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Nassau County Chamber of Commerce Blog

Florida Launches Statewide Preregistration System for COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments

1/29/2021

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 29, 2020
Contact: Joint Information Center on COVID-19 for the State of Florida (850) 815-4940, ESF14@em.myflorida.com

Florida Launches Statewide Preregistration System for COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the state announced the launch of a statewide preregistration system to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments for individuals 65 and older and frontline health care workers. Individuals can pre-register for vaccine appointments and be notified when appointments are available in their area by visiting myvaccine.fl.gov.

This website will allow individuals who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to be proactively contacted when vaccine appointments are available at state-supported vaccination sites. On the site, residents can select their county and submit their contact information. Once appointments are available, individuals will be contacted by phone call, text or email and will be assisted in scheduling an appointment.

Vaccine supply remains limited and appointments may not be available for several weeks in some counties.

Additionally, as part of the statewide registration system, each county has a designated phone number that individuals can call and pre-register if they do not have Internet access. Please find the complete list of numbers by county here. Whether a resident calls by phone or visits myvaccine.fl.gov, their place in line will be reserved reliably using Sharecare software.

As outlined in Executive Order 20 – 315, individuals who are eligible for the vaccine in Florida are outlined below. If someone does not meet these eligibility requirements, they will not be able to pre-register.

  • Long-term care facility residents and staff;
  • Persons 65 years of age and older; and
  • Health care personnel with direct patient contact.

Hospital providers, however, also may vaccinate persons who they deem to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19.

On January 21, State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees issued a Public Health Advisory prioritizing vaccine in Florida for Florida residents. Please find the public health advisory here. Please bring proof of residency to any appointment across the state. ​
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January 31, 2021 Proclaimed "American Beach Day"

1/28/2021

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At the meeting held on Monday, January 25, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution No. 2021-008, proclaiming January 31, 2021 as "American Beach Day".

2021 marks the 81st anniversary of the founding of American Beach by Abraham Lincoln Lewis, Florida's first black millionaire and President of the Afro-American Life Insurance Company. Mr. Lewis purchased the area with the intent of providing a place for his employees to vacation and own homes near the beach. In fact, until the passage of the Civil Rights Act, American Beach was the only area where African Americans could enjoy the beach.

From the 1930's through the 1950's, the area was busy with families, churches and children and featured numerous hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. American Beach hosted numerous celebrities during this period including: Zora Neale Hurston, Billie Daniels, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Billy Eckstein, Hank Aaron, Joe Louis, Ossie Davis and Sherman Hemsley. American Beach is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is still draws visitors from around the world.
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Ms. Joyce Jefferson, President of the American Beach Property Owner's Association was present at the meeting to accept the Resolution. She thanked the Board for their continued efforts in preserving their unique community. The Board also extended their gratitude to Ms. Jefferson and the other members of the American Beach POA for contributing their hearts and souls into making American Beach the historic jewel that it is.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

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Barnabas Center Upcoming Food Distributions

1/28/2021

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Barnabas Nassau
Alexandra Winsor
Communications Manager
awinsor@barnabasnassau.org
www.BarnabasNassau.org
January 27, 2021


As the major safety net organization for Nassau County residents in need, Barnabas Center is on the front line of helping residents in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Services offered to Nassau County residents with low to moderate incomes include food assistance, financial assistance, and medical and dental care.

Food Assistance: We provide about a 3-day supply of food per household that may include produce, dairy, meat and nonperishable items. – For more information about our food programs, visit www.BarnabasNassau.org.


Food Pantry – (1303 Jasmine Street, Suite 101, Fernandina Beach) Hours of operation – Monday, CLOSED; Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Upcoming Food Distributions:
  • February 8th – Springhill Baptist Church (941017 Old Nassauville Road Fernandina Beach, FL 32034) 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (In partnership with Feeding Northeast Florida)
  • February 13th – Martin Luther King Center (1200 Elm Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034) 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. (In partnership with Elm Street Sportsman Association, Elm St. Church of God, First Missionary Baptist Church, Third Mt. Zion Church, and Trinity United Methodist Church.
  • February 15th – First Baptist Church, Hilliard (15850 CR 108, Hilliard, FL 32046) 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. (In partnership with Feeding Northeast Florida, Bryceville First Baptist Church, and River Road Baptist Church)
  • February 20th – Greater Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church (45031 Historical Ln, Callahan, FL 32011) 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
  • February 25th – Mt. Olive Baptist Church (49167 Mt. Olive Road, Kings Ferry, FL 32046) 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (In partnership with Mt. Horeb Baptist Church, St. James Baptist Church and Hisbon Baptist Church)

For information about available assistance and eligibility, contact Barnabas at (904) 261-7000, visit www.BarnabasNassau.org, or follow our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BarnabasNassau. For your safety and others during the pandemic, please call Barnabas for a telephone pre-screening for financial assistance, food stamp and/or Medicaid applications before visiting the office.
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Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Fest 2021 Update

1/27/2021

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January 25, 2021

The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Committee has voted to cancel the 2021 festival & parade scheduled for April 29th – May 2nd due to the current status of the Coronavirus and vaccines. This was a difficult decision, for the Executive Board and Committee Directors, to cancel the Shrimp Festival for a 2 nd year, but we have to take into account the health & safety of all of our volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and of course, the general public.

But don’t despair! The Shrimp Festival Committee is hoping to host a “Falling for Shrimp” weekend on Saturday & Sunday, October 2nd & 3rd . We have already starting planning the various aspects for this fun weekend event. We are hoping that by the fall, the virus will be in check and the vaccines are available to all ages of the general public.

Although this won’t be the normal “Shrimp Festival,” it will have numerous aspects you have grown to love and look forward to each year. There won’t be a parade or Kids Fun Zone at this event, and the footprint downtown will be smaller, but we will still have lots of shrimp to eat & enjoy! Keep checking our website and Facebook page for updates.

The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival and “Home of the Modern Shrimping Industry” look forward to seeing everyone again in 2022 – “always the first weekend in May”!

Sincerely,

Harry Harrison, Chairman
2021 Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
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Barnabas Offers Dental Services in Hilliard

1/26/2021

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Barnabas Center offers dental services in Hilliard to help adults in need in west Nassau County. The office is located at the Florida Department of Health (37203 Pecan Street, Hilliard FL 32046). Dental services are offered every Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

To be eligible for Barnabas’ dental services, adults age 18 and older must meet income guidelines, have no dental insurance, and provide proof of Nassau County residency.

Nassau County residents may apply for assistance by appointment only. To determine eligibility and schedule an appointment, call (904) 261-7000 for any of the following assistance:
  • Dental exams
  • Fillings
  • Cleanings
  • Extractions
  • Dentures
  • X-Rays

For more information about Barnabas’ programs, please visit www.BarnabasNassau.org.
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Chamber Announces Annual Business Award Nominations

1/26/2021

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The nominations are officially in! The Nassau County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards process is an opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Nassau County. Winners will be announced and contacted during the week of February 8th.

​For questions or more information, please email info@NassauCountyFLChamber.com or call (904) 261-3248.


​And the nominees are...
LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Amelia Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine
Baptist Medical Center Nassau
First Port City Bank
Hot Paws Pet Grooming, Hotel & Spa
Liberty Landscape Supply
Meridian Waste
Millennium Physician Group
Orange Park Mall
Rayonier
Summer House Realty


MEDIUM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Amelia Express Care
Joe's 2nd Street Bistro
Junior's Seafood
Palm III Realty
The Hurst Company, CPAs, P.A.
​Wicked BAO


SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Amelia Island Adventures
Amelia Island Kayak Excursions
FASTSIGNS of Fernandina Beach
Paisley Grace Makery
SJ Brewing Company
Surcheros Fresh Grill
Villa Villekulla Toy Store 


BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR
Randy Bowman | Orange Park Mall
Michael Brooks | First Port City Bank
Mark Bullington | Amelia Island Kayak Excursions
Durand Childers | First Port City Bank
Neal & Marty Cochrane | Cochrane's Collision Center
Kerri Foster | Amelia Island Adventures
Jodi Henson | Small Business Development Center at UNF
Gil Langley | Amelia Island TDC and CVB
Octavio Martinez | Hot Paws Pet Grooming, Hotel & Spa
Kelley McCarter | Keep Nassau Beautiful
Tracy Nazzaro | Traders Hill Farm
Tim Poynter | Café Karibo
Jaret P. Rice | The Hurst Company, CPAs
James Schaffer | Summer House Realty
Jenny Schaffer | Summer House Realty
Don Shaw | Cambridge South
JoAnn Stewart | SJ Brewing Company


YOUNG BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR
Dr. James Antun | 8 Flags Chiropractic
Bradley Bean | Rayonier Advanced Materials
Heather Bennett | Paisley Grace Makery
Aaron Bullington | Amelia Island Kayak Excursions
Theresa Duncan | Villa Villekulla Toy Store
Darrin Eakins | Nassau Pride
Greg Franklin | Franklin Equipment Sales
Martinique Lemke | Redbones Dog Bakery & Boutique
Jacob Logsdon | Amelia Express Care
Antoinette Richter | First Port City Bank
Ricky Rochester | Meridian Waste


CUSTOMER SERVICE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Andrea Aroyo | Amelia Express Care
Pam Austin | First Federal Bank
Kathryn Bell | Millennium Physician Group
Kellie Boston | Boston Photography
Nik Bremer | Amelia Island Bait & Tackle
Aaron Bullington | Amelia Island Kayak Excursions
Amber Bullington | Amelia Island Kayak Excursions
Rachel Clark | Traders Hill Farm
Linda Crow | Crow Jewelers
Kim Ferman and Kelly Redlinski | Advanced Muscle Therapy
Dearsha Johnson | Story & Song Bookstore Bistro
Michelle Myers | Mint Magazine
Noelle Najimy | Hartke & Najimy Accounting Services
Olivia Harris | Whataburger
Amy Petroy | The Patio Place
Ricky Robbins | Amelia Island Coffee
Emiko Rocha | First Federal Bank
Jenny Schaffer | Summer House Realty
Tambre Webb | FASTSIGNS of Fernandina Beach
Nathalie Wu | Wicked BAO


NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR
Barnabas Center
Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County
Fernandina Beach Main Street
Fernandina Beach Pride
Keep Nassau Beautiful
Micah's Place
Nassau County School System
Nassau Humane Society
Nassau Pride
Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare
Take Stock in Children of Nassau County
Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation
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Notice of Sidewalk Closure on Will Hardee Road

1/26/2021

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 
Contact: David Hearn
Nassau County Road & Bridge Department
904 530-6175
e-mail: dhearn@nassaucountyfl.com

The Nassau County Road Department is issuing a Notice of Intent to begin construction on the Will Hardee Storm Drain Repairs Project in Fernandina Beach beginning February 8, 2021. The Department will be replacing approximately 1,000 linear feet of failed metal underground storm drain between Safe Harbor Lane and Calais Lane, on the East side of Will Hardee Road.  Sidewalks will be closed for approximately 30-45 days in this area.
 
For additional information, please contact David Hearn, Assistant Road Director at 904-530-6175.
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Nassau County Fire Rescue Receives New Public Protection Classification

1/26/2021

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Media Release
Office of the Nassau County Manager
January 25, 2021


Nassau County, Florida, January 25, 2021 – In late 2020, Nassau County Fire Rescue participated in a Public Protection Classification (PPC) Survey conducted by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). ISO conducts these surveys nationwide to participating organizations to measure their ability to provide fire service to its residents and prevent property loss from structure fires.

ISO utilized their Fire Suppression Rating Scheduled (FSRS) to objectively evaluate four major areas including:

  • Emergency Communications Systems. ISO reviewed the County’s facilities and support for handling and dispatching alarms for structure for structure fires
  • Fire Department Review. This focused on the County’s fire suppression capability by measuring the department’s alarm response and initial attack to minimize potential loss.
  • Water Supply. This consisted of a review of the County’s water supply system to determine the adequacy for fire suppression purposes.
  • Community Risk Reduction. This includes the County’s adoption and enforcement of the fire presentation code, public fire safety education, and fire investigation.

We are proud to report that Nassau County Fire Rescue has received a rating of 3/3x on a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being the best), putting Nassau County Fire Rescue in the top 14% in the nation. This is up from the rating of 4/4x received previously in 2014. The new rating will go into effect April 1, 2021.

The new rating could positively affect Nassau County homeowners as most insurance companies use this information in some manner to establish premiums for fire insurance. However, this only applies to insurance companies that utilize the ISO ratings and for properties that are located within 5 miles of a fire station and within 1,000 feet of a creditable water source. Policy holders should contact their insurance companies directly to see if the new rating will affect their rates.

Great job to Nassau County Fire Rescue for ensuring the County has the adequate supplies and equipment to minimize loss of property from structure fires. Your service and dedication serves the citizens well and we truly appreciate all the you do!

***********************************************************************************
 If you have any questions related to Nassau County’s PPC Rating, please contact Fire Rescue Headquarters at (904) 530-6600. 
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Government Affairs Committee

1/25/2021

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The mission of the Government Affairs Committee is to influence the development of policies and regulations that aid in the creating opportunities for job creation, business growth, and financial success.

The Government Affairs Committee is responsible for the legislative program, whose volunteer members examines, analyze, and monitor relevant legislation of the governmental bodies. We monitor economic and regional issues of local and state governments that could have an impact on the business community. The committee maintains a continuing dialogue with elected and appointed government officials from the city, towns, county and state. Our overall focus is on supporting legislation and activities that benefit the economic development and overall quality of life in Nassau County.

The committee meets monthly to talk about issues of interest and if action is warranted, gives recommendations to the chamber’s board of directors. After the board adopts a position or policy, the Government Affairs Committee participates in disseminating the information to the membership and begins discussions with or presents positions to the appropriate officials. All chamber members are encouraged to bring their ideas or concerns about economic development in our region to any member of the committee.

​For more information about the Government Affairs Committee, please contact President Regina Duncan by calling (904) 261-3248 x104.
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Rayonier Advanced Materials’ Fernandina Plant Marks “10 Million Ton Milestone”

1/21/2021

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Rayonier Advanced Materials
Press Release
January 21, 2021


(Fernandina Beach, FL – Thursday, January 21, 2021) Rayonier Advanced Materials’ (RYAM) today announced its Fernandina Plant—a fixture of the Nassau County community since 1937—has produced 10 million tons of high purity cellulose. The local plant, which produced pulp and paper during the Great Depression and rayon tire cord during World War II, today manufactures a highly-refined performance fiber that can be found in LCD screens, pharmaceuticals, automotive filters and countless essential products.
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Pictured: Left to Right: Willie Jones – 47 years; Mike Crummey – 43 years; Glynn Mitchell – 49 years; Herbert Mitchell – 47 years; Carl Sweat – 45 years; Rick Langford – 45 years; Terry Mott – 45 years; Bobby Deloach – 45 years; Keith Nelsen – 44 years; Jack Sparkman – 43 years; Ed Cook – 44 years
“10 million tons is a major milestone,” said Mark Homans, the Fernandina Plant’s General Manager. “And countless stories underpin that statistic: Four generations of workers, vendors, customers and community partners made this achievement possible. We’re proud to be an integral part of our local economy and to call Nassau County ‘home.'”

Rayonier Advanced Materials’ 10 millionth ton rolled off the line on January 10th, 2021. The milestone was marked by the plant’s longest-serving employees—some of whom have worked at the facility since the 1970s [photo attached].

“Our 10 millionth ton is a reminder that our community, economy and environment are all connected,” said Paul Boynton, the company’s President and CEO. “Our products are part of countless daily routines, from eating breakfast and taking medicine to answering the cell phone and driving the car. Ordinary products require extraordinary manufacturing—and that’s what we’re celebrating: The combined efforts of thousands of employees, vendors, customers and community partners who made it possible; thank you to the entire RYAM “network” for making this happen!”

The operations of Rayonier Advanced Materials’ Fernandina Plant supports 300 employees, 1,229 local jobs and over 250,000 acres of rural forests. 95 percent of the plant’s total fuel comes from renewable resources, 98 percent of its electricity is self-generated and its total economic contribution to the region is $185 million. The plant’s high purity cellulose makes essential products possible, including: LCD screens and films, filters, construction materials, sponges, and shampoos.

Media Inquiries: Ryan Houck
Telephone: 904-357-9134
E-mail: media@rayonieram.com

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Nassau County Chamber of Commerce
961687 Gateway Blvd., Suite 101-G  |  Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
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