Nassau County adopts American Beach asset plan, awards drainage and paving contracts, approves boat purchase and several rezonings

The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 13 approved an asset-management and fiscal-sustainability plan for the American Beach Water and Sewer District, awarded multiple infrastructure contracts, accepted a largely grant-funded purchase of a 48-foot fire/rescue vessel for the county—9s fire-rescue operations, and approved three commercial rezonings and one final development plan.

The board—9s actions included adoption of the American Beach drinking-water and wastewater asset-management and fiscal-sustainability plans required to secure state revolving fund (SRF) assistance; a continuing storm-drain contract not to exceed $2.5 million; a chip-seal work authorization of $721,394.17; allocation of $3,506,907 for completion phases of the Amelia Island multi-phase bicycle path; the sale of three small surplus parcels in Hilliard for affordable-housing uses; and approvals on two rezonings and a 15,680-square-foot commercial addition (Lofton Creek Dental Phase 2).

Why it matters: Adoption of the asset-management plan unlocks SRF funding terms and a small interest-rate discount for American Beach, enabling the community—9s recently completed water/wastewater system to move into operation with a documented maintenance and funding strategy. The contracts and rezoning approvals advance flood-control, road-surface and economic-development work countywide. The fire-rescue vessel significantly expands marine rescue and firefighting capability.

Asset-management plan for American Beach

The board voted to approve resolutions adopting the American Beach Water and Sewer District—9s drinking-water and wastewater asset-management and fiscal-sustainability plans. Florida Rural Water Association staff, who prepared the plans at no cost to the district under a state arrangement, told the board the plan reduced financing costs by 0.5 percentage point and allowed the district to capture both principal-forgiveness and interest-rate benefits from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection SRF program. Theresa Erby Butler, project manager for the American Beach system, told commissioners the water loan was "100% forgivable" and that the wastewater side involved an "80 to 20" structure; she added Florida Rural Water procured the asset-management plan at no cost to the district.

Florida Rural Water engineers reported the new systems are largely in good condition: about 2.3 miles of water main, 19 fire hydrants, 46 system valves and about 2.4 miles of gravity and force mains were inventoried. In-staff summary, replacement cost for all assets in both systems was "just over $2,500,000," bringing an estimated total annual replacement cost of "just under $50,000." The board approved the resolution on a unanimous vote.

Storm drains and chip-seal contracts

Commissioners approved a continuing-contract award (NC24-022) to JAKKS Utilities Management for storm-drain installation, repair and replacement with a total not-to-exceed value of $2,500,000 and an initial term ending September 2026 with two one-year renewal options. County engineering said the continuing contract is intended to expedite repairs and proactively address drainage vulnerabilities identified during recent storm events.

The board also authorized execution of work authorization No. 4 under contract CM3015 with Asphalt Paving Systems for fiscal-year 2024-25 chip-seal work in the amount of $721,394.17. County staff described the chip-seal program as part of a broader pavement-management effort to improve unpaved roads to an all-weather surface prior to full pavement treatments.

Fire-rescue boat purchase

The board approved moving forward with a county purchase of a 48-foot fire/rescue vessel to bolster marine rescue, firefighting and response capability on county waters. County staff said the boat purchase totals "nearly $1.3 million," and the county secured almost $1 million in grant funding so the county contribution is a smaller portion of the purchase price. Commissioners praised the additional engine option and the larger vessel—9s improved range and safety in rougher seas. The motion carried unanimously.

Amelia Island bike path funding

The board approved Finance Package 2025-7 to transfer $3,506,907 from capital project savings into the Amelia Island bike-path construction project to fund phases 3 and 4 and complete the project. Staff said phase 2 had previously been funded by FDOT and the approved transfer completes the funding needed to advance remaining construction phases.

Surplus parcels sale for affordable housing

Commissioners approved a purchase-and-sale agreement to transfer three small county-owned parcels in Hilliard to Dayspring Property Services LLC. County staff explained the parcels are listed as surplus and valued at less than $15,000 each; sale proceeds are earmarked for affordable-housing projects as described in the county—9s statutory surplus-land procedures. The board approved the contract unanimously.

Land-use decisions: final development plan and rezonings

The board held quasi-judicial hearings and approved: - FD24-006, Lofton Creek Dental Phase 2 (final development plan) to add 15,680 square feet of commercial space in the Lofton Oaks planned-unit development. Staff noted the plan retains a 25-foot-wide central plaza and required pedestrian connections and found the proposal consistent with the approved PUD development order; the board approved the plan 4-0. - R24-003, rezoning ~2.08 acres along State Road 200 from Open Rural (OR) and Commercial Professional Office (CPO) to Commercial General (CG). Staff reported utilities and access are available and found the rezoning consistent with comprehensive-plan policies for the SR 200 corridor; the board approved the rezoning 4-0. - R24-006, rezoning ~0.95 acres on U.S. Highway 1 west of Callahan from Open Rural to Commercial General; staff recommended approval and the board voted 4-0.

Discussion versus action

Commissioners asked clarifying questions on the asset-management plan, chip-seal program scope and the storm-drain contract—9s role in emergency response. Staff and Florida Rural Water representatives explained the plan—9s inspection process (manhole openings, hydrant tests, valve exercises) and advised that priority action items in the plan will be checked during later reviews. For the rezoning items, staff presented consistency findings with the county comprehensive plan and land-development code; applicants waived formal presentations and were available for questions. Each of the above-noted items advanced as formal motions and was approved.

What remains next

Staff presentations, contract work authorizations, and site-development reviews will implement the board—9s approvals. The American Beach asset-management plan includes a priority-action list staff said will guide implementation and be revisited by regulators. Site-specific traffic and development conditions for the rezoned properties will be evaluated at the time of site-plan review. The surplus-parcel sale includes deed and escrow conditions consistent with the county—9s affordable-housing statutes.

Votes at a glance

- Proclamation: American Beach Day (Jan. 31, 2025) — Approved (motion by Commissioner Farmer; second Commissioner Gray; unanimous) - Tab Q: Adopt American Beach Water & Sewer asset-management and fiscal sustainability plans — Approved (motion by Commissioner Farmer; second Commissioner McCullough; unanimous) - Tab D: Award NC24-022 storm-drain continuing contract to JAKKS Utilities Management (CM3815) not to exceed $2,500,000 — Approved (motion by Commissioner Farmer; second Commissioner Gray; unanimous) - Tab K: Authorize CM3015 work authorization No. 4 with Asphalt Paving Systems for $721,394.17 — Approved (motion by Commissioner Farmer; second Commissioner McCullough; unanimous) - Fire/rescue vessel purchase (48-foot craft, ~ $1.3M total; ~ $1M grant) — Approved (motion by Commissioner Farmer; second Commissioner Gray; unanimous) - Finance Package 2025-7: Transfer $3,506,907 to Amelia Island bike path (phases 3 & 4) — Approved (motion by Commissioner Farmer; second Commissioner McCullough; unanimous) - Tab R: Sale of three surplus parcels in Hilliard to Dayspring Property Services LLC (earmarked for affordable housing) — Approved (mover recorded in meeting; unanimous) - FD24-006 Lofton Creek Dental Phase 2 (final development plan; +15,680 sq ft) — Approved (motion by Commissioner Gray; second Commissioner Farmer; 4-0 voice vote) - R24-003 Rezoning (~2.08 acres SR 200) — Approved (motion by Commissioner Gray; second Commissioner McCullough; 4-0 voice vote) - R24-006 Rezoning (~0.95 acres US 1) — Approved (motion by Commissioner Farmer; second Commissioner McCullough; 4-0 voice vote)

Ending

The board concluded by scheduling joint meetings with the City of Fernandina Beach (Feb. 6) and the Nassau County School Board (Feb. 11) and received public comment on animal-care operations and shelter/foster statistics. Commissioners praised staff and partner agencies for recent grant and award successes and adjourned after routine county items.