Public Hearing Regarding Beach Ordinance Scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2020

On December 19, 2018, the Board of County Commissioners formed a Beach Community Working Group to review current beach related Ordinances and use of the beach. A total of sixteen (16) meetings were held in 2019. Hundreds of individuals appeared at meetings and hundreds more sent emails expressing concerns about a myriad of issues including but not limited to, items left on the beach, horseback riding, safety issues, and littering. However, most of the concerns related to beach driving and unregulated camping.
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After a year of meetings and thousands of testimonies, it became abundantly clear that the current Ordinances are not working and that changes need to be made to protect the citizens, environment and wildlife. The Beach Community Working Group presented their recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners at a Workshop held on January 16, 2020.

Following the Workshop, the Commissioners held individual meetings with the County Manager, Mike Mullin; Assistant County Manager, Taco Pope; Public Works Director, Doug Podiak; and Butch Osborne, Director of Operations for the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. During these meetings, the Commissioners further discussed the recommendations made by the Beach Community Working Group and provided input about language they would like included in the final Ordinance. A public hearing was initially scheduled for March 23rd, however that was postponed due to COVID-19 and the Governor’s orders to suspend in-person quorums for local government meetings.

The Board of County Commissioners has worked hard to find ways to address concerns that have been brought forth. While they want to maintain the customary uses of the beach that make our County unique, they also want to ensure we are being good stewards to the environment and eliminating some of the unwelcomed behavior that is threatening the safety of our residents and wildlife and impacting the quality of life for those who live nearby.

A public hearing to consider a new Beach Ordinance will be held on Monday, September 14, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097. The public is welcome to attend. Additional measures have been established to allow for social distancing. This includes additional seating and video monitors outside the Commission Chambers.

You can also participate remotely using the following options:

• Watch the meeting from home at www.nassauclerk.com/watch-meetings
• Submit comments for the record by emailing comments@nassaucountyfl.com or calling (904) 530-6009 and leaving a message.
• Participate live utilizing the following ZOOM Meeting link and/or dial-in information:

Webinar link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82411146045?pwd=ZDk2L1RmZmMrOTRXcExpZGVmRS9DZz09
Password: 987321

Or iPhone one-tap:
US: +13462487799,,82411146045#,,,,0#,,987321# or +16465588656,,82411146045#,,,,0#,,987321#

Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799

Webinar ID: 824 1114 6045
Password: 987321

International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keiOjshSY8

The meeting agenda containing the proposed Ordinance will be published on our official website at www.nassaucountyfl.com by the close of business today.
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If you have any questions, please contact the County Manager’s Office at (904) 530-6010.