Q: What exciting things are happening in Parks & Recreation?
A: Through the “Nassau Package,” the BOCC has brought ballparks countywide up to a safe, modern standard with shade structures, bleachers, playgrounds, fitness equipment and landscaping upgrades. The Yulee Ballpark also received fresh paint, new gymnasium floors, fencing, basketball goals and covered batting cages, and the BOCC recently acquired 110 acres adjacent to it for future expansion.
Phase one of Westside Regional Park opens in late April or early May, featuring trails, multi-use fields, an airnasium, playground, dog park, stargazing court and the County’s first amphitheater. The Nassau Crossing Splash Pad opened April 1, operating 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. The 3rd Annual Opening of the Beaches event is May 17 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Main Beach Park.
Q: Why did the County decide to build a roundabout at Amelia Island Parkway & Buccaneer Trail and why didn’t they wait to start after summer?
A: There is rarely a “perfect” time for roadway construction on a growing island. Delaying the project simply shifts inconvenience to another group and introduces broader risks — once a project is identified, procurement requirements under Florida Statutes mean it takes approximately five years before construction can begin, with each phase competitively bid separately.
Pausing now could require re-bidding completed phases and jeopardize funding or regulatory compliance. A traffic study identified safety concerns at this intersection and recommended a roundabout, which reduces vehicle speeds to 15-25 mph and can cut fatal and serious injury crashes by up to 82%, according to Federal Highway Administration data.
Q: What can you tell us about the rumored data center for western Nassau County?
A: Unfortunately, we don’t have any information to share. The Board of County Commissioners and their staff have no knowledge of this project beyond a press release issued by NextNRG in September 2025. County staff has contacted multiple economic development partners and none have knowledge of such a project. As of April 2, 2026, no applications have been filed with Nassau County related to this matter.
Q: What is being built with the $6.25 million Florida Job Growth Grant recently awarded by Governor DeSantis and why is it important?
A: The grant funds engineering and construction of a four-lane roadway network and utility extensions to build the “backbone” of the new Nassau Southwest Industrial Park in Bryceville. The development is planned to include warehouse space, industrial flex-space, a 7.5-acre commercial hub and rail access — creating roughly 1,250 new jobs at the I-10 and U.S. 301 interchange and making the site “shovel-ready” for high-wage employers.
Q: What is sea turtle nesting season and why should we care?
A: Sea turtles help keep seagrass beds and coral reefs thriving, supporting marine life that humans depend on for food and coastal protection. Beginning May 1, sea turtle nesting season on Amelia Island is a critical time when these ancient creatures come ashore to lay their eggs. Residents can help by avoiding nighttime driving on the beach, removing chairs and trash that could block hatchlings and using sea turtle-safe lighting. For more information, visit nassaufl.co/SeaTurtleProtection.
Jeff Gray represents District 3 on the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners. Questions or comments can be directed to him at jgray@nassaucountyfl.com or (904) 570-1946.
