CLAY COUNTY
County Offices
477 Houston Street
Green Cove Springs 904-269-6376
http://www.claycountygov.com/
Chamber of Commerce
1734 Kingsley Avenue
Orange Park 904-264-2651
https://www.claychamber.com/
Services
Within the largely suburban environment of Clay County, the largest employer is Orange Park Medical Center. The hospital represents a powerful resource within the community as well as a respected provider of comprehensive healthcare. A number of supportive facilities such as the Kindred rehabilitation hospital in Green Cove Springs and nursing homes or assisted living centers combine with skilled professionals in every specialty to meet routine and advanced needs close to home. The renowned Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville is only a 30-minute drive, and a number of urgent care facilities are conveniently located throughout the area.
New residents of Clay County can look forward to a progressive, highly regarded system of public and private schools for students of all ages. Clay County Schools received a ranking in the top 14 percent of the nation by SchoolMatch, the nation’s largest school selection consulting firm, for providing “What Parents Want.” for their kids. Above average ACT and SAT scores, favorable teacher-student ratios, and impressive rates of graduating seniors who pursue a higher education are all hallmarks of the public school system. The special education programs in Clay County are even used as models by other school systems. Options for higher education include a number of community colleges, St. Leo University, the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, the University of Phoenix, Webster University, Edward Waters University, Florida Coastal School of Law, and a wide variety of career and vocational institutes.
Lifestyle
Nestled along the bank of the majestic St. Johns River, the panoramic countryside of Clay County has matured into one of the nation’s fastest growing regions. The area offers an unsurpassed quality of life by blending suburban and rural settings in close proximity to the cosmopolitan amenities of Jacksonville. Many commuters to Jacksonville have settled in Clay County communities, particularly military and civilian employees at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. Residents enjoy a wide variety of water sports sparkling lakes and rolling rivers, while neighborhood parks offer picnic areas, sports fields, and tennis courts. Golfers will enjoy the challenge of public and private courses, including the course at Magnolia Point Golf & Country Club. The club is also the focal point for an upscale residential enclave just north of historic Green Cove Springs.
Camping, biking, hiking, fishing, and nature study are common pastimes at premier recreational sites like Gold Head Branch State Park, Jennings Forest wildlife management area, Kingsley Beach, and Strickland’s Landing on the banks of Kingley Lake. The new Black Creek/Ravines Conservation Area offers more than 8,000 acres of multipurpose trails and primitive campsites along the banks of scenic Black Creek, while the Black Creek Trail is ideal for cycling, jogging, and walking. Excellent shopping, cultural attractions, private clubs, and an abundance of attractive and affordable housing options have all contributed to the growing popularity of Clay County as a place to live, work, and play.
Fleming Island
County Offices
904-284-6300
www.claycountygov.com
Chamber of Commerce
904-264-2651
www.claychamber.org
The area known as Fleming Island has emerged as one of Clay County’s fastest growing residential areas. Unspoiled natural beauty creates a scenic backdrop for a virtual showcase of ingeniously planned, high-quality neighborhoods that mix beautiful single-family homes with handsome multi-family developments to offer housing options that appeal to a wide range of tastes and budgets. Residential areas integrate rolling fairways, good schools, sports fields, swimming pools, tennis courts, and nature preserves with commercial developments of retail shops and services, business offices, and light industry. Included on the high-growth corridor that is spreading southward from Orange Park, the Fleming Island area is maturing as a semi-rural, suburban haven.
Green Cove Springs
City Hall
904-529-2200
www.greencovesprings.com
Chamber of Commerce
904-264-2651
www.claychamber.org
Considered by many to be the most popular resort between Jacksonville and Palatka, the charming and congenial community of Green Cove Springs creates images of picture-book enchantment along a scenic bend of St. Johns River. Home to popular hotels, towering trees, and tranquil neighborhoods, the city is famous for the mineral spring that produces 3,000 gallons of strongly sulphurous water each minute. Opposite Green Cove on the river’s east bank lies a similar spring in Remington Park. Boasting a rich and colorful history that includes pirates who filled caskets from the springs, the area once hosted winter guests like Abraham and Mary Lincoln. Thousands of gallons of water from Magnolia Springs have been bottled and sold. Stories even circulate about frequent visitor Grover Cleveland having a shipment sent directly to the White House. The city enjoys a location just 27 miles south of Jacksonville on U.S. Highway 17. Recreational activities include camping, boating, golfing, swimming, and picnicking at premier sites like Gold Head Branch State Park.
Keystone Heights
City Hall
352-473-4807
www.keystoneheights.us
Chamber of Commerce
904-264-2651
www.claychamber.org
The small and picturesque community of Keystone Heights is situated at the southern tip of Clay County in an area rich with sand-bottom, sparkling lakes. Advertising itself as the “home of good water,” Keystone Heights offers a paradise of natural beauty and outstanding recreational opportunities. The multitude of lakes makes the area ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, water sports, hiking, biking, and picnicking. Located approximately 50 miles southwest of Jacksonville on State Road 21, the area is characterized as a bedroom community for commuters to regional employment centers. Lovely parks, colorful festivals, a local library, an excellent school system, handsome homes, and close proximity to Gold Head State Park are just a few of the highlights that make Keystone Heights so desirable.
Lake Asbury
County Offices
904-284-6300
www.claycountygov.com
Chamber of Commerce
904-264-2651
www.claychamber.org
The focal point of the Lake Asbury residential community is the body of water of the same name. Lake Asbury offers a pristine spring-fed lake surrounded by a panoramic expanse of land that offers a unique, private setting for one of North Florida’s most popular residential areas. The Lake Asbury community neighbors the charming resort community of Green Cove Springs with vistas of the majestic St. Johns River. Natural springs and historic sites combine with first-class amenities and services developed to boost tourism in this area of exceptionally attractive homes. The bright lights of Jacksonville are approximately 30 miles from Lake Asbury, which also enjoys close proximity to regional recreational sites and a state park. Camping, boating, golfing, horseback riding, swimming, and picnicking are all popular activities.
Lake Geneva
County Offices
904-284-6300
www.claycountygov.com
Chamber of Commerce
904-264-2651
www.claychamber.org
The residential community that surrounds beautiful Lake Geneva is encompassed within the Keystone Heights area. Keystone Beach is ideal for relaxation and exercise with its picnic areas and sand volleyball. One of the recent additions to the beach facility is the 5,200-square-foot, state-of-the-art playground built by volunteers in just five days. Summer concerts showcase local talent that includes a children’s performance on Saturday mornings. Those who desire a tranquil, close-knit community rich in pristine lakes will find a paradise of natural beauty in Lake Geneva’s residential neighborhoods. Retirees, commuters, and growing families enjoy premier recreational activities like fishing, boating, swimming, water sports, hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Middleburg
County Offices
904-284-6300
www.claycountygov.com
Chamber of Commerce
904-264-2651
www.claychamber.org
Located southwest of Orange Park is the unincorporated community of Middleburg, representing the major population concentration in central Clay County. Among the many fine neighborhoods in this area include the residential community surrounding Ravines Golf and Country Club, built on rolling hills with a golf course designed by a PGA professional and designer Mark McCumber. Those seeking generous lots and multi-acre properties will find an abundance of opportunity in Middleburg. Rural beauty in this Black Creek area offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, from birdwatching to hunting. Residents are dedicated to protecting their pristine environment in the face of unprecedented yet exciting growth.
Orange Park
Town Hall
904-264-9565
www.townoforangepark.com
Chamber of Commerce
904-264-2651
www.claychamber.org
Located in close proximity to the Jacksonville Naval Air Station on the western side of the St. Johns River, Orange Park harmonizes a tranquil rural setting with suburban amenities. Home to St. Johns River Community College with its new performing arts center, a major mall, the Orange Park Kennel Club, country clubs, golf courses, and a regional hospital, the community is also surrounded by waterways for boating, fishing, kayaking, and jet skiing. The town’s explosive growth within the past decade continues to push southward into Fleming Island and the Doctors Lake area. Beautiful new subdivisions and planned communities have sprung up, some featuring golf courses, nature preserves, sports facilities, and shopping villages. While new businesses continue to relocate to this dynamic area, planners and residents share in maintaining a constant watch on controlled and aesthetically pleasing growth and development.
Penney Farms
Town Hall
904-529-9078
Chamber of Commerce
904-264-2651
www.claychamber.org
Founded in 1926 by chain store magnate J.C. Penney, the unusual community of Penney Farms began with approximately 200 apartment units that featured French-Norman architectural styling. Located eight miles west of Green Cove Springs, the community was originally intended to serve as a tranquil have for retired ministers, gospel workers, and their wives. This rather unique demographic reflects Penney’s desire to found a community in the memory of his minister father and his mother. Modern Penney Farms is still a popular retirement site where nearly half of the residents of the town have settled into the expansive Memorial Home Community. Close proximity to the urban advantages of Jacksonville and the growing suburban development in Clay County makes this serene retreat even more desirable.
