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Nassau County commissioners issue proclamations and recognize long-serving employees
Summary
The board approved proclamations honoring Gary Scott Hemingway’s retirement, supporting the Northeast Florida Fair’s capital request, declaring National Service Dog Month and recognized county employees for milestone service years.
The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners approved several proclamations and recognized employees during its Sept. 17 meeting.
Tab A: The board approved a proclamation recognizing Gary Scott Hemingway on his retirement from Nassau County Fire and Rescue. The motion to approve Tab A was offered by Commissioner Martin and seconded by Commissioner Gray; the motion passed unanimously (all present voted “Aye”). The proclamation, dated Sept. 2025, summarizes Hemingway’s service history, listing his hire date (April 25, 1995), promotions through engineer, paramedic, lieutenant and assistant fire chief, and an announced retirement effective Oct. 3, 2025. The proclamation was signed by Chair A.M. Huttman and attested by County Attorney Denise May. Hemingway and colleagues addressed the board; Hemingway thanked the board and his family for their support.
Tab B: The board approved a proclamation supporting the Northeast Florida Fair Association’s application for state funding for an agricultural education and promotion facility at the fairgrounds on U.S. Highway 1 in Callahan. Commissioner Gray moved the proclamation; Commissioner Farmer seconded. The board recorded unanimous approval. Dr. Sainci (Northeast Florida Fair Association) spoke briefly, noting the effort was on its ninth year and that the association seeks state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services capital funding for fairground improvements.
Tab C: The board approved a proclamation recognizing National Service Dog Month for September 2025, acknowledging the role of accredited service-dog programs and declaring September 2025 as National Service Dog Month in Nassau County. The proclamation was signed by the chair and attested by the county attorney.
Employee recognition: The board held a ceremony recognizing long-serving employees from public safety. Among those honored were Gary Scott Hemingway (retirement announced, 30 years of service), Engineer Jamie Dionis (30 years), Battalion Chief Jeff Dodd (25 years) and Lieutenant Rob Widows (25 years; not present). County officials and the Fire Department gave remarks highlighting service, personal anecdotes and family recognition.
Votes at a glance: - Tab A: Proclamation recognizing Gary Scott Hemingway’s retirement. Motion: Commissioner Martin; Second: Commissioner Gray. Outcome: approved (4–0; Commissioner McCullough absent). - Tab B: Proclamation supporting Northeast Florida Fair Association’s funding request. Motion: Commissioner Gray; Second: Commissioner Farmer. Outcome: approved (4–0; Commissioner McCullough absent). - Tab C: Proclamation for National Service Dog Month. Motion: Commissioner Farmer; Second: Commissioner Martin. Outcome: approved (4–0; Commissioner McCullough absent).
The board also used the ceremony to present years-of-service recognition for county employees and invited family members for photographs.
