Nelson and Associates Insurance marked a major milestone this year as it hosted its 5th Annual Health and Safety Expo, drawing record attendance and expanding services to meet the growing needs of Nassau County residents.
To celebrate five successful years of community outreach, the agency added a Nassau County Block Party on Friday, June 5, at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds, creating a weekend focused on health, wellness, safety and community engagement.
The Health and Safety Expo connects residents with health screenings, educational resources, nonprofit organizations and local service providers.
This year’s event also included free sports EKG screenings for Nassau County student-athletes. The addition helped support early detection of heart conditions and promote safer participation in school athletics.
For the fourth consecutive year, attendees also received free sports physicals, hearing screenings, vision screenings, orthodontic evaluations, and access to numerous community resources and healthcare providers.
“When I first envisioned this annual event, my goal was to provide Nassau County residents with access to valuable community resources, including flood zone maps, emergency contact information, nonprofit services, and free health screenings,” Nelson and Associates Insurance CEO Kimberly Branham-Nelson said. “The continued support from our community, healthcare providers, sponsors and nonprofit organizations has allowed this event to grow beyond what we imagined.”
The 2026 event was made possible through community partnerships and sponsorships. Florida Public Utilities served as the title sponsor, while UF Health was the platinum sponsor. Silver sponsors included First Port City Bank, Remi Realty, YMCA at Wildlight, Nationwide and Clarity Hearing.
“Without the support of our sponsors, this event would not be possible, and we are truly grateful for their commitment to the health and well-being of Nassau County residents,” Branham-Nelson said.
Community participation exceeded expectations, with more than 400 sports physicals and more than 250 sports EKGs completed during a four-hour period. Organizers said the demand highlighted the need for accessible preventive healthcare services throughout Nassau County.
Attendees began arriving hours before services started.
“People started lining up at 9 a.m. to beat the crowd, and by 10 a.m., the line wrapped around the hallway of the UF Health Rehabilitation Clinic,” Branham-Nelson said. “One thing we were especially thankful for was the patience and cooperation of all the attendees. UF Health and Who We Play For were quick, efficient and professional, and that level of teamwork is what makes events like this successful.”
As the event celebrates its fifth anniversary, Nelson and Associates Insurance said it remains committed to expanding its outreach efforts and providing resources that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Nassau County families.
