Skip to content

Proclamation Honoring the Life of David Berkman

At the Monday, March 11, 2024 meeting, the Board approved Proclamation No. 2024-009 honoring the life of David Berkman, a Nassau County resident who passed away in 2021. Mr. Berkman was a successful business man 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. 

Mr. 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, Mrs. Betty Berkman has made it her mission to continue his efforts in giving back to the community in Mr. Berkman's honor. Ms. Berkman 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 their 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 Ms. Berkman and her family and a special event held at Song & Story on March 18, 2024, by Board Chairman John Martin.  Chairman Martin stated, "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." 

Scroll To Top