Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land. Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes. The heavy winds of hurricanes can cause damage or destroy homes, buildings, and roads, as well as cause power, water, and gas outages. These effects can injure or kill people, disrupt transportation, and pollute drinking water. Hurricanes cause deaths and injuries primarily from drowning, wind, and wind-borne debris. The impact from hurricanes can extend from the coast to several hundred miles inland. To find your risk, visit FEMA’s “Know Your Risk Map.”

​Be better prepared for this hurricane season, and learn more at ready.gov/prepare.

Now/Prepare

• Sign up for local alerts and warnings. Monitor local news and weather reports.
• Prepare to evacuate by testing your emergency communication plan(s), learning evacuation routes, having a place to stay, and packing a “go bag.”
• Stock emergency supplies.
• Protect your property by installing sewer backflow valves, anchoring fuel tanks, reviewing insurance policies, and cataloging belongings.
• Collect and safeguard critical financial, medical, educational, and legal documents and records. 

During/Survive

• Follow guidance from local authorities.
• If advised to evacuate, grab your “go bag” and leave immediately.
• For protection from high winds, stay away from windows and seek shelter on the lowest level in an interior room.
• Move to higher ground if there is flooding or a flood warning. Turn Around Don’t Drown.® Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through water.
• Call 9-1-1 if you are in life-threatening danger.

After/Be Safe

• Return to the area only after authorities say it is safe to do so. Do not enter damaged buildings until they are inspected by qualified professionals.
• Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through floodwaters.
• Look out for downed or unstable trees, poles, and power lines.
• Do not remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear gloves and sturdy, thick-soled shoes to protect your hands and feet.
• Do not drink tap water unless authorities say it is safe.

For more resources about hurricane risk, visit ready.gov/prepare.

Advance your career in a culture of trust and teamwork. Fulfill your career goals, bring new ideas, and continuously learn and grow with the ladies and gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. They are currently hiring for various positions.

See the flyer below or CLICK HERE for more information. 

Join us for the next Quarterly Luncheon on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 from 11:30-1:00 P.M. at the Fernandina Beach Golf Course Clubhouse, 2800 Bill Melton Road, Fernandina Beach, Florida. 

Guest speaker Steve Goranson owns and operates the local office of ActionCOACH Business Coaching. Established in 1993, ActionCOACH is the world's largest coaching franchise with over 1000 offices in 60+ countries. As a Business Coach and Employee Engagement Strategist for over 10 years, Steve Goranson has the tools and knowledge to help educate business professionals to become true leaders who can inspire change and attract and retain the best talent in their industry. His goal is to coach and advise business owners and executives about how to spend less time working in their business and more time working on their business. 

The Quarterly Luncheon is $25.00 for Chamber members and $40.00 for prospective members. Advanced payment and registration are required in order to attend this event. For more information, CLICK HERE or call (904) 261-3248. 

The City of Fernandina Beach announces that Stephen Beckman has been appointed as the City's Building Official. Mr. Beckman began his duties on Monday, August 19. 

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Beckman's experience includes working as a general contractor, and in various capacities in the City of Naples' building department. He was the Building Official for the City of Cape Coral before moving to Honduras for one year to manage a scuba diving resort. 

Ready to move back to America to be closer to family (three children and one granddaughter), Mr. Beckman was excited to see an opening with the City. He and his wife visited Fernandina Beach for a conference about three years ago and fell in love with the "small, historic community". They look forward to exploring the outdoors, fishing, cycling and diving at the beach!

The Nassau County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Complete & Putter Madness putt putt tournament scheduled for Thursday, September 26th from 5:30-7:30 P.M. at Putt Putt Amelia Island, 6 N. Fletcher Avenue, Fernandina Beach, Florida. 

This is not your average golf tournament for not your average player. Teams of four people will represent businesses throughout Nassau County and will compete for bragging rights and, of course, and illustrious and enviable trophy. There will be goodie bags for each team, special holes with challenging obstacles and entertainment throughout. Make sure you don't miss this fun-filled evening of teamwork and mischief. 

With such a huge trophy up for grabs, the inaugural year brought a lot of competitiveness to the tournament. Ultimately, David Keay and the team at Synovus Bank - Yulee brought home the top prize. 

The entry fee for each team is $100.00, which includes food and drinks for each player. Spaces are very limited and advanced registration is required in order to participate. The registration deadline is Monday, September 16, 2019. For more information, please email info@nassaucountyflchamber.com or call (904) 261-3248. 

After five successful years serving Southern style BBQ to Fernandina Beach locals and visitors, Chef Kenny Gilbert announces the launch of an exciting new concept change at Gilbert's Underground Kitchen. 

After taking some time to slow down and spend some time fishing with his son an other family members this summer, Kenny relished in the memories of his childhood when he would fish with his Grandmother Della Van Dyke. Sitting along the shore at Fort Clinch, and sharing the bonds that inevitably come from waiting for a bite on the line, Kenny was reminded of catching and cleaning Whiting, Sea Bass, Amber Jack, Red's and other bounties from the sea. As he sat and cleaned fish with his son and his Uncle, it dawned on him that the area was in need of bringing these fresh catches and memories to the table. After reaching out to his longtime friend, brother Chef and bellman Robert Pike, the feedback as to what is most requested by visitors to the Island was seafood and fresh oysters. In an effort to provide the community what they are hungry for, Kenny has created a new concept and menu that will bring lightly seasoned, regional fresh catches to the table which will be sure to appeal to the masses. Non-seafood items will be available as well, including kids menu options. For those still hankering for Kenny's exceptional Southern BBQ, Gilbert's Social, located at 4021 Southside Blvd., will be continuing under the same concept which has grown to be a local favorite for exceptional food, service and atmosphere. 

Head over to www.undergroundkitchen.co for more information. 

Floor & Decor is hosting a FREE vendor fair on Friday, September 13th from 10am-3pm at their Jacksonville location, 8102 Blanding Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida. 

RSVP by calling (904) 310-2763 or email 103ProServices@flooranddecor.com. 

Registration is now open for the Adult Mental Health First Aid class scheduled Saturday, September 14, 2019 from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. The classes are free and open to the public, but registration is required. The 8-hour classes take place at Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare’s Yulee campus at 463142 SR 200.
 
Starting Point staff member Katrina Robinson-Wheeler is certified by the National Council to provide the Mental Health First Aid program. Since Starting Point began offering the program in 2014, more than 2,000 Northeast Florida residents have received the training. The trainings are provided at no charge through funding from Baptist Health.
 
The Mental Health First Aid program teaches participants a five-step action plan to assess a situation, select and implement interventions and secure appropriate care for the person who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.
 
Studies have proven the CPR-like program is effective in improving knowledge of mental disorders, reducing stigma and increasing the amount of help provided to others. 
 
Mental Health First Aid training classes are offered at community classes. Organizations and groups also may schedule classes. For more information or to register for a class, visit mhfanassau.com or call Katrina Robinson-Wheeler at 904.415.9350.   
 
About Starting Point
Starting Point Behavioral Health 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 2,800 individuals each year and has been serving the region for more than 25 years. Starting Point is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). For more information, visit spbh.org.
​

Erosion repair work originally scheduled to begin today on County Road 121/Baldwin and Saint George Road between Carroll Corner Road and Turkey Trot Trail has been delayed until further notice due to a CSX railroad crossing repair project on River Road. The project will begin once the railroad crossing work is completed.

Detours will be necessary to repair a bridge culvert damaged from erosion.
The detour will take northbound and southbound drivers on County Road 121 to U.S. 301 via County Road 108 and Henry Smith Road (map below). Electronic message boards will be placed ahead of the closure on County Road 121. Motorists are encouraged to utilize the Florida 511 app to plan ahead.
​
CDM Contracting Inc. is projected to complete the $369,000 repair project by late 2019, weather and schedule permitting.