Bicentennial Celebrations for Nassau County, Florida

04/16/2025

NASSAU VISION 2050: ALL VOICES. ONE VISION.

We are pleased to share the Nassau Vision 2050 video which highlights all the efforts of the Nassau Vision 2050 initiative. For 18 months, the County worked to obtain community feedback from residents on their vision for Nassau County. This was achieved through a variety of avenues including stakeholder interviews; community surveys; a statistically valid survey; count-wide pop-up events; and interactive engagement activities in the County's Vision 2050 tent which was available at several large community events such as the Bicentennial Kickoff Celebration at Wildlight, Opening of the Beaches in Fernandina, the Annual Tree Lighting in Yulee, Annual Railroad Days event in Callahan, and the Independence Day Celebration in Callahan.

Watch and learn how the Information collected was used to create the community building blocks, all of which represented the overarching theme identified during the initial survey process, and the development of the final growth scenario that illustrates the overarching character of growth across the County and identifies priority areas for development. While Nassau County cannot legally prevent growth, the Nassau
Vision 2050 will be used to update the County's State-mandated Comprehensive Plan and set policies that will promote and manage growth and protecting and enhancing key areas of importance.

Hear from community leaders, residents and County officials as they reflect on Nassau County's history and share their vision for Nassau County's future.

We are pleased to share the Nassau Vision 2050 video which highlights all the efforts of the Nassau Vision 2050 initiative. For 18 months, the County worked ...

12/20/2024

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) presented its final Nassau County Bicentennial Event, the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Thank you to all who joined, celebrating our community, and sharing your vision for the future of Nassau County at the Vision 2050 tent.

On behalf of the BOCC, we would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday season!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15h3L1wkRS/

Send a message to learn more

12/16/2024

CURRENTS AND TIDES EVENT HONORING CITY AND COUNTY BICETENNIAL

Over two dozen performers will join the musical ensemble, Sonofarious, for Currents and Tides: A Musical Tribute to Our Waters on December 27 and 29 to recognize the Fernandina Beach and Nassau County Bicentennials, and celebrate the remarkable ocean, rivers, creeks and marshes that sustain them.

“With Currents and Tides, Sonofarious is delighted to shine a light on the incredible waterways that shaped our communities,” says Brenda Kayne, Sonofarious founder. “Without them, Amelia would not be known as the ‘Isle of Eight Flags’; Fernandina would not have become a prosperous shipping, sh*****ng and tourist hub; the St. Marys River basin would not be one of the most ecologically productive estuaries in North America; and Nassau County would not be among the fastest growing communities in Florida.”

Each Currents and Tides concert will feature classical and traditional songs, dance, original music and poetry. There will be reflections on Pogy watermen, Gullah Geechee culture and plenty of audience participation, Kayne says. Performers from the Amelia Island Dance Festival, Amelia Island Museum of History, and other artistic organizations will assure a lively, harmonious afternoon with fun for the whole family. In addition, attendees will find information from non-profit local groups that support our maritime environment and a special Currents and Tides Chapbook featuring poems by Fernandina native and poet, Kim Lewis.

Currents and Tides will take place December 27 and 29 at 3 PM, at Story and Song Center for Arts and Culture,1430 Park Avenue, Fernandina Beach. Proceeds will benefit the St. Marys Riverkeeper’s programs to protect and enrich the rivers, marshes, bays and streams that flow through Nassau County.

For tickets, stop by Story and Song Bookstore/Bistro, call 904-601-2118, or visit storyandsongarts.org/

Story & Song Bookstore Bistro

12/13/2024

Approximately 1,500 residents joined us on Friday, December 6, 2024 for the 3rd Annual Tree Lighting. This family-friendly event included holiday vendors, holiday performances by the Nassau Community Band and Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), train rides, Santa's village photo ops, food trucks, a kid's zone, roller skating, photos with Santa, and the lighting of the tree. This year's event also included a 10-minute fireworks display as we wrapped up our year of Bicentennial Celebrations.
A big thank you to all of the vendors and performers for participating. We couldn't have done it without you! And congratulations to Nassau County Parks & Recreation for another successful event. We appreciate all of your hard work and efforts to bring events to the community.
Last but not least, thank you to the hundreds of residents who stopped by our Vision Tent and participated in games and activities while providing input for Nassau County's future. Residents can still provide feedback by participating in the Growth Scenarios Survey. This survey was built upon the community building blocks identified from previous community engagement and surveys. One final preferred growth scenario will be created and included in the 2050 Vision Plan. This preferred scenario will inform updates to the Future Land Use Map and the Future Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan.

Photos can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1013571960809346&type=3

12/12/2024

CITIZENS URGED TO TAKE LATEST SURVEY ON GROWTH SCENARIOS

As previously announced, the County is in the final stages of collecting input from the community as we prepare for amendments to the County's Comprehensive Plan for the Vision 2050 initiative. This planning process and the resulting policies will be critical for the ability to promote and manage growth as well as protect and enhance key areas of importance while accommodating future trends.

Information collected thus far led to the establishment of community building blocks, a framework to achieve the community identified goals. The information collected has also led to creation of 3 different growth scenarios.

At this time, residents are urged to view the growth framework presentation and provide input on the 3 growth scenarios. One final preferred growth scenario will be created and included in the Nassau Vision 2050 plan. This preferred scenario will inform updates to the County's Future Land Use Map (FLUM) and the Future Land Use Element of the County's state-mandated Comprehensive Plan.

To watch the growth scenarios presentation, please click here:https://www.thecountyinsider.com/.../24700962/online_ppt.pdf

Following the presentation, you can complete the survey here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/nassaugrowthscenarios

This is one last opportunity to ensure your voice is heard as we prepare for the next 25 years. All information about the Vision 2050 initiative can be found at: https://www.nassaufl2050.com/.

12/06/2024

PROVIDE FEEDBACK IN THE VISION 2050 TENT WITH A CHANCE TO WIN A PRE-DECORATED TREE

Below are some of the pre-decorated trees that will be available to win tonight. Stop by the holiday-themed Nassau Vision 2050 tent and provide feedback on Nassau County’s future, play fun games, and earn two tickets. Use those tickets to vote for your favorite tree in Santa's Village and have a chance to win one.

A big thank you to the community organizations and County departments who donated supplies and their time to decorate trees for the event.

12/06/2024

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE TONIGHT: WILLIAM BURGESS BLVD.

Please be advised the there will be a temporary road closure tonight on William Burges Blvd. between Nicholas Cutinha Road and Bill Howard Way. The closure will take place from approximately 6:55 p.m. - 7:20 p.m. as we launch fireworks for the 3rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we celebrate with the community.

12/06/2024

IMPORTANT ANNOUCEMENT!

We are excited to announce that the Tree Lighting tomorrow night will include FIREWORKS!

Other activities include holiday vendors, food trucks, holiday performances, Santa's workshop, photos with Santa, kid's activities, a ride-on train, roller skating, and of course the lighting of the tree!
Be sure to visit the holiday-themed Nassau Vision 2050 tent and provide feedback on Nassau County’s future, play fun games and earn tickets with a chance to take home a pre-decorated tree.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18fqViyMft/

12/05/2024

FOOD TRUCKS

Below is a list of food vendors that will be available to serve you at the Tree Lighting. They are as follows:

- Beyond Horizons
- Philly Boyz Cheesesteaks
- Raphael's Pizza Truck
- Sup Dawg Hot Dogs
- Cloud Crunch Cotton Candy Bar (will also be serving hot cocoa and coffee)
- King of Pops

What: Third Annual Tree Lighting
When: Friday, December 6, 2024 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. (tree lights at 7pm sharp!)
Where: Robert M. Foster Justice Center, 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097

12/05/2024

HOLIDAY VENDORS FOR FRIDAY'S TREE LIGHTING EVENT

We have some great vendors lined up to serve you at the Tree Lighting Friday night, each with a variety of unique items. Come celebrate the holiday season with us and find gifts for those important people on your list!

1. Jax Wax - Wax melts & children's play dough bar
2. Artsy Creations By Alyssa - tumbler cups
3. LMK designs - Kids and adult jewelry
4. Scentsy by Suni - Disney themed Christmas wax warmers and smell sensory bears
5. Karma Krystal - all kids themed. Pokemon, and tinker bell, grinch, Christmas trees, Santa
6. Tripple Tee's and more - Children and adult tshirts
7. Many Macrons - Macrons that you eat
8. Lil Miss Dama Drama - Children's grinch and Christmas clothes
9. Crochet Queens - Crochet stuffed animals
10. Sugar Mama Candy Shop - Freeze dried candy
11. Doris & Eris – Sour dough baked goods
12. Rustic Remakes – Flannels
13. BKN Creations – Glitter Bar
14. Feely Felties – Build your own book
15. Sweet Home Shenanigans – Paint at home wooden creations
16. Sewing Mama Bear – Sewn stuffed animals
17. Emmie snow Boutique – arts, crafts, clothing
18. Nassau Clerk’s Office – Holiday cookbooks
19. Greater Nassau Rotary Club – Information/Raffle

What: Third Annual Tree Lighting
When: Friday, December 6, 2024 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. (tree lights at 7pm sharp!)
Where: Robert M. Foster Justice Center, 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097

12/03/2024

Below is site map for Friday night's event. In addition to the previously announced holiday vendors, food trucks, kids activities, train ride, photos with Santa, holiday performances, and the tree lighting, we have added a roller skating rink! All activities are FREE.

Be sure to visit the holiday-themed Nassau Vision 2050 tent and provide feedback on Nassau County’s future, play fun games and earn tickets with a chance to take home a pre-decorated tree.

The event is is from 5:00-8:00 p.m. The tree will light at 7pm sharp!

11/30/2024

Great job to Nassau County Parks and Recreation who worked outside in the bitter cold today putting up our new 27 foot tree for next week’s 3rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.

As we wrap up 2024 and our year of bicentennial events, we are making this year’s Tree Lighting event bigger and better! Enjoy holiday vendors, food trucks, kids games, holiday music from the Nassau Communtiy Band, pwcromances crom Royal Amelia Dance (RAD), a ride on train, photos with Santa and the lighting of the tree. Be sure to visit the Nassau Vision 2050 Tent to provide your feedback on growth scenarios and make your voice heard as we plan for the next 25 years. Win some bicentennial swag and earn tickets with a chance to take home your favorite pre-decorated tree from our tree decorating contest.

We can’t wait to celebrate with all of you next Friday. Stay tuned this week for additional information about the event.