Blog - Nassau County Chamber of Commerce

Pineland Bank Named #1 SBA Lender Among All Banks and Credit Unions in Northeast Florida for 2021

1/13/2022

“Pineland Bank, a Preferred SBA Lender, earned the #1 SBA Lender spot among all banks and credit unions in Northeast Florida for 2021, according to the Jacksonville Business Journal. In total, twenty-three (23) SBA loans for over $20,000,000 were made to small business owners in Nassau, Duval and St. John’s Counties helping to create/protect 235 jobs.

“We are extremely proud of our local bankers Mike Mickler, Susan Sturges and John Minor who
contributed to these statistics”, said Thomas Bennett, Chief Credit Officer. “Pineland Bank has a rich history of serving our local communities with SBA and conventional loan options. We’re proud for that tradition to continue.”

Founded in 1939, with an initial investment of $40, Pineland has grown to 7 full‐service locations that serve communities in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Although a lot has changed over 80 years, Pineland’s commitment to building service, trust, and loyalty in our communities has not. For more information, please stop by our branch located in downtown Fernandina or call 904‐261‐8233.

Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Provides Weekly Reemployment Assistance Updates - January 12

1/13/2022

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) issued its weekly Reemployment Assistance updates. Daily updates can be found on the Reemployment Assistance (RA) Claims Dashboard.

IRS 1099-G Tax Forms

DEO has begun issuing Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 1099-G tax forms to Reemployment Assistance claimants through January 31, 2022, and they can be found in the claimants' Reemployment Assistance Inbox.
IRS 1099-G tax forms provides the total amount of unemployment compensation paid to an individual during the 2021 calendar year refunds, credits, or offsets of state or local income tax a claimant received; and any federal income tax withheld from the claimant’s Reemployment Assistance benefits, at the request of the claimant.
If an individual receives an IRS 1099-G tax form and they did not apply for Reemployment Assistance benefits in calendar year 2021, and the individual believes that they may be a victim of identity theft, they should notify DEO by visiting the Reemployment Assistance Help Center.
Next Steps: Accessing the IRS 1099-G Tax Form

DEO implemented a new multi-factor log-in process to better safeguard Florida’s Reemployment Assistance claimants. If a claimant has not accessed their Reemployment Assistance account since September 2, 2021, they should review the Guide for Accessing Your Reemployment Assistance Account.
Once a claimant has accessed their account, select “Inbox” from the claimant homepage.
Next, they should select “1099” from the list of correspondence in the claimant inbox.
Finally, claimants must select the tax year (2021) for the IRS 1099-G tax form they would like to view.

Once a claimant has viewed the IRS 1099-G tax form, it will no longer be displayed in their inbox. To retrieve the form after the initial review in the claimant inbox, a claimant must use the search option within their inbox, select “other” from the subject drop down, and then "search" for the IRS 1099-G tax form to display.
If a claimant would like to request an additional or amended IRS 1099-G tax form, or needs to receive additional assistance with the IRS 1099-G tax form, please visit the Reemployment Assistance Help Center, here.
It is very important that claimants keep a record of their IRS 1099-G tax form to file 2021 tax returns with the IRS. If claimants have any additional questions about the 1099-G tax form or how to access it, these frequently asked questions are available with helpful information.

Payment Progress:

As of January 11, DEO has paid 2,442,563 claimants more than $31.9 billion ($31,907,985,904). Over 5.8 million (5,865,660) unique claims have been processed, representing 99.7 percent of unique claims submitted.
97.9 percent of all eligible benefits requested prior to December 17, 2021, for state Reemployment Assistance, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) have been paid to claimants. Additionally, 99.9 percent of all eligible benefits requested by claimants for weeks of unemployment prior to July 25, 2020, have also received their corresponding Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) benefits for that week.
DEO recommends that claimants and employers utilize the Reemployment Assistance Help Center—an online portal for claimants and employers to provide and receive additional information from DEO. This online resource continues to be updated with additional features for claimants and employers to notify DEO of instances of Reemployment Assistance fraud or identity theft, provide documentation to DEO, and has several resourceful materials for claimants or employers who have additional questions. To visit the Reemployment Assistance Help Center, click here.

Overpayments

This month, DEO will begin issuing the overpayment determinations for Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) and Lost Wages Assistance (LWA).
If a claimant previously received a Notice of Disqualification with an overpayment for weeks of unemployment where the claimant received Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), or state Reemployment Assistance benefits, the claimant will soon receive an additional notice for the same weeks of unemployment for the federal programs listed above, as applicable.
DEO encourages all claimants to monitor and check their Reemployment Assistance account for updates if they have received a state or federal overpayment to potentially reverse or relieve the overpayment established.
If you received an overpayment for Reemployment Assistance benefits between March 1, 2020, and September 4, 2021, through no fault of your own, the state of Florida is not referring overpayments to collection agencies to ensure claimants do not experience adverse impacts to their credit scores. Additionally, the state of Florida is not pursuing enforcement actions regarding non-fraudulent state Reemployment Assistance overpayments.
The federal government sometimes requires enforcement actions to recoup federal overpayments. However, in some circumstances, the federal government also allows you to be eligible for a waiver from a federal overpayment. Federal Reemployment Assistance benefits include PUA, FPUC, LWA, PEUC, and Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) programs.
If you received a federal overpayment, you have the following options:
Apply for a federal overpayment waiver;
Appeal the Notice of Determination; and/or
Repay the overpayment.
These actions or options do not apply to fraudulent overpayments and DEO will continue to investigate fraudulent overpayments to ensure individuals and bad actors are held accountable for their fraudulent actions in accordance with the law.
DEO remains committed to Floridians and understands the financial hardships and uncertainty the pandemic has caused for many claimants and their families.
In addition, to assist claimants in navigating overpayments on their accounts, DEO has made the following resources available:
FloridaJobs.org/Overpayments - with easy-to-understand information and resources on overpayments
Reemployment Assistance Overpayments Guide for applying for an overpayment waiver
Informational Flyers with helpful information on overpayments and overpayment waivers
FloridaJobs.org/RAHelpCenter - Reemployment Assistance Help Center self-service paths for notice of disqualification, overpayment, and appeals assistance
For more information about Reemployment Assistance overpayments, click here.

Update to the Amount of Reemployment Assistance Benefit Weeks

Each year, the maximum number of weeks available to Reemployment Assistance claimants is calculated based on the average unemployment rate for the most recent third calendar year quarter.
The maximum duration of benefits is 12 weeks if this statewide average unemployment rate is at or below 5 percent.
An additional week is added to the maximum duration of benefit weeks for each of 0.5 percentage point increment in the statewide average unemployment rate above 5 percent.
Based on the average 2021 third quarter statewide unemployment rate of 5 percent, beginning January 1, 2022, any new state Reemployment Assistance claim filed is eligible for up to 12 weeks of benefits.

CONNECT Hours

DEO will be conducting nightly maintenance to the CONNECT system to process claims and payments. CONNECT's regularly scheduled hours are from 8 a.m. to 7:59 p.m. daily, Monday - Friday.
Beginning Saturday, January 15, through Sunday, January 16, CONNECT will be unavailable to claimants while DEO works to continue to process payments, and send necessary correspondence to claimants. CONNECT will be available Monday, January 17, at 8:00 a.m.
This schedule does not affect individuals who wish to file a new claim. Individuals can file a new claim 24 hours a day, seven days per week at www.FloridaJobs.org and select "File a Claim."

Customer Service Centers

The Reemployment Assistance Customer Service Center is available this week Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for all account inquiries and questions. On Saturday, January 15, through Sunday, January 16, staff resources will be dedicated to processing claims and payments. The Reemployment Assistance Customer Service Center will reopen Tuesday, January 18, at 7:30 a.m.
For additional questions, please visit the Reemployment Assistance Help Center. This online portal can assist claimants or employers provide additional information to DEO. Individuals can also notify DEO of suspected Reemployment Assistance fraud or identity theft. To access this new online portal, click here.

Additional Resources

If an individual is not eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance benefits, there are additional resources readily available to Floridians and their families.
DEO, in partnership with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), provide additional opportunities and resources for Florida families who need additional assistance. Resources include food assistance for low-income households, medical assistance, and temporary financial assistance to families who qualify. For more information, click here.

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.

Congratulations to Our December Boys & Girls Clubs Youths of the Month

1/13/2022

FERNANDINA BEACH, FL (January 12, 2022) – Boys and Girls Clubs of Nassau County congratulates our December 2021 Youths of the Month. Roberts Learning & Achievement Center member Khloe Anabella Brand and Miller Freedom Center member Diego Acevedo are our latest members to receive this recognition.

Khloe Anabella Brand is a nine-year-old in the 3rd grade at Emma Love Hardee Elementary. She has been a member at Roberts Learning & Achievement Center since August of 2019. Of the programs Khloe participates in at the club, “MyOn: Reading is Fun” is her favorite and reading is her favorite subject at school as well. Among other favorites, Khloe loves the color pastel yellow and enjoys dancing and pop music. In her free time she enjoys playing with her cousins. Khloe tells us that she likes to come to the Boys & Girls Club because she feels safe and has fun.

Diego Acevedo is a ten-year-old in 5th grade at Yulee Elementary School and attends Miller Freedom Center. Diego has been a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County since 2018. Basketball is Diego’s favorite hobby and blue is his favorite color. Another sport Diego enjoys is baseball and he can throw the ball at a very impressive speed. His favorite athlete is Joe Jackson. He also likes The Rolling Stones, author Percy Jackson and history class. Diego has three programs that he particularly likes at the club and those are Sports, Technology Lab and the Learning Zone.

For more information on Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County please visit bgcnassau.org.

Khloe Anabella Brand

Diego Acevedo

Wallace Pierson Travel to Hold Two Events to Get Your Travel Back on Track

1/12/2022

Wallace Pierson Travel
By Ange Wallace
January 12, 202

Travel during the pandemic/endemic “COVID Disruption” is an ever changing, ongoing story in and of itself. Not since WWII has the travel industry been impacted globally for such an extended period of time! It is easy to get caught up in our own frustrations and disappointments as trips continue to be moved, rebooked, or at a minimum affected by the day to day changes in both the Virus and each country’s or region’s reaction to each new phase. I am on several boards and committees that zoom with multiple countries and it is heart breaking to hear the stories of how lack of travel is affecting individuals in countries, cities, villages, camps around the world. And, not every country has government help available for those hardest hit. Still there are many good things coming from our enforced halt/slow down of travel. There have been many benefits to our planet and environment. We have learned many ways to travel more intentionally and more carefully.

Wallace Pierson Travel would love to invite you to two new, in person events in January and February where you can meet with some of our best travel companies and hear what they have been doing, are doing and expect to see happening in the next couple of years as we all try to get travel back on track in a meaningful, fulfilling way. We will have a panel of four expedition companies talking about travel to Antarctica on Jan 20, at 6:00 pm at Story and Song.

Representatives from four of our favorite Antarctic companies, Lindblad Expeditions, Silversea Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions and Quark Expeditions, will discuss all aspects of travel to Antarctica and the sustainable practices being employed to protect this fragile environment while studying the sciences that are making this part of the world so important to us all. This event will be recorded, so if you are not able to join us, sign up for the recording to be emailed to you with in a few days of the event. To RSVP email ange@wallacepierson.com with the number in your party or the word “recording” and we will respond accordingly. This event is complimentary and includes refreshments by Story and Song.

Then on February 3, 5:00 at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, we will hold our Test Drive the World Travel Show with 24 travel companies available to answer all your travel questions- even some you may not know to ask! The Travel Show doubles as a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Nassau County with a $20 per person given directly to the B&G Clubs for entry to the event. Please click on the link here to learn more and to RSVP.

Arts Alive Nassau Pays Tribute to Jane Lindberg; Advocate for the Arts

1/12/2022

By Kim Rust
Program Director
Ars Alive Nassau
January 11, 2022

The Legacy of Dr. Jane Lindberg
March 22, 1944 – January 8, 2022

It is with great sorrow that Nassau County has lost one of its strongest and most passionate advocates for the arts, Dr. Jane Lindberg, President, and Leader of Arts Alive Nassau. Jane leaves us with a greater sense of purpose in how we can help shape the lives of those around us, especially the children of our community. Running a nonprofit program for over 10 years is no easy task. The daily challenges are always present. There is never any certainty that your efforts will pay off. But for Jane, it looked effortless. It was never a question of why we can’t. It was always why not?

It was her grit, perseverance, and generous heart that brought art programs to the children of Nassau County. As a county that does not have art in the Elementary school curriculum, it is here where Jane stepped in and filled that void. She worked tirelessly with school educators and staff, making it possible to work hand in hand and collaborate with the local school system. Jane made it her mission and primary focus that all students in Nassau County should have access to visual arts, music, dance, and theatre. As a Music Educator herself, she knew it all starts with young developing minds and planting the seed at an early age. It was of great importance to instill the value and appreciation of what the arts can offer to these young children of our community.

Thanks to Jane and her dedication to the Arts Alive program, Nassau County now has after school art classes at all elementary schools. She created the First Coast Singers and Saturday Strings program, as well as brought a sought-after theatre program to surrounding schools. This drive for arts and music would even continue into the summer months, where she would have a Drum and Art program for the kids.

For Jane, the greatest pleasure was the children’s faces when they were performing or actively getting involved in their craft, seeing their joy. It was reading student feedback about why they liked a class and reading responses that said, “I had so much fun, I can’t wait to take this class again,” or “ I want to get my own drum set.” Responses like these were all Jane needed to keep going. This was all the reassurance she needed.

Thanks to Jane and her dedication to our community, she left the children of Nassau County more enriched and perhaps, filled with a lot more talent and a lifelong joy of learning.

On behalf of her friends, colleagues, and students we are eternally grateful for the legacy of Dr. Jane Lindberg. She will never be forgotten and we will always be thankful for leaving her mark on our little corner of the world. It was the music in her soul and the love in her heart that changed these lives forever.

We thank you, Jane. You will be missed dearly…

Dr. Jane Lindberg, Photo courtesy of Stephan R. Leimberg

OneBlood is at Wildlight - Wednesday, January 19th from 8:30am - 2:30pm

1/11/2022

Let's begin the new year by helping to save lives... come by the Rayonier building to donate blood on Wednesday, January 19th. You can still help even if you can't donate yourself, share this message with friends and family.

Make your appointment today, click on the link: Blood Drive - January 19, 2022.

While appointments aren't required, appointments get first priority.

All donors will receive a OneBlood Long Sleeve T-Shirt and a $20.00 eGift Card! Plus, a wellness checkup includes blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening.

Tips for a successful donation: Include red meat in your diet (2-3 meals), drink water regularly, and drink 16 oz before donating, eat a meal 2 hours before your donation. After donation: no heavy lifting or vigorous exercise the rest of the day, grab a healthy snack and drink plenty of water.

Nassau County Council on Aging Annual Meeting Scheduled in Hilliard - January 25

1/11/2022

Nassau County Council on Aging
Press Release
Submitted by Liz Dunn
January 10, 2022

You are invited to Nassau County Council on Aging’s (NCCOA’s) Annual Meeting, on Tuesday, January 25, from 11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m., at the newly renovated Westside Senior Life Center, 37002 Ingham Road, in Hilliard.

Join us as we celebrate our 2021 accomplishments and share highlights of our 2022 programs and services. Please RSVP by Jan. 21, 904-261-0701.

Light refreshments will be served; masks are required.

Sip Wine and Shop Downtown: January 21

1/11/2022

Fernandina Beach Main Street
Media Release
January 10, 2022

Fernandina Beach Main Street will hold its 3rd Annual Sip and Shop on Friday, January 21st, from 4 to 7 PM. Kick off Winter Restaurant Week in downtown Fernandina Beach where more than 20 retail shops will remain open late and provide sips of wine to enjoy while shopping. Shoppers will receive a souvenir insulated Main Street wine cup with registration. Special thanks to our sponsor, First Port City Bank.

Shoppers can check in at the Pocket Park next to Amelia Island Coffee on Centre Street to receive their wine cup, event map, and wristband beginning at 4PM. Participants must be at least 21 years of age and proof of age is required. Tickets are $20 when purchased in advance. Additional tickets can be purchased the day of the event at registration for a price of $25 each. This event will be held rain or shine.

Main Street volunteers will assist in the shops during the event. To purchase tickets for Sip and Shop, please go to https://bit.ly/3pWximN. To become a volunteer for this event, please send an email to lisa@fernandinamainstreet.com.

For up-to-date information on Sip and Shop happening in the Fernandina Beach Main Street District on January 21st, visit https://www.facebook.com/FernandinaMainStreet. Proceeds from this event support the preservation-based economic vitality programs of Fernandina Beach Main Street.

***
Fernandina Beach Main Street is part of the National Main Street Program that includes more than 1,200 communities – large and small, rural and urban – in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The goal of the main street program is strengthening communities through preservation-based economic vitality in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. It is a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

CENTURY 21 John T. Ferreira & Son Now Doing Business as CENTURY 21 Miller Elite

1/11/2022

The Ferreira legacy of delivering extraordinary real estate experiences lives on with Century 21 Miller Elite

Gina Miller to build on, and elevate, CENTURY 21 John T Ferreira & Son’s reputation as a leader in quality residential, commercial and luxury estate property services

AMELIA ISLAND, FL (January 7, 2021) – With the Ferreira brand of delivering extraordinary real estate experiences for more than 100 years to homebuyers, sellers and property investors on Amelia Island and throughout Nassau County, Gina Miller announced that CENTURY 21 John T Ferreira & Son Inc. will now be doing business as CENTURY 21 Miller Elite. Gina, who serves as Broker Owner, with husband Dean Miller and their team of 40 relentless sales professionals will look to not only build on but to elevate the Ferreira legacy. By keeping its affiliation with the CENTURY 21® brand, Miller’s team will continue to have access to an industry-best innovative digital and tech platform, marketing, coaching and learning to help find and close more deals and deliver extraordinary, personalized experiences to their real estate customers.

“We will stay true to the culture created by the Ferreira’s of helping our family of agents grow as people and as professionals” said Miller. “We have a high-tech, quality service company that empowers our agents to deliver a full-service experience to their customers so that all parties can achieve their greatest real estate ambitions.”

“Gina’s mindset for going above and beyond and giving 121% to supporting her agents sets the positive tone for positive outcomes, and ultimately will create a stronger team of sales professionals who will in turn do the same for the people and the communities in which they live and work,” explained Mike Miedler, president and CEO of Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “My team looks forward to doing everything that we can to help them grow their agent count and overall closed deals.”

Miller is looking for relentless sales professionals to join her real estate company and invites area residents looking for a new career, or industry professionals looking for a new home, to visit her and the CENTURY 21 Miller Elite team at 500 Centre Street Amelia Island.

Tech Helper Volunteer Positions at the Library

1/7/2022

1/5/22 @ 3:45 p.m. - The Nassau County Public Library System is hoping to implement a one-on-one technical program for patrons wishing to expand their technical skills and are currently searching for tech-savvy individuals who would be willing to volunteer their time and services.

The dates/times for the programs have not yet been determined, however their plan is to have the tech program available at the Fernandina Beach, Callahan and Yulee locations.

Position Overview:
Share your expertise by coaching adults as they learn tech skills

Work with adult learners at all levels of tech knowledge
Tutor one-on-one at your preferred branch
Help adult students learn at their own pace
Tech subjects include: basic computer, tablet, eReader or smartphone skills; internet and browser skills; setting up email and social media accounts; learning how to use apps and websites; and streaming or downloading free library eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines

Benefits of Volunteering:

Make a big difference in a person’s life
Opportunity to use your computer and training skills
Earn community service hours
Gain new skills and experiences
Be a part of the library team

Requirements:

16 years or older, if under 18, must have permission from parent or legal guardian
Ability to convey a positive, friendly attitude
Ability to work with adults of all tech levels with patience and politeness
Computer, internet and mobile device skills
Dependable transportation and phone number or email
Ability to pass a criminal background check

Want more information? Please contact Julie Cannavino at jcannavino@nassaucountyfl.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer