First Annual Island Hop Craft Beer Fest to be Hosted in Fernandina Beach on September 18, 20216/22/2021 Proceeds from the event will support Fernandina Beach Main Street
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Fernandina Beach, Fla. (June 22, 2021)—On Saturday, September 18, 2021, the first annual Island Hop Craft Beer Fest will be held at Central Park in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. Proceeds from the event will support Fernandina Beach Main Street. Fernandina Beach Main Street Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization charged with promoting economic vitality and historic preservation in the Fernandina Beach business district. The district has expanded to now include three local craft brewers (First Love Brewing, Mocama Beer Company and Amelia Island Brewing Company), inspiring us to make a beer festival our signature annual event. The Island Hop Craft Beer Fest will help Fernandina Beach Main Street fund important programs that preserve the character of Fernandina Beach’s historic district and support the businesses that call it home. Brewers from across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia have been invited to participate, and we expect to feature at least 30 different breweries at the event. Popular local band the Honey Badgers will be performing popular classic rock songs throughout the event, and local businesses will be showcasing some of their favorite items for sale. With food trucks, activities for the kids and a dog park, the Island Hop Craft Beer Fest is an event the whole family can enjoy. Admission: General admission is $39 in advance or $50 at the door. VIP tickets are $59 in advance and allow access to the event one hour prior to the general admission entrance. Designated drivers are $5. When: September 18th, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. (VIP entrance at 12:00 p.m.) Location: Central Park, 1200 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034 For additional information, or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit our website at www.islandhopcraftbeerfest.com.
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Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare
Press Release Submitted by Laureen Pagel, Ph.D., CEO June 21, 2021 Yulee, FL: Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare announced that their very own Project T.A.L.K.S. was fully funded at $400,000 in the Florida Leads Budget. Project T.A.L.K.S. will support their previously awarded Florida Blue Talkable Communities grant and leverage the power of 5 major behavioral health providers across 6 counties to spread the message of attainable mental wellbeing for Northeast Florida. “We couldn’t be more thrilled about the state budget approval for Project T.A.L.K.S.,” said Laureen Pagel, CEO at Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare. “This funding supports our efforts to prevent suicide by adding a care coordinator in the emergency department at Baptist Hospital, a dedicated mental health therapist to pilot a new co-responder team with the Fernandina Beach Police Department, and so much more. I am humbled by the support from Senator Aaron Bean, Representative Cord Byrd, and Governor Ron DeSantis. This funding sends the message that increasing mental health is a top priority to the state of Florida.” The primary goal of Project T.A.L.K.S. is to create ‘talkable communities’ that foster improved physical and mental well-being, increase social connectedness, decrease the incidence of mental health crisis, and effectively address trauma. Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare, Gateway – Steps to Recovery, Child Guidance Center, Clay Behavioral Health Center, and EPIC Behavioral Healthcare will work together across Nassau, Duval, Clay, Putnam, St. Johns, and Flagler counties to:
About Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare provides mental health and substance abuse treatment services to children, teens, and adults in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. The non-profit agency serves more than 3,000 individuals each year and has been serving the region for more than 29 years. Starting Point is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). For more information, please visit www.spbh.org. Fernandina Beach, FL (June 18, 2021) – The Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library (FOL) announce the receipt of a $5,000 donation from WestRock on April 19, 2021 that will enhance and assist with the maintenance of the Fernandina Branch Library’s technology center. Community members of all ages use the library and the available technology for a variety of reasons. These include processing employment and scholarship applications, submitting financial aid forms, gaining access to educational, research, and testing resources, as well as hobbies and personal interest pursuits. The number of users grows each year. This generous gift will allow the library to double their internet access speed by switching to fiber lines, speeding the upload of documents and files, and providing a stable connection. The FOL is grateful to WestRock for their continued support and generous contribution allowing the purchase of new technology to support the library and community needs. “Our community is so fortunate that WestRock recognizes the importance of technology in our library,” said FOL President Jody Mackle. “We are grateful to them for this generous donation.” For further information of the Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library as well as membership information and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.fernandinaFOL.org.  From left to right: Eric Schmidt, WestRock Training/Community Relations Manager presents the $5,000 check to Nassau County Library Director Dawn Bostwick and Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library President Jody Mackle. ~Jacksonville Metro Area Private Sector Employment Increased by 49,800 Jobs Over the Year~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced Florida has experienced thirteen consecutive months of job growth, gaining 595,000 private sector jobs over the year and 839,800 jobs since the height of the pandemic. In May, Florida gained 35,800 private sector jobs and added more than 52,500 online job postings over the month for a total of 512,858 available jobs posted online throughout the state. Florida’s unemployment rate of 4.9 percent has remained below the national rate, currently at 5.8 percent, for ten consecutive months. Florida’s unemployment rate has dramatically lowered over the year, decreasing by 9.3 percentage points. The unemployment rate in the Jacksonville area was 4.2 percent in May, down from 11.0 percent reported in May 2020. The Jacksonville area private sector employment increased by 49,800 jobs over the year, an increase of 8.3 percent. The industries gaining the most jobs over the year include leisure and hospitality, increasing by 13,600 jobs, and trade, transportation, and utilities, increasing by 11,500 jobs. Floridians in search of work and new job opportunities are encouraged to turn to the CareerSource Florida network for help. Floridians can find guidance to register with Employ Florida (EmployFlorida.com) and search listings of available local job openings. Career seekers also can improve employability assistance, perfecting resume writing, interviewing skills, establishing career goals, and pursuing customized career training. These services are provided at no cost to job seekers. To view the May 2021 employment data, visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases. Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
Press Release June 17, 2021 Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced local governments can now apply for $175 million through the Rebuild Florida Mitigation General Infrastructure Program. This program is designed to assist local governments and state agencies with making Florida communities more resilient to future disasters by developing large-scale mitigation projects. “Governor DeSantis is committed to bolstering Florida’s infrastructure, and the Rebuild Florida Mitigation General Infrastructure Program is an opportunity to ensure our state’s resiliency to future storms,” said Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary Dane Eagle. “Florida is no stranger to natural disasters, and this mitigation funding will allow Florida communities to transform and make long-term investments in their infrastructure.” Local governments and state agencies may apply for funding to propose projects that meet program requirements, including benefiting low- and moderate-income (LMI) populations. Nonprofits and non-governmental organizations may also apply in partnership with a local government or a state agency. The funds are allocated to the state through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) program formed in response to the 2016 to 2018 presidentially declared disasters. The deadline to complete and submit an application is Friday, September 17, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. (EST). DEO will be available to provide technical assistance to communities during the application process. For more information about the program and technical assistance, including how to complete an application, visit the Rebuild Florida Mitigation General Infrastructure Program’s webpage. To provide more information about the Rebuild Florida Mitigation General Infrastructure Program, the Department will host a webinar at 2:00 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, June 24, 2021. The registration link for the webinar is available here. According to the guidelines set by the Federal Register, at least 50 percent of CDBG-MIT funds must be spent in HUD-designated Most Impacted and Distressed (MID) areas, with the remaining funds spent in state-designated MID areas. This CDBG-MIT funding is available for use in 51 Florida counties. The Department is the governor-designated state authority responsible for administering all U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) long-term recovery and mitigation funds awarded to the state. Rebuild Florida uses federal funding for Florida’s long-term recovery efforts from the devastating impacts of natural disasters. For more information, visit RebuildFlorida.gov. 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. The City of Fernandina Beach encourages its residents, business owners, employees, and students to play an integral role in shaping the future of our community by attending an outdoor public workshop at Central Park on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at 5pm. The event will feature a series of booths focusing on various topics such as Housing, Transportation, Resiliency, Development, and Capital Funding. This family friendly workshop will feature interactive booths for both adults and children. Food trucks will be available on-site. If you are unable to attend the workshop, online surveys are available to obtain your input. The city welcomes your attendance and survey input. Please visit the City’s website at www.fbfl.us/Vision2045. For additional information or questions regarding Vision 2045, please contact the City’s Planning & Conservation Director, Kelly N. Gibson, AICP, at 904-310-3480 or by email at kgibson@fbfl.org.  FDOT Projects Receive Recognition from American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida6/18/2021 Florida Department of Transportation
Press Release June 18, 2021 Today, the Florida Department of Transportation received Outstanding Project Awards from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida (ACEC-FL) for seven projects throughout the state. Each year, the ACEC-FL, an affiliate of the Florida Engineering Society’s (FES) Professional Engineers in Private Practice (PEPP), recognizes outstanding achievements by its member firms in accomplishing Florida transportation projects. “Despite the past year’s challenges, FDOT has continued to deliver significant roadway options and solutions to Florida motorists and taxpayers through collaborative innovations. When we leverage partnerships and expand options for Floridians, we improve the quality of life for the community, said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. “I applaud our teams for these distinctive awards as they are a direct reflection of FDOT’s commitment to providing safe and reliable infrastructure for Floridians for years to come.” The FDOT projects chosen as the winning projects for the ACEC-FL Outstanding Project Awards are:
Each year, FDOT’s Central Office, Districts and, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise submit projects for consideration. Awards will be distributed at the Florida Engineering Society’s annual conference in August.  The City of Fernandina Beach would like to welcome Jeff Tambasco to the team. Mr. Tambasco will start in mid-July as the new Deputy Police Chief, replacing Mark Foxworth who succeeded Chief James Hurley following Chief Hurley’s retirement earlier this year. City Manager Dale Martin congratulates Chief Foxworth and the entire staff of the Police Department for the successful recruitment of such an outstanding candidate to serve this community.
Mr. Tambasco has over 25 years of law enforcement experience, much of which was at a supervisory and management level. He retired from the Kissimmee Police Department as a Captain and since his retirement has been serving as the Desoto County (FL) Emergency Manager. During his career with the Kissimmee Police Department, Jeff commanded the Patrol Division, the Special Operations Division, the Support Services Division, and the Criminal Investigations Division. He possesses a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, multiple instructor certifications and he is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s 44th Command Officer Development Course, the FBI Executive Leadership Course, and the Florida Police Chief Association’s Future Police Chief’s Course. Mr. Tambasco was born in Pennsylvania and moved to Central Florida with his parents at a young age. Jeff is married to his wife Candy, they have 3 children, Courtney, Colin, and Caleb and 1 grandchild Olivia. PulteGroup to Join Riverside Homes in Phase Two Build-Out
WILDLIGHT, Fla. – June 16, 2021 – Raydient Places + Properties announced today that PulteGroup, the nation’s third largest homebuilder, has been selected as the newest homebuilder for Wildlight. PulteGroup will bring 85 single-family homes to phase two of Forest Park, joining Mattamy Homes and Riverside Homes. In addition, Riverside Homes will expand its current offerings in Forest Park by building over 40 additional homes in Wildlight’s second neighborhood. “With PulteGroup’s notable success in the Northeast Florida community, we are delighted in welcoming them on board to Wildlight,” said Wes Hinton, vice president of Wildlight. “Additionally, Riverside Homes has been an exceptional partner and we are looking forward to both homebuilders expanding phase two of Forest Park.” Earlier this year, PulteGroup announced it will be building a Del Webb active adult community in Wildlight slated to open early 2022. The gated luxe neighborhood will offer well-designed floor plans with active and resort-style amenities for exploration and recreation spanning approximately six acres. Exclusively for adults 55 and older, residents will enjoy Del Webb at Wildlight’s amenities including a 12,000-square-foot amenity center, a resort-style and lap pool, tennis and pickleball courts, 10 miles of walking trails, and a dog park, to name a few. “Based on the significant growth in Nassau County and the tremendous success of Wildlight, we expect strong home buyer interest for our newest offering at Wildlight,” said Tony Nason, vice president of operations at PulteGroup’s North Florida Division. “Wildlight is a wonderful community for families of all ages to live with beautiful homesites, exceptional amenities and convenient access to excellent schools, employment centers, entertainment and outdoor recreation.” Pulte Homes in phase two of Wildlight’s Forest Park will embody Wildlight’s overall Florida Lowcountry and coastal aesthetic. Each of the consumer-inspired homes will showcase design characteristics such as flexible indoor and outdoor entertaining areas, Smart Home technology, innovative work and study from home options and interactive design tools to create a personalized home layout. Featuring one and two-story floor plans with up to five bedrooms and four baths and ranging in size from approximately 1,700 to 3,200+ square feet. Pulte Homes will start in the low $300s, equipped with sustainable and energy-efficient systems. Locally owned, Riverside Homes was founded by visionaries Chris Wood and Matt Roberts who have a combined two decades of experience in the Jacksonville market. Riverside Homes will continue to offer their thoughtfully designed floor plans ranging from approximately 2,500 to 3,700 square feet on larger manor home lots, offering desirable preserve and lake views. Home designs will highlight the spirit of the original Florida and the surrounding lush landscape through features such as high ceilings, sweeping front porches, expansive lanais, and large windows. The Riverside Homes prices will range from the $500s. “With the success of our homesites in the first phase of Forest Park, we are excited to continue our partnership with Wildlight by offering many of the same popular floor plans, including our award-winning Ortega plan,” shared Chris Wood, principal of Riverside Homes. Riverside Homes is expected to begin construction of new homes in fall 2021. PulteGroup is expected to begin construction on model homes in August with plans to open for sales by fall 2021.  During the month of June’s Community Outreach, Keller Williams Realty, on Amelia Island, is assisting our community by collecting gift cards in any amount for the Community Hospice & Palliative Care Pet Program.
The Community Hospice & Palliative Care Pet Program allows hospice patients to complete their end-of-life journey with the comfort and companionship of their beloved pet, without having to worry about their pet’s current or future needs. Unfortunately, many people in hospice care are physically or financially unable to care for their pets, but still benefit greatly from their presence. Simple tasks are difficult, if not impossible at this stage of life. The Pet Program provides solutions to these challenging situations by ensuring patients’ pets are getting all their needs met with the same loving care their families have given them but with the help of Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s specially trained volunteers. The program assists hospice patients’ by providing the following for their pets: Basic in-home pet care, delivery of pet food, grooming and foster care or placement of the pet when the patient dies. This relieves the patients of the worry of what will happen to their beloved companion after they are gone. Please consider giving a gift card from any variety, grocery, pet, or Visa/Master Card to help facilitate these important services. Any denomination is helpful. They will be used to facilitate these services for the pets of those in end-of-life care. (Cash is also a welcome gift to the program!) These gift cards may be dropped off at the front desk of the Keller Williams Realty office at 4800 1st Coast Hwy. Suite #230, Amelia Island, in the Harris Teeter, Shops at Amelia Market Plaza. (M-F. 9-2) You can also foster or adopt, as well as volunteer or make a charitable donation to this important program by visiting support.communityhospice.com/donate. The Community Hospice & Palliative Care volunteer coordinator, Chris Whitney can be reached at 904.407.5204 or CWhitney@communityhospice.com. |
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