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Nassau County
County
Nassau County Courthouse
Nassau County Courthouse
Official seal of Nassau County
Seal
Map of Florida highlighting Nassau County
Location within the U.S. state of Florida
Map of the United States highlighting Florida
Florida's location within the U.S.
Country  United States
State  Florida
Founded December 29, 1824
Named for 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 Increase
 • Estimate 
(2023)
 101,501
 • Density 127/sq mi (49/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district 4th

Nassau County is the northeasternmost county of the U.S. state of Florida. The United States Census Bureau estimates that the county's population was 101,501 on July 1, 2023, up from 90,352 at the 2020 census.

The designated county seat is Fernandina Beach. Nassau County is a constituent of the Jacksonville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, which accommodates around 1.68 million inhabitants as of the year 2022. 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. 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 will celebrate 200 years with its bicentennial celebration in 2024.

History

See also: Duchy of Nassau

Nassau County was created in 1824 from Duval County. It was named for the Duchy of Nassau in Germany.

  • Arms of Nassau

    The ancestral and core coat of arms of Nassau

  • Hertogdom Nassau wapen

    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 wrestle Florida from Spanish control into the growing United States.

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.

Climate

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 warm, 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.

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)

Geography

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. 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

FernandinaBeach11
Fernandina Beach
HilliardFL
Hilliard

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.

  1. 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.
  2. Moving east, there are some areas (mostly in the northern and central county) of higher ground with much better drainage.
  3. East of these areas are some lower places, especially in the south, that are level and have extremely poor drainage.
  4. 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.
  5. East of this are scattered areas of high, sandy land with spotty or poor drainage.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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

Transportation

Airports

  • Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport
  • Hilliard Airpark

Major highways

Railroads

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

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
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 38.4%
U.S. Decennial Census
1790–1960 1900–1990
1990–2000 2010–2019
Nassau County racial composition as of 2020
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
Race Pop 2010 Pop 2020 % 2010 % 2020
White (NH) 64,410 75,817 87.85% 83.91%
Black or African American (NH) 4,581 4,945 6.25% 5.47%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH) 248 222 0.34% 0.25%
Asian (NH) 619 863 0.84% 0.96%
Pacific Islander (NH) 46 52 0.06% 0.06%
Some Other Race (NH) 98 293 0.13% 0.32%
Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) 932 3,711 1.27% 4.11%
Hispanic or Latino 2,380 4,449 3.25% 4.92%
Total 73,314 90,352

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 90,352 people, 33,475 households, and 24,357 families residing in the county.

As of the census 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.

Economy

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. and the Amelia National Golf & Country Club, designed by Tom Fazio which has 18 holes and a 72 par.

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. In November 2017 it was announced that the University of Florida will be building two health and fitness facilities. 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.

In 2017 Rayonier completed building a new corporate headquarters in Yulee. 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.

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.

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.

Top employers

According to the Nassau County website as of June 2019, 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

Public – Nassau County School District

Nassau County Public School District operates public schools. Its schools are below:

Fernandina Beach High School
Fernandina Beach High School
Florida State College at Jacksonville, Nassau Center
FSCJ Betty Cook Center
Yulee High School
Yulee High School

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 ) – Hilliard

Private schools

  • Amelia Island Montessori ( Pre Kindergarten-8) – Fernandina Beach
  • Faith Christian Academy (Pre- Kindergarten-12) – Fernandina Beach
  • 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

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

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
  • Hilliard
  • Yulee

Media

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

City

Towns

Census-designated places

Other unincorporated communities

Gallery of Municipalities and Communities

Notable people

Historic places

FortClinchAir
Fort Clinch State Park
Fernandina Beach FL Fairbanks House01
Fairbanks House
Main article: National Register of Historic Places listings in Nassau County, Florida

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Condado de Nassau (Florida) para niños

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