Construction will begin soon on a new water and sewer system in American Beach, the historically African American community in Nassau County. The Florida Legislature committed about $1.8 million toward the project this year, an investment that eliminates the need for most of the controversial $9,000 property tax assessments sent to American Beach homeowners last fall.
County commissioners had threatened liens on people’s homes if they didn’t pay a portion of the tax. After public outcry and the legislative appropriation, the county started refunding most of the money residents prepaid — all except $750 per property per year — promising full refunds when the project is complete.
Now, as construction is set to begin on the municipal system, an existing independent water system serving the community remains in limbo. County commissioners plan to mandate new developments connect to the new water system, not the historic one.
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