Submitted by Priscilla Footlik
July 13, 2019 11:00 p.m.

Editor’s Note: Priscilla has lived on Amelia Island since 2007. Prior to arriving on Amelia, she lived most often in Colorado. She is a “semi-retired caregiver,” and enjoys being an amateur photographer in her spare time.

Photographers can submitted their photos to [email protected] Fernandina Observer Incorporated is committed to protecting copyright and intellectual property rights. Content provided to the Fernandina Observer must be content that does not violate copyright or intellectual property of others.

By Colleen Tressler
FTC Consumer Education Specialist
July 13, 2019 3:00 p.m.

It’s a staggering number. More than 42 million Americans owe a total of nearly $1.5 trillion in student loan debt. It’s no wonder people look for help. But not all help is legit. Scammers are targeting borrowers with student loan debt relief schemes that can actually make things worse.

In a new case announced today,the FTC alleges the operators of Mission Hills Federal and Federal Direct Group bilked borrowers out of more than $23 million. The FTC says these Continue reading →

Baptist Health
Press Release
July 13, 2019 10:00 a.m.

New health and wellness center will provide women’s services, pediatric care, rehabilitation services, a YMCA, and more, under one roof

Jacksonville, Fla., July 11, 2019 – In response to the growing needs of families in the Nocatee area, Baptist Health will open a new, two-story, 83,000-square-foot health and wellness center, Baptist HealthPlace at Nocatee. Scheduled to open in summer 2020, the center will be situated on a 12-acre site located west of Nocatee Town Center and the Lakeside neighborhood, facing Nocatee Parkway.

Baptist HealthPlace at Nocatee will serve as a central location for a variety of health and wellness services for the whole family – adults, seniors and children. It will extend the expertise of Wolfson Children’s Hospital to the Nocatee community through outpatient services and programming focused on child health. Wolfson Children’s is ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and is among the Top Children’s Hospitals, a recognition by The Leapfrog Group earned by less than 15 hospitals in the Continue reading →

By Janie G. Thomas
July 13, 2019 9:00 a.m.

Florida’s 152nd State Park
07-07-1999

For over 45 years, it has been my passion to protect our natural resources. In fact one of the first was Sawpit Creek…12 acres that don’t exist today.
God Created for ALL to enjoy our Waterways, Marshes, and Wetlands

It was 1998 when I learned of plans to blow up the Nassau Sound Bridge. I made it my goal to stop progress. This became a safe for folks to have a place to relax fish and provide food for their families. Catch the fish to eat (that does not get imported loaded with chemicals and antibiotics.) Fishing was goal No. 1. Bicyclists use as part of trail.
George Crady has always been my “go to person” especially on a 1979 Nassau County issue. Saving our local hospital, a story for another issue.

Naturally he never let his friends down and within 7 months after motion was made by County Commissioner David Howard the area at Nassau Sound (including Bridge) was made the 152nd Florida State Park (7-7-99).

Thanks of my many friends who assisted me on making this event possible.

My committee: Nassau Sound Park. Advisory Committee (NSPAC) Continue reading →

Nassau County PEO Dept
Press Release
Contact Adrienne Burke, Director
[email protected]
July 12, 2019 4:00 p.m.

Nassau County Planning + Economic Opportunity (PEO) Department has recently been awarded grants from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Division of Historical Resources (DHR).

The $40,000 DEP grant is the second grant award that will assist in completing a Vulnerability Assessment. A previous grant awarded last year initiated the first phase of the assessment. A Vulnerability Assessment reviews potential exposure to existing developed areas and future areas of development, financial exposure, and risks to environmental and cultural resources as it relates to flooding and sea level rise.

The two areas to be studied in the second phase of the Vulnerability Assessment are: 1) Continue reading →

Nassau County Council on Aging
Press Release
Submitted by Liz Dunn [email protected]
July 12, 2019 3:00 p.m.

As part of our ongoing Caregivers Support Group series, please join us on Thursday, July 18, 2019, from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m., at the Fernandina Beach Life Center, 1901 Island Walk Way. This will be a full support session (no guest speaker); it is free and open to all caregivers in our community.

NCCOA’s Caregivers Support Group meets the third Thursday of each month. The overall goal of the group is to offer support and education for caregivers. It is not suited for loved Continue reading →

Barnabas Center
Press Release
Contact: Alexandra Winsor,
Communications Manager
Email: [email protected]
www.BarnabasNassau.org
July 12, 2019 1:00 p.m.

Barnabas Center was recently recognized with achievement of the coveted four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s premier charity evaluator. Four stars is the highest rating possible, demonstrating strong fiscal health and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Barnabas has received the four-star evaluation for 13 consecutive years; only one percent of rated charities nationwide achieve this status, indicating that Barnabas Center outperforms most other charities in America. Michael Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator states that, “This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator sets Barnabas Center apart from its Continue reading →

July 11, 2019 10:00 a.m.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), is unveiling its new 2019 manatee and sea turtle decals. These high-quality stickers, featuring beautiful original artwork, are a fun way for people to support the research, rescue and management efforts that conserve these species and spread the word about the challenges they face.

Every July, the FWC introduces new manatee and sea turtle decals that are available with a $5 donation. The waterproof decals are designed to look good on a vehicle’s bumper or the side of a boat, and they can also be found on laptops, water bottles and coolers throughout the state. Get yours when registering or re-registering a vehicle or boat at local tax collector’s offices across the state.

“When someone purchases a manatee or sea turtle decal and displays it, they’re not only contributing financially to conservation,” said Carol Knox, who leads the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management Section. “They’re raising awareness about these species and specific issues they face. It’s a simple way to make a difference for Florida wildlife.” Continue reading →

Dale Martin
City Manager
Fernandina Beach
July 12, 2019 12:00 p.m.

Later this month, we’ll celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s and Buzz Aldren’s walk on the moon (with another astronaut, Michael Collins, remaining in the command module above the moon). That first journey and walk on the moon is often cited as the most significant technological achievement of all time. The accomplishment truly is something to celebrate.

As a young child (age 5) at the time, I do not recall any first-hand memories of the days surrounding the launch of Apollo 11, the landing on the moon, and the safe return to Earth. Hindsight now provides an appropriate perspective.

The moon mission gauntlet had been thrown down by President Kennedy, one month after Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gargarin was the first person to fly in space, vaulting the Soviet Union to the lead in the “Space Race.” Kennedy, in a speech to Congress, stated “I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth” (May 25, 1961).

He reiterated the goal in another speech the following year: “But why, some say, the Moon? Continue reading →