BOCC to hold Special Meeting April 22 to extend State of Emergency and discuss beach opening

Nassau County, Florida, April 20, 2020 –The Board of County Commissioners has scheduled a Special Meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, to extend the local State of Emergency. The Commissioners are also adding a discussion of County beaches to its agenda.

Nassau County beaches were closed on Sunday, March 22nd in accordance with Executive Order No. 2. While beaches have remained closed, the County has continued to discuss specific ways to allow some limited use of the beaches without impacting the health and safety of residents. County Commissioners still have concerns about public health and enforcement if beaches are reopened. The County has received hundreds of emails and phone calls from residents on both sides of the issue; approximately half wanting the beaches reopened now and approximately half wanting them to remain closed until the pandemic passes.

Government officials are attempting to make decisions in the best interest of residents. Officials had originally hoped other regional counties would work in concert to open beaches to prevent a surge to one area. County officials were taken by surprise last weekend when Duval county opened without communicating their plans to surrounding county governments. This process added to the frustration for local residents who want our beaches opened now, in spite of the fact that COVID-19 cases in Nassau are still increasing. Nassau County’s main priority is the safety of its residents. Officials will continue to consult with health care professionals and members of the medical field until there is confidence that opening the beaches will not cause adverse effects to the community and that appropriate resources are available to monitor usage. Opening the beaches, even for limited use, will likely increase visitors to the area and could increase the risk of spreading COVID-19 in Nassau County.

Wednesday’s special meeting is open to the public with limited seating. You are encouraged to watch the meeting remotely from the Clerk’s website: www.nassauclerk.com.

If you have comments you would like included in the record, please email them to [email protected] no later than 9:00 a.m. the morning of the meeting. Include your name, address and the message you are trying to relay. You may also leave a voicemail at (904) 530-6009.

Please note that if numerous emails or messages are regarding the same topic, all may not be read out loud during the meeting, however all will be submitted and retained as part of the permanent record.

If you would like an opportunity to speak at the meeting, please email or call as directed above. Include your name, address, phone number and the topic you are calling about. You will be contacted during the meeting.