fernandina, and Paul Schwend, Owner of Schwend Insurance.

Paul Schwend from Schwend Insurance expressed that you don’t want to overlook Comprehensive coverage during a hurricane because a tree can fall on your car, or it could be caught in a flood.

Royce Proctor of OREMC talked about how long it could take to restore power. The rule of thumb was to multi-

ply the category of the hurricane by two to three weeks. He also talked about how OREMC will be doing a company wide hurricane exercise on July 29 to get prepared for hurricane season.

Steve Turner from Turner Ace Hardware let everyone know what you should include in your Hurricane Kit. He reminded everyone that planning is key because supply is in such a critical state right now; and to not forget gas if you have a generator.

Martha Oberdofer from Emergency Operations Center (EOC) explained what they offer during the hurricane season and how they can help with things such as, temporary shelters, temporary homes, and points of distribution.

Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) will host its next Business Speaker Series event, “FinTech: Revolutionizing How We Relate to Money.” This virtual event will focus on the evolving intersection of technology and financial services, and how it’s changing the way we spend, communicate and connect with money.

FSCJ’s Director of Program Development for the FinTech Initiative Dr. Johnny Bowman will moderate a panel of local experts who will discuss how mass accessibility to financial services is delivering value and driving customer behaviors, skillsets necessary for the labor market, the impact of FinTech on local economies, and what enhanced securities look like going forward.

Nathan Sweaney Principal Security Consultant, Secure Ideas All are welcome to attend this free virtual event. Online registration is required.

Visit fscj.edu/business-speakers to register and learn more.

The Business Speaker Series was made possible by a $250,000 commitment from First Florida Credit Union to support initiatives that will help local students and community members become future business leaders. The funding helped launch the series and will bolster the College’s Financial Skills Academy.

Panelists include:

WHERE: Online – Attendees will receive conference sign-on information following registration.

Lee Baker Certified Financial Planner, APEX Financial Services Greg Barnett Vice President, Head of Global Cyber Defense, FIS

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Anna Lebesch Vice President for Talent Development, JAXUSA Partnership

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Page 3

The Yulee News

Memorial Day, from page 1 people who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedom.

In May, 1868, the Grand Army Republic, an organization of Union veterans, established Decoration Day, a day to place flowers on the graves of those who had fallen in the Civil War. Major General John A. Logan declared the first Decoration Day to be on May 30, since the warmer weather meant blooming flowers all over the United States.

The first Decoration Day observance occurred at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, where General and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant presided. After several speeches, children moved through the cemetery, placing flowers on both Union and Confederate soldiers’ graves.

The children also sang hymns and offered prayers to God for the slain soldiers, according to information provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D. C. Tammy Youngblood has lived in Yulee with her husband, Glenn, and their daughter, Abby, since 2017. To her, Memorial Day is time to spend with family, jet skiing and boating on the St. Johns River at their relative’s home in Mandarin.

“It’s also a day to remember,” Tammy said. “We always put out the flag and spend time with family. We try to set aside time to remember the sacrifices people made.” One of the people Tammy will remember this Memorial Day is her father, John Hall, Sr. Mr. Hall, who passed away at the age of 68 in 1995, lied about his age to join the Navy in Jacksonville. He became a coxswain, Tammy said, which is the person responsible for steering the lifeboat on the ship.

Tammy’s father also married Betty Aud, his young sweetheart before leaving to fight in World War II. “She was 15, he was 19. They went to Folkston, Georgia, to get married with a witness,” Tammy said.

He joined the Navy to make a living for his new family, serving aboard the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor after the Japanese attack there. Eventually, he received a medical discharge.

Because of his medical discharge, the Navy taught Mr. Hall the trade of welding. He ended up working at the Naval Air

May 26, 2022

Regional Memorial Day Events Warriors Memorial Day Service at Jacksonville National Cemetery Thursday, May 26, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville 32218 Volunteers needed to place flags on graves beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Yulee resident, Glenn Youngblood, retired from the Jacksonville Sheriff ’s Office after 25 years. He served on the Jacksonville Sheriff ’s Office Honor Guard for 12 years, always participating in Memorial Day ceremonies.

Station in Jacksonville for many years as a welder. He also served as president of the welder’s union there.

“I begged him to teach me to weld, but he wouldn’t. He didn’t see that as woman’s work,” Tammy said. “He did help me with geometry, though. He was a very smart person.”

It wasn’t just Tammy’s father who served his country. Her four older brothers also served in the military. One brother worked at the Pentagon and retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel. The other three brothers all served in Vietnam, one in the Army and two in the Navy.

Tammy’s husband, Glenn, recently retired after 25 years with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Glenn also served on the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard for 12 years. As part of the Honor Guard, Glenn participated in numerous functions, such as dedication ceremonies and police funerals.

“Glenn was always a part of a Memorial Day celebration with the Honor Guard,” Tammy shared.

Memorial Day is more than a holiday for the Youngblood family. It’s a time to celebrate our country with the flag and fireworks, Tammy said, but it’s also a time to remember the sacrifices made.

“To us, the red in our flag is a reminder of all the blood that has been spilled to protect our nation and keep it free. We should think about that every time we see the American flag. It’s not just a piece of material, it is a literal picture of the sacrifice that keeps us from tyranny,” Tammy added.

Memorial Day Concert in the Park Monday, May 30, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Memorial Park in Jacksonville 1620 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, 32204 Memorial Concert and Picnic featuring the Navy Band Southeast.

Bring folding chairs or blankets.

City of Jacksonville Memorial Day Ceremony at the Jax Veterans Memorial Wall Monday, May 30, 8:00 a.m.

1145 East Adams Street, Jacksonville, 32202 Pre-ceremony music by Navy Band Southeast Each military branch will be represented by a wreath as will fallen service members whose names are being added to the Jax Veterans Memorial Wall this year.

Phone: 904.583.9096 • Email: TheYuleeNews@gmail.com

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Page 4

The Yulee News

LETTER TO THE

EDITOR Have any ideas or thoughts of what you would like to see in The Yulee News?

Let us know!

Call in, or email your thoughts to:

904.583.9096

Nassau County Deputies Enforce Traffic Laws Along Traffic A1A Corridor Message from NCSO: We aren’t handing out tickets for the thrill of it. If enforcement wakes people up to the dangers of unrestrained driving, we’ll consider our mission to be a success. If you know a friend or a family member who does not buckle up when they drive, please ask them to consider changing their habits. Help us spread this lifesaving message before one more friend or family member is killed as a result of this senseless inaction. Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — needs to remember to buckle up! #CLICKITORTICKET

editor@theyuleenews.com

The Nassau County Courthouse: 76347 Veteran’s Way / William Burgess Road, Built 2002–2003

May 26, 2022

Page 5

The Yulee News

May 26, 2022

Jan Van Delinder Selected as VFW Florida High School Teacher of the Year On May 14th, Jan Van Delinder, teacher at Yulee High School , was honored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars as the Florida High School Teacher of the Year. Presented by State Adjutant/Quartermaster Gene Perrino Sr., the VFW annually recognizes an exceptional teacher from the state on the elementary, middle school and high school levels for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Van Delinder is the honoree for the high school level for Florida.

Nominated by Post Mrs. Jan Van Delinder, M.A., Speech,Debate, English 3 & Dual Enroll4351 in Fernandina, ment Teacher. Florida Future Educators Sponsor. Speech & Debate Mrs. Van Delinder also Club Sponsor. Fine Arts Department Chair received $850 from the post , district and state. A speech, debate, dual enrollment and English teacher at Yulee High School, she initiated and coordinates an annual “Valentines for Veterans” campaign in which the students write letters to veterans and send them to the V.A. Hospital.

Her students also interview veterans as a class assignment, then summarize their interviews and write character sketches of the interviewees.

In accepting the award, Van Delinder said, “ I’m very appreciative of this recognition because I really want to encourage the students to honor and appreciate those who have defended our freedoms. “ In her forty-eight years in education, she has taught on the college, high school and elementary levels, as well has having been a school principal.

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Page 6

The Yulee News

May 26, 2022

The News Poll:

Buzz of the Week

How are you Celebrating the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend?

Katie Davis I think it will be a pretty lazy day! Hopefully a good burger on the grill.

Linda Blake Most of our family goes to Salt Springs campground for the long weekend of boating and family fun the Blake’s.

Question for 6/2/2022 How are Gas Prices Affecting your Summer Plans?

Please comment on our Facebook page or email us at editor@theyuleenews.com

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS

1 Came across a record concerning journalist (10) 6 Language of old city belonging to the French (4) 9 They’ll get wrongly blamed for heading off escape by animals (10) 10 There’s potato in Mum’s pudding (4) 12 Style of cooking providing contrasts (5-3-4) 15 Country-loving Irishman in charge of containing disturbance (9) 17 Giving note to terrorists makes one angry (5) 18 One who latches on to another is a sucker (5) 19 Sailor’s intent perhaps is to be self-restrained (9) 20 A comment sure upset in due proportion (12) 24 Man told to get on his knees? (4) 25 Boundary rope may produce such a decision (10) 26 E.g. dogs returning from walk (4) 27 Not quite one’s best friend on the ship (6,4)

DOWN

1 Pretty girl gets some food (4) 2 Animal found in sea location (4) 3 Fat little Edward is biased (12) 4 The First Lady touring Oklahoma will awaken memories (5) 5 The thresholds of delights (9) 7 Heartless robbers go off with a pet. The villains! (10) 8 Below, below, below (10) 11 Managed to get clergyman in dead awkward situation (12) 13 They are seeking work after demolition of aspic plant (10) 14 Steam railway takes on head of Railtrack to improve efficiency (10) 16 To perform in a different key, one’s parts must be arranged (9) 21 Went on horseback round cowboy show (5) 22 Junk mail from the capital (4) 23 Nothing but a lake (4)

Page 7

The Yulee News

May 26, 2022

ADOPT ME! GYPSY

Gypsy was adopted but returned after ten months.

Gypsy is about three years old, she is a beautiful red with white accents. She has the sweetest personality and does well with children. Gypsy would love to have a fuzzy playmate!

BEA

Bea lost her home and she is quite frightened. This little girl recently lost her home and now she finds herself living in a small cage with lots of barking dogs all around. Bea only weighs 13 pounds. She is frightened and a bit defensive. Never judge a dog solely on it’s shelter behavior. Abandonment is stressful, confusing, challenging, scary, and heartbreaking all at once. We are confident that once she is in a real home she will decompress and make a wonderful pet. Please spread the word and let’s get her a real home.

JUST

Adopted

WHOA

JED

Whoa is a happy three-year-old female that our officers found running loose in Nassau County. She is extremely friendly! She loved it when a human entered her kennel to take a quick video and give her a few treats.

Whoa has a beautiful chocolate coat with marshmallow highlights. She has heartworms, but don’t worry. When Nassau County Nassau County Nassau County you foster a heartworm dog, we provide the medicaRoad Department Engineering Services Building Department tion and tests. Once a dog is clear, shouldPermit youType chooseIssued to The Road Department Engineering Services is adopt we waive the adoption fee. performs maintenance on responsible for the design, New Builds, Additions, Rehabs,

Please give Chrystal D. and her family a BIG thumbs up for adopting Jed from NCAS!

County maintained roads including paving, grading and applying surface treatments.

inspection & administration of public works improvements within the County.

Driveway/Sidewalk Permits Issued Utility Permits Issued Pond/Borrow Pit Permits Issued

Petco Adoption event this Saturday!

This Saturday, May 28th, from 10-4 pm at the Petco in Yulee we will be hosting a super adoption event. All adoptions will be sponsered by Petco. New pet parents will recieve $450 in discounts on Petco merchandise and services. Stop by Petco this Saturday and meet your next best friend!

Follow our Facebook page to see more of our homeless pets or stop by and visit our pets at the shelter.

Adoption hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11-4 pm, Wednesday 1-6 pm, and Saturday 11-3 pm.

• • • • • •

Roofs, Siding, Signs

4,804

Mobile Home & Modular Hame

141

Electrical

3,278

JANICE JONES Work Orders Completed

2,390

Mechanical

2,513

Dirt Roads Maintained (Miles)

180

Plumbing

3,850

188

LSF Drains Cleaned

32,717

28

LSF Ditches Cleaned

110,940

1,693

Other Activities

Contractor Licenses

394

of ROW Mowed 1,043 a doggy date with some Last30Saturday,MilesJanice went on 1157 Flashers Maintained 34 Fleet Repairs 1,047 Inspections Performed 34,881 NCAS volunteers, she did well with people both big County Rd. 115 progress and little! She noticed other dogs but was not interested. She could use some leash training but when you sit in a kennel for 8 months, the excitement can beSmart overLockers whelming! Janice weighs 40 pounds, is about 4-yearsCleaned mobi-mats at beach accesses Added smart at Fernandina Branch and white markold, and has a• black coatlockers with symmetrical James Page Building to expand Library Services Finalized conceptual plan for Westside Regional ings on her face.

If you are considering adding her to • Upgrades to public access computers Park Expanded Yulee Branch and supplied with new your family, •a meet-n-greet at a shelter is a good idea.

Added lighting to ouside basketball courts at Yulee furnishings and equipment Sports Complex to expand usable time • Implemented card processing at all in-home, branches A generous sponser hascredit donated four profes• Created new online registration for library cards Beach for dune protection sional dog training sessions for any Nassau County • Completed RFID tagging at Callahan and Yulee New Lighting for 0.53 acres of land purchased to expand Holly Point Branches Janice.

Outdoor Basketball who adopts resident boat ramp

Courts in Yulee

New Transport Van

Roof added to Outdoor Kennels

New Cattery

Animal Services Provided in 2020/2021 Intake • • • • • • • •

• • •

Maintained no-kill status for shelter Upgraded computers and camera systems Covered the remaining outdoor kennels

38

Owner Requested Euthanasia

38

Transfers

137

Adoptions

1,536

Return to Owner

530

Total Calls for Service

9,363 Phone: 904-530-6150 | Toll Free: 855-242-6964 Fax: 904-225-3894 •

NCFR in top 14% of agencies in the nation Awarded a FEMA Safer Grant valued at $1.7 million

Brush Fires

65

Medical Calls

Fire Alarms

465

Medical Alarms

239

•

Awarded an Emergency Medical Services Grant

HAZMAT

34

Vehicle Crashes

596

Pediatric Airway/Medication Systems Awarded a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Equipment Grant valued at $49,978 for the purchase of two new rescue boats

Structure Fires

85

Cardiac Trauma

133

Vehicle Fires

68

Suicide Attempt

1

Investigations

417

Water Rescue

26

86078 License Road, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 •

6

Medical Euthanasia

Replaced the medical transport/adoption event van Cattery expansion completed allowing for increased capacity and large scale isolation Held 16 adoption events 503 pets placed in foster homes

Fire Station 71 opened June 5, 2021 New Engine 71 placed into service

2,445

Euthanasia

6,949

Search & Rescue Training

New Engine 71

Page 8

The Yulee News

ELECTIONS

May 26, 2022

2022 Primary and General Election Dates Ballots Available for pick-up at SOE Office: July 14, 2022 Deadline to Register or Change your Party: July 25, 2022 Early Voting: August 10, 2022 - August 20, 2022 9 am - 6 pm daily, including Saturday & Sunday Election Day: August 23, 2022, 7 am - 7 pm

2022 General Election

Ballots Available for pick-up at SOE Office: September 29, 2022 Deadline to Register: October 11, 2022 Early Voting: TBD Election Day: November 8, 2022, 7 am - 7 pm

It’s that time again!!!

SUMMER Is Heating Things Up!

Is Your system READY?

$

99.00 Preventative Maintenace with mention of ad. (regularly $114).

Page 9

The Yulee News

SPORTS

May 26, 2022

Congratulations to Kevin Schmidt for committing to play next level collegiate Soccer at North Arkansas College!

Congratulations to Senior Golfer Alanis Santiago-Maldonado signing to play collegiate level at Young Harris College!

Huge congratulations to our Hornet Athletes Christina Jackson and Zack Drawdy for being nominated and honored last night at the High School Sports Award Show by USA Today. Christina was nominated for volleyball player of the year in the greater Jacksonville region. Zack was nominated for football offensive player of the year in the greater Jacksonville region. The Greater Jacksonville High School Sports Award show had over 600 athletes represented from every sport all around NE Florida. We are extremely proud of these two for their accomplishments this season! Go Hornets!

The Yulee News

History, from page 1 town port of Fernandina. In the summer on the mainland, Callahan blazed westward, grading through swamps and using his bridge-building expertise to erect trestles over O’Neil and Lofton Creeks.

By the spring of 1856, Yulee’s Florida Railroad crew had reached Hart’s Road, a narrow path build by prominent Floridian, Isaiah Hart. Hart built the road decades earlier to move the U. S. mail from Duval County to the new Nassau County courthouse in Evergreen and beyond into Georgia. It was at this crossing point of road and tracks at milepost twelve that a small station named Hart’s Road was built.

A tiny community formed around the Hart’s Road station and by 1857 a post office opened briefly in the new railroad town. However, hostilities during the War Between the States led to the rails being removed through the fledgling village, stunting its growth. The decade following the war was no kinder to the sleepy hamlet. Then in 1880, David Yulee formed his second local rail line called the Fernandina and Jacksonville Railroad (F&J). This time, his goal was to syphon freight and passenger business away from Jacksonville’s busy river port to his home-

of 1881, trains began rolling northward on the F&J from the St. Johns River to Hart’s Road station where they veered eastward and continued along Yulee’s well-established Florida Railroad to Fernandina.

For the next decade, trains from both ports moved along David Yulee’s growing railroad system, strengthening the former senator’s position as the “Father of Florida’s Railroads.”

While David Yulee celebrated the opening of his F&J at Hart’s Road station, a rival railroad owner by the name of Henry Plant was making iron horse history just miles away in Callahan. By this time, Florida was fast becoming a major tourist destination of those living in the north and Midwest. The Sunshine State’s warm climate and its many clear springs and beaches attracted thousands of visitors by ship and by rail. The South’s damaged rail network had already recovered from the war, but there was still no direct rail link into Florida. In 1881, Plant solved this problem when he built the Waycross Short Line, which connected his rail network in Georgia through Callahan to Jacksonville.

Seeing his railroad empire threatened,

May 26, 2022 miles north of Yulee that diverted trains southwestward to Callahan, cutting the travel time into Florida. Now redundant, the 12-mile section of the original Florida Railroad from Yulee to Callahan was removed in the 1950s.

John Hendricks is a local historian and author and is currently the Director of the West Nassau Historical Society.

You can join him at their meetings on the 4th Thursdays of each month at 6:30 pm inside the historic Callahan Train Depot.

David Yulee and others began planning a new line that would challenge Plant’s network. First, one group of upstarts planned to build a railroad from just east of Hart’s Road northward through Rose’s Bluff to St. Marys and Jesup, Georgia. That ill-fated scheme was quickly thwarted by Henry Plant. Then David Yulee began his own expansion project by extending his F&J northward into Georgia. Unfortunately, David Yulee died in 1886 and his proposed venture was put on hold for several years. Then in 1893, the new owners of Yulee’s rail company laid track northward from the F&J to Savanah, paralleling the main line of Plant’s. Soon trains of the rival railroads were racing southward through the wiregrass to see which one would make it to Florida first.

Now a railroad gateway into Florida, Hart’s Road was renamed Yulee in honor of the state’s fallen railroad pioneer. In 1900, all three of these railroads became part of the regional rail giant, Seaboard Air Line Railroad.

Today, all the railroads mentioned above still carry several freight trains a day, with the exception of the tracks from the Yulee junction westward to Callahan.

In 1923, Seaboard built a cutoff seven

LOCAL ECONOMIC INDICATORS Median Household Income

Source: US Census Bureau – American Community Survey – B19013

6.0%300

0

2.0%

2020

2020 2020

US

2019 2019

2019

2018

2018 2018

2017 FL

2017 2017

2016

2015

2014

Nassau County

2016

0

2015

2021

0.0%

2014

2011

1.0%100

2020

2020

2019

2019

2018

2017

2018

2016

2017

2015

2016

2014

2015

2013

3.2%

200

3.0%

2021 2021

20,000

2012 2014

4.7

5.0% 4.0%

2011 2013

$344,90

7.0%

2013 2013

40,000

8.0%

2012 2012

$72,998 60,000

20,000

2012

$72,998 Source: Northeast Florida Association of Realtors

9.0%

40,000

0

Median Home Sales Price

Sources: FL Dept of Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Labor Statistics

400

93,012

89,258

82,748

80,456

77,841

76,536

75,321

60,000

74,661

73,745

80,000

85,070

Source: US Census Bureau – American Community Survey – B19013

80,000

Thousands

Median Household Income

Nassau County Foreclosures

60,000700

$344,900

2016

2015

2014

300

500

Thousands

Foreclosure Cases Filed

600

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Nassau County’s median household income increased by 2.9% to $72,998 in 2020, compared to $57,703 for Florida and $67,251 for the US.

Baptist Medical Center-Nassau

5.0 % 2.5 % 53 2.4 % 1.7 % 1.7 % 1.3 %

2021 2021

2020

US

0

2019 2019

FL

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Nassau County

53

2018 2018

0

2017 2017

200

0

2016 2016

100

2015 2015

100

300

Nassau County School District Nassau County Government Omni Amelia Island Plantation Westrock (Rock-Tenn) 2014 2014

200

20,000400

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

2012 2012 2013 2013

200

300

2020 2020

400

500

0

Foreclosure Cases Filed

600

40,000

100

2013

700

$72,998

80,000

2012

Nassau County’s median household income increased by 2.9% Nassau County’s population has increased 26.1% in the last County U.S. $67,251 to $72,998 in 2020, compared Nassau to $57,703 for Florida and Nassau County FL US ten years from 73,745 in 2012 to for Nassau the US. County’s unemployment rate In September 2021, Nassau County’s median household income increased 2.9% 93,012 in by 2021. since 2012 andcompared upHome 19% into2021 compared toa2020. decreased to 3.2% a USwhen rate of 4.7% and prior to $72,998Median in 2020, compared to $57,703 for Florida and $67,251 Median Sales Price Household Income for the US. Source: US Census Bureau – American Community Survey – B19013 year County unemployment of 4.1%.

Source: Northeast FloridaForeclosures Association rate of Realtors Nassau County 400

2011

2

Page 10

since 2012 and up 19% in 2021 when compared to 2020.

CLASSIFIEDS

Page 11

HELP WANTED

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WE ARE HIRING: The Jail & Detention Center Clerk performs clerical and operational duties and other tasks involved in the acquisition of goods and services required to maintain the daily operations of the Nassau County Jail & Detention Center specific to the improved/enhanced well-being of Inmates. The most important and essential job function of the position is attitude which includes the following: interacting positively and cooperating with co-workers, responding politely. http://nassauso.com

The Yulee News

Nassau County Animal Services - We have a small staff and are always in need of volunteers and adopters. Please come visit us. We try hard to make the pets’ lives a little better. You can make a difference too! lfee@nassaucountyfl.com for more info.

Writers Wanted - The Yulee News is looking for experienced writers. If you are connected with your community and would like to submit stories to our weekly paper, please send a copy of your resume along with samples to: theyuleenews@gmail.com.

ALERTS Scam Alert - There have been reports of several calls to Nassau County citizens receiving phone call that appear to come from the Clerk’s office, demanding payment for traffic citations or other court related fees - these phone calls are SCAMS. Please visit website for more info.

OBITUARIES OBITUARY POLICY:

Obituaries are published free of charge by The Yulee News. To submit information on obituaries please call 904.583.9096 or email theyuleenews@gmail.com.

Classified Rates

All Line Ads are 4 Lines, 20 to 25 Characters Per Line.

Additional Lines May Be Purchased.

All Rates Are NET.

Business

& Svc. Directory: 1.5” x 2” $80/4 Weeks 1.5” x 3” $160/4 Weeks

Employment Spotlight: (2” Minimum) 1 Week: $27 Per Inch

Private Party Line Rates:

$15.25 1 wk, $26 2 wks, $34.75 3 wks, $42 4 wks Couches, T.V’s, Beds, Household Items, Etc.

Garage Sale 1 Week: $22

Commercial Line Rates: $24 1 wk, $42 2 wks, $60 3 wks, $76 4 wks (Cars, Renting or Selling Real Estate or Advertise Y our Business or Service)

May 26, 2022

Deadline is Tuesday at 5 PM Call 904.583.9096 or email

theyuleenews@gmail.com

Service Directory SNS LAWN MAINTENANCE LLC

Sean McGouey Let us take care of all of your lawn maintenance needs!

Call today for a free quote.

904.775.6171

MAE CONTRACTING LLC

We are Locally Owned & Family Operated Licensed & Insured.

Over 20 years of experience. We specialize in Commercial, and Industrial style fencing, from Chain Link, Vinyl, Farm-Style, Pool Fencing, Steel and Aluminum Ornamental, Composite, Barbed Wire, or Razor Wire, and Wooden Privacy Fence. We also specialize in Gates and Gate Operators.

904.507.2632

TOP NOTCH TINT LLC Here at Top Notch Tint LLC, customers come first. Your car will be treated as good as our own with satisfaction guaranteed. Locally owned and operated small business that emphasizes on quality!

904.947.9727

LIBERTY BAIL BONDS NASSAU

$5 Notary • UHAUL Next door to Dollar General on Hwy 17 “Because Sometimes Good People Make Mistakes”

904-225-0002

DRW CURBING, LLC

Custom concrete curbing for your permanent landscaping.

Curbing is approximately 6 inches in width and is formed in a continuous pour. Many different designs and colors to choose from. Air Force Veteran/Firefighter owned!

904.894.3751

PARTY ICE

Reel Thirsty Ice is ready for all you Party Ice Needs.

“Your Mom and Pop Ice Planet!”

Give Us a Call Today and we will Keep your Refreshments Cool for your party guests!

Pricing Per Pound.

904.556.3027

NEED CUSTOM YARD SIGNS?

Have a special event that needs to be announced?

Do you need a store front sign for your new or established business?

We can Help! From Start to finish we can Design a sign that is right for you! Give us a Call Today!

904.879.2101

WILLS, TRUSTS & PROBATE

We can Help.

The Law Offices of Micolle D. Rosenberry, P.A. Call us Today at:

904.805.8881

Page 12

The Yulee News

May 26, 2022

Buzz around Town 2022 Entrepreneurship Summer Camp Tentative Schedule This camp is for current seventh through eleventh grade students. It will be a lot of fun for students and they will walk away with items they can use to promote their very own business. Students do not have to be enrolled in the Nassau County School District.

Where: 76346 William Burgess Blvd Yulee, FL 32097 Lewis “Red” Bean Center, Building T When: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday – Friday / May 31 – June 3 Monday – Thursday / June 6-9 The website for the camp is: nassaubusinesscamp.com. This website explains the camp and what needs to be completed in order to attend.

The website to pay the $75+service fee for meals is: tinyurl.com/nassaucamp. Office: (904) 548-1727.

COMMUNITY MEETING REGARDING CHESTER ROAD AREA DRAINAGE STUDY

Last year, the County initiated a drainage study on Chester Road due to drainage issues in Glen Laurel Subdivision. The study was completed by Peters Yaffee, a consulting firm specializing in engineering design. The study analyzed the historical and current conditions of the drainage basins associated with the wetland areas surrounding Glen Laurel Subdivision, Blackrock Hammock Subdivision and Heron Isles Subdivision.

The drainage report has been finalized and Engineering staff is ready to share the findings with the community. The results will be discussed at a Community Meeting scheduled for Monday, June 6, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097. Members from Peters Yaffee and Nassau County’s engineering staff will be in attendance. In addition to discussing the results of the study, County staff will share plans on how to move forward in addressing issues that have been identified.

It’s important to mention that the study was conducted to determine whether or not this particular issue was caused by development and it was determined that development is NOT the issue here. The issue is located within existing wetlands between two neighborhoods that are a result of environmental factors causing natural blockages (overgrown foilage, trees that have fallen naturally, blockages created by beaver damns, etc.) Engineering staff is working with those communities and the St. Johns River Water Management District to obtain the necessary permission to clear the blockages without changing the natural conditions of the area. All of this information will be discussed in detail at the community meeting on June 6th.

If you have any questions, please contact Engineering Services at (904) 530-6225.

COMMUNITY SURVEYS RELATED TO CURRENT BEACH ENHANCEMENT INITIATIVES

Join us for a fun night on Thursday! We will be there along with other community groups ready to answer your questions and just get to know each other. We will be handing out Scent Kits for families with a loved one with autism or dementia (all free for you). Hope to see you there!

www.facebook.com/TheYuleeNews

The Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau has released two community surveys related to 1) beach park harmonization; and 2) tourism and destination development initiatives.

Nassau County beaches are enjoyed by ALL residents. As such, it is important that ALL residents respond to these surveys to make their voices heard during the planning process.

The surveys will remain open through June 30th.

Initiative #1: Beach Park Harmonization Project The CUVB seeks to harmonize and enhance the visitor’s experience at Amelia Island’s seven main beach parks: North Beach, Main Beach, Seaside Park, Peters Point, Burney Park, Scott Road Beach Access, and the Southend Beach Access. Building on previous studies and existing guidelines, the Beach Harmonization Project aims to modernize and better equip these parks to better serve the local community, as well as visitors to the area.

A presentation was made Katie Poppel of the firm EDSA at the May 18, 2022 Board of County Commissioners meeting. Ms. Poppel stated, “The objective of this is the idea of harmonization. How do these 7 parks fit together and create that cohesive space? A space where a resident or visitor can visit any park and find a set of “pedestrian comfort” enhancements including seating, waste receptacles, pavilions, beach access”. The May 18th presentation can be found here with the presentation listed under “Tab C”.

Initiative #2: The “Nassau Next” Tourism and Destination Development Project This project will create a comprehensive roadmap for the future of Nassau County and its tourism economy. Positioning new areas of the county will help capture a greater share of tourism spending while maintaining momentum on Amelia Island. This project will deliver a clear 10-year plan for creating jobs, expanding the economy, and improving quality of life for visitors and residents.

Survey Link for Beach Park Harmonization Project: by scanning the QR Code.

Page 13

The Yulee News

May 26, 2022

Buzz around Town Yulee News Shout Out! We would like to share this shout-out from a citizen about our Deputy Brian Fitzpatrick!

He filled up a tank for an elderly man over the weekend and bought him an ICEE. A huge THANK YOU to Deputy Fitzpatrick for his generosity!

Big ole Gator on the Side of Chester Road Early this week FWC officers responded to a call of an Alligator crossing Chester Road.

Traffic was stopped in both directions and with many people stopping to observe.

The FWC officer stated that since there hasn’t been any complaints on him, they will possibly relocate him to a remote location. He said they use cuffs on gators over a certain size as the tape they would normally use tightens and hurts them. The cuffs can be locked and won’t tighten when thrashing around. Officers were able to relocate the Alligator safely to an undisclosed location.

GRAND OPENING June 2, 2022 The Crossings at Wildlight: - 76010 William Burgess Blvd, Yulee Store: (904) 875-6184 • Pharmacy: (904) 685-8121

Page 14

The Yulee News

May 26, 2022

Buzz around Town Light of Unity Conference May 28-29, 2022 O, Well-Wishers of Humanity ! Discover world, nation, community, family, and heart transforming activities to create Spiritual & Material Prosperity for All. At this Bahai hosted, free, participatory conference there’s food, fellowship, fun, music, children’s activities, and lively discussion. Strengthening bonds of social unity, the conference is one of 10,000 now sweeping across this planet. Peck Center, 516 S. 10th St. Fernandina Beach, Saturday & Sunday, May 28-29 at 9:00 am. Come one or both days. Conference is Free. For information and registration with computer, go to Eventbrite, Light of Unity Conference, Fernandina Beach, FL (the YouTube video is captivating). Or call Christine 703-609-7523, Sharon 904-321-6936, Stan 904-704-0568.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022 AT 9 AM – 1 PM Wildlight Market Place Farmers and Arts Market Wildlight Market Place 123 Tinker Street, Yulee Fl Monday night, May 23rd, an estimated 200 + people (standing room only) packed the Nassau County Commissioners meeting regarding the Riverstone Condo project. The board listened to numerous community members resulting in a 3/2 split vote, with Commissioners John Martin, Aaron Bell and Klynt Farmer voting to reject the Riverstone settlement offer and uphold the building ordinance.

Puzzle Solution

Page 15

The Yulee News

May 26, 2022

Congratulations To Our Up And Coming Leaders Of Nassau County!

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904-583-9096

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