NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – As a nor’easter arrives with high astronomical tides, the main hazard will be moderate to major coastal flooding along the Atlantic coast, St. Johns River and inland tributaries, according to Nassau County officials.
Property owners in areas prone to flooding are encouraged to secure their properties. The county has made sandbags available for residents who may need them. They can be picked up until 8 p.m. Friday, as well as from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, at the following locations:
- • Yulee Road Department — 86200 Gene Lasserre Blvd., Yulee, FL 32097
- DeeDee Bartels Boat Ramp — 97177 Pogey Place, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
- Yulee Ballpark — 86142 Goodbread Road, Yulee, FL 32097
- Hilliard Road Department — 37356 Pea Farm Road, Hilliard, FL 32046
As a result of the coastal flood warning and high surf advisory in effect as of Friday evening, the county manager, in consultation with the emergency management director and public works director, has made the decision to temporarily suspend driving on county beaches (Peters Point south to the state park). County officials will continue to monitor the beach and will reevaluate as needed throughout the weekend.
In Fernandina Beach, boats were being tossed around in the Amelia River on Friday. The conditions also caused some road closures, including Calhoun, Dade and Escambia streets between Sixth and Eighth streets.
“The tide was coming in real hard around 9, 9:30 this morning. It crested about a quarter to 10 with high tide. The marsh at Egans Creek was all underwater. You couldn’t even see the grass. It came up pretty good, but nothing to worry about,” said Scott Camden, who was visiting Fernandina Beach.
But people we talked to who live in the area said they aren’t too concerned about the weather, as they’ve seen their fair share of storms.