At the March 11 meeting, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners approved Proclamation No. 2024-009 honoring the life of David Berkman, a Nassau County resident who passed away in 2021. Berkman was a successful businessman who worked in many areas of real estate, including buying, selling and development of land and apartment communities in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee. Berkman believed in giving back to his community and was a very generous donor to many charitable organizations. His most proud opportunity was sponsoring the Berkman Building at Baptist-Nassau Hospital, which consists of a 49,000-square-foot, 48-bed patient wing added onto the existing hospital, expanding care opportunities for Nassau County residents. Since his passing, Betty Berkman has made it her mission to continue his efforts in giving back to the community in her husband’s honor. She has given generously in recent years, making major contributions to the quality of life for Nassau County residents including:
- A donation to the McArthur Family YMCA to assist with plans to expand its youth programs,
- A donation to the city of Fernandina Beach for construction of Teddy Bear Playground at Central Park,
- A donation to the Council on Aging for an outdoor pavilion and memorial garden,
- A donation to the Boys & Girls Club for a new teen center and sponsorship program,
- A donation to Barnabas Center for its Health Clinic,
- A donation to Nassau Habitat for Humanity for construction of Berkman Place, a site with new affordable homes in Fernandina Beach.
The proclamation was presented to Betty Berkman and her family and a special event held at Song & Story March 18 by board Chairman John Martin.
“Mrs. Berkman has done a lot to honor Mr. Berkman’s legacy of kindness, generosity and selflessness. On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, we thank David and Betty Berkman for their commitment to serve children, families and the community they love.”