Blog - Nassau County Chamber of Commerce

Baptist Health Building Emergency Center, Imaging Center and Medical Offices in Yulee

2/28/2023

Baptist Nassau Crossing Medical Campus will bring a wide range of services to a convenient, new location in Nassau County.

Jacksonville, Fla., Feb. 27, 2023 – Baptist Health will break ground in Spring 2023 on Baptist Nassau Crossing Medical Campus, a new freestanding Baptist & Wolfson Nassau Crossing Emergency Room & Imaging Center and medical office building, to provide additional health care services to the fast-growing areas of central and western Nassau County, Florida.

The new property is located just east of I-95 on State Road 200.

“Baptist Health has always been committed to making high-quality health care accessible to the community members we serve,” said Catherine Graham, MSH, senior vice president of clinical service lines and ambulatory business development. “Baptist Nassau Crossing Medical Campus will be a convenient hub with a wide range of medical services for all ages.”

Emergency and imaging services
The 23,879-square-foot emergency center features two emergency centers under one roof –Baptist Emergency Center for adults and Wolfson Children’s Emergency Center designed specifically for patients ages 0 to 17. More than 5,500 children in Nassau County sought emergency care between October 2021 - September 2022, according to Florida Agency for Health Care Administration’s Office of Data Collection and Quality Assurance. With the opening of this campus, families in Nassau County will have easier access to the specialized pediatric care of Wolfson Children’s, the only full-service children’s hospital in the region and the only state-designated Pediatric Trauma Center in Northeast Florida.
The emergency facility will have an adjoining Imaging Center for outpatient imaging, equipped with the latest technology to provide X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, mammography and bone density screenings.
The building is designed with the opportunity for future expansion as the community’s need for emergency services increases.

Primary care and specialty physician services
A 32,094-square-foot medical office building will be located behind the emergency center. Initially, the medical office building will house Baptist Primary Care and Baptist Behavioral Health, with the potential to add other specialty services.

The Emergency & Imaging Center and medical office building, a $38 million investment for the health system, is scheduled to open in early 2024.

“For nearly 30 years, Baptist Health has been serving the Nassau community,” said Ed Hubel, FACHE, hospital president of Baptist Medical Center Nassau. “It’s been incredible to see the growth, and we appreciate residents’ trust in us to help make the community an even healthier place to live!”

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Announces More Than $247 Million in Funding Available for Broadband Infrastructure Expansion

2/28/2023

Application Window for the Broadband Infrastructure Program to Open Beginning February 28 and Closing April 14

Tallahassee, FL – Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced that more than $247 million in funding is available for broadband infrastructure expansion through the Broadband Infrastructure Program. The application window will open on February 28, 2023 and close on April 14, 2023.

Allocated by the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund, the Broadband Infrastructure Program aims to expand and improve broadband Internet infrastructure with a focus on workforce, education, and health monitoring. The program prioritizes unserved and underserved Florida communities in addition to communities with internet service speeds below symmetrical download and upload speeds of 100Mbps.

Eligible sub-recipients, including municipalities, county governments, non-profits, or private entities (such as Internet Service Providers), co-operatives, and electric utilities can find resources to prepare an application at www.FloridaJobs.org/Broadband.

To provide communities with information on the timeline, scoring criteria, and funding and eligibility requirements for the Broadband Infrastructure Program, DEO is hosting a Technical Assistance Webinar on Thursday, March 2, 2023, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. The webinar will assist prospective applicants in developing applications for funding. DEO staff will also be available to provide support throughout the application process.

Broadband Infrastructure Program funding is in addition to $400 million that is available through the Broadband Opportunity Grant Program to support broadband expansion in rural communities. On February 2, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded more than $144 million for 58 projects in 41 Florida counties for broadband internet expansion that will impact nearly 160,000 unserved residential, educational, business, and community locations through the state Broadband Opportunity Program.

Additional Broadband Internet Expansion Efforts

In November 2022, The Office of Broadband was awarded $2.4 million for their Digital Equity Planning Grant and $5 million for the BEAD 5-year action plan.
In October 2022, DEO announced more than $400 million in total is available through the Broadband Opportunity Program.
In August 2022, DEO hosted three regional workshops (Bartow in Polk County on August 22, Milton in Santa Rosa County on August 25, and Moore Haven in Glades County on August 29) to receive community input on rulemaking for the implementation of the $400 million Broadband Opportunity Program.
In June 2022, DEO submitted the Florida Strategic Plan for Broadband to the Governor, the Speaker of the House, and the President of the Senate. The Florida Strategic Plan for Broadband lays out the vision of the Florida Office of Broadband, the roles for state and local participants, and the strategies to undertake as Florida works toward a fully connected citizenry, both economically and socially.
In June 2022, DEO published the Faster Florida Broadband Map, which identifies census blocks as unserved, underserved, served, and no fixed internet service as defined in Section 288.9961, Florida Statutes. The map also identifies Florida geographic boundaries, community anchor institutions, grant funding opportunities, and information on the speed tests taken through the Florida Broadband Availability Map.
In December 2021, DEO published Florida’s Broadband Availability Map to identify where broadband-capable networks exist, where service is available to end users, gaps in rural areas, and download and upload speeds.
In September 2021, DEO launched the Local Technology Planning Team initiative using the Broadband Planning Toolkit developed by the Florida Office of Broadband. Local Technology Planning Teams are tasked with working within their communities to understand their current broadband availability, locate unserved and underserved businesses and residents, build partnerships with broadband service providers, and identify opportunities to leverage assets and reduce barriers to the deployment of broadband Internet services.
In February 2021, DEO partnered with the Florida Regional Councils Association to host 10 virtual workshops where participants discussed broadband internet accessibility. Industry sector and community leaders within each region were invited to participate. These industry sectors included education, healthcare, private business, community organizations, agriculture, tourism, parks and recreation, economic development, local governments, and internet service providers.
In July 2020, the Florida Office of Broadband was established within DEO’s Division of Community Development to increase the availability and effectiveness of broadband internet throughout the state. The amendment of Section 288.9961, Florida Statutes, and creation of Sections 288.9962 and 288.9963, Florida Statutes, provides DEO access to federal grant dollars and assists rural communities with the expansion of broadband services, as well as provides directives for broadband mapping and the Broadband Opportunity Program.

About DEO
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce, and community development efforts, expediting economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities and promote economic resiliency. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.FloridaJobs.org.

Community Helps with the Nassau County Sheriff's Office Jailbreak

2/28/2023

Recently the Team at Keller Williams Realty, Amelia Island had the great privilege of assisting NCSO Charities, Inc. and Sheriff Bill Leeper at the Second Annual "Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Jailbreak 5K Run."

On Saturday, February 25th, 2023 NCSO deputies, K9's, and obstacles didn’t stand in the way of the community turning out to support Nassau Counties finest.

This family friendly event hosted the 5K Run, as well as post-run events featuring music, food trucks, touch a truck and more.

The Keller Williams AI team manned a water station and refreshment tent, which is the latest event for this important cause with all proceeds going to the NCSO “Shop with Cops Program”.

Keller Williams next event for NSCO Shop with Cops program is the upcoming 11th Annual Chili Cook-Off on October 5, 2023.

If you have questions about this event, feel free to reach out to our Keller Williams Real Estate Amelia Island Office at 904-261-9800.

Nassau County Board of County Commissioners Newsletter for January 2023

2/28/2023

2/27/23 @ 4:45 p.m. - Attached is the January 2023 edition of the Board of County Commissioner's monthly newsletter. This monthly publication features a variety of information related to projects and activities for the departments under the Board. It also includes information about road projects, special events, adopted policies and procedures, budget discussions, and more!

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

Invasive Plants Class Series

2/28/2023

2/27/23 @ 12:15 p.m.

Join Nassau County Public Works and the UF/IFAS Extension Office for a series of classes on invasive plants. Invasive plants outcompete native plants and animals and are harmful to our natural environment. They have also been found to degrade waterways, harm water quality and limit recreational opportunities.

In this class series, you will learn more about invasive plants including how to treat them naturally, ways to reduce spread, and how to identify invasive species.

There is no cost to participate in any of the classes. See flyer for complete schedule.

All will be held at the American Beach Community Center located at 1600 Julia Street.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County Foundation's 16th Annual Gala a Resounding Success

2/27/2023

There are times when everything simply falls into place, and something beyond our expectations happens. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County Foundation’s 16th Annual Gala was one of those occasions!

On Saturday, February 18th, a sell-out crowd of over 500 attendees gathered at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island’s Talbot Ballroom. The evening opened with a silent auction of thoughtfully procured trips, local experiences, jewelry, culinary and wine pairings, and memorabilia.

James Miller, grandson of David Miller, Sr., who founded the Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County in 1999, served as Master of Ceremony for the evening, continuing a family tradition set by his uncle, the late Ben Hynson.

BGC Nassau’s Foundation Board President, Ann Moser, made welcoming remarks, thanking our many generous sponsors, including Legacy Sponsor, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Ron & Marylln Blum, Entertainment and Diamond Sponsor, Diamond Sponsors Baptist Medical Center Nassau, Betty Berkman, Anne & Bill Gower, Revelation Design, Jack & Charlotte Roberts, and Robison Jewelers.

A number of special guests were in attendance, including Boys & Girls Clubs of America President and CEO, Jim Clark, who spoke eloquently about the state of children and teens today, and how our clubs are needed more than ever to provide a safe place for them to be exposed to positive role models, mentoring, meaningful programs, exercise, and life skills to propel them successfully into adulthood.

Two club members then took the stage to share their talents. Loreya Poindexter, a sophomore honor student at Yulee High School, spoke about how her experiences at Miller Freedom Center and as a participant of the Tipping the Scales Program, sponsored by Baptist Medical Center Nassau, have helped her to pave the way to success in her future goals – to enter the medical field as a pediatrician. Paisley Johnston, a 4th grader from Hilliard Elementary, captivated the crowd with her vocal performance of God Bless the USA.

Following a superb meal prepared by the culinary team of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, James Miller swung into the live fundraising portion of the evening, the Ben Hynson Fill the Heart, challenging the attendees to fill the heart with donations to fund our clubs. In a matter of minutes, the proposed goal was not only met, but exceeded. We are beyond grateful to everyone who so generously gave, either in person or remotely.

As the finale to the event, renowned pianist and Boys & Girls Clubs alumnus, William Joseph, our musical guest, shared his own club experience and talents, with a stellar performance of original and classic pieces, with accompanying cello and drums, providing the perfect end to a memorable evening.

For more information about what the Nassau County Clubs have to offer local youth and to help with the Boys & Girls Clubs mission, visit us at www.bgcnassau.org or call 904-261-8666.

Nassau Emergency Management Welcomes CSX Incident Exercise

2/27/2023

PUBLIC INFORMATION RELEASE – 02/23/2023

CONTACT: MARTHA L. OBERDORFER, MPH, FPEM DEPUTY DIRECTOR, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
NASSAU COUNTY EOC
E-MAIL: NCEM@NASSAUSO.COM
FACEBOOK: NASSAUEM

Nassau EM Welcomes CSX Responder Incident Training Exercise

Nassau County Emergency Management (NCEM) will hold a multi-agency tabletop emergency response exercise in their Emergency Operations Center (EOC) February 28 – March 1. NCEM Director, Tim Cooper, is pleased to announce it will include a four-day hands-on “train derailment and hazardous materials response” training opportunity for local firefighters. The CSX Responder Incident Training (RIT) train is a specialized, hands-on training program that provides first responders with insights on how rail cars work and how to respond safely to rail-related incidents. CSX provides emergency planning assistance and training at no cost to fire, police, and other emergency response personnel in the communities they serve, but this is the first time this training will be offered in Nassau.

NCEM is responsible for the County’s disaster preparedness. The NCEM staff writes plans for and organizes exercises of county response operations for all types of natural and man-made hazards. Although the planning for this training and exercise began almost a year ago, recent railroad derailments in the news have been a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness for any incident. “Thanks to our partnerships with CSX Transportation and the BlueLinx Corporation,” Director Cooper said, “we are fortunate to have this derailment and hazmat training in our community.”

The training will take place on private property; therefore, attendance will be limited to personnel participating in the hands-on activities. County leadership and media representatives who wish to observe the training should contact the Nassau EOC at 904-548-0900 to request access.

Conservation Land Acquisition and Management (CLAM) Committee Vacancy

2/27/2023

2/24/23 @ 8:45 a.m.

The County is seeking one individual to serve on the Conservation Land Acquisition and Management (CLAM) Committee. Candidates should, at a minimum, have skills, expertise, or demonstrable experience that relates to the acquisition of lands in one of the following areas:

Natural resource management and biology
Agriculture and forestry
Community Planning
Environmental engineering or civil engineering where work has been in stormwater or green infrastructure projects
Environmental regulations, land use law, or commercial real estate in so far that has dealt in vacant, rural lands

For more information about the CLAM program, click on the following link: https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/1283/Conservation-Land-Acquisition-Management

If you have specific questions about the CLAM program or the role of the Committee, please contact Holly Coyle at (904) 530-6010 or by email at hcoyle@nassaucountyfl.com.

To apply, please click here. Applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

Nassau County Employee Recognized for Years of Service

2/23/2023

L to R: HR Director, Ashley Metz; Employee Services Manager, Tina Keiter; and County Manager, Taco Pope

2/23/23 @ 3:00 p.m. - At the Wednesday, February 15, 2023 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners recognized Tina Keiter on her achievement of 20 years of service to the County.

Tina began actually began her employment in 1997 as a student in the Human Resources Department but left the County temporarily when he daughter was born. Tina returned to the County in February 2003 as a Benefits Specialist and for the last 20 years has worked in the Human Resources Department in different capacities, working her way up to her current position as Employee Services Manager. Last year, Tina earned her certification as a Professional in Human Resources, further demonstrating her commitment to the Human Resources Department and her desire to improve her overall knowledge of HR Management.

Tina is an outstanding public servant and always goes above and beyond to the call of duty to ensure a task is done efficiently. At the meeting, County Manager Taco Pope stated, "Tina does a fabulous job of working within the organization to make lives better for all of us. Throughout the years, I've called on Tina numerous times to help me with insurance matters and retirement related issues. Her service is both internal to the employees and external facing to the community. It's a great pleasure and an honor to recognize her on 20 outstanding years".

Congratulations Tina and thank you for all you do for Nassau County!

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

80's Movie Night Double Feature Event

2/22/2023

2/21/23 @ 4:45 p.m.

Nassau County Parks and Recreation would like to invite you to travel back in time for an 80’s Night Double Feature Movie Event on Friday, March 10th at Peters Point Beachfront Park (located at 4600 Peters Point Road).

The event will open at 6:00 p.m. There will be an 80’s Movie Costume Contest at 6:30 p.m. with prizes for 1st – 3rd place. Sign ups are not necessary for the costume contest.

Then, there will be a showing of “The Goonies” beginning at 7:00 p.m., followed by a showing of “Dirty Dancing” beginning at 9:00 p.m.

Either relax in your vehicle and listen through a select FM station or bring a chair/blanket and enjoy not one, but two 80’s classics.

There is no fee to attend the movie event, however there will be food available to purchase at the event.

We hope to see you there!

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer