By Kate Kimmel
The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners presented a draft budget for fiscal year 2025–26 at a budget workshop Monday. The proposal outlines funding for a range of major projects, several of which aim to enhance recreation, public safety and infrastructure throughout the county.
Visitors of Nassau Crossings Park can get ready to make a splash – literally. The draft budget sets aside $378,000 for the construction of a splash pad at the park, which is expected to be completed before the end of August.
Hikers and bikers of Amelia Island can look forward to a new trail. The draft budget includes $6.8 million in federal grant funds for the construction of the Amelia Island Parkway Trail, a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. The trail is expected to be completed by summer 2026.
In Bryceville, the draft budget allocates $6 million from capital reserves for the construction of Fire Station 90, which is expected to be completed this fall. The station will house one rescue unit and one ladder truck.
Boaters using the Goffinsville boat ramp may soon benefit from improvements informed by a completed tidal study. The county proposes $700,000 for design and construction costs tied to the ramp upgrades.
The draft budget also includes continued funding for several ongoing or recently completed projects:
- $31 million for the reconstruction and resurfacing of County Road 121, from Duval County to U.S. 1
- $5.7 million for the completed construction of Fire Station 70, which opened in June
- $9.7 million for the ongoing improvement and signalization of the Pages Dairy and Chester Road intersection
Two public hearings on the draft budget will be held in September, and public input is encouraged. The first hearing is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sept. 8, and the final hearing, during which the budget is expected to be adopted, will take place at 5 p.m. Sept. 22.
kkimmel@nassaunewsline.net
