Episode #206 Taco Pope: – Planning for Growth and Preserving Community in Nassau County

Taco Pope, County Administrator of Nassau County, Florida, joins host Steve Vancore to reflect on his 20-year journey from urban planner to county leader. He explains how his background in planning has shaped his approach to managing one of Florida’s fastest-growing counties, where long-term vision, infrastructure, and water management are central concerns.Pope shares insights into Nassau County’s rapid transformation, particularly in areas near Jacksonville and Amelia Island. He discusses how population growth and in-migration have brought new expectations, shifted voting patterns, and increased the urgency for proactive planning. Initiatives like the 2050 Vision Plan and the Western Nassau Heritage Preservation Program are examples of how the county is balancing growth with quality of life.