Nassau County, Florida - Wikipedia
Maybe your like
| Nassau County, Florida | |
|---|---|
| County | |
 Nassau County Courthouse | |
 Seal | |
 Location within the U.S. state of Florida | |
| Coordinates: 30°37′N 81°46′W / 30.61°N 81.77°W | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Florida |
| Founded | December 29, 1824 |
| Named after | Duchy of Nassau |
| Seat | Fernandina Beach |
| Largest community | Yulee |
| Area | |
| • Total | 726 sq mi (1,880 km2) |
| • Land | 649 sq mi (1,680 km2) |
| • Water | 77 sq mi (200 km2) 10.6% |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 90,352 |
| • Estimate (2023) | 101,501  |
| • Density | 139/sq mi (53.8/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 4th |
| Website | www.nassaucountyfl.com |
Nassau County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. It is the northeasternmost county in the state. The county seat is Fernandina Beach. The population was 90,352 at the 2020 census.[1]
Nassau County is a constituent of the Jacksonville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, which accommodates around 1.68 million inhabitants as of 2022.[2] The county is situated in Northeast Florida with a land area of 726 square miles (1,880 km2). The county's population has surged by more than 40,000 residents since the year 2000, driven by factors such as Nassau's nearness to downtown Jacksonville, the emergence of fresh residential projects, agricultural output, prominent tourist destinations, and a broadening tax foundation through the influx of novel industrial and business enterprises to the county.[3][4] Nassau County is also a favored residential destination for military personnel stationed at bases in the adjacent Duval County, Florida (Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport) and Camden County, Georgia (Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay). Nassau County celebrated 200 years with its bicentennial celebration in 2024.
History
[edit] See also: Duchy of NassauNassau County was created in 1824 from Duval County. It was named for the Duchy of Nassau in Germany.
-
The ancestral and core coat of arms of Nassau -
Coat of Arms for Nassau
The Battle of Alligator Bridge took place in Nassau County around Callahan on June 30, 1778, and was the only major engagement in an unsuccessful campaign to conquer British East Florida during the American Revolutionary War.
In 1817, the short-lived Republic of the Floridas was established on Amelia Island. It was one of several attempts to wrest Florida from Spanish control into the growing United States.[5]
Some of the men from the county had formed a militia unit called the Davis Guards leading up to the Civil War. This unit would be organized as Company K of the 2nd Florida Infantry Regiment in the Confederate army.[6]
Law and government
[edit]
County commissioners
[edit]Nassau County operates under the administration of the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners, comprising five members. These commissioners are elected by the voters to serve four-year terms, with the election cycle structured such that either three or two commissioners are subject to election every two years. The following individuals constitute the Nassau County Commissioners:[7]
| Commissioner | Term |
|---|---|
| John Martin (Chairman) | 2020–2028 |
| A.M. "Hupp" Huppman (Vice-Chairman) | 2022-2026 |
| Jeff Gray | 2020–2028 |
| Alyson McCullough | 2022-2026 |
| Klynt Farmer | 2020–2028 |
Ocean Highway and Port Authority
[edit] | |
| Abbreviation | OHPA |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1941 |
| Type | agency |
| Headquarters | Fernandina Beach, Florida |
| Location |
|
| Region served | Nassau County, Florida |
| Website | www.portoffernandina.org |
The Ocean Highway & Port Authority (OHPA) functions as an autonomous governmental organization within Nassau County, Florida, responsible for the ownership and management of the seaport infrastructure at the Port of Fernandina. OHPA was founded in 1941 by the Florida Legislature.[8] Relay Terminals is the current operating partner of the Port.[9]
The Port of Fernandina operates as a terminal for handling various commodities, including pulp and paper, steel exports, machinery, automotive components, chemicals, beverages, building materials, and food items. The port's container lines facilitate shipping routes to destinations such as Colombia, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Aruba, Curaçao, and Bermuda. Notably, in 2020, the port was awarded a substantial grant exceeding one million dollars from the United States Department of Transportation to initiate a barge service.[10]
OHPA Commissioners
- District 1: Miriam Hill
- District 2: Scott Moore
- District 3: Justin M. Taylor (Chair)
- District 4: Ray Nelson (Vice-Chair)
- District 5: Michael Cole
Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District
[edit]The primary entity overseeing environmental and agricultural matters is the Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), which maintains close collaboration with various other regional agencies. According to a summary taken from Florida Statutes Ch. 582, the Board's powers include conducting surveys, investigations, research and demonstrational projects relating to soil and water conservation (in areas like irrigation, water quality, and soil erosion). SWCD supervisors do not receive monetary compensation, and, for the most part, conduct their activities on their own time. Supervisors are members of a five-person board for the district, to which they can either be elected or appointed.
Police
[edit]The Nassau County Sheriff's Office offers essential services to the residents of Nassau County. It bears the responsibility of upholding both the provisions of the Florida Constitution and the laws and statutes of the state of Florida, ensuring the protection, security, and welfare of its populace. This commitment is fulfilled by furnishing law enforcement solutions, managing operations at the Nassau County Jail and Detention Center, and ensuring court security. The central operational hub of the Nassau County Sheriff's Office is situated in Yulee.[11] As of 2023[update] the Sheriff is Bill Leeper.[12][13]
Court houses
[edit]The Nassau County Courthouse in Fernandina Beach stands as a historic edifice, characterized by its two-story construction of red brick, dating back to its erection in 1891.
Located in Yulee, the Robert M. Foster Justice Center was established in 2004 to complement the historical Nassau County Courthouse site. Spanning an extensive 111,000 square feet, this facility was realized at a construction cost surpassing $20 million.[14]
Climate
[edit]Similar to a significant portion of the southern Atlantic region in the United States, Nassau County experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen classification Cfa). This entails moderate conditions in the winter months and hot, humid conditions throughout the summer. Precipitation patterns show a concentration of rainfall during the warmer months spanning from May to September, whereas the drier period falls between November and April. Owing to Nassau County's proximity to the coast and its lower latitude, frigid temperatures are infrequent, resulting in typically temperate and sunlit winters.[15]
| Climate data for Nassau County, Florida | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 63.0(17.2) | 65.8(18.8) | 71.2(21.8) | 76.8(24.9) | 83.3(28.5) | 88.0(31.1) | 90.6(32.6) | 89.3(31.8) | 85.6(29.8) | 79.2(26.2) | 72.2(22.3) | 64.9(18.3) | 77.5(25.3) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 53.8(12.1) | 56.5(13.6) | 61.9(16.6) | 67.7(19.8) | 75.0(23.9) | 80.4(26.9) | 82.6(28.1) | 82.1(27.8) | 79.2(26.2) | 72.1(22.3) | 63.9(17.7) | 56.3(13.5) | 69.3(20.7) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 44.5(6.9) | 47.2(8.4) | 52.6(11.4) | 58.6(14.8) | 66.7(19.3) | 72.8(22.7) | 74.6(23.7) | 74.9(23.8) | 72.8(22.7) | 65.0(18.3) | 55.6(13.1) | 47.6(8.7) | 61.1(16.2) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 3.42(87) | 3.20(81) | 3.92(100) | 2.82(72) | 2.31(59) | 5.27(134) | 5.52(140) | 5.82(148) | 6.91(176) | 4.59(117) | 2.08(53) | 2.95(75) | 48.81(1,240) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 9.1 | 8.4 | 8.4 | 5.9 | 6.0 | 11.5 | 11.9 | 12.5 | 11.8 | 8.1 | 7.3 | 8.2 | 109.1 |
| Source: NOAA (1981–2010 Normals)[16][17] | |||||||||||||
Geography
[edit]According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has an area of 726 square miles (1,880 km2), of which 649 square miles (1,680 km2) is land and 77 square miles (200 km2) (10.6%) is water.[18] The city of Fernandina Beach is on Amelia Island, the county's one inhabited island. Fernandina Beach municipality extends across the Intracoastal Waterway along A1A to Yulee.
Topography
[edit]
There are 12 distinct topographical zones in Nassau County. Most of these zones run in narrow bands stretching from north to south, although this is less true as one approaches the Atlantic coast.
- Directly against the western border with Baker County, the topography ranges from fairly flat to slightly elevated. Drainage is poor and the soil is sandy.
- Moving east, there are some areas (mostly in the northern and central county) of higher ground with much better drainage.
- East of these areas are some lower places, especially in the south, that are level and have extremely poor drainage.
- Eastward again, there is a stretch that ranges from a few miles in the extreme northern areas to about 6-8 miles (13 km) wide in the southern area, including Hilliard and much of County Road 108 and State Road 301. This area again has very poor drainage, low-lying land, and fairly sandy soil.
- East of this are scattered areas of high, sandy land with spotty or poor drainage.
- East of this, there is an area including Callahan with very sandy soil on top, and clay underneath. This section of the county is heavily permeated by small creeks and rivers, which bring with them low, poorly drained soils. This zone extends across the entire county from north to south at a fairly consistent width of about 3-4 miles (6.4 km), except in the north, where it widens to nearly 6 miles (9.7 km) across.
- East of this area is a large band of land with a consistent width of about 8 miles (13 km). The land is low and level with extremely poor drainage, and it is permeated by small creeks and rivers. In the northern section, this is where some tributaries join the St. Marys River, while in the south a number of tributaries drain into the Nassau River, which flows into the Nassau Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.
- East of this area is a section of land about 3 miles (4.8 km) in width that has extremely sandy soils with bad drainage all around.
- Further eastward is a large area, including Yulee and O'Neil, about 4 miles (6.4 km) in width, with poor drainage and sandy soil at higher elevations, pockmarked by large areas of low lands with even worse drainage.
- To the south is an area of low-lying, organic soils which are essentially marshes and wetlands along the northern bank of the Nassau River, continuing into the Nassau Sound.
- Still eastward and somewhat to the north is a large area of marshes and organic soils which characterize area wetlands. There are many small islands in this area, and it is permeated by the Bells River and Jolly River, which empty into the Cumberland Sound to the north, just below Cumberland Island.
- Amelia Island, the easternmost section of the county, is characterized by poor drainage in the west and better drained, higher, sandier land as one travels eastward towards the beach. The northern area of the island features salty marshlands surrounding Egan's Creek, which runs directly beneath Atlantic Boulevard in Fernandina Beach.
Adjacent counties
[edit]- Camden County, Georgia – north
- Duval County – south/east
- Baker County – southwest
- Charlton County, Georgia – west
Transportation
[edit]Airports
[edit]- Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport
- Hilliard Airpark
Major highways
[edit]
I-95 / SR 9 (Interstate 95)
I-10 / SR 8 (Interstate 10)
US 1 / SR 15
US 17 / SR 5
US 23
US 90 / SR 10
US 301
SR A1A
CR 2 (County extension of SR 2)
CR 15A
CR 108
SR 115 / CR 115
CR 119
SR 200
Railroads
[edit]The main railroad line through Nassau County is the CSX Nahunta Subdivision, which runs parallel to the west side of US 1 and 23 from the Jacksonville Terminal through the bridge over the Saint Mary's River in Boulogne. It also has a junction with the CSX Callahan Subdivision which runs parallel to US 301 from the Duval County Line almost to Callahan. This line also once had an extension to the Fernandina Subdivision, as well as a second extension to Gross, which were abandoned in 1954 and 1985 respectively.
A third CSX line exists closer to the east coast of the state known as the Kingsland Subdivision, which runs parallel to US 17 from the Duval County line to Yulee, where it joins the First Coast Railroad, a class three railroad that runs along the Fernandina Subdivision and the former Kingsland Subdivision north of Yulee.
The other major railroad line in the county is Norfolk Southern Railway's Valdosta District, which spans northwest to southeast from a bridge over the Saint Mary's River in Kent to the Jacksonville Terminal. The Valdosta District has a diamond junction with the Callahan Subdivision in Crawford.
Demographics
[edit]| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1830 | 1,511 | — | |
| 1840 | 1,892 | 25.2% | |
| 1850 | 2,164 | 14.4% | |
| 1860 | 3,644 | 68.4% | |
| 1870 | 4,247 | 16.5% | |
| 1880 | 6,635 | 56.2% | |
| 1890 | 8,294 | 25.0% | |
| 1900 | 9,654 | 16.4% | |
| 1910 | 10,525 | 9.0% | |
| 1920 | 11,340 | 7.7% | |
| 1930 | 9,375 | −17.3% | |
| 1940 | 10,826 | 15.5% | |
| 1950 | 12,811 | 18.3% | |
| 1960 | 17,189 | 34.2% | |
| 1970 | 20,626 | 20.0% | |
| 1980 | 32,894 | 59.5% | |
| 1990 | 43,941 | 33.6% | |
| 2000 | 57,663 | 31.2% | |
| 2010 | 73,314 | 27.1% | |
| 2020 | 90,352 | 23.2% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 101,501 | [19] | 12.3% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[20]1790–1960[21] 1900–1990[22]1990–2000[23] 2010–2019[24] | |||
Racial and ethnic composition
[edit]| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 1980[25] | Pop 1990[26] | Pop 2000[27] | Pop 2010[28] | Pop 2020[29] | % 1980 | % 1990 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 27,879 | 38,697 | 51,323 | 64,410 | 75,817 | 84.75% | 88.07% | 89.01% | 87.85% | 83.91% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 4,447 | 4,509 | 4,436 | 4,581 | 4,945 | 13.52% | 10.26% | 7.69% | 6.25% | 5.47% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 58 | 120 | 228 | 248 | 222 | 0.18% | 0.27% | 0.40% | 0.34% | 0.25% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 48 | 129 | 251 | 619 | 863 | 0.15% | 0.29% | 0.44% | 0.84% | 0.96% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) | x [30] | x [31] | 18 | 46 | 52 | x | x | 0.03% | 0.06% | 0.06% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 14 | 6 | 32 | 98 | 293 | 0.04% | 0.01% | 0.06% | 0.13% | 0.32% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | x [32] | x [33] | 502 | 932 | 3,711 | x | x | 0.87% | 1.27% | 4.11% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 448 | 480 | 873 | 2,380 | 4,449 | 1.36% | 1.09% | 1.51% | 3.25% | 4.92% |
| Total | 32,894 | 43,941 | 57,663 | 73,314 | 90,352 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
2020 census
[edit]As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 90,352, 35,919 households, and 26,196 families. The population density was 139.3 per square mile (53.8/km2), and there were 41,628 housing units at an average density of 64.2 per square mile (24.8/km2).[34]
The racial makeup of the county was 85.3% (77,047) white or European American (83.91% non-Hispanic white), 5.6% (5,035) black or African-American, 0.3% (300) Native American or Alaska Native, 1.0% (890) Asian, 0.1% (61) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 1.4% (1,278) from other races, and 6.4% (5,741) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 4.9% (4,449) of the population.[35]
56.2% of residents lived in urban areas, while 43.8% lived in rural areas.[36]
There were 35,919 households, of which 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 57.4% were married-couple households, 14.5% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 22.3% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 22.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[34] The average household size was 2.5 and the average family size was 2.9.[37] The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 22.2% of the population.[38]
There were 41,628 housing units, of which 13.7% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 80.4% were owner-occupied and 19.6% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.0% and the rental vacancy rate was 10.8%.[34]
20.1% of the population was under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 21.2% from 25 to 44, 28.5% from 45 to 64, and 23.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.9 years. For every 100 females there were 95.0 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 92.9 males age 18 and over.[34]
The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $72,998 (with a margin of error of +/- $3,786). The median family income was $84,984 (+/- $3,364).[39] Males had a median income of $45,003 (+/- $2,709) versus $28,315 (+/- $2,311) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $35,889 (+/- $1,972).[40] Approximately, 7.6% of families and 9.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.6% of those under the age of 18 and 7.0% of those ages 65 or over.[41][42]
2000 census
[edit]As of the census[43] of 2000, there were 57,663 people, 21,980 households, and 16,528 families residing in the county. The population density was 34/km2 (88/sq mi). There were 25,917 housing units at an average density of 15/km2 (40/sq mi). The racial makeup of the county was 90.0% White, 7.7% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.5% Asian, <0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.3% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. 1.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
According to the 2000 Census, the largest European ancestry groups in Nassau County were: English (36.2%), Irish (13.6%) and German (11.7%).
There were 21,980 households, out of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.2% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.80% were non-families. 20.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 26.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 97.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.8 males.
As of 2021, the median income for a household in the county was $64,943. The per capita income for the county was $36,553. About 8.1% of the population were below the poverty line.[24]
Economy
[edit]
Nassau County boasts a diverse economy that encompasses various sectors, ranging from agricultural activities predominantly in the form of tree farms situated in the western and central regions, to a range of endeavors closer to Amelia Island. A significant portion of the tree farming land is under the ownership of Rayonier, a notable local employer and proprietor of a substantial pulp mill located in Fernandina Beach. Historical focal points of the local economy have encompassed tree farming, trucking, and pulp production. Nonetheless, notable expansion is underway in the peripheral small towns of the rural western vicinity, and the demand for residential construction remains robust. Fernandina Beach has established itself as a hub for professional fields like real estate, legal services, and healthcare. Additionally, it stands as the nearest city to two upscale resorts: the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Amelia Island Plantation.
In the central county region, an exclusive property named White Oak Conservation was once privately owned by an affluent family who operated the area as a private zoo, featuring exotic animals such as giraffes and large albino felines. The resort has welcomed several public figures, including former President Bill Clinton, who have chosen the destination for leisurely getaways.
Nassau County has several outdoor festivals and events. The county is home to two world-class golf courses: The Golf Club at North Hampton was designed in part by Arnold Palmer, and is over 7,000 acres (2,800 ha), has 18 holes and a 72 par.[44] and the Amelia National Golf & Country Club, designed by Tom Fazio which has 18 holes and a 72 par.[45][46]
The Nassau County Economic Development Board, which represents all of Nassau County as a desirable place to relocate a business or to expand a business.[47] In November 2017 it was announced that the University of Florida will be building two health and fitness facilities.[48] In January 2018 the large energy company Florida Public Utilities announced that they will be relocating to Yulee and will be building a new 55,000-square-foot (5,100 m2) corporate headquarters.[49]
In 2017 Rayonier completed building a new corporate headquarters in Yulee.[50] Rayonier also plans to develop a 24,000-acre (9,700 ha) pine forest in Yulee into a community complete with housing, offices, medical facilities, shopping centers, light industrial facilities and schools. The development, starting with 4,200 acres (1,700 ha) and is called Wildlight. Rayonier is also working with Nassau County to develop the Wildlight Elementary School at a cost of $26 million which is scheduled to open for the start of the 2017–2018 academic year with 600 students.[51]
Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, a general aviation airport and former military airbase that is also now used at times by the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Air National Guard and is in Amelia Island three nautical miles (5.6 km) south of the central business district of Fernandina Beach. It is designated as a reliever airport for Jacksonville International Airport.[52]
Hilliard is the location of a significant facility operated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), serving as an Air Traffic Control Center that effectively coordinates the majority of commercial and civilian air traffic spanning the southeastern United States. This FAA center holds a pivotal role in Hilliard's workforce, employing a substantial number of individuals, including numerous retired FAA personnel who have chosen Nassau County as their residence.
Within the county, the Florida Welcome Center serves as a designated "tourist information house," conveniently positioned near the Florida/Georgia state line along I-95. This center offers incoming visitors an array of informative resources pertaining to travel, roadways, sports, climate, lodging, urban centers, outdoor activities, and attractions. As a tribute to Florida's historical citrus industry, which has played a substantial role in the state's economy, every guest is welcomed with a complimentary cup of Florida citrus juice, either orange or grapefruit.[53]
Top employers
[edit]According to the Nassau County website as of June 2019,[54] the top employers in the county are:
| # | Employer | # of Employees in 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nassau County School District | 1,598 |
| 2 | The Omni Amelia Island Resort | 1,200 |
| 3 | Nassau County Government | 672 |
| 4 | The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island | 700 |
| 5 | Federal Aviation Administration | 550 |
| 6 | WestRock | 460 |
| 7 | Baptist Medical Center Nassau | 420 |
| 8 | Rayonier Advanced Materials | 300 |
| 9 | Care Centers of Nassau | 250 |
| 10 | Rayonier | 249 |
Education
[edit]Public – Nassau County School District
[edit]Nassau County Public School District operates public schools. Its schools are below:
Elementary schools:
- Bryceville Elementary (K-5) – Bryceville
- Callahan Elementary (PreK-2) – Callahan
- Callahan Intermediate (3–5) – Callahan
- Emma Love Hardee Elementary (3–5) – Fernandina Beach
- Hilliard Elementary (PreK-5) – Hilliard
- Southside Elementary (PreK-2) – Fernandina Beach
- Wildlight Elementary (K-5) – Wildlight
- Yulee Elementary (3–5) – Yulee
- Yulee Primary (PreK-2) – Yulee
Middle schools:
- Callahan Middle (6–8) (Mascot: Ramblers) – Callahan
- Fernandina Beach Middle (6–8) (Mascot: Pirates) – Fernandina Beach
- Yulee Middle (6–8) (Mascot: Hornets) – Yulee
High schools:
- Fernandina Beach High (9–12) (Mascot: Pirates) – Fernandina Beach
- West Nassau High (9–12) (Mascot: Warriors) – Callahan
- Yulee High (9–12) (Mascot: Hornets) – Yulee
Middle-senior high schools:
- Hilliard Middle-Senior High (6–12) (Mascot: Red Flashes [55]) – Hilliard
Private schools
[edit]- Amelia Island Montessori ( Pre Kindergarten-8) – Fernandina Beach
- Faith Christian Academy (Pre- Kindergarten-12) – Fernandina Beach [56]
- Fernandina Beach Christian Academy ( Kindergarten-5th (2015)) – Fernandina Beach
- Nassau Christian School ( Pre Kindergarten-12) – Yulee
- St. Michaels Academy (Pre Kindergarten-8) – Fernandina Beach
- Sonshine Christian School( Pre Kindergarten-12) – Callahan
Higher education
[edit]The Betty Cook Center, situated in Nassau County near Yulee, serves as a campus of Florida State College at Jacksonville, a constituent of the Florida College System. This state college holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, enabling it to confer both associate's degrees and bachelor's degrees.
Libraries
[edit]The Nassau County Public Library encompasses a network of 5 branches.
A significant overhaul of the Fernandina Beach branch was successfully executed in 2015, culminating in a grand reopening of the branch in April 2016. This extensive revitalization initiative doubled the library's size to an approximate area of 16,000 square feet (1,500 m2). This modernization effort aligned the building, which was originally inaugurated in 1976, with Nassau County's current codes, in accordance with the long-range plan for 2013–2017 devised by the Nassau County Public Library. Furthermore, a resolution was jointly established between the City of Fernandina Beach and Nassau County, delineating ownership of the Library facility and outlining Library operations.
Notably, the Fernandina Beach branch serves as the repository for over one thousand titles belonging to the Amelia Island Genealogical Society. These materials are made accessible to the public for utilization within the library's premises.
- Bryceville
- Callahan
- Fernandina Beach [57]
- Hilliard
- Yulee
Media
[edit]Nassau County boasts three distinct newspapers. Among them, the prominent Fernandina Beach News-Leader holds the title of the largest. This publication is under the ownership of Community Newspapers Incorporated, a media enterprise helmed by Tom Wood and Dink NeSmith. Another noteworthy publication, the Nassau County Record, also falls within the ownership purview of Community Newspapers Incorporated. Both of these periodicals are accessible to the public through subscription or newsstands.
Concurrently, The Westside Journal functions as an independent newspaper, its publication overseen by Florida Sun Printing. This particular newspaper is distributed for free via mail and typically showcases contributed content from various sources.
Municipalities and communities
[edit]City
[edit]- Fernandina Beach (county seat)
Towns
[edit]- Callahan
- Hilliard
Census-designated places
[edit]- Nassau Village-Ratliff
- Yulee
Other unincorporated communities
[edit]- Amelia City
- American Beach
- Andrews
- Becker
- Boulogne
- Bryceville
- Chester
- Crandall
- Crawford
- Dahoma
- Dyal
- Evergreen
- Franklintown
- Glenwood
- Gross
- Hedges
- Hero
- Ingle
- Italia
- Keene
- Kent
- Kings Ferry
- Lessie
- Mattox
- Nassauville
- O'Neil
- Verdie
- Yulee Heights
Gallery of Municipalities and Communities
[edit]-
Amelia Island -
Fernandina Beach -
Yulee -
Callahan -
Italia -
Hilliard -
American Beach -
Yulee Heights
Politics
[edit]| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1904 | 161 | 21.24% | 509 | 67.15% | 88 | 11.61% |
| 1908 | 92 | 14.81% | 466 | 75.04% | 63 | 10.14% |
| 1912 | 38 | 7.14% | 441 | 82.89% | 53 | 9.96% |
| 1916 | 94 | 15.75% | 420 | 70.35% | 83 | 13.90% |
| 1920 | 281 | 22.52% | 900 | 72.12% | 67 | 5.37% |
| 1924 | 106 | 13.86% | 617 | 80.65% | 42 | 5.49% |
| 1928 | 863 | 65.13% | 445 | 33.58% | 17 | 1.28% |
| 1932 | 296 | 19.71% | 1,206 | 80.29% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1936 | 242 | 18.10% | 1,095 | 81.90% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1940 | 421 | 18.23% | 1,888 | 81.77% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1944 | 527 | 21.79% | 1,892 | 78.21% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1948 | 540 | 19.60% | 1,518 | 55.10% | 697 | 25.30% |
| 1952 | 1,731 | 40.82% | 2,510 | 59.18% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1956 | 1,717 | 38.31% | 2,765 | 61.69% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 1,666 | 33.67% | 3,282 | 66.33% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1964 | 3,134 | 52.98% | 2,781 | 47.02% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1968 | 1,301 | 19.91% | 1,598 | 24.46% | 3,634 | 55.63% |
| 1972 | 5,078 | 79.44% | 1,293 | 20.23% | 21 | 0.33% |
| 1976 | 3,136 | 34.31% | 5,896 | 64.51% | 108 | 1.18% |
| 1980 | 5,440 | 50.60% | 5,074 | 47.20% | 237 | 2.20% |
| 1984 | 8,039 | 69.76% | 3,484 | 30.23% | 1 | 0.01% |
| 1988 | 8,374 | 66.59% | 4,143 | 32.95% | 58 | 0.46% |
| 1992 | 9,367 | 51.54% | 5,503 | 30.28% | 3,304 | 18.18% |
| 1996 | 12,141 | 57.36% | 7,277 | 34.38% | 1,749 | 8.26% |
| 2000 | 16,408 | 68.98% | 6,955 | 29.24% | 424 | 1.78% |
| 2004 | 23,783 | 72.64% | 8,573 | 26.18% | 387 | 1.18% |
| 2008 | 27,403 | 71.38% | 10,618 | 27.66% | 371 | 0.97% |
| 2012 | 29,929 | 73.67% | 10,251 | 25.23% | 445 | 1.10% |
| 2016 | 34,266 | 72.92% | 10,869 | 23.13% | 1,857 | 3.95% |
| 2020 | 42,566 | 72.25% | 15,564 | 26.42% | 785 | 1.33% |
| 2024 | 47,945 | 72.72% | 17,143 | 26.00% | 846 | 1.28% |
Notable people
[edit]-
George Crady -
William Allen -
Derrick Henry -
D. J. Stewart -
Zack Taylor -
Daniel Thomas -
David Levy Yulee -
Rick Stockstill
- William B. Allen, political scientist who was chairman of the United States Commission on Civil Rights from 1988 to 1989, was born in Fernandina Beach in 1944.
- Kris Anderson – National Basketball Association player with the Milwaukee Bucks
- Raymond A. Brown, attorney whose clients included Black Liberation Army member Assata Shakur, boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter and "Dr. X" physician Mario Jascalevich.[59]
- George Crady – Former member of the Florida House of Representatives
- Kyle Denney – Major League Baseball catcher
- Ben "Bubba" Dickerson, professional golfer.[60]
- George Rainsford Fairbanks, a Confederate major in the U.S. Civil War, he was also a historian, lawyer and Florida state senator. The Fairbanks House is listed on the NRHP and is operated as a bed and breakfast lodging establishment.
- Joseph Finegan, businessman, Brigadier general for the Confederate States Army; resident of Fernandina Beach.
- Derrick Henry – football, 2015 Heisman Trophy Winner running back at Alabama, and the Tennessee Titans
- Howie Kendrick, Major League Baseball player for the Anaheim Angels
- Frank Murphy Jr former NFL football player for the Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins.[60]
- Apple Pope – American rugby league player who plays for the United States national rugby league team
- Tom Schwartz – Entrepreneur, model-actor[61] and star of Bravo's 'Vanderpump Rules'
- D. J. Stewart – baseball left fielder at Florida State University
- Rick Stockstill, football head coach at Middle Tennessee; raised in Fernandina Beach.
- Zack Taylor – Major League Baseball player and manager for the St. Louis Browns
- Daniel Thomas, National Football League player for the Miami Dolphins
- David Levy Yulee, Florida Territorial representative to Congress and the first U.S. senator from Florida when it became a state, member of the Confederate Congress, builder of Florida's first cross-state railroad (Fernandina to Cedar Key). There is a statue of David Yulee in Fernandina Beach.[62]
Historic places
[edit]
- Amelia Island Light
- Amelia Island Museum of History
- American Beach Historic District
- Bailey House
- Ervin's Rest
- Fairbanks House
- Fernandina Beach Historic District
- Fort Clinch State Park
- Hippard House
- Historic Nassau County Courthouse
- John Denham Palmer House
- Merrick-Simmons House
- Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church
- Original Town of Fernandina Historic Site
- Tabby House
- US Post Office, Custom and Court House
See also
[edit]- National Register of Historic Places listings in Nassau County, Florida
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Quickfacts, Nassau County, Florida". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
- ^ "Duval at 1 million: What population milestone means for city, region". jaxdailyrecord.com. January 6, 2023. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
- ^ "Population 2000–2016, Nassau County". nassaucountyfl.com. Archived from the original on January 29, 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
- ^ "Yulee Growth: New Homes, Traffic & Commuting". Amelia Island eMagazine. September 24, 2017. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
- ^ Gene M. Burnett (October 1, 2014). Florida's Past, Vol 2: People and Events That Shaped the State. Pineapple Press. pp. 119–120. ISBN 978-1-56164-759-0.
- ^ "Second Florida Infantry". www.civilwardata.com. Historical Data Systems, Inc. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ "Meet the Commissioners". Nassau County Board of Commissioners. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
- ^ "House Bill No.619" (PDF). Retrieved February 15, 2019.
- ^ OHPA Executive Team
- ^ "Port of Fernandina getting boost from federal grant money". January 3, 2020. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
- ^ "General Facts". nassauso.com. Archived from the original on August 6, 2016. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
- ^ Office, Nassau County Sheriff's. "Nassau County Sheriff's Office » Patrol". nassauso.com. Archived from the original on November 10, 2017. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
- ^ Office, Nassau County Sheriff's. "Nassau County Sheriff's Office » Sheriff". nassauso.com. Archived from the original on November 10, 2017. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
- ^ Hart, Amelia A. "Residents Take a Look at New Judicial Annex; Nassau: Fernandina Beach Still County Seat; Complex Is in Yulee". The Florida Times Union. Archived from the original on January 16, 2018.
- ^ "Yulee, Florida Detailed Profile". City-Data.com. January 6, 2016. Retrieved January 6, 2016.
- ^ "NOWData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on November 9, 2018. Retrieved February 8, 2016.
- ^ "Station Name: FL YULEE". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on July 19, 2020. Retrieved February 8, 2016.
- ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
- ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
- ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
- ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
- ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
- ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
- ^ a b "Nassau County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
- ^ "1980 U.S. Census - General Population Characteristics - Table 16 Total Persons and Spanish Origin Persons by Type of Spanish Origin and Race: 1980" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1980.
- ^ "1990 U.S. Census - Social and Economic Characteristics - Table 6. Race and Hispanic Origin: 1990" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1980.
- ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Nassau County, Florida". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Nassau County, Florida". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Nassau County, Florida". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ included in the Asian category in the 1980 Census
- ^ included in the Asian category in the 1990 Census
- ^ not an option in the 1980 Census
- ^ not an option in the 1990 Census
- ^ a b c d "2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
- ^ "2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
- ^ "2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)". United States Census Bureau. 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
- ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1101: Households and Families". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
- ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1501: Educational Attainment". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
- ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1903: Median Income in the Past 12 Months (In 2020 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
- ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S2001: Earnings in the Past 12 Months (In 2020 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
- ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1701: Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
- ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1702: Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months of Families". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
- ^ "North Hampton Golf Club Fernandina Beach, FL". Hampton Golf Clubs. December 4, 2012. Archived from the original on August 15, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
- ^ Duane Kennerson. "Amelia National Golf & Country Club – Amelia National Golf & Country Club". Amelianationalgolf.com. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
- ^ "Attractions in Yulee, FL". USA Today. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
- ^ "About Us". nassauflorida.com. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
- ^ Mathis, Karen Brune (November 28, 2017). "Plans filed for Wildlight UF Health facilities". Jacksonville Daily Record. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
- ^ "Florida Public Utilities announces new headquarters in Yulee". Jacksonville Business Journal. January 25, 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
- ^ Basch, Mark (November 6, 2017). "Rayonier officially moves headquarters to Nassau County". Jacksonville Daily Record. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
- ^ "Rayonier Gives Same Name to Elementary School, Restaurant and Bar". NCFL Independent. January 19, 2016. Archived from the original on July 4, 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
- ^ "History". fbfl.us. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
- ^ Tourism Promotion Corporation – State of Florida
- ^ "Major Employers". nassauflorida.com. Archived from the original on June 24, 2019. Retrieved June 16, 2019.
- ^ "Schedule - Hilliard Red Flashes (Hilliard, FL) Varsity Football 21-22".
- ^ Alvare, Bryan. "Home Page". FCA Angels. Faith Christian Academy. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
- ^ "Fernandina Beach Library Update". Rotary Club of Fernandina Beach. Archived from the original on May 31, 2016. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
- ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections".
- ^ Berger, Joseph. "Raymond A. Brown, Civil Rights Lawyer, Dies at 94", The New York Times, October 11, 2009. Accessed October 12, 2009.
- ^ a b Kinner, Derek L. (September 1, 2001). "Bubba Dickerson has hometown fans". The Florida Times-Union. Archived from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved September 13, 2023 – via Wayback Machine.
- ^ "Before Vanderpump Rules, Tom Schwartz Was a Fairy on This Popular Vampire Show". Bravo TV Official Site. March 8, 2018. Retrieved May 13, 2018.
- ^ Feldman, Ari (August 20, 2017). "Why Are There No Statues Of Jewish Confederate Judah Benjamin To Tear Down?". Forward. Retrieved September 6, 2017. There is only one known statue of a Jewish Confederate leader. It depicts David Levy Yulee, an industrialist, plantation owner and Confederate senator from Florida, and it shows him sitting on a bench.
Further reading
[edit]- Jan H. Johannes, Yesterday's Reflections, (1976, 1984)
- Jan H. Johannes, Yesterday's Reflections II, (2000) ISBN 0-9677419-0-4
- Jan H. Johannes, Tidewater Amelia: Historic homes & buildings of Amelia Island, Cumberland Island, St. Marys, Fort George Island, (2002) ISBN 0-9677419-2-0
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Nassau County, Florida. Economy
[edit]- Amelia Island Plantation
- Federal Aviation Administration Air Route Traffic Control Center ZJX Archived July 27, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
- Rayonier
- The Ritz Carlton
Local media
[edit]- Fernandina Beach News-Leader
- Nassau County Record
- Florida Times-Union in Nassau County
Cultural
[edit]- Amelia Island Genealogical Society
- Nassau County Writers and Poets Society
- Fort Clinch
Government links/Constitutional offices
[edit]- Nassau County Government official website for County Government
- Nassau County Clerk of Courts
- Nassau County Board of County Commissioners Archived November 28, 2004, at the Wayback Machine
- Nassau County Supervisor of Elections
- Nassau County Property Appraiser Archived April 27, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
- Nassau County Sheriff's Office Archived October 20, 2004, at the Wayback Machine
- Nassau County Public Library Archived October 12, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
- Nassau County Tax Collector
Special districts
[edit]- Nassau County School District
- St. Johns River Water Management District
- Nassau County Economic Development Board Archived August 3, 2021, at the Wayback Machine
- Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District
Judicial branch
[edit]- Public Defender, 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida serving Duval, Clay, and Nassau counties
- Office of the State Attorney, 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida
- Circuit and County Court, 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida
| Places adjacent to Nassau County, Florida | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||||
| ||
|---|---|---|
| County seat: Fernandina Beach | ||
| City |
|  |
| Towns |
| |
| CDPs |
| |
| Unincorporatedcommunities |
| |
| ||
| |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville–St. Marys–Palatka, FL–GA Combined Statistical Area | |||||||||
| Counties |
|  | |||||||
| Cities, townsand CDPs |
| ||||||||
| |
|---|---|
| Natural features |
|
| Regions |
|
| Metro areas |
|
| Largest cities |
|
| Counties |
|
| Other |
|
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Regions of Florida | ||
| Topics |
|  Map of North Florida |
| Counties |
| |
| Major cities |
| |
| Cities and towns50k–100k |
| |
| Cities and towns10k–40k |
| |
| Metro areas |
| |
| Regions |
| |
30°37′N 81°46′W / 30.61°N 81.77°W
Authority control databases  | |
|---|---|
| International |
|
| National |
|
| Other |
|
Tag » What County Is Yulee Florida In
-
Yulee, Florida Guide - Nassau County Chamber Of Commerce
-
Yulee, Florida - Wikipedia
-
Nassau County - Official Website | Official Website
-
Best Places To Live In Yulee, Florida
-
Yulee, FL Map & Directions - MapQuest
-
TOP 10 What County Is Yulee Florida In BEST And NEWEST
-
TOP 9 What County Is Yulee Fl BEST And NEWEST
-
Locations - Nassau County Property Appraiser
-
Yulee, Florida Facts For Kids
-
Yulee, Florida (FL 32097) Profile - City
-
ZIP Code 32097 Map, Demographics, More For Yulee, FL
-
Where Is Yulee Nassau County, Florida United States
-
Yulee - Real Estate Properties On Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach ...
-
Nassau County Economic Development Board