What’s happening this
VBX AT THE JOURNEY CHURCH JUNE 27-29 // FOR GRADES K-5
Summer Summer article on page 2
FREE • Vol. 1 - No. 6
June 23, 2022
“The Heart of Nassau County”
Governor DeSantis awards Nassau County $4 million
Tourism Topped $1 Billion in Nassau County 2021 Findings indicate more than $1 billion in total economic impact from tourism
On Monday, June 20th, Governor Ron DeSantis held a mid-morning press conference at The Pig BBQ in Callahan, Florida. During his visit to Nassau County, DeSantis spoke in front of a full house including County Commissioners Klynt Farmer, Thomas Ford and John Martin, Sheriff Bill Leeper, Sen. Aaron Bean, John Drew Tax Collector, Mayor Matthew Davis, Callahan Town Council members Ken Bass, Jackie Fleming, Ashton Bishop Vargas, David Mellecker and Janet Shaw along with many others. “We want to have more of an industrial base in the state of Florida. We want to be able to expand manufacturing,” DeSantis said. Crawford Diamond has been ap-
What’s Inside
POSTAL PATRON
PAID
Callahan, FL Permit No. 4
P.O. Box 627 Callahan Florida 32011
The Yulee News
STD U.S. POSTAGE
Coloring Contest . . . . . . . 2 In the Courts. . . . . . . . . . . 6 Outdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Buzz Around Town. . 12-14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Governor DeSantis presenting the $4 million check to Mayor Matthew Davis, Town of Callahan. proved for up to 10.5 million square feet of industrial uses that can include manufacturing, assembly, warehousing and distribution as well as use as an inter-modal inland port or logistics center. DeSantis advised the water plant
would increase the industrial park’s clean water capacity by 3 million gallons per day and have $25 million in economic impact.
Growth, See page 8
AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (May 3, 2022) – Visitor activities on Amelia Island generated more than $1 billion ($1,027,582,200) in total economic impact in 2021, according to the newly released 2021 Value of Tourism Report commissioned by the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council (AITDC). Compiled by renowned Tallahassee-based Downs & St. Germain Research, the biannual report summarizes the profound impact visitors have on the economy, government, and citizens of Nassau County. In addition to the $1 billion economic impact milestone, the 50-page report shows visitors generated $725 million in direct spending in Nassau County restaurants, accommodations, attractions, gas, retail and grocery stores, and more. Compared to the 2019 report, this represents a 6.8% increase in direct spending, and a 14.67% increase in total economic impact. “We’ve been tracking the post-pandemic recovery, but it’s a relief to have the
Tourism, See page 3
POLE BARNS FENCING • SITE WORK CONCRETE Financing Available
Call us for a FREE Estimate TODAY! 904-577-9124
904-507-2632
@M.A.E Contracting
Page 2
The Yulee News
Beat the Florida Heat this Summer By Nancy Lee Bethea
It’s hot outside, and the thermometer is rising as summer moves into full swing. You could jump into an ice-filled bathtub or open your freezer and insert your head. Unfortunately, neither of these options would cool you down for long.
June 23, 2022 option. Kids love the wide-open space, the power of the ocean, and the chance to build sand castles and sculptures. Splashing in the waves can cool you down, at least for a little while. It’s always a good idea to set up your beach camp near a lifeguard. For more information including lifeguard locations, just Google Fernandina Beach beach front parks. Area Pools
There are, however, many other ways to beat the heat this summer. Whether you are working or relaxing from home, providing childcare for kids in your family, or commuting to an office every day, relief from Florida’s humidity can be found. “The Yulee News” put together a few ways to beat the heat this summer. Indoor Summer Activities
The swimming hole at Madison Blue Spring offers a chance to cool down during hot summer days.
Staying in an indoor space, whether that is your home, an office, or a store, is a great option during the heat of a Florida summer day. Here are some places you can do just that: Indoor Amusement Parks: Urban Air is a trampoline park on Southside Boulevard in Jacksonville. It offers indoor skydiving, Go-Karts, bowling, and laser tag in addition to several types of trampolines. Your kids will love all the
activities they can do while enjoying air conditioning at Urban Air. For more information, please visit www.urbanair.com.
a variety of businesses for shoppers of all ages. For more information, just Google The Avenues Mall.
Malls or Shopping Centers
Movie Theaters
While shopping malls are not as popular as they used to be, they do offer a cool place to shop, meet friends, or eat a meal. The Avenues Mall on the south end of Jacksonville, offers a cool space with
Going to a movie is always fun, but it could be even better when outdoor temperatures are inching toward three digits. Yulee has its own theater, the AMC Classic Yulee 10, located at 96012 Lofton Square Court. If you haven’t seen “Top Gun: Maverick” yet, it is playing now. For other options and show times, just type Yulee movie theater into Google.
G N I R O L CO CONTEST ! r e n n i W
Libraries Nassau County has a wonderful library system with programs going on all summer long. Why not spend an hour or two at the local library browsing for some good summer reads, working on an online class, finding a classic movie to watch at home, or participating in story time with your kids? Speaking of the kids, the research is in. According to Scholastic, students who read at least 20 minutes a day build their vocabulary and score in the top ten per cent on standardized tests. For more information on the Nassau County Library System, please visit https://nassaureads.com/.
Congratulations to our winner:
Addison Bell Age 8
Check-ou t our other con testant s Abby Murnane, 10
Outdoor Summer Activities We live in Florida, and that means there are plenty of things to do outdoors. Just remember to wear your sunscreen and drink plenty of fluids during these hot summer days. Here are a few suggestions for outdoor activities: Area Beaches With our proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, visiting the beach is always a great
Victoria H., 8 Madeline Elliot, 6 Miya Evans, 6
Nassau County is fortunate to offer its residents beautiful public pools. The pools at the Atlantic Recreation Center and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center offer places to swim and cool off from the summer heat. Each facility offers a main pool, a kiddie pool, and other water features during the summer months. The daily admission price is $3.00 for Fernandina Beach residents and $5.00 for nonresidents. For hours of operation and other information, please Google Fernandina Beach public pools. Florida Springs Florida is blessed to have numerous freshwater springs located throughout the state. Going to a spring will require a bit of a drive from Yulee, but the chance to cool down and relax in the spring-fed waters is reason enough to go. The water temperature in many Florida rivers and springs is about 72 degrees year-round, but some of them are even cooler. “The Yulee News” visited Madison Blue Springs earlier this week, and the water temperature in the swimming hole was a cool 65 degrees! Grab your swim goggles, pack a picnic, and head to a freshwater spring this summer. For more information, please visit https://floridasprings.org/. Combine Reading and Visiting Florida’s State Parks This summer, libraries all over Florida are participating in “The Real Florida Reader,” a program combining reading with getting outside to enjoy Florida’s State Parks. Through September 12, you can check out a Real Florida Reader Day Pass from your local library, which you can present at a Florida State Park (some restrictions apply) for free admission. Libraries are encouraging patrons to check out books on Florida wildlife and culture to make their park visits even better. For more information, please visit https://nassaureads.com/the-real-florida-reader. How Are You Staying Cool? “The Yulee News” would love to know how you are staying cool this summer. Please send us a photo or short video (30 seconds or less) of your visit to the beach, to the pool, to a spring, or somewhere else. Just attach your photo and send it to TheYuleeNews@gmail.com.
Jax, 6
Brayden Degray, 7 Jax Beaty, 6
Adelynne, 6
Easton Helmer, 6
Aiden Elliot, 11
Thank you so much for all those who participated, you did a beautiful job. Let us know if you want another contest in the future!
This sign welcomes visitors to Madison Blue Spring in Lee, Florida. Lee is about 120 miles from Yulee.
June 23, 2022 Tourism, From page 1 final report in hand to document Amelia Island’s return to record-setting economic impact in Nassau County,” said Gil Langley, president and CEO of the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau (AICVB), which markets the destination for the AITDC. “The total number of visitors decreased, but the healthy spike in direct spending and economic impact is indicative of our efforts to focus marketing strategies to attract quality visitors, rather than sheer quantity, for more sustainable tourism growth.” According to the research, over the past 21 years (2000 to 2021), the number of annual visitors to Amelia Island has increased nearly 85% (84.99%), but the amount of visitor spending has increased more than 171% (171.34%), a clear indication the AICVB has been successful in its efforts to increase yield, thereby building a sustainable tourism industry. The following are among the many
The Yulee News other highlights and insights the report provides on the economic impact of Nassau County’s tourism industry in 2021:
Father’s Day Crash
Page 3
• Visitors to Amelia Island generated more than $1 billion in economic impact. • Every 94 visitors to Amelia Island employ one Nassau County resident. • Visitors to Amelia Island save each Nassau County household about $3,707 in all state and local taxes. • Visitors spent $140 for every $1 spent on marketing by AITDC. • Every $1 spent on marketing by AITDC generated $55 for Nassau County government. • Every $1 spent on marketing by AITDC generated $10 for the Nassau County school board. • The typical travel party that stayed in paid accommodations in Amelia Island spent $2,311 during their trip.
For more information, visit AmeliaIslandTDC.com or AmeliaIsland.com. To download a copy of the 2021 Value of Tourism report, visit www.AmeliaIslandTDC.com/Value-of-Tourism.
Sunday at 11:05 a.m., the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and Nassau County Fire Rescue responded to reports of a plane crash in the Nassau Sound. When NCSO’s Marine Unit arrived they discovered it was an amphibious aircraft. These types of planes can land or take off on the water. The pilot told NCSO he was
trying to take his father out for a Father’s Day flight but was having issues taking off. The pilot accidently hit a wake and damaged one of the plane’s floats. Both the pilot and his father were thankfully uninjured and the plane was taken in for repairs.
MEETING ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS SINCE 1963 Your full service commercial print and mail provider.
www.flasunprinting.com 904.879.2101 904-879-2101
Same day or next day delivery in multiple states.
Contact us for a quote today! sales@flasunprinting.com | www.flasunprinting.com
Page 4
The Yulee News
Recipe
Corner
BANANA PANCAKES INGREDIENTS:
(Makes 4 Servings)
3 eggs 1 cup milk 2 tsp. Vanilla extract 1 tsp. coconut extract ½ cup light brown sugar 2 cups all purpose flour 4 tsps. Baking powder ½ tsp kosher salt ¼ cup melted butter 3 medium-size ripe mashed 1 cup chopped pecans bananas (about 1 cup mashed) 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
INGREDIENTS:
DIRECTIONS:
Southern Cooking EASY FALL OFF THE BONE BBQ RIBS
You will need: 2 to 2-1/2 Lbs. baby back pork ribs Salt and black pepper Sweet and Spicy BBQ Sauce: 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil ¼ cup finely diced onion ½ tsp. ground cumin ½ cup ketchup 1 Tbsp. hot chili sauce (suggestion Sriracha) 2 Tbsp. light brown sugar 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar Salt and ground pepper to taste DIRECTIONS: Prepare Ribs: Heat oven to 275 degrees. If ribs still has the thin membrane covering the back of the rack, remove it. Season both sides with a generous amount of salt and pepper. If using a spice rub, add season to the ribs with it now. Place ribs, meat-side up, in a large roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet (may be necessary to cut ribs in half for them to fit into the pan). Cover pan or baking sheet tightly with aluminum foil and bake until meat falls easily from the bones 2-1/2 to
3-1/2 hours. Make BBQ Sauce: While ribs are baking, make the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent, 5 – 8 minutes. Stir in the cumin and cook additional 30 seconds. Add ketchup, hot chili sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine, season with salt then cook for 2 minutes. Set aside in preparation for the ribs to finish roasting. To finish: Remove ribs from the oven, discard the aluminum foil and generously brush both side with the BBQ Sauce, (optional: move oven rack near top of the oven. Turn broiler to high, broil the ribs for 3-4 mins., just until the BBQ sauce begins to caramelize. Keep a close eye on the ribs while they broil so the sauce doesn’t burn).
YOUR GATHERING PLACE GRAND OPENING! JUNE 25!
850895 U.S. HWY 17, YULEE, FLORIDA
June 23, 2022
Heat an electric griddle to medium high heat. Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla and coconut extract. Add dry ingredients and whisk until mostly smooth. Stir in melted butter, bananas, coconut and pecans. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the griddle, leaving 1-2” between each pancake. Cook for about 3-1/2 minutes, until deeply browned and lightly bubbled
on top. Flip pancakes and cook the second side about 3 minutes, until golden brown. Serve with an extra sprinkling of coconut and chopped pecans, if desired. Enjoy! Cook’s Note: To make these pancakes gluten-free, substitute 1-1/2 cups brown rice flour, 2/3 cup tapioca starch, and ¼ cup potato starch for the all-purpose flour. Let the gluten-free batter rest for about 15 minutes prior to cooking. The wait will thicken the batter slightly, resulting in thicker and fluffier pancakes, the results are worth the wait.
June 23, 2022
ACROSS 1. It’s mounted on runners 5. Corleone in “The Godfather” 9. Illegal inducement 14. Serve the iced tea 15. Horse (locomotive) 16. Happen again 17. Hairstyle that’s picked? 18. Like a lemon 19. Love to pieces 20).Is absolutely relentless 23. Cabbage like veggie 24. Ballpark official, briefly 25. Spars that cross a sail 28. All hail them? 30. It can be an X or an 0 33. It’s charged 34. Cornmeal dish 35. Search, as for compliments 36. Goes around with bad intentions 39. Bugs on a hill 40. Top-of-the-line 41. Food for frogs 42. “All right!” 43. Britain, to the U.S. 44. “Finally!” 45. First word said after a birth 46. Have roots in
The Yulee News
Crossword Puzzle
(with “from”) 47. Is as stubborn as a mule 54. Winged honker 55. Vigorous enthusiasm 56. Do as one’s told 57. Nasal congestion locale 58. Vending-machine offering 59. Cyrano’s large feature 60. Plus column entry 61. Capsize (with “over”) 62. Collectors’ goals DOWN 1. Health club features 2. Hay or choir area 3. Dollar relative 4. Old field goal attempts 5. Heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, etc. 6. Good and steamed 7. Utterly undecided 8. Aware of, as a scam 9. Lullaby composer Johannes 10. Get more fondue 11. Desktop graphic symbol 12. Small town 13. Bard’s “before” 21. Fills to excess 22. Starchy veggie
25. Spread apart, as fingers 26. Face downward 27. Civil disturbances 28. Like a Kansan’s trite joke? 29. Poker-pot starter 30. Bone or flute 31. Tropical spots 32. Word with “medicine” or “cedar” 34. Place to swim 35. Monthly lunar phenomena 37. Not true 38. Quite a bit 43. Provide evidence for 44. Hardly melodious 45. 1/12 of a subscription, often 46. Lacking freshness 47. Clark’s partner 48. Electrically charged particles 49. A real head-turner 50. Gin flavorer 51. Woodwind with a pastoral sound 52. Bluebird’s residence 53. Things that may twinkle 54. Government procurement org.
YULEE
FULFILLING ALL OF YOUR PRINTING NEEDS SINCE 1963. MAGAZINES | BANNERS | BUSINESS CARDS | INSERTING SHORT RUN DIGITAL PRINTING | MAILING | DELIVERY GRAPHIC DESIGN | POSTCARDS | YARD SIGNS | BOOKLETS FLYERS | DIRECT MARKET MAILOUTS | BROCHURES
904.879.2101
FLASUNPRINTING.COM | SALES@FLASUNPRINTING.COM 54024 CRAVEY ROAD, CALLAHAN FL, 32011
Page 5
Page 6
The Yulee News
June 23, 2022
IN THE COURTS LETTER TO THE
EDITOR Have any ideas or thoughts of what you would like to see in The Yulee News? Let us know!
NOTICE OF UNION NEGOTIATION MEETING re: L3101
Notice of Negotiation Meeting re: L3101 Negotiation Meeting between Nassau County and Local Union 3101. DATE: FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2022 TIME: 2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. PLACE: OMB CONFERENCE ROOM, 96135 NASSAU PLACE, SUITE 2, YULEE, FL 32097 PURPOSE: NEGOTIATION SESSION BETWEEN TACO POPE, COUNTY MANAGER; MARSHALL EYERMAN, ASSISTANT COUNTY MANAGER; ASHLEY METZ AND TINA KEITER, HUMAN RESOURCES; BRADY RIGDON, FIRE CHIEF; JOHN DICKINSON; DARRON AYSCUE, WESTON GILL, JAMES CASTEEL, MATT WAGGONER, AND ZACK ALKIRE, MEMBERS OF LOCAL 3101 THE COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES AND THE UNION REPRESENTATIVES WILL CONDUCT UNION NEGOTIATIONS REGARDING THE CONTRACT FOR THE NASSAU COUNTY FIRE-RESCUE PROFESSIONALS LOCAL UNION 3101, INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS AFL-CIO. THE SESSION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, BUT NO PUBLIC COMMENT WILL BE TAKEN. INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES NEEDING A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM OR ACTIVITY SHOULD CONTACT THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER AT (904) 530-6010 OR FLORIDA RELAY SERVICE AT 1-800-955-8770 (V) OR 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) AT LEAST SEVENTY-TWO HOURS IN ADVANCE TO REQUEST SUCH ACCOMMODATION. CORRESPONDANCE: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS NASSAU COUNTY, FLORIDA AARON C. BELL, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST: JOHN A. CRAWFORD EX-OFFICIO CLERK
904.761.2679 editor@theyuleenews.com
The Nassau County Courthouse: 76347 Veteran’s Way / William Burgess Road, Built 2002–2003
The News Poll:
Buzz of the Week How do feel about how our Nassau County officials are handling our rapid growth? Please comment on our Facebook page or email us at theyuleenews@gmail.com
Phone: 904.761.2679 • Email: TheYuleeNews@gmail.com
Published by STAFF Art Director and Design Susan Jones - Kaitlin Morgan
Reporter Nancy Lee Bethea
Business Hours & Deadlines Deadlines Advertising Due - Every Monday Printing - Every Wednesday
Business Hours Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
© 2022 by The Yulee News. The Yulee News reserves the right to refuse advertisements. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, and we are not responsible for the products and services that are advertised. Please be aware that The Yulee News requires prior permission in writing for certain types of reproduction. The Yulee News is a free weekly publication distributed in and around Nassau County, and it is solely supported by our local advertisers. You can support them by calling us to place copies of our publication at your business.
www.TheYuleeNews.com
June 23, 2022
The Yulee News
Page 7
ADOPT ME! MORTICIA
Morticia is an adorable, playful two-year-old girl that came in as a stray. She weighs 44 pounds and has a chocolate coat with white highlights. This little girl is a joy to be around!
WITHERSPOON Witherspoon came to the shelter as a stray and was not claimed. This affectionate little one-year-old girl weighs 35 pounds. She seems to do well around other dogs, but we always recommend a meet and greet. She is going to make some lucky person or family a wonderful pet.
SADIE
Sadie is a tricolored hound that weighs 40 pounds and is about 3 to 4-years-old. It appears as if Sadie has a litter of puppies. She is looking for a loving home where she can bask in the sun outside on cool days and sleep inside in her warm bed on cool nights. If you know someone who is looking for a sweet dog, please tell them about Sadie.
SANDY
Check out Sandy’s Story on Facebook today!
Nassau County
Kitten Kaboodles!
Kitten season is here and we have lots of them!
SCRAPPY DOO Road Department
Engineering Services is responsible for the design, inspection & administration of public works improvements within the County.
The Road Department performs maintenance on County maintained roads including paving, grading and applying surface treatments.
Nassau County
Building Department Permit Type
Issued
New Builds, Additions, Rehabs, Roofs, Siding, Signs
Scrappy Doo appears to have lived a hard life. For a 4,804 & Modular Hame while he looked like he may not shakeMobile it.Home Scrappy had 141 Electrical 3,278 a horrible case of lice, but with some TLC, the right Work Orders Completed 2,390 Mechanical 2,513 Driveway/Sidewalk Permits 1,693 meds, and some nutrition he180pulled through. Scrappy3,850 Issued Dirt Roads Maintained (Miles) Plumbing isLSFquite friendly and loving. Other Activities Utility Permits Issued 188 Drains Cleaned 32,717
Pond/Borrow Pit Permits Issued
Flashers Maintained
County Rd. 115 progress
• • • • • •
Our feline adoption fees are $25 for kittens and $9 for adult cats. Our adoption fee includes spay/neuter surgery, rabies vaccination, FVRCP combo vaccination, parvo virus combo vaccination, testing for feline leukemia, and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and an ID microchip ($250 value).
Nassau County
Engineering Services
Cleaned mobi-mats at beach accesses Finalized conceptual plan for Westside Regional Park Added lighting to ouside basketball courts at Yulee Sports Complex to expand usable time Beach for dune protection 0.53 acres of land purchased to expand Holly Point boat ramp
New Transport Van
28
LSF Ditches Cleaned
110,940
30
Miles of ROW Mowed
1,043
34
Fleet Repairs
1,047
Inspections Performed
34,881
Smart Lockers
• a Added smart lockers at Fernandina Kinng is three-year-old boy Branch thatand is quite James Page Building to expand Library Services well-behaved and playful. Hecomputers has a black coat with • Upgrades to public access Expanded YuleeAND Branch and marshmallow• markings hesupplied has with thenewbiggest ears furnishings and equipment of any dog at• the shelter! He would to get back Implemented credit card processing at love all branches • home. Created new online registration for librarywell cards with in a real Kinng has done • Completed RFID tagging at Callahan and Yulee New Lighting for dogs at the shelter. Branches Outdoor Basketball Courts in Yulee
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
6
Medical Euthanasia
38
Owner Requested Euthanasia
38
Transfers
137
Adoptions
1,536
Return to Owner
530
Total Calls for Service
Fire Station 71 opened June 5, 2021 New Engine 71 placed into service
•
NCFR in top 14% of agencies in the nation Awarded a FEMA Safer Grant valued at $1.7 million
Brush Fires
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
65
86078 License Road, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Medical Calls
2,445
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
Phone: 904-530-6150 | Toll Free: 855-242-6964 9,363 Fax: 904-225-3894 •
394 1157
KINNG
Roof added to Outdoor Kennels
• • •
Contractor Licenses
6,949
Search & Rescue Training
New Engine 71
Page 8
The Yulee News • June 23, 2022
Growth in the
Governor DeSantis awards Nassau County $4 million
Currently, there are approximately 500 acres of solar panels already installed at the location, not visible from Highway 301. Recent roadway improvements to Crawford Road have been completed but the challenge remains on how the county will manage the influx of large trucks to the industrial sites. A fly over exit was planned by FDOT, but recent reports are that this plan has been removed from the 5 year growth plan.
Educational Attainment
39.1%
$4,426,420
$4,933,350
$52,669,252
$98,949,891
$415,056,672
$510,084,879
26% 11%
All Industries 88%
king Lines
ouses & Other
$1,267,509
32%
Housing Cost Burdened of 50% Population paying more than 50% of income for housing
$415,056,672
Member Outreach Visits/Calls
88%
$510,084,879
23%
2022 Taxable Sales Report | CLICK 173HERE
1
193,567
MAY 2022 64,263 48,142
Total Residential Sales
41 8
22.2%
2021
2022
Kraft Liner Board
35,455
29,306
Lumber
0
2,487
Plywood
0
36,409
Wood Pulp
48,142
64,263
Bed Tax April 2021: $943,014 April 2022: $1,306,655 (record)
Professional & Business Services
Financial Activities
3rd Quarter 2020
Lodging Occupancy
Goods Producing
Leisure/ Hospitality
Education/ Health Services
3rd Quarter 2021
Home Insurance Affordability
126
9%
of Origin (exporting)
3
Land in Conservation
9%
www.NassauCountyFLChamber.com
912
info@NassauCountyFLChamber.com
40
SOURCES
51
2021
2022
Kraft Liner Board
35,455
29,306
Lumber
0
2,487
Plywood
0
36,409
Wood Pulp
48,142
64,263
Bed Tax April 2021: $943,014 April 2022: $1,306,655 (record)
Lodging Occupancy April 2021: 72.0% April 2022: 77.5%
Nassau County Sumter County Miami-Dade County Duval County
#10 #1 (most affordable) #67 (least affordable) #13
St. Johns County Clay County
#6 #2
Housing Cost Burdened of 30% Population paying more than 30% of income for housing
Housing Cost Burdened of 50% Population paying more than 50% of income for housing
41.9% (decreasing) 22.2% (increasing)
April 2021: $305.25 April 2022: $361.11
Median Price
Comparison of insurance premiums to the level of income for households
4 Certificates
Residential Relocation Requests
Bulk Cargo
Average Daily Rate (in dollars)
8
Nassau County Economic Indicators Snapshot | JUNE 2022
8 Female Owned
Average Weekly Wages in Nassau County
All Industries
35
Revenue
Home BasedLand in Conservation
JAN-APRIL 2021-2022 Taxable Sales Report | CLICK HERE
$935
Bulk Cargo
Median Days on Market
April 2021: 72.0% April 2022: 77.5%
Assistance Provided
23%
April 2021: $305.25 April 2022: $361.11
36,409 $447,770
April 2021: $13,068,265 1,202,011 2,664 April 2022: $18,637,772
$510,084,879
2022 Tonnage
April 2021: $13,068,265 April 2022: $18,637,772
$305.25 Proposals toApril 2021: Directory Members April 2022: Referrals $361.11
88%
$415,056,672
193,567
2,487
41.9%
$98,949,891
JANUARY-MAY
0
Commercial Location
Median Days on Market
31
Lumber
Lodging Occupancy
1
Female Owned
Revenue
(decreasing) Tax Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island 163 April 2021: $943,014
TOTAL 173
51
29,306
Population paying more than 30% of Bed income for housing
Bryceville
Home Based
35,455 0
11%
$52,669,252
Average Daily Rate (in dollars)
2022 Tonnage
Location in Nassau County: Housing Cost Burdened of 30%
Outreach Visits/Calls
40
Kraft Liner Board
#1 (most affordable) Plywood #67 (least affordable) Wood Pulp #13 #6 #2
Yulee
Commercial Location
2022 Median Price
Sumter County Miami-Dade County Duval County St. Johns County Clay County
$4,933,350
3 91
2021
#10
26%
$4,426,420
April 2021: 72.0% April 2022: 77.5%
JANUARY-MAY
Nassau County
130%
Tuesday night, 6/21/22, numerous residents from the Flying M Acres community filled the Planning and Zoning Board meeting room with tension in the air. Residents were eager to speak to the Educational Attainment board about an application for rezoning 39.1% 30.5% of approximately 1.71 acres of land from Associate in Arts Bachelor's Degree Open Rural to Commercial Intensive. The lot in question is located at the Northeast 91.6%corner of SR200 (A1A) and Cessna Drive. High School Graduation Rate Nassau Baptist Temple, who owns the lot, recently completed a lot split application, LS21-052, where the undeveloped land was set aside for proposed commercial deMAY 2022velopment of a discount tire business. Mr. Location in Nassau County: and Mrs. Randy LeVangie, Yulee residents Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island 41 in the Flying M Acres, had multiple conYulee 35 presented to the board during cerns they Callahan 8 the meeting. Angela MaBardy LeVangie Hilliard 4 spoke about traffic safety and the impact Bryceville 3 on two major intersections along the proTOTAL 91 posed site. But of bigger head scratching 40 Commercial Location interest was the question of another tire 51 Home Based store, which would be the 15th tire store 31 Female Owned within an estimated 5-mile radius. “We are disappointed that the Planning and Zoning Board voted against the years of planning by the citizens and leadership of JANUARY-MAY Nassau County that went into developing 143,347 193,567 the Tonnage Future Land Use Map (FLUM). We 2021 Tonnage 2022 are hopeful that our county Commission-
Revenue April 2021: $13,068,265 April 2022: $18,637,772
$447,770 Total Residential Sales
Median Days on Market
Land in Conservation
163
9%
8
31
11%
$98,949,891 Bids and/or Proposals to Members
3rd Quarter 2021
Daily Rate (in dollars) HilliardBids and/or Average Member Online Business Visitor
163
Education/ Health Services
Hospitality
$923,545 $72,603,400
It’s no secret that Nassau County is experiencing unprecedented growth, just ask anyone that’s lived here awhile! New homes are being built everywhere, as growth gobbles up land along the A1A corridor, heading West all the way to Callahan. Huge neighborhood communities like Wildlight, adding an estimated 15,000 living units (single family homes, townhomes, apartments) and the Tributary, a 1,550 acre master-planned community adding another 3200 housing units impacting the Yulee community alone, County officials are trying to manage the rapid growth. Not only new homes, but new businesses continue to be built with recent additions of Culvers, Arbys, Pep Boys to name a few.
(increasing)
$4,933,350 $4,426,420 • Rural county incentives $52,669,252
Producing
3rd Quarter 2020
Callahan
Total Residential Sales
(decreasing)
Activities
Housing Cost Burdened of 50%
Median Price
Comparison of insurance premiums to the level of income for households
Population paying more than 30% of income for housing
91.6%
31
High School Rate Financial Graduation Goods Leisure/
$935
$843
$584
$483
$1,137
$1,065
$1,293
$1,141
$1,143
$977
$857
$785
Home Insurance Affordability
Housing Cost Burdened of 30%
51
April 2022: $1,306,655 (record) Education/ Population paying more than 50% of (increasing) Healthincome Services for housing
Leisure/ Hospitality
3rd Quarter 2021
• No height, noise or building restrictionsJan-April 2021 Jan-April 2022 Change $447,770 $957,493
Home Based
2021 Tonnage
Goods Producing
• Low local tax rate and 41.9% NO state 130% $923,545 $401,356 income$57,661,648 tax $72,603,40022.2%26%
40
$401,356 $57,661,648
4
TOTAL
2021 Tonnage
41
91
32%
8
143,347
30.5%
Comparison of insurance premiums to the level of income for households
• 230 and 500 kV lines run adjacent to the east and west of the property
• 30 day local permit process
23%
Bachelor's Degree 3
Bulk Cargo Home Insurance Affordability
Average Weekly Wages in Nassau County
-5%
$510,084,879
TOTAL
143,347
• Equidistant (18 miles) to interstate I-95, I-10 and JAX
$9,085,474
$415,056,672
Commercial Location
Professional & Business Services
JAN-APRIL 2021-2022 Taxable Sales Report | CLICK HERE
$9,611,810
88%
8
Female Owned
23%
• Access to the Port of Savannah in Jobs Year Over Job Growth Net New Jobs under Year Change two hours Rate Needed by 2030
ces
$98,949,891
$935
$72,603,400
#10 #1 (most affordable) #67 (least affordable) #13 #6 #2
$52,669,252
$843
$57,661,648
Nassau County Sumter County Miami-Dade County Duval County St. Johns County Clay County
11%
$584
130%
Financial Activities
26%
$1,137
32%
$923,545
$857
$1,267,509
3rd Quarter 2020
130%
$4,933,350
35
AssociateBryceville in Arts
$401,356
Professional & Business Services
$923,545 $72,603,400
Average Weekly Wages in Nassau County4 Hilliard
$957,493
All Industries
32%
Callahan
Building Contractors
• Big power: serviced by Florida Power and Light
$1,267,509
Yulee
Transportation, Railroads, Airlines, Bus, Trucking Lines
8,233
$957,493
Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island
-5%
6.7%
-5%
Location in Nassau County:
39.1%
• Access to three ports in under one hour (Fernandina, Jacksonville, Brunswick)
2,714
$9,085,474
MAY Attainment 2022 Educational
Change
TOTAL
$9,611,810
JAN-APRIL 2021-2022 Taxable Sales Report | CLICK HERE
8,233
35
$977
TOTAL
41
Yulee
Bryceville
$4,426,420
Manufacturing
Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island
Hilliard Change
$57,661,648
Restaurants, Lunchrooms, Catering Services
$1,267,509
TOTAL
MAY 2022
Jan-April 2022
High School Graduation Rate $401,356
Building Contractors
Net New Jobs Hotel/Motel Accommodations, Rooming Houses & Other Needed by 2030
$9,085,474
Manufacturing
91.6%
-5%
$957,493
Manufacturing
Location in Nassau County:
30.5%
Transportation, Railroads, Airlines, Bus, Trucking Lines
$9,085,474
Restaurants, Lunchrooms, Catering Services
Callahan
Bachelor's Degree Jan-April 2021
Jan-April 2022
$9,611,810
Building Contractors
$857
39.1%
Associate in Arts
Jan-April 2022
Restaurants, Lunchrooms, Catering Services
Bachelor's Degree
Change
Jan-April 2021
$1,065
8,233
$9,611,810
Hotel/Motel Accommodations, Rooming Houses & Other
8,233
$1,293
6.7%
Admissions, Amusement & Recreation Services
Jan-April 2021
Admissions, Amusement & Recreation Services
6.7%
Hotel/Motel Accommodations, Rooming Houses & Other
Educational Attainment
$785
Industry
2,714
$1,141
2,714
9.8% working-age 12.6%adults, 1.6 million 2,998 837,000+ residents
950
$1,143
950
Industry
6.7%
• Rural yet close to a big city:
1.9%
12.6%
Job Growth Rate
2,714
Net New Jobs Needed by 2030
$1,065
950
Job Growth Rate
$1,293
1.9%
Jobs Year Over Year Change
Jobs Year Over Year Change
$1,141
Unemployed People
Unemployed People
$1,143
ally
Unemployment Rate
Unemployment Rate
Children in Poverty
• Military workforce: Four bases inpersonnel annu3000 Children skilled Poverty
Poverty n Household separating Rate ncome
30.5%
Associate in Arts
High School Graduation Rate
$977
• Major fiber trunk collocated 9.8% 94,189 $72,998 along Norfolk Southern rail line
1.9%
Transportation, Railroads, Airlines, Bus, Trucking Lines
91.6%
$483
Poverty Rate
Median Household Income
Net New Jobs Needed by 2030
$843
12.6%
• Dual Class I rail frontage (CSX and Norfolk Southern)
Nassau County Population
Job Growth Rate
Admissions, Amusement & Recreation Services
Children in Poverty
9.8%
94,189 $72,998
12.6%
Jobs Year Over Year Change
$785
• Approved for up to 10.5 million square feet of Heavy Industrial Land Use
Poverty Rate
Median Household Income
9.8%
Unemployed People
Industry Nassau County Population
Children in Poverty
$584
• McCallum Sweeney Certified Industrial Park
Poverty Rate
Unemployment Rate
June 2022 Chamber of Commerce local economic indicators
• 1,814 acres in total, divisible to customer specifications
• One million gallon per day water consumptive use permit (potential for more)
94,189 $72,998
Crawford Diamond is in west Nassau County along U.S. 301 The CSX and Norfolk Southern rail lines cross at the property, providing railway access to the industrial complex, making it an ideal location.
Key Advantages
Median Household Income
$483
Florida Power & Light Co. owns about 1,310 acres of the 1800-acre complex of Crawford Diamond, which was purchased in September 2017 from Yuleebased Rayonier Inc. for $13.1 million. Nassau County Economic Development website touts the following as key features of the industrial site:
Nassau County Population
$1,137
“The appeal of doing business in Florida has been especially evident over the last few years as companies are searching for a lower cost of doing business, desirable infrastructure and an available and skilled workforce,” Wallace said.
Is Growth a good thing?
COMMUNITY
Growth, Continued from page 1
The governor and JAXUSA Partnership President Aundra Wallace touted Crawford Diamond’s access to railroad and interstate highway infrastructure, as well as its proximity to JaxPort and the Port of Savannah only 2 hours away, as draws for prospective manufacturing tenants. Wallace said two prospective tenants are considering Crawford Diamond. They could create 400 to 800 jobs. He did not identify the companies but said they could bring $200 million to $400 million in private investment.
Page 9
Online Business Directory Referrals
1,202,011
Visitor Assistance Provided
Residential Relocation Requests
Certificates of Origin (exporting)
2,664
126
2
Nassau County Economic Indicators Snapshot | JUNE 2022
Member Outreach Visits/Calls
Bids and/or Proposals to Members
Online Business Directory Referrals
Visitor Assistance Provided
Residential Relocation Requests
Certificates of Origin (exporting)
173
1
1,202,011
2,664
126
2
www.NassauCountyFLChamber.com
JANUARY-MAY info@NassauCountyFLChamber.com
143,347
193,567
2021 TonnageSOURCES 2022 Tonnage
www.NassauCountyFLChamber.com info@NassauCountyFLChamber.com
Mr. Randy LeVangie and Mrs. Mabardy LeVangie ers will be more insightful and respectful of our children’s future and make the right decision for Nassau County residents,” stated Mrs. Mabardy LeVangie. Currently, Nassau County population is estimated at 94,189 residents and growing fast, with projections of 36.5% growth by 2030. This rapid growth is putting a huge demand on our County Officials from the need of more schools to an increase in calls of service for our Sheriff’s Office and Fire and Rescue Services. Right now, we have the opportunity as a developing county to plan what our future will look like and everyone is strongly encouraged to be involved in the process. What is your opinion on Nassau County’s growth and how its being handled? We would love to hear your questions and comments, please email us at: theyuleenews@gmail.com
Page 10
The Yulee News
June 23, 2022
OUTD OORS
SPONSORED BY
HUNTING • BOATING • CAMPING • FISHING
Got a Tall Tale? Do you have a favorite fishing, hunting or boating story?
Send us an email to theyuleenews@gmail.com with a photo, name and location.
Father’s Day Fishing Trip www.facebook.com/TheYuleeNews
SERVING YOUR
PLUMBING NEEDS! Having lunch daughter-in-law Karen was asked how she and Daniel met. They were introduced by a friend of ours we called Uncle Frank. Daniel and Karen wrote and called each other for a year. She graduated from Callahan and Daniel from Fernandina Beach. They live in Yulee. Karen said she was a Warrior and Daniel a Pirate and when they got together they created 4 Yulee Hornets! Come by the coffee is on!
DEER TRACKS Your ONE CALL FULL-SERVICE PLUMBING COMPANY is Hiring plus offering scholarships. Apply in person for job application. Email seahunterred@hotmail.com for scholarship information. Call 904 277-3942 for 24/7 emergency service, repair, remodel, replace, new construction for residential, commercial and industrial needs. Take Care Kid.
From left to right: Mike, John, Jack, Tommy, Bert, and Todd. Taken in Snapper trip out of Carrabelle, FL.
Facebook fishing finds
DEER WALK Celebrate our local businesses. CFC 1426558 FL CFC 057478
474390 E. S.R. 200 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904-277-3942
WE EMPOWER SMALL LOCAL BUSINESSES Rea ch over Stay local, shop local.
25,000 potential customers weekly. Mailed to every home in the Yulee area weekly.
theyuleenews@gmail.com
904-761-2679
The Yulee News
SUMMER IS HEAT ING UP!
SAVE MONEY WITH EASY TO INSTALL DIY KITS!
MAKE SHADE TODAY! IN STOCK READY FOR PICK UP 16’X24’ • 16X36’ • 24’X24’ • 24’X36’ 24’X48’ • 30’X36’ • 30’X48’ • 30’X60’
S PAYMENT S A W O L S A $88/ MONTH W.A.C
LOREN DEVELOPEMENT, INC. All kits Include:
• 6” X 6” X 16’ Pressure Treated Posts • Steel Trusses • 2” X 6” X 14’ Lumber • 29 ga. G alvalume R oof Panels • Screws • Hardware & I nstructions
State Certified General Contractor CGC 1507576
904-225-9775 YULEE • 904-879-6572 CALLAHAN • WWW.LDBUILDINGS.COM
CLASSIFIEDS
June 23, 2022
HELP WANTED
SandHill Recycling is hiring for Diesel Mechanic- must have previous experience. Please call 904-225-2801 to set up an interview.
Mailing Coordinator/Packaging Department - Florida Sun Printing has an immediate opening for a Mailing Coordinator/ Packaging Department. The ideal candidate will be performing a variety of nonroutine tasks including the processing of mail lists for commercial printing accounts and its accompanying paperwork. The paperwork and lists will need to meet the standards of the U.S. Postal Service using postal software to prepare the documentation. The position also includes inserting and bindery work in the packaging department. Apply by sending a resume to: tom@ flasunprinting.com or apply at Florida Sun Printing, 54024 Cravey Road, Callahan. No phone Calls.
The Yulee News
HIRING EXPERIENCED ELECTRICIANS: To run work vans/oversee and attend to projects. New construction, remodel work, wiring pools, custom homes. Great work environment with experienced family owned and operated business. Elite Electrical Services, LLC (904) 353-0190.
Editor/Reporter - The Yulee News weekly newspaper is looking for an Editor/Reporter. Apply with resume and samples to: theyuleenews@gmail.com. Lawn Service - Local Company in Need of a regular landscaper/lawn service. Please call Liberty Bail Bonds at 904-225.0002.
PUBLIC NOTICE 2009 Nissan Versa - Does not belong to me and hasn’t since March 18, 2021. Individual that received the vehicle has not registered it in their name. VIN 3N1BC13E29L493812.
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 our Business or Service)
Page 11
Deadline is Tuesday at 5 PM Call 904.761.2679 or email
theyuleenews@gmail.com
Service Directory SNS LAWN MAINTENANCE LLC
Sean McGouey Let us take care of all your lawn maintenance needs! Call today for a free quote.
904.775.6171
MAE CONTRACTING LLC
We are Locally Owned & Family Operated, Licensed & Insured with 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
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 your 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
BRYANT’S PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES 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!
Sparkling Results! We love to make dirty surfaces look sparkling clean again. We use low pressure in order not to damage any surfaces or window seals. We clean House Exteriors, Porches, Concrete Driveways, Pool Decks, Mobile Homes, RVs, Boats, Commercial Buildings and Sidewalks. Free estimates. Call Now!
LIBERTY BAIL BONDS NASSAU
HOME TOWNE PROP. MGMT.
TOP NOTCH TINT LLC
904.947.9727
$5 Notary • UHAUL Next door to Dollar General on Hwy 17 “Because Sometimes Good People Make Mistakes”
904.225.0002
904.583.9269.
Patricia Turner, Broker 1010 Atlantic Ave., Ste. D, 32034 Offering Tenant Placement to owners/landlords then you manage your property. 904.556.9586
Page 12
The Yulee News
June 23, 2022
Buzz around Town Properties to Be Considered for Acquisition
Proclamation for Juneteenth At the Monday, June 13, 2022, the Board approved Resolution No. 2022112 proclaiming June 19, 2022, as Juneteenth Independence Day in Nassau County, Florida. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 and on May 20, 1865, General Edward Cook rode into Tallahassee to execute enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation and announced that enslaved Africans in Florida were freed. Then, on June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery. African Americans in Texas began celebrating this date to
commemorate their release from chattel enslavement. In 1991, the Florida Legislature designated June 19th of each year as “Juneteenth Day” in recognition of the traditional observance that began in Texas. And in 2021, the United States Congress passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making Juneteenth a Federal Holiday. The Board encourages residents to celebrate during programs, events and observances that will be hosted throughout the area, including events in Fernandina Beach and Historic American Beach. -Sabrina Robertson, Public Information Officer
From July 24, 2021 through December 31, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners sought nominations from the public for properties to be considered for acquisition by the County for conservation purposes. A total of 750 nominations were received.
Pictured: Commissioner John Martin; Resident Gloria Thomas; and Resident Glenda SimmonsJenkins
Breakthroughs of North Florida NCSO was invited to do a presentation with Breakthroughs of Nassau County during their pilot program P.R.O.V.E (Providing Real Opportunities that are Vital Every Day). The students were given a short presentation; they were able to see and touch our uniforms, gear and equipment. They had two surprise visitors with two of our agency dogs; Rogue and Tank. Tank rolled over and enjoyed all the belly rubs! Deputy Smith and K-9 Rogue performed a scent kit demonstration where Rogue was able to locate a student. Each participant was given a
scent kit. Afterwards, our Motor Unit allowed the students to see and explore our motorcycles and patrol vehicles. Thank you Breakthroughs of Nassau!
At the May 19, 2022 Conservation Land Acquisition Management (CLAM) Committee, Assistant Planning Director, Holly Coyle, did a presentation on criteria that was used in selecting the properties to be considered. At this time, 30 projects consisting of 173 parcels and 10,000 acres and a total value of $110 million have been recommended. To view Ms. Coyle’s May 19th presentation, please click here. To view the staff reports related to each property under consideration, please click here. A CLAM Meeting has been tentatively been scheduled for Wednesday, July 6th at 4:00 p.m. to rank the properties and proposals. Clam Referendum] At the May 23, 2022 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved a Resolution authorizing placement of a referendum on the ballot for the
Acquisition, See page 15
State Legislature Approves Funding for Amelia Island Trail Nassau County, in partnership with the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), has taken a proactive approach in developing a safe and viable non-vehicular transportation system to improve mobility. Part of this effort includes development of the Amelia Island Trail, a multi-use path that allows residents and visitors to easily access the places they want to go without having to drive there. The trail’s convenient location provides access to parks, beach accesses, and a variety of shopping and dining venues by foot or bicycle, thus reducing the need for a vehicle and alleviating traffic. The County has been working closely with the City of Fernandina Beach and members of the Friends of the Amelia Island Trail to identify a path to extend the existing Amelia Island Trail from Simmons Road to the City of Fernandina Beach Waterfront. The initial estimate
for this project came to approximately $7.4 million and left the City and County searching for funding mechanisms. The County ultimately submitted this project to the TPO as a top priority project. Then, the County submitted a funding request to the House of Representatives and the Florida Senate to be considered during the 2022 Legislative Session. We are pleased to announce that during the 2022 Legislative Session, the Florida Legislature appropriated $5.1 million in Legislative Funding to Nassau County to be used to extend the Amelia Island Trail from Simmons Road to Hickory Street. The Trail route will follow the Will Hardee, Sadler Road, and 14th Street corridors. In coordination with the City of Fernandina Beach, additional funding will be needed to complete the segment from FBMS/FBHS to the Waterfront. Kelly Gibson, Planning Director for
the City of Fernandina Beach, stated, “ Extending the trail offers additional offroad options for our community to support daily needs and increase recreational opportunities. This funding supports the over two decades of planning and coordination efforts to connect Amelia Island through walking and biking trails. Benefits of the trail extensions will serve our residents, tourists and local businesses for many years to come”. Mike Pikula, President of the Friends of the Amelia Island Trail, stated, “From the perspective of Amelia Island’s many walkers, runners, and cyclists, this $5.1 appropriation for construction of a northward extension of the Amelia Island Trail is tremendous news! We appreciate the County and the City of Fernandina Beach for supporting our efforts in developing the trail and for their commitment to improving the quality of life for our community”.
The Legislative funding will be made available to the County in 2023. Once received, the County will begin the design phase of the project. The Board appreciates the Legislative Delegation for supporting its request for funding, particularly Senator Aaron Bean and former State Representative (now Secretary of State), Cord Byrd, as they championed for Nassau County to ensure our needs were met during this year’s Legislative Session. The Board also extends their gratitude to the City of Fernandina Beach for their support of our efforts to expand the trail and the Friends of the Amelia Island Trail for their partnership in development of the trail. If you have any questions, please contact Deputy County Manager/Engineer, Robert Companion, at (904) 530-6010 ext. 6014 or e-mail rcompanion@nassaucountyfl.com.
June 23, 2022
The Yulee News
Page 13
Buzz around Town Ribbon Cutting Held for Rebecca L. Jordi Cooperative Extension Office On Friday, June 10, 2022, the Board of County Commissioners hosted a Ribbon Cutting in celebration of the new Rebecca L. Jordi Cooperative Extension Office. This site will serve as the primary office for the County Extension, with the existing Callahan office functioning as an annex. The Board broke ground on the facility on May 15, 2019 and since that time, nearly 6,500 man hours have been spent bringing this project to fruition. This includes over 3,400 man hours from our Road Department staff that consisted of clearing land, preparing the site, and pouring concrete for driveways, parking lots and sidewalks, as well as 3,000 + man hours from our Facilities staff that consisted of digging trenches for utilities, laying carpet, installing air conditioning, dry wall, painting, and much, much more. Building the facility in-house resulted in significant savings to the County.
At the beginning of the event, Commissioner Thomas Ford stated, “While there are still some small items that need to be completed before it (the site) is fully opened, we are excited about the progress that has been made and are happy to
serve as a reminder of all her great contributions to our community”.
be here celebrating with you today. We appreciate each and every one of the employees who worked diligently to get us to this point, as well as to the late Rebecca Jordi who recognized the need for the facility and pushed to make it a reality. It has truly been a group effort and while it has not been easy, we can feel proud of what we have accomplished. We trust this new site will serve the residents well for many years to come”. Commissioner Jeff Gray spoke about Mr. Jordi’s outstanding work effort and achievements. “While in her position as Director, Becky initiated many projects and programs including, but not limited to, demonstration gardens at County facilities; landscape matters classes; plant clinics; and crash courses in gardening. She had a standing guest column in the News-Leader and also appeared several
times on WTLV 12’s First Coast Living. She spoke with excitement and passion and was often called upon to speak at events around the State, including speaking engagements at Epcot’s annual home and garden show. Becky was a one-of-akind employee who dedicated countless hours serving the County and its residents. We are happy to honor her legacy through the naming of this facility which will
Other speakers during the event included Dr. Taylor Clem, Becky’s husband Doug Jordi, and a close relative who all shared stories about Becky’s love of agriculture and horticulture, her passion for teaching others, and her vision for the new facility. The also event included a tree dedication in Becky’s honor by Keep Nassau Beautiful, the ceremonial ribbon cutting, and a brief tour of the facility. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us on Friday. We look forward to seeing you at future County Extension events!
Puzzle Solution
Page 14
The Yulee News
Buzz around Town
Upcoming Events Riverkeeper Meet and Greet - Thursday, June 23, 7 PM. Mocama Beer Company. 629 S 8th St, Fernandina Beach, FL. Are you interested in learning more about St. Marys Riverkeeper? Join us for a Happy Hour Mingle at Mocama Beer Company in Fernandina Beach! Fresh Conversations - Thursday, June 23, 9 - 10 AM. Nassau County Council On Aging. 1901 Island Walkway, Fernandina Beach, FL. Join us to learn more about the Foar from Home Team and what they’re doing to end veteran suicide. Planning Meeting - Friday, June 24, 11 AM - 2 PM. Amelia Island Tea House. 122 S. 8th St, Fernandina Beach, FL. Join us at this planning meeting for a new Fernandina Beach Branch Library book club. This book club will focus on current, popular novels. Help us! Let’s discuss and decide on things like location, date/time, selections, name of the club, etc.! Drink and food available for purchase. For more details, call 904-5306500. 2022 Supporting Cross the Line Foundation - Friday, June 24, at 9 AM - Sunday, June 26, at 1 PM. Fernandina Beach, FL. We will again be traveling to Fernandina Beach Florida to help and support the Cross the Line Foundation. The paddle will take place on Saturday June 25th from St. Mary’s, GA to historic downtown. Grand Opening! Saturday, June 25, at 8 AM -1 PM, 850895 US Highway 17, Yulee, FL. Selina’s FriendSip Cafe is brand new café in Yulee! We offer coffee, baked goods, and milkshakes! Shrubs & Trees Workshop - Saturday, June 25, at 9 AM - 12PM. 85831 Miner Rd., Yulee, FL. Shrubs and trees are major components of our landscapes. Properly selected shrubs and trees can significantly reduce the amount of work and maintenance for a landscape. Program registration is $25.00 and will cover the program’s materials and costs. Minor refreshments will be provided. For more information contact Dr. Taylor Clem, UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County, Horticulture Agent, at 904-530-6351. Registration: https://bit.ly/ShrubsTrees_2022. Auditions - Neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers. Saturday, June 25 at 3 PM. Yulee Lions Club 851023 Highway 17, Yulee, Blue Fire Theatre presents this classic Neil Simon comedy, Barney Cashman is happily married, the father of three children, and a successful businessman, when he realizes that the sexual revolution is passing him by. If you are interested in auditions please fill out the audition form on our website at
https://www.bluefiretheatre.org/auditions-1 Casual Knitting - Thursday, June 30, 1 3 PM. Nassau County Council On Aging. 1901 Island Walkway, Fernandina Beach, FL. Beginners Welcome 1:00 - 3:00 PM. Vocal Coaching with Jenn- Thursday, July 21, at 4:30 - 5 PM. Blue Fire Theatre. Jennifer will be offering vocal coaching on a first come first serve basis with a limited time frame so that we may gage interest in our community. If you or someone you know has expressed an interest in finding a good vocal coach, please reach out to us at - info@bluefiretheatre.org. Nassau County Young Republicans Tuesday, June 21, at 7 PM. Gator’s Dockside Yulee. Join us for our June Meeting! Guest Speaker Sheriff Bill Leeper visiting. Monumental VBS @ Christ Fellowship! July 11 at 6:15 PM - July 15 at 8 PM. 850987 US Highway 17, Yulee, FL. children age 4 - 5th grade! Go off-road for a Monumental adventure through the colorful canyons and sunbaked trails of the southwest. By exploring God’s awesomeness, kids form a rock-solid faith for the road ahead. Landscape Matters: History of Landscape Design - Wednesday, July 13, at 10 AM - 11 AM. 85831 Miner Rd, Yulee, FL. Designed landscapes have been around for millennia. Join us for this upcoming Landscape Matters program as we explore key historical moments that impact and influence modern landscape design. https://bit. ly/LandscapeHistory_2022. Acting - Youth Work Shop: 1:00 - 2:30 PM. Saturday, July 16. Yulee Lions Club, 851023 Highway 17, Yulee, FL. Acting - Youth Workshop. Registration now open. This acting workshop is built on the basics of stage acting. Properly warming up the body and voice. Building confidence in moving/using your body (mirror game, moving through space). Focus/Reflexes. Improvisation. Projection (speaking and singing). www.bluefiretheatre.org/actingworkshop. Vacation Bible School - Join us for five days of pure fun, learning, and activities. Starting Sunday, July 17 - Thursday, July 21. We will have games, crafts, music, snacks, and tons of fun! We hope to “spark” creativity in kids and to teach them how much God loves them! To register https://www.blackrockbaptist.org/vbs for the “Sparks” vacation Bible school. We also offer an adult class from 7-8 pm each night. We would love for parents to stay if you choose too. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, Ephesians 2:10.
To Submit your free listing please email theyuleenews@gmail.com attention Events.
June 23, 2022
Amazing Grace Kickball Tournament Saturday, June 25th at Yulee Little League
$200 Team Entry Fee • 1st and 2nd place trophies • Raffle Drawings • Pulled Pork sandwiches being sold This event is to help raise money for Gracie’s ongoing medical expenses. Gracie has been in hospice for 18 months now and her body is failing in every way. Gracie’s mother died a month after Gracie was admitted to hospice. She is an amazing young lady fighting for more time. If her body allows, she will be admitted into Conneticut Childrens Hospital in July. This trip may give her more time, thank you God and bless.
For more information contact David Tate: 904-624-5236 | davidtate988@gmail.com
June 23, 2022
SPORTS The Yulee News
Summer Volleyball Camp 3rd-8th Grade
Page 15
Acquisition, Continued from page 12 November 2022 election for residents to vote on whether the County should issue up to $30 million in general obligation bonds for a Conservation Land Acquisition and Management Program. If approved by the voters, the bond funding would be used to purchase properties identified by the CLAM Committee for conservation purposes. The proposed Conservation Land Acquisition and Management Program would be subject to oversight and full public disclosure of all bond spending. If you have any questions about the CLAM, please contact the Planning Department at (904) 530-6300 or email planninginfo@nassaucountyfl.com.
Meet Shelby! -Sponsor Coordinator -Team Mom -Event Planner/ Coordinator -Social Media -Shelby is a dedicated wife, mom, and friend to all. -Shelby has worked extremely hard this season on sponsorships, opening day, closing day, fundraisers, and SO much more! She loves spending days at the park and helping wherever she is needed. -Grew up at our park, NOT playing ball, but cheerleading. -Favorite things to do are: spend time with her family, help at our park, go to Disney, and take long strolls around Target. -FUN FACT: She did all four Disney parks in one day!
PPDGC Disc Golfers The Pirate Pointe Disc Golf Club (PPDGC) is a diverse group of disc golfers dedicated to growing and improving the sport of disc golf in Nassau County. HAVE MORE FUN! A player can learn many new techniques, improve their game, have much more fun, and make new friends by participating in Club events. Pirate Pointe Disc Golf Club is located at FBHS meets every Sunday at 10:00 am and every Wednesday at 5:00 pm. Come out, meet some new friends, and have a great time! All skill levels are welcome. For more info contact us on FB @piratepointedgc.
www.facebook.com/TheYuleeNews
LOCALIZE YOUR AD INSERTS
Stay local, Shop local.
Target Yulee neighborhoods and resonate with a local audience Reach over 25,000 potential customers weekly.
The Yulee News
theyuleenews@gmail.com | 904-761-2679
Stop in TO see our HUGE garden center and but terfly habitat! Hours:
Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
HAGAN
904-694-2426 | 85880 Miner Road, Yulee, FL 32097
SUMMER Is Heating Things Up! Call your hometown AC team today!
$
99.00 Preventative Maintenance with mention of ad. (Regularly $114).