text:
Beverly Hills, Florida

Beverly Hills is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Citrus County, Florida, United States. The population was 9,961 at the 2020 census, up from 8,445 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Homosassa Springs, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Sam Kellner, a Jewish businessman from New York, made a fortune in the tire business during the 1930s and 1940s, after which he went into construction and real estate development. Around 1960 he purchased 3,500 acres of land in interior Citrus County. Within a few years, Kellner began to develop the former cattle land, selling simple, single-story homes to retirees from the urban North, especially New York and Detroit. Kellner named his new venture Beverly Hills.

Beverly Hills was among the first retirement-oriented planned communities in Central Florida. Like other such developments in South Florida and the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, a private company—Kellner’s Rolling Oaks Corporation—owned most of the non-residential property, including a nearby lumberyard and concrete plant. Purchasing land in a rural, inland area allowed Kellner to market the new community to working class retirees at affordable prices. Beverly Hills proved an early success, growing from 20 homes in the spring of 1962 to around 400 by the end of 1965. In 1972, the development’s population reached 4,500 residents living in 2,200 homes.

In 1980, Beverly Hills Development Corp. purchased the subdivision from original developer Sam Kellner in 1980 and nine years later it was sold to Morrison Homes, the Atlanta-based home builder which ceased selling homes in the subdivision in 1999.

Geography
Beverly Hills is located in north-central Citrus County at 28.91747°N, -82.45617°W. It is nearly surrounded by the community of Pine Ridge, except for a small area on the west where it is bordered by Black Diamond. County Road 491 (North Lecanto Highway) forms the northwestern edge of the Beverly Hills CDP, leading northeast 4 mi to U.S. Route 41 and southwest 5 mi to State Road 44 in Lecanto.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 7.7 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 8,317 people, 4,401 households, and 2,583 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,922.0 PD/sqmi. There were 4,925 housing units at an average density of 1,730.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.90% White, 1.71% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.60% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.38% from other races, and 1.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.97% of the population.

There were 4,401 households, out of which 10.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.4% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.3% were non-families. 36.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 28.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.87 and the average family size was 2.35.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 10.8% under the age of 18, 3.4% from 18 to 24, 13.2% from 25 to 44, 17.6% from 45 to 64, and 54.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 68 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.2 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $24,875, and the median income for a family was $31,505. Males had a median income of $27,500 versus $16,857 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $17,014. About 8.4% of families and 12.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.3% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those age 65 or over.

Public transportation
Citrus County Transit's Orange route serves Beverly Hills.

Education
The CDP is served by Citrus County Schools. Residents are divided between Forest Ridge Elementary School and Central Ridge Elementary School. Residents are divided between Citrus Springs Middle and Lecanto Middle. All residents are zoned to Lecanto High School.

St. Paul’s Lutheran School is a Christian Pre-K-8 school of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod in Beverly Hills.

The Central Ridge Library of Citrus Libraries is in Beverly Hills.

title: Beverly Hills, Florida


text:
Black Diamond, Florida

Black Diamond is a census-designated place (CDP) in Citrus County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,255 at the 2020 census, up from 1,101 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Homosassa Springs, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Black Diamond is located north of the geographic center of Citrus County at 28.91111°N, -82.4925°W (28.911262, -82.492608). It is bordered to the north by Pine Ridge, to the east by Beverly Hills and Pine Ridge, and to the south by Lecanto. County Road 491 (North Lecanto Highway) forms the eastern edge of the CDP, leading northeast 5 mi to U.S. Route 41 and south 4 mi to State Road 44 in Lecanto.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 10.2 km2, all land.

Census
As of the census of 2000, there were 694 people, 248 households, and 212 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 183.6 PD/sqmi. There were 374 housing units at an average density of 98.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 94.09% White, 0.72% African American, 4.61% Asian, and 0.58% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.01% of the population.

Households
There were 248 households, out of which 15.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 84.7% were married couples living together, 0.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.5% were non-families. 11.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.39.

Age averages
In the CDP the population was spread out, with 9.7% under the age of 18, 1.4% from 18 to 24, 10.7% from 25 to 44, 39.0% from 45 to 64, and 39.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 62 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.7 males.

Incomes
The median income for a household in the CDP was $107,771, and the median income for a family was $105,987. Males had a median income of $0 versus $32,500 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $53,621. About 5.7% of families and 3.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen or sixty-five or over.

Education
The CDP is served by Citrus County Schools. Residents are zoned to Central Ridge Elementary School. Residents are divided between Citrus Springs Middle and Crystal River Middle. Portions of the CDP are zoned to Crystal River High School and Lecanto High School.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Black Diamond, Florida


text:
Citrus Hills, Florida

Citrus Hills is a census-designated place (CDP) in Citrus County, Florida, United States. The population was 9,302 at the 2020 census, up from 7,470 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Homosassa Springs, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The CDP takes its name from The Villages of Citrus Hills, a master-planned community first developed by Gerald Nash and Sam Tamposi in the 1970s. (Although sharing a similar name with The Villages, the well-known giant Central Florida retirement community, the two developments are not related.)

Citrus Hills is an active adult community made up of 14 different villages each with their own HOA fees and Deed Restrictions. The amenities at Citrus Hills are the 50,000 sq. foot spa and fitness center, three 18 hole golf courses, one 9-hole golf, three restaurants, an outdoor pool, indoor pool, wet and dry saunas, hot tubs, 8 pickleball courts, bocci courts, volley ball, racquet ball, golf simulator, pool tables, 2 smaller gyms, walking trails, dog park, fitness classes, Tiki Bar, live music and events, fitness classes and clubs and activites. Social memberships to Citrus Hills are deeded with the homes.

Geography
Citrus Hills is located northeast of the center of Citrus County at 28.88611°N, -82.42333°W (28.886087, -82.423450). It is bordered by Pine Ridge to the north, Hernando to the northeast, Inverness Highlands North to the east, and Lecanto to the south and west. Citrus Hills is approximately 9 mi northwest of Inverness, the Citrus County seat.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Citrus Hills has a total area of 25.1 km2, of which 0.01 sqkm, or 0.05%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,029 people, 1,783 households, and 1,485 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 411.2 PD/sqmi. There were 2,137 housing units at an average density of 218.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 92.78% White, 1.44% African American, 0.32% Native American, 4.02% Asian, 0.45% from other races, and 0.99% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.83% of the population.

There were 1,783 households, out of which 15.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 78.4% were married couples living together, 3.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.7% were non-families. 13.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.46.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 13.3% under the age of 18, 2.2% from 18 to 24, 13.3% from 25 to 44, 36.6% from 45 to 64, and 34.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 59 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.5 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $48,229, and the median income for a family was $53,222. Males had a median income of $35,125 versus $24,875 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $25,753. About 4.3% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.2% of those under age 18 and 1.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The CDP is served by Citrus County Schools. Elementary schools serving sections of the CDP include Central Ridge, Forest Ridge, and Hernando. Middle schools serving sections of the CDP include Citrus Springs, Inverness, and Lecanto. High schools serving sections of the CDP include Citrus High School and Lecanto High School.

title: Citrus Hills, Florida


text:
Citrus Springs, Florida

Citrus Springs is a census-designated place (CDP) in Citrus County, Florida, United States. The population was 10,246 at the 2020 census, up from 8,622 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Homosassa Springs, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Citrus Springs is located in northern Citrus County at 28.99361°N, -82.46167°W (28.993539, -82.461692). It is bordered by Pine Ridge to the south and Hernando to the east. U.S. Route 41 (North Florida Avenue) runs through the CDP, leading southeast 15 mi to Inverness, the Citrus County seat, and north 3 mi to Dunnellon in Marion County.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Citrus Springs has a total area of 54.8 km2; all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,157 people, 1,834 households, and 1,333 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 195.4 PD/sqmi. There were 2,003 housing units at an average density of 94.2 /mi2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.70% White, 2.24% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.65% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 1.37% from other races, and 1.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.46% of the population.

There were 1,834 households, out of which 20.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.4% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.3% were non-families. 23.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.61.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 18.0% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 18.6% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 36.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $29,758, and the median income for a family was $35,000. Males had a median income of $27,143 versus $18,686 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $16,845. About 5.0% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.4% of those under age 18 and 4.1% of those age 65 or over.

History
Citrus Springs was developed by the Mackle Brothers, prominent Florida real estate developers working under The Deltona Corporation to be used as a subdivision consisting of over 34,000 homesites. (Elkcam Boulevard, a prominent street in Citrus Springs, is "Mackle" spelled backwards.) The area currently has two elementary schools (Citrus Springs Elementary School and Central Ridge Elementary School, opened fall 2008) and one middle school (Citrus Springs Middle School). There are plans for an 80 acre high school campus complete with public park, but construction is not planned in the near future.

Phosphate mining played a major part in the history of Citrus County until the end of World War II, when phosphate mining largely moved overseas. The first newspaper of Citrus County was called the Phosphate Times. Many abandoned mines exist in the Withlacoochee River basin, with a concentration of those within Citrus Springs. Some of those areas can be seen at one of Citrus Springs' two golf courses, El Diablo. Many of those mines were part of the Dunnellon Phosphate company, headed by Capt John L. Inglis, a veteran of the Civil War. Areas in northeastern Citrus Springs were part of a proposed but unbuilt portion of the Cross Florida Barge Canal to aid the transportation of the mineral.

The Withlacoochee State Trail, a 46 mi bike riding trail which was converted from the railroad lines built in the early 1900s, runs through Citrus Springs, in places parallel to US 41.

Education
The CDP is served by Citrus County Schools. Residents are divided between Citrus Springs Elementary and Central Ridge Elementary. All residents are zoned to Citrus Springs Middle School. Portions of the CDP are zoned to Citrus High School, Crystal River High School, and Lecanto High School.

title: Citrus Springs, Florida


text:
Floral City, Florida

Floral City is a census-designated place (CDP) in Citrus County, Florida, United States. The population was 5,261 at the 2020 census, up from 5,217 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Homosassa Springs, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The community is home to the Floral City Heritage Hall Museum and hosts the Floral City Heritage Days the first weekend in December. The area has a history of phosphate mining and includes historic homes.

Geography
Floral City is located in southeastern Citrus County at 28°44′N 82°18′W (28.7407,-82.2954). It is bordered to the south by Hernando County. U.S. Route 41 runs through the community, leading north 6 mi to Inverness, the Citrus County seat, and south 15 mi to Brooksville.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 64.5 km2, of which 60.4 km2 is land and 4.1 km2, or 6.37%, is water. Floral City is located at the south end of Tsala Apopka Lake, a chain of lakes and wetlands that are part of the Withlacoochee River basin. The town is located at the 23 mile marker (middle) of the Withlacoochee State Trail, a linear state park that follows an old railroad line. It is currently the longest paved trail in Florida at 46 mi.

History
Floral City was laid out and surveyed in 1883 by the surveyor W.H. Havron and then-Senator Austin S. Mann. The land was owned by James Baker, son-in-law of ex-Confederate soldier John Paul Formy-Duval, an early area settler and landowner. The village was at one time larger than Miami, due to the phosphate mining industry located in Citrus County. Around the time of World War I, the mining industry shut down in Floral City. After the war, mining was moved south to the Bartow area east of Tampa.

The community is said to be a slice of "Old Florida" that remains relatively intact. The town was named Floral City for its abundance of wild flowers, which are still plentiful today.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,989 people, 2,180 households, and 1,473 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 213.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,664 housing units at an average density of 114.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 96% White, 1.6% African American, 0.36% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.38% from other races, and 1.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.6% of the population.

There were 2,180 households, out of which 20.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.7% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.4% were non-families. 27.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.69.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 20.3% under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 20.5% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 29.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $28,180, and the median income for a family was $33,404. Males had a median income of $26,972 versus $22,348 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $14,793. About 10.7% of families and 15.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.6% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The CDP is served by Citrus County Schools. Zoned schools include Floral City Elementary School, Inverness Middle School, and Citrus High School.

The Floral City Library of Citrus Libraries is in Floral City.

title: Floral City, Florida


text:
Hernando, Florida

Hernando is a census-designated place in Citrus County, Florida, United States. The population was 9,284 at the 2020 census, up from 9,054 at the 2010 census. At one time it was a city but it was disincorporated in the 1970s. It is part of the Homosassa Springs, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Hernando is located in northeastern Citrus County at 28.92944°N, -82.37444°W (28.929498, -82.374340). It is bordered by Citrus Springs to the northwest, Pine Ridge to the west, Citrus Hill to the southwest, Inverness Highlands North to the south, and Marion County to the north. The eastern edge of the CDP extends into Tsala Apopka Lake, a network of lakes and wetlands that are part of the Withlacoochee River system.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 92.1 km2, of which 82.1 km2 is land and 10.0 km2, or 10.85%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 8,253 people, 3,730 households, and 2,514 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 262.2 PD/sqmi. There were 4,750 housing units at an average density of 150.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.58% White, 2.27% African American, 0.29% Native American, 0.52% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.17% from other races, and 1.11% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.64% of the population.

There were 3,730 households, out of which 18.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.8% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.62.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 17.2% under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 20.8% from 25 to 44, 29.1% from 45 to 64, and 28.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 51 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $29,121, and the median income for a family was $35,118. Males had a median income of $26,084 versus $21,460 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $15,030. About 11.6% of families and 15.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.7% of those under age 18 and 11.0% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation and recreation
U.S. Route 41 is the main road through Hernando, leading south 5 mi to Inverness, the county seat, and north 12 mi to Dunnellon. Two other roads that terminate in Hernando at US 41 are State Road 200 and County Road 486, known as West Norvell Bryant Highway. Hernando lies along the North boundary of the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes. The community of Hernando has a long-standing heritage of airboating (fan boats) which navigate the thousands of acres of swamp that lies to the east. Hernando is home to the Citrus County Airboat Alliance a civic group that promotes environmental stewardship and protecting the rights of airboat operators. Fishing and hunting are popular outdoor activities in the Hernando community.

Hernando features a 46 mi bike riding trail known as the Withlacoochee State Trail which was converted from the former Atlantic Coast Line Railroad line that had been built in the early 1900s. The Hernando Trailhead can be found on the northwest corner of US 41 and CR 486.

Until 2006, Hernando was the home of the Ted Williams Museum.

Education
The CDP is served by Citrus County Schools. Elementary schools serving sections of the CDP include Central Ridge and Hernando. Middle schools serving sections of the CDP include Citrus Springs and Inverness. High schools serving sections of Hernando CDP include Citrus High School and Lecanto High School.

title: Hernando, Florida


text:
Homosassa, Florida

Homosassa is a census-designated place (CDP) in Citrus County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,299 at the 2020 census, down from 2,578 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Homosassa Springs, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Homosassa is derived from a Seminole Indian name meaning either "river of fishes" or "pepper ridge".

In 1851, David Levy Yulee established a 5000 acre sugar plantation on the Homosassa River, close to the current town of Homosassa. The plantation was worked by approximately 1,000 slaves, but Yulee was an absentee owner, spending most of his time in Fernandina. Among the crops raised were sugar cane, cotton, and citrus. The Yulee Groves were one of the first in Florida to grow sweet oranges budded from sour orange stock. The mill, which was steam-driven, operated from 1851 to 1864 and produced sugar, syrup, and molasses, the last of which was part of the rum-making process. After the Civil War ended in 1865, Yulee was imprisoned, the slaves were freed, and the site was abandoned. The remains of the plantation are preserved at the Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park.

Wildlife
Homosassa is home to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, which is often home to large numbers of "migratory" manatees, which frequent the area due to its springs and relatively warm waters. The park has been known to have Florida panthers, black bears, red wolves, alligators and flamingos. The park is home to Lu, a famous hippopotamus known for his performances in many movies. The park also hosts an underwater viewing platform, known as the "fish bowl", where visitors can see manatees and fish swimming in the large spring from which the Homosassa River begins. The Wildlife Park helps spread awareness about the dangers of boating around areas inhabited by manatees as well as the destructive effects of polluting the environment. The park is one of the few major attractions of the area, which has a large retiree population and a very low level of activity compared to major tourist regions of Florida. The Homosassa and Halls rivers run through the area, and it is fairly common to see manatees surface near the area's waterfront restaurants and bars.

Homosassa is considered one of the best places in the world to catch Atlantic tarpon.

Geography
Homosassa is located in southwestern Citrus County, to the west of U.S. Routes 19 and 98 (Suncoast Boulevard). The CDP extends west on both sides of the Homosassa River to a network of marshes and islands that lead to the Gulf of Mexico. The original settlement of Homosassa is located on the south side of the Homosassa River, 3 mi west of Homosassa Springs by either West Fishbowl Drive or West Yulee Drive.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 21.5 km2, of which 20.1 km2 is land and 1.4 km2, or 6.30%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,294 people, 1,128 households, and 771 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 288.7 PD/sqmi. There were 1,602 housing units at an average density of 201.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.65% White, 0.04% African American, 0.35% Native American, 0.04% Asian, 0.04% from other races, and 0.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.05% of the population.

There were 1,128 households, out of which 12.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.8% were married couples living together, 3.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.6% were non-families. 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.02 and the average family size was 2.38.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 10.6% under the age of 18, 3.3% from 18 to 24, 15.5% from 25 to 44, 35.4% from 45 to 64, and 35.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 58 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $38,696, and the median income for a family was $41,513. Males had a median income of $29,044 versus $21,755 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $21,135. About 10.5% of families and 10.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.3% of those under age 18 and 6.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The CDP is served by Citrus County Schools. Homosassa Elementary School is in the community. Residents are zoned to Homosassa Elementary, Crystal River Middle School in Crystal River, and Crystal River High School in Crystal River.

The nearest public library, the Homosassa Public Library of Citrus Libraries, located in Homosassa Springs.

title: Homosassa, Florida


text:
Homosassa Springs, Florida

Homosassa Springs is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Citrus County, Florida, United States. The population was 14,283 as of 2020, up from 13,791 at the 2010 census. Homosassa Springs is the principal community of the Homosassa Springs, Florida, Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The name derives from the warm spring located in Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park that attracts manatees to the area.

Geography and climate
Homosassa Springs is located in southern Citrus County at 28.80722°N, -82.55°W (28.807216, -82.550012). The CDP is to the east of U.S. Routes 19 and 98 (Suncoast Boulevard); the CDP of Homosassa is located to the west of the highway, as is Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Homosassa Springs is bordered to the northwest by the city of Crystal River, to the east by Lecanto, and to the south by Sugarmill Woods.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 65.1 km2, of which 0.02 square mile (0.04 km2), or 0.06%, is covered by water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Homosassa Springs had a population of 14,283 with 5,946 households.

Of that population 5.7% was under 5 years old, 17.6% was under 18 years old, roughly 50.4% was between 18 and 65, and 26.3% was 65 years and older.

51.1% of the population was female persons, 2.8% were foreign born persons, and there were 1,594 veterans living in Homosassa Springs.

95.1% of the population was white, 1.2% was black, 0.4% was American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% was Asian, 3.3% was two or more races, 3.5% was Hispanic or Latino.

The median value of owner-occupied housing units was $86,500 and the median gross rent was $750.

86.6% of the population 25 years and older had a high school diploma or higher, and 7.7% of the population 25 years and older had a bachelor's degree or higher.

90.2% of the households had a computer and 81.2% of the households had a broadband internet subscription.

Education
Homosassa Springs is served by Citrus County School District. Residents are divided between Homosassa Elementary, Lecanto Elementary, and Rock Crusher Elementary; Crystal River Middle School and Lecanto Middle School; and Crystal River High School and Lecanto High School.

The Homosassa Public Library of Citrus Libraries is located in Homosassa Springs.

Notable person

 * Dazzy Vance, baseball pitcher, Hall of Fame inductee

title: Homosassa Springs, Florida


text:
Inverness, Florida

Inverness is a city and the county seat of Citrus County, Florida, United States. It is near the 10950 acre Flying Eagle Preserve. As of the 2020 census, the population was 7,543, up from 7,210 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Homosassa Springs, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Archaeological digs showed that the Seminole resided in the area that is now Inverness. The Seminole leader Osceola made his wartime camp, known as Powell's Town, in the area during the Second Seminole War. During the Second Seminole War, the nearby Fort Cooper was besieged by Osceola and his band of warriors. The garrison was just about out of food when it was relieved by a column of troops under Gen. Duncan L. Clinch.

The city of Inverness was originally named "Tompkinsville". A white settlement of the area dates back to 1868. Tompkins, later known as "Uncle Alf", started the community. To attract newcomers to the town, he established a mail service and helped erect the first sawmill in the county. He gave his brother-in-law, Frank M. Dampier Sr., a lot to build a store, with Dampier becoming the first merchant in town. Dampier is credited with laying out the town and naming it Tompkinsville.

Not many years later, the town of Tompkinsville was sold to a firm in Jacksonville, and the name was changed to "Inverness". According to the late historian Mary McRae of Homosassa, Inverness is named directly after a Scottish city of the same name. Inverness is Great Britain's most northerly city, and "the capital of the Highlands", with a population of 46,870. The story goes that Inverness, Florida, got its name from a lonely Scotsman, far away from his home, who gazed upon the blue waters of the Native American-named Tsala Apopka Lake and thought the area looked like the headlands and lochs of the area surrounding Inverness, Scotland. Inver is a Gaelic word meaning "mouth of the river", the River Ness flows through the Scottish city Inverness, so Inverness literally means the mouth of the River Ness, which flows from Loch Ness, which is one of Scotland's most visited areas. Since the Florida city lies at the foot of one of the chain of lakes in Citrus County, Inverness seemed an appropriate name.

According to official city documentation, Inverness was incorporated on March 6, 1919.

Over twelve downtown buildings have been recognized by the historic plaque program and are presently active places for business. Central Business Development grants have helped to retain the historic character of the city. In 1961, the historic courthouse downtown was used to film the courtroom scene of "Follow That Dream", featuring Elvis Presley.

The city has been designated a "Gateway Community" by the Florida Trail Association. Since 1995, Inverness has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation and the US Forest Service. In 2009, Inverness was named "City of the Year" by the Forty and Eight, a national veterans' organization.

Geography
Inverness is located in eastern Citrus County, on the western shore of the connected Tsala Apopka and Henderson lakes. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 19.9 km2, of which 19.7 km2 is land and 0.2 km2, or 1.01%, is water. Within the city are 330 acre of land reserved for passive and active park usage.

The exact coordinates of the city is located at 28.83917°N, -82.34028°W and close to the 10950 acre Flying Eagle Preserve.

Climate
Inverness has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), typical of the southeastern United States, with hot, humid summers and mild, mainly dry winters.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 7,543 people, 3,685 households, and 1,657 families residing in the city.

In 2020, there were 1.92 persons per household. 83.6% of people lived in the same house as one year prior. 3.8% of the population 5 years and older spoke a language other than English at home.

In 2020, the median value of owner-occupied housing units was $120,100. The median selected monthly owner costs with a mortgage was $882 and the median selected monthly owner costs without a mortgage was $324. The median gross rent was $842. The median household income was $39,532 and the per capita income was $24,585. 15.8% of the population lived below the poverty threshold.

In 2020, 86.0% of the households had a computer and 81.3% of households had a broadband internet subscription. 90.9% of the population 25 years and older were high school graduates or higher and 15.1% of that same population had a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Of the population that was under 65 years old in 2020, 11.0% lived with a disability and 13.5% of that same population were without health insurance.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 7,210 people, 3,361 households, and 1,777 families residing in the city.

Transportation and recreation
Inverness Airport is located 1 mi south of the city limits, next to the Citrus County Speedway. The Citrus County Sheriff's Office's aviation unit operates from this airport.

U.S. Route 41 is the main north-south road through Inverness, leading north 17 mi to Dunnellon and south 21 mi to Brooksville. The main east-west road is State Road 44, leading west 17 mi to Crystal River and east 15 mi to Interstate 75 near Wildwood. The two roads join to form Inverness' Main Street from Talmage Avenue to Highland Boulevard. Other county roads include County Road 581 and County Road 470.

Inverness is home to the Lakes Region Library, which is part of the Citrus County Library System. The library offers several recreational classes such as Tai Chi, painting, gardening, basic technology usage, children and teen programs, and more.

The Withlacoochee State Trail, which replaced a former Atlantic Coast Line Railroad line, runs between two of the chained lakes, with small bridges replacing former railroad trestle crossings. The trail offers access to 46 continuous miles of enjoyment for biking, jogging and walking. It is the longest paved recreation trail in Florida. The Inverness trailhead can be found on North Apopka Avenue (CR 470) across from the trail crossing and Liberty Park.

Other parks in Inverness include Wallace Brooks Park, Whispering Pines Park, the Henderson Lake boat ramps, and Fort Cooper State Park, just south of the city. Inverness is also close to Withlapopka Community Park, the almost 11000 acre Flying Eagle Preserve and the almost 5000 acre McGregor Smith Scout Reservation.

Government
Inverness utilizes a council–manager form of government with a city council composed of the mayor of Inverness and five councilmembers. This council also sets policy to be administered, directed, and implemented by the city manager. As of February 2020, the current mayor is Bob Plaisted and the current city manager is Eric Williams.

Education
The city is served by Citrus County Schools. Residents are divided between Inverness Primary, Pleasant Grove Elementary, and Hernando Elementary. All residents are zoned to Inverness Middle School, and Citrus High School.

The Lakes Region Library of Citrus Libraries is in Inverness.

Events
The last full weekend in October is reserved for the Great American Cooter Festival, named after the Florida cooter turtle. A family-focused event of music, games, crafts and more is held at the adjoining Liberty and Wallace Brooks parks on Lake Henderson. In 2022, the event was replaced by the Inverness Country Jam.

Since 1971, the first weekend in November marks the Festival of the Arts, a juried fine art show that has grown to include over 100 artists.

Every year in March, there is a Seminole War re-enactment at Fort Cooper State Park called Fort Cooper Days.

title: Inverness, Florida


text:
Inverness Highlands North, Florida

Inverness Highlands North is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) in Citrus County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,707 at the 2020 census, up from 2,401 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Homosassa Springs, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Inverness Highlands North is located in eastern Citrus County at 28.86417°N, -82.37778°W (28.864238, -82.377723), up against the northwest corner of the city of Inverness, the county seat. The CDP is bordered to the north by Hernando and to the northwest by Citrus Hills. State Road 44 forms the southern edge of the CDP, leading east into Inverness and west 14 mi to Crystal River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.0 km2, of which 4.9 km2 is land and 0.2 km2, or 3.11%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,470 people, 616 households, and 434 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 766.8 PD/sqmi. There were 665 housing units at an average density of 346.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.77% White, 6.05% African American, 0.07% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.14% from other races, and 1.70% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.59% of the population.

There were 616 households, out of which 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.1% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.5% were non-families. 25.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.80.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 22.4% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 23.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $27,128, and the median income for a family was $28,821. Males had a median income of $30,263 versus $21,161 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $12,818. About 13.1% of families and 14.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.0% of those under age 18 and 12.4% of those age 65 or over.

Public transportation
Citrus County Transit's Orange route serves Inverness.

Education
The CDP is served by Citrus County Schools. Elementary schools serving sections of the CDP include Hernando and Pleasant Grove. All residents are zoned to Inverness Middle School, and Citrus High School.

title: Inverness Highlands North, Florida


text:
Inverness Highlands South, Florida

Inverness Highlands South is a census-designated place (CDP) in Citrus County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 6,698, up from 6,542 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Homosassa Springs, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Inverness Highlands South is located in eastern Citrus County at 28.79944°N, -82.33056°W (28.799492, -82.330549), along the southern border of the city of Inverness, the county seat. The western edge of the CDP runs along the border of Withlacoochee State Forest.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 14.6 km2, of which 0.03 km2, or 0.21%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,781 people, 2,557 households, and 1,792 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,024.6 PD/sqmi. There were 2,747 housing units at an average density of 486.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.83% White, 1.73% African American, 0.35% Native American, 0.69% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.57% from other races, and 0.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.95% of the population.

There were 2,557 households, out of which 21.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.7% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.9% were non-families. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.66.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 19.1% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 33.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.6 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $28,289, and the median income for a family was $34,647. Males had a median income of $27,742 versus $23,097 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $19,362. About 6.3% of families and 9.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.5% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The CDP is served by Citrus County Schools. Elementary schools serving sections of the CDP include Inverness and Pleasant Grove. All residents are zoned to Inverness Middle School, and Citrus High School.

title: Inverness Highlands South, Florida


text:
Lecanto, Florida

Lecanto is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Citrus County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census it had a population of 6,301, up from 5,882 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Homosassa Springs, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is home to several county government facilities such as the Citrus County Sheriff's Office and the Citrus Campus of the College of Central Florida.

Geography
Lecanto is located at the geographic center of Citrus County at 28.85°N, -82.48333°W (28.8488, -82.4811). State Road 44 (Gulf to Lake Highway) runs through the center of the CDP, leading west 7 mi to Crystal River and east 10 mi to Inverness, the county seat.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 69.8 km2, of which 0.02 km2, or 0.03%, is water.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 5,161 people, 1,861 households, and 1,369 families in the CDP. The population density was 190.8 PD/sqmi. There were 2,095 housing units at an average density of 77.5 /sqmi. The racial makup of the CDP was 93.88% White, 2.96% African American, 0.76% Native American, 0.76% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.43% from other races, and 1.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.71%.

Of the 1,861 households 25.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.8% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.4% were non-families. 22.0% of households were one person and 11.7% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.81.

The age distribution was 20.5% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 23.4% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 22.6% 65 or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.4 males.

The median household income was $40,826 and the median family income was $46,987. Males had a median income of $30,625 versus $27,296 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $20,625. About 5.3% of families and 9.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.8% of those under age 18 and 4.8% of those age 65 or over.

Lecanto is the site of the privately operated Citrus County Detention Facility, which holds a maximum of 760 prisoners of the county, of the federal government, and prisoners from the Virgin Islands.

Education
The CDP is served by Citrus County Schools. Elementary schools serving sections of the CDP include Lecanto, Forest Ridge, Rock Crusher, and Hernando. Lecanto Middle School and Lecanto High School also serve the CDP.

College of Central Florida's Citrus Campus was built in Lecanto in 1996.

Public transportation
Citrus County Transit has its headquarters in Lecanto, and runs one flex-route service in the area.

title: Lecanto, Florida


text:
Sugarmill Woods, Florida

Sugarmill Woods is an unincorporated, census-designated place (CDP) in southwestern Citrus County, Florida. The population was 11,204 at the 2020 census, up from 8,287 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Homosassa Springs, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The name is derived from the Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins in nearby Homosassa.

The settlement was platted in 1972, with a concept of six villages: Cypress, Oak, Pinewood, Palm, Orange, and Meadow Run — each with its own village center. 24,000 lots were planned. The first nine holes of Sugarmill Woods Country Club's golf course, two tennis courts, and a swimming pool were completed in 1975.

Amenities included golf courses, and swim and tennis complexes.

Geography
Sugarmill Woods is located in southern Citrus County. It is bordered to the north by Homosassa Springs and Lecanto, to the south by Hernando County, to the west by US Highways 19/98 (Suncoast Boulevard), and the east by the Suncoast Parkway Extension (SR 589 Tollway) traversing the Withlacoochee State Forest. According to the United States Census Bureau, the Sugarmill Woods CDP has a total area of 26.6 mi2, mostly land, with the exception of several retention ponds.

Demographics
It is important to note that the CDP's demography is subject to seasonal migratory owners and their preferred registry locations. The CDP's occupancy increases significantly November through April.

According to the US Census Bureau, in 2018, the CDP's population was 8,851, of which, 1,507 identified as Veterans. 49.9% of the CDP's residents were 65 and over, 38% were aged 18–64, and 12% were aged 17 or younger. The female population was 53%. The CDP was 90% White, 5% Latino, 3.4% Asian, and 1.6% Black or African American. The median household income for the CDP in 2018 was $48,433, with 12.3% in poverty.

Parks and recreation
Recreational facilities include:
 * Sugarmill Woods Country Club - opened in 1975
 * Oak Village Sports Complex - opened in 1984
 * Southern Woods Golf Club - opened in 1992
 * World Woods Golf Club - opened in 1994

The Suncoast Trail
The Suncoast Trail is a paved multi-use path (MUP) traversing the 42 mi of the Suncoast Parkway (SR 589). Its northern trailhead is located at its intersection with US Highway 98, east of Oak Village. Planned for completion in 2022, the "Suncoast 2" project will extend the trail another 13 mi and provide another access point for Sugarmill Woods at Oak Park Boulevard. Citrus County currently has plans for a MUP along US HWY 98 from the south-side intersection with Oak Village Boulevard, to the US HWY 98 trailhead.

Owner associations
The mix of property types in Sugarmill Woods dictated that the main associations be designated as Property Owners Associations (POA) instead of Homeowner Associations (HOA). The POAs are Cypress Village, Oak Village, and Southern Woods. The Hammocks, Oakleaf, and Fairway Woods have their own recorded HOAs, while Cypress Run, Pinewood Gardens, Springwood, 3rd Fairway Condominiums I & II, The Villas at Beechwood Point, Pinewood and Fairway Run are condominium associations.

The POAs, certain HOAs and condo associations, administer and enforce their own restrictions and bylaws. They are typically structured to include a board of directors and several committees dedicated to the various concerns of the organization, such as Architectural Control, Rules & Regulations, Deed Restrictions, Common Areas, Finance, Public Safety, and Communications.

In Cypress Village, elected board directors are permitted to serve two consecutive 3-year terms without a maximum number of terms, while committee members serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors by invitation, and without term limits.

Politics
Sugarmill Woods is located within Precinct 307 of Citrus County. In May 2020, Precinct 307 had 8,994 registered voters, 4,778 (53.1%) listed as Republican, 2,146 (23.9%) Democrats, 1,946 (21.6%) No Party Affiliation (NPA), and 124 (1.4%) Other Parties.

Education
Sugarmill Woods is served by the Citrus County School District.

Transportation
Sugarmill Woods is served by Citrus County roads and US Highways 19 and 98.

Emergency services
A Citrus County Fire Rescue and Sheriff's Office precinct are located here.

title: Sugarmill Woods, Florida


text:
Lake Asbury, Florida

Lake Asbury is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Clay County, Florida, United States. It is referred to as the Asbury Lake CDP by the U.S. Census Bureau. The population at the 2020 census was 11,036, up from 8,700 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Jacksonville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Lake Asbury is located north of the center of Clay County at 30.05291°N, -81.8163°W. The community surrounds a small reservoir of the same name, though it has also recently expanded eastward. It is bordered on the north by Black Creek, a tributary of the St. Johns River. The community is 13 mi southwest of Orange Park and 30 mi southwest of downtown Jacksonville.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 44.8 km2, of which 44.1 km2 is land and 0.7 km2, or 1.56%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 8,700 people, 2,848 households, and 2,450 families residing in the CDP, a 290% increase from 2000. The population density was 2,417.6 PD/sqmi. There were 3,048 housing units at an average density of 846.6 /mi2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 88.8% White, 5.7% African American, 0.5% Native American, 1.3% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.0% of the population.

There were 799 households, out of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 80.0% were married couples living together, 5.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 12.6% were non-families. 10.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 22.5% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 35.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $65,476, and the median income for a family was $70,278. Males had a median income of $47,000 versus $30,167 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $26,398. About 4.2% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.2% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Lake Asbury, Florida


text:
Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace, Florida

Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) in Clay County, Florida, United States. The population was 14,482 at the 2020 census, up from 13,343 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Jacksonville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace is located in northeastern Clay County at 30.17722°N, -81.74167°W (30.177189, -81.741776), along the border with Duval County (the city of Jacksonville). To the east and partially to the south is the town of Orange Park. Also to the south, beyond Kingsley Avenue (State Road 224) is the CDP of Lakeside. Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace is the home of the Orange Park Mall.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 11.0 km2, of which 10.9 sqkm is land and 0.2 sqkm, or 1.48%, is water.

The Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace CDP contains the separate unincorporated communities of Bellair, Meadowbrook Terrace, and North Meadowbrook Terrace within its boundaries. Residents of this area often will say they live in Orange Park, although they are outside the town limits.

Notable people
Lynyrd Skynyrd vocalist Ronnie Van Zant was buried at Jacksonville Memorial Gardens (adjacent to the Orange Park Mall) in 1977, but his remains were relocated to an undisclosed location after vandals broke into his tomb and that of bandmate Steve Gaines on June 29, 2000. Van Zant's casket was pulled out and spilled on the ground. The bag containing Gaines' ashes was torn open and some spilled onto the grass. Their mausoleums remain as memorials for fans to visit.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 13,343 people, a 19.3% decrease from 2010. There were 5,296 households, and 3,460 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,951.6 PD/sqmi. There were 6,805 housing units at an average density of 1,214.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 70.9% White, 17.9% African American, 0.5% Native American, 3.66% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 4.3% from other races, and 3.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.9% of the population.

There were 6,447 households, out of which 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.3% were married couples living together, 14.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.1% were non-families. 23.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 25.1% under the age of 18, 11.4% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.2 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $42,426, and the median income for a family was $47,926. Males had a median income of $32,936 versus $23,117 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $21,095. About 5.9% of families and 7.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.8% of those under age 18 and 1.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace, Florida


text:
Green Cove Springs, Florida

Green Cove Springs is a city in and the county seat of Clay County, Florida, United States. Green Cove Springs is a part of the Jacksonville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 9,786 at the 2020 census, up from 6,908 at the 2010 census.

The city is named after the portion of the St. Johns River upon which it is built. The river bends here, and the area is sheltered by trees that are perennially green.

History
The area was first inhabited over 7,000 years ago by Native Americans attracted to a warm mineral spring. The hydrological spring, locally known as the "Original Fountain of Youth", attracted patrons in the 19th century to the spa town, where more than a dozen hotels were built near the spring to accommodate them. Today, the sulfur-scented spring water feeds an adjacent public swimming pool before flowing the short distance to the St. Johns River. The Green Cove Springs area was first developed by George J. F. Clarke in 1816 when he was provided land, under a Spanish land grant, to build a sawmill. Green Cove Springs was established in 1854 as White Sulfur Springs. Renamed in 1866, it became the Clay County seat in 1871.

Agriculture and tourism were the two primary economic activities in the area until the end of the 19th century, when Henry Flagler's railroad began taking tourists further south in Florida. In 1895, the Great Freeze destroyed the area's citrus crops, and tourism all but ended. The 1920s had renewed development, with automobile traffic once again bringing in tourists. The Great Depression of the 1930s marked the end of this period of growth for the city.

The first women's club in the state of Florida was established in Green Cove Springs in 1883. The Village Improvement Association led local efforts to beautify the town, and established its first public library.

The period immediately before and during World War II again brought new growth to Green Cove Springs. On September 11, 1940, the U.S. Navy opened Naval Air Station Lee Field in honor of Ensign Bejamin Lee, who had lost his life in a crash at Killinghome, England, during World War I. In August 1943, the facility was renamed Naval Air Station Green Cove Springs and consisted of four 5000 ft asphalt runways. One of the Marine Corps aviators training in the F4U Corsair Operational Training Unit at Lee Field in early 1945 was eventual television personality Ed McMahon. After the war, NAS Green Cove Springs was downgraded in status to a Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) as part of the greater NAS Jacksonville complex. Thirteen piers were constructed along the west bank of the St. Johns River adjacent to NAAS Green Cove Springs to house a U.S. Navy Atlantic Reserve Fleet, Florida "mothball fleet" of some 500 vessels, primarily destroyers, destroyer escorts, and fleet auxiliaries. In 1960, the Navy decommissioned NAAS Green Cove Springs and the pier facility. Some of the mothballed vessels were transferred to foreign navies, while others were relocated to other Reserve Fleet locations.

In 1984, the city annexed the former naval base into the city to use it for further growth and development as the Clay County Port and Reynolds Industrial Park. The air station is now a private airfield known as Reynolds Airpark (FAA airfield identifier FL60) with a single 5000 ft asphalt runway currently operational, although reportedly in poor condition. Though the original air traffic control tower is still standing, attached to one of the former Navy aircraft hangars, the airfield remains an uncontrolled facility.

Green Cove Springs is the birthplace of Charles E. Merrill (1885–1956), one of the founders of Merrill Lynch. The town's spring is described by his son James Merrill in the poem "Two From Florida", published in The Inner Room (1988).

Green Cove Springs is also the birthplace of Augusta Savage (née Augusta Christine Fells, February 29, 1892 – March 26, 1962). Savage was an African-American sculptor associated with the Harlem Renaissance.

Locally, the community is known as the home of Gustafson's Farm, a brand name of milk and dairy products sold throughout Florida. The main Gustafson Dairy Farm is located in Green Cove Springs and is one of the largest privately owned dairy farms in the Southeastern United States. Started in 1908, the main farm occupies nearly 10000 acre adjacent to the city limits. Gustafson's has many bottling plants across the state, stretching from Tallahassee in the west to Tampa and Cocoa in the south. All Gustafson products have the picture of the husband-and-wife founders, Frank and Agnes Gustafson (also known as Mama and Papa Gus), who along with their first cow on their farm (named "Buttercup") are prominently featured on the packaging of the dairy's products.

Scenes for the 1971 "B" monster movie Blood Waters of Dr. Z (or Zaat) were filmed here. The movie was satirized on the television program Mystery Science Theater 3000.

Historic places
These sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places:
 * Clay County Courthouse
 * Green Cove Springs Historic District
 * St. Mary's Church
 * “The Hellhouse” original rehearsal studio to Lynyrd Skynyrd

Government
The city of Green Cove Springs is structured in a city council/city manager form of government, with the council functioning as the governing body. The city has had this form of government since the 1980 charter revision. The city council is composed of five members who are elected at large to three-year terms. The five-member council consists of the mayor, the vice mayor, and three council members. The mayor and vice mayor are elected by the council and serve in these positions for one year. As the official representative of the city, the mayor is responsible for all intergovernmental relations and for presiding over all meetings of the council. The vice mayor serves as the presiding officer for all council meetings in the mayor's absence. The current city manager is Steve Kennedy.

The current office holders are:

 * Mayor Seat 3 - Connie Butler
 * Vice Mayor Seat 5 - Steven Kelley
 * City Council Seat 1 - Edward Gaw
 * City Council Seat 2 - Matt Johnson
 * City Council Seat 4 - Thomas Smith

The Green Cove Springs Police Department provides full law enforcement services within the incorporated city limits of Green Cove Springs. The agency is headed by a chief of police with two lieutenants acting as division commanders. The department currently consists of 29 sworn officers, part-time and full-time dispatchers, an evidence custodian, an administrative secretary, and two crossing guards. The agency has full-time officers assigned to the countywide Drug Task Force and Jacksonville Metro DEA Task Force, and also participates in the Clay County SWAT team. In addition to these specialized assignments, the police department is active in the North East Florida Intelligence Unit, North East Florida Burglary Detectives Unit, Northeast Florida Investigative Support Center, the Violent Crime Regional Coordinating Team, Sex Assault Task Force, and Domestic Violence Task Force. The department serves a diverse community and handled approximately 32,974 calls for service in 2011, with an average response time of two minutes for calls of an emergency nature. The department makes use of mobile data terminals in all of their patrol vehicles for reporting and obtaining information on the streets. All officers receive advanced training in law enforcement, as well as career development. In 2011, the police department became the first law enforcement agency in northeast Florida to use red-light cameras. The agency is also known for programs such as North East Florida Camp Cadet and the Teen Summit.

In April 2014, the agency moved into a newly built police station and emergency operations center at 1001 Idlewild Avenue.

The city of Green Cove Springs contracts with the Clay County Fire-Rescue Department for fire and medical services.

Post office
A U.S. post office was established at Hibernia on June 19, 1849, but its name was changed on October 17, 1853, to Magnolia Mills, and on July 30, 1866, it was changed to Green Cove Springs. The Hibernia post office was reestablished on February 16, 1855, and remained open until May 15, 1931, when it was closed and the area assigned to Green Cove Springs.

Geography
Green Cove Springs is located on the eastern border of Clay County at 29.99278°N, -81.68389°W (29.992716, –81.683786), along the St. Johns River.

U.S. Route 17 passes through the center of town as Orange Avenue and leads north 28 mi to downtown Jacksonville and south 26 mi to Palatka. State Road 16 departs west from the center of the city and leads 27 mi to Starke. SR 16 leaves eastbound from US 17 south of the city center and crosses the St. Johns River by the Shands Bridge, leading to St. Augustine 25 mi to the east. By the late 2020s, the First Coast Expressway, a major toll bypass road connecting I-10 and I-95, is expected to pass to the west and south of Green Cove Springs.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 25.6 km2, of which 19.1 km2 are land and 6.5 km2, or 25.35%, are covered by water.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 9,786 people, 2,997 households, and 2,046 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 6,908 people, 2,379 households, and 1,737 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there are 5,378 people, 1,987 households, and 1,402 families residing in the city. The population density was 789.0 PD/sqmi. The 2,199 housing units averaged 322.6 per square mile (124.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city is 71.55% White, 24.40% African American, 0.41% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.34% from other races, and 1.73% from two or more races. 5.08% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 1,987 households in 2000, 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.2% were married couples living together, 16.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.4% were not families. About 24.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51, and the average family size was 2.96.

In 2000, in the city, the population distribution was 23.7% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 25.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.3 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $33,487, and for a family was $40,443. Males had a median income of $28,097 versus $22,040 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,673. About 14.6% of families and 19.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.2% of those under age 18 and 13.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Green Cove Springs is part of the Clay County School District. The city is home to Charles E. Bennett Elementary School, Green Cove Springs Jr. High School, and the Bannerman Learning Center. Clay High School lies just feet outside of the western city limits.

Notable people

 * Kevin Allen (born 1965), racing driver
 * Cliff Avril (born 1986), player in the National Football League
 * Charles Thomas Butler (1906–1964), Major League Baseball pitcher
 * Frank J. Canova Jr. (born 1956), electronics engineer, known for inventing the smartphone
 * Caeleb Dressel (born 1996), swimmer and seven-time Olympic gold medalist
 * Will Holden (born 1993), player in the National Football League
 * Charles E. Merrill (1885–1956), American businessman and philanthropist
 * Maxey Dell Moody Jr. (1913–1987), founder of MOBRO Marine, Inc.
 * Augusta Fells Savage (1892–1962), sculptor and art educator, leader during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s

Museums

 * Clay County Historical Society Museum
 * Military Museum of North Florida

title: Green Cove Springs, Florida


text:
Lakeside, Florida

Lakeside is an unincorporated area and census-designated place in Clay County, Florida, United States. It is part of the greater Orange Park area and is included in the Jacksonville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 31,275 at the 2020 census, up from 30,943 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Lakeside is located in northeastern Clay County at 30.13472°N, -81.76583°W (30.134840, -81.765767). It is bordered on its northeastern edge by the Town of Orange Park. To the north is the Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace CDP, and to the southeast, across Doctors Lake, an inlet of the St. Johns River, is Fleming Island. The community of Doctors Inlet is just to the south of Lakeside.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 40.7 km2, of which 35.0 km2 is land and 5.7 km2, or 13.96%, is water.

History
The Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center, one of ten regional centers for primate research, was once located just west of Orange Park in what is now the Lakeside CDP. The center, established in 1930 by psychologist Robert Yerkes and Yale University and the Rockefeller Foundation, was the first laboratory in the United States for the study of non-human primates. Prior to the opening of the facility, Yerkes was engaged in his own research with two great apes, named "Chim" and "Panzee". His findings convinced officials at Yale University, the Rockefeller Foundation and the Carnegie Foundation to sponsor the Florida facility. Initially designed to house about 25 chimpanzees, researchers worked with an estimated 65 chimps (and possibly more) during the lab's 35-year history. This location was home to chimpanzees nurtured as humans such as Gua and Viki and other primates from the estate of Madame Rosalia Abreu in Havana, Cuba. It was home to some of the leading behavioral scientists of the time, some of whom either liked or hated living in the humid South. These researchers studied various aspects of primate behavior, including basic biology, sensory function, reproductive systems, behavioral patterns, physiology and anatomy. Comically, rumors about the place by some Orange Park residents included those of scientists cross-breeding humans with apes. The term "Monkey Farm" has been used by some residents, who may be aware of the location's history, to describe the lab's functions.

The plot of land upon which Yerkes Labs sat was 188 acre, about a mile west of Orange Park. The actual research buildings sat on less than an acre, on what is now part of the Foxwood Center plaza (facing Orange Park Medical Center on Kingsley Avenue) in unincorporated land outside the town limits. In 1966, the abandoned buildings and adjacent land were purchased by Developer Marvin Wilhite of Ahpla, Inc., who still lives in Foxwood and built other communities such as Foxridge. He chose the name Ahpla (using a backward arrangement of the letters) after a female chimp named Alpha, who was the first chimp born at the Yerkes Labs on September 11, 1930.

Foxwood Center still has some of the original laboratory buildings that once housed the chimps, the grounds caretaker, and administrative offices. These stand alongside others that have been added, including the Orange Park Chamber of Commerce building. The old caretaker's house is now known as The Granary, an organic food and health store.

In 1956, Emory University took over operation of the Center. In 1965, the center was relocated to the campus of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2002, the Center was renamed the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, though officially the "Regional" name still applies.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 31,275 people, 11,023 households, and 8,249 families residing in the CDP.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 30,943 people, 11,758 households, and 9,163 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 30,927 people, 10,753 households, and 8,785 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,040.8 PD/sqmi. There were 11,144 housing units at an average density of 735.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 80.9% White, 10% African American, 0.5% Native American, 3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.4% from other races, and 3.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.1% of the population.

As of 2000, there were 10,753 households, out of which 42.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.6% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.3% were non-families. 14.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.15.

In 2000, in the CDP, the population was spread out, with 28.4% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 7.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.9 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the CDP was $52,013, and the median income for a family was $56,254. Males had a median income of $36,787 versus $25,703 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $20,785. About 3.6% of families and 4.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.5% of those under age 18 and 6.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The largest of three campuses of St. Johns River State College, formerly known as St. Johns River Community College, is located in Lakeside on College Drive. The college is home to Thrasher-Horne Center for the arts, a performing arts theater used for various plays and events. The college has a regular student base of 2,221 students but also hosts many dual enrollment students from Clay County high schools.

title: Lakeside, Florida


text:
Middleburg, Florida

Middleburg is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) within Clay County in the U.S. state of Florida, located 26 mi southwest of downtown Jacksonville and 16 mi northwest of Green Cove Springs, the county seat of Clay County. As of the 2020 census, the population of Middleburg was 12,881, down from 13,008 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Jacksonville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

It is home to Middleburg High School and to the Middleburg Historic District.

Geography
Middleburg is located northwest of the center of Clay County at 30.05083°N, -81.90194°W (30.050783, -81.902013). Florida State Road Blanding Boulevard leads northeast 13 mi to the Orange Park area and southwest 23 mi to Keystone Heights.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Middleburg CDP has a total area of 50.7 sqkm, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 13,008 people living in 4,891 housing units within the CDP. Between the 2000 and 2010 census, Middleburg realized a population increase of 2,670 individuals. The racial makeup of the CDP was 92.9% White, 3.1% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 0.9% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.1% of the population.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 24.87% under the age of 18, 75.13% age of 18 or over, and 10.36% age of 65 or over. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.

Early settlement
First settled as a village in the early decades of the nineteenth century, Asa Clark ran the first ferry on Black Creek until 1828, leading to the settlement being called Clark's Ferry.

Between 1824 and 1827, the Federal Military Road was constructed, running south from Colerain, Georgia to Tampa Bay. The Federal Military Road passed through Clark's Ferry along the route of present-day Main Street, resulting in increased traffic through the community and providing a postal route.

Blakey (1976) wrote of a settlement called Whitesville which existed approximately near the intersection of present-day Florida State Road 21 and County Road 218, and which grew large enough to warrant its own United States Post Office, established on February 19, 1828. That same year, Isaac Boring founded the Black Creek Methodist Church, although the frontier Methodist society met in their own homes until the Methodist Church was built in 1847.

John Hanson took ownership of Clark's ferry from 1828 through 1833, whereafter he sold to Samuel and Charlotte Garey, resulting in the area coming to be known as Garey's Ferry. George Branning also operated a separate ferry, which competed with Garey's, around this time.

Forts Heileman and Sanderson
The community expanded rapidly during the Second Seminole War. Fort Heileman, a wooden stockade fortification located between the North and South prongs of Black Creek, was hastily built in 1836 and protected settlers at Garey's Ferry where it was the "principal depot for the east coast of Florida."

During the Seminole Wars, Fort Heileman was used as a quartermaster workshop and storage depot until its armaments were moved to Fort Shannon in Palatka and the fort was largely abandoned after June 18, 1841. The Fort was permanently abandoned in 1842 and destroyed by a flood later that year. The only potential remnant of Fort Heileman is the Clark-Chalker House, which was built in 1835 and may have served as Fort Heileman's army hospital.

Fort Sanderson was built around July 12, 1840 at an unknown location in Garey's Ferry, but was mostly used for storage, and was abandoned the following year (Blakey, 1976).

Creation of Middleburgh, Seat of Clay County
Garey's Ferry expanded following the Seminole Wars, growing quickly and trading in timber, citrus fruits, cotton, and farm crops. In 1851, Garey's Ferry and Whitesville were consolidated into the town of Middleburgh and the Post Office moved from Whitesville to its current location on Palmetto Street. Clay County (named for Henry Clay) was created from Duval County in December 1858, and Middleburgh became and remained the county seat until 1874. Throughout the 1850s, as national tensions leading to the American Civil War were increasing, Middleburgh and Clay County remained a stronghold of Whig voters and pro-Union sentiment; in 1859, Whitesville residents renamed their community Webster in honor of Whig politician Daniel Webster.

American Civil War
On October 23, 1864, during the American Civil War, the 4th Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry engaged local Confederates in a skirmish from their base at the Magnolia Springs hotel. Moving into Middleburg the next day, October 24, 1864, the 4th Massachusetts raided and set fire to downtown Middleburg on Main Street and Thompson (now Wharf) Street, destroying Samuel B. Thompson's cotton warehouses and docks, as well as a hotel. The 2nd Florida Cavalry, under command of Captain J.J. Dickison, retaliated by firing on the Massachusetts regiment, leading the latter to retreat across Black Creek and burn the ferry bridge behind them. As the Massachusetts regiment rushed back to Magnolia Springs, Dickison's regiment detoured four miles through Whitesville and caught the Massachusetts regiment at Jeremiah Halsey's Plantation, engaging in a skirmish that resulted in twelve Union deaths and Confederate victory. This skirmish is known officially as the Battle of Halsey's Plantation, but has also been referred to as the Battle of Big Gum Creek. The exact location of Halsey's Plantation is not known, but it was near the site that is currently Shadowlawn Elementary School on County Road 218.

Among the repeated skirmishes between the 4th Massachusetts and 2nd Florida cavalries was a two-hour engagement whereby Dickison's troops rescued cattle that had been seized by Union troops, which local history refers to as the Battle of the Tiger Head.

Decline and expansion
Middleburg suffered from the Civil War, after which there were less than 100 residents. Middleburg's population numbered in the 700s between 1890 and 1920. The Great Freeze of 1895 in and a reduction of the river trade further contributed to the town's decline.

In the 1890s, African American homesteaders, starting with Grant Forman (1868-1951) in 1895, settled and developed the community of Hill Top in what is Forman Circle." According to "Embedded in Clay," Forman fled to South Carolina after his house was burned by a white mob. Frosard Budington, a leader of Whitesville, covered the cost of Forman's land taxes until such time as it was safe for Forman to return to Hill Top.

The 1989 film Brenda Starr was partially filmed on Black Creek.

Since the 1990s, Middleburg's population and industry have rapidly expanded along with the surrounding communities of Orange Park, Lakeside, Lake Asbury, Fleming Island, and Jacksonville. Because of this development, construction to extend the First Coast Expressway through the area is underway, including the addition of exit junctions in Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, and Asbury Lake.

Notable people

 * Gary Barnidge, NFL tight end
 * Lenny Curry, mayor of Jacksonville, Florida
 * Roy Geiger, USMC World War II general
 * Ashley Greene, actress
 * Richard Owens, NFL tight end
 * Donnie Van Zant, musician for 38 Special, Van Zant
 * Johnny Van Zant musician for Lynyrd Skynyrd, Van Zant
 * Slim Whitman, country singer and songwriter

Bands
 * The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, rock band

title: Middleburg, Florida


text:
Orange Park, Florida

Orange Park is a town in Clay County, Florida, United States. As a suburb of Jacksonville in neighboring Duval County, it is formally a part of the Jacksonville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 9,089 at the 2020 census, up from 8,412 from the 2010 census. The name "Orange Park" is additionally applied to a wider area of northern Clay County outside the town limits, covering such communities as Lakeside, Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace and Oakleaf Plantation.

The town's name reflects the hope of its founders for a fruit-growing industry, but their crops were destroyed in the Great Freeze of 1894–1895. Despite recovery elsewhere, the crops never came back to Orange Park.

History
Orange Park in the late 18th century was known simply as Laurel Grove. The name Laurel Grove comes from Sarah and William Pengree, who received a land grant from the Spanish governor. Laurel Grove was sold to Zephaniah Kingsley, of the Kingsley Plantation, upon William's death. Zephaniah developed Laurel Grove into a model farming plantation for over 10 years. In 1813, General Matthews invaded East Florida, triggering the Patriots' Rebellion. After Mathews left East Florida, Zephaniah's wife, Anna Madgigine Jai Kingsley, burned down Laurel Grove to keep it out of Patriots' hands.

The Town of Orange Park was founded, in 1877, by the Florida Winter Home and Improvement Company. After the Civil War, the company bought several thousand acres of the McIntosh plantation at Laurel Grove, for the purpose of creating a southern retreat and small farming community. The property was divided into building lots and small farm tracts, division that involved laying out the present street system, including Kingsley Avenue and Plainfield Avenue. The town was incorporated in 1879 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. In January 1880, Ulysses S. Grant and Philip Sheridan visited Orange Park. A large hotel was built at Kingsley Avenue along with a 1,200-foot pier. In 1895, the local fruit-growing industry was destroyed in the Great Freeze of 1895.

In October 1891, the Orange Park Normal & Industrial School was opened. The school was founded by the American Missionary Association and allowed for both black and white students to attend, the only unsegragated school in Florida at the time. However, by the end of 1913, the school was closed due to Jim Crow laws.

Orange Park Elementary School, built in 1927, continues to operate a few blocks from the river. It is near Moose Haven, in the River Road Historic District, a stretch of road parallel to the Saint Johns River and dotted with century-old trees, where many locals come to walk and jog in the afternoon. About a quarter of a mile away is Club Continental, previously called Mira Rio. Mira Rio, whose name was Spanish for "River Watch", was the winter palazzo of Caleb Johnson, son of the founder of the Palmolive Soap Company, now the billion-dollar Colgate-Palmolive company.

In 1930, Robert Yerkes, with the support of Yale University, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Carnegie Foundation, established a research station in Orange Park to study primate biology and behavior. Originally called the Yale Laboratories for Primate Biology, it was renamed the Yerkes Laboratory of Primate Biology after Yerkes retired in 1941. In 1956, ownership of the laboratory was transferred to Emory University. The laboratory became the Yerkes National Primate Research Center; it was moved to the Emory University campus in Georgia in 1965.

Geography
Orange Park is in the northeast corner of Clay County, on the St. Johns River, at 30.16861°N, -81.70861°W (30.168569, –81.708479). Orange Park is a suburb of Jacksonville which borders it to the north. Greater Orange Park encompasses the unincorporated communities of Fleming Island, Ridgewood, Doctors Inlet, Orange Park South, Lakeside, and Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 13.7 km2, of which 9.4 km2 is land and 4.4 km2 (31.71%) is water.

Many households are affiliated with the military; NAS Jacksonville is less than 6 mi away. Many others are in the medical field.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 9,089 people, 3,361 households, and 2,271 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 8,412 people, 3,524 households, and 2,079 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there are 9,081 people, 3,429 households, and 2,362 families residing in the town. The population density was 2,331.1 PD/sqmi. There were 3,648 housing units at an average density of 936.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town is 82.95% White, 10.96% African American, 0.52% Native American, 2.31% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.44% from other races, and 1.77% from two or more races. 4.60% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

In 2000, there are 3,429 households out of which 28.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% are married couples living together, 11.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.1% are non-families. 25.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.45 and the average family size is 2.92.

In 2000, in the town, the population was spread out, with 21.0% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 21.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.7 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $47,631, and the median income for a family was $58,093. Males had a median income of $36,590 versus $26,846 for females. The per capita income for the town was $24,087. About 4.6% of families and 7.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.8% of those under age 18, 17.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Orange Park is in the Clay County School District and has three public elementary schools, two public junior high schools, and three public high schools. Another ten public elementary schools, two public junior high schools, and three public high schools are outside the town limits. Orange Park also has several private schools. Fortis College, a for-profit two-year college is in Orange Park, as is a campus of St. Johns River State College.

Orange Park High School is the closest public high school, 1 mi west of the town limits. Oakleaf High School is the second closest public high school, about two miles southwest of the town limits. Ridgeview High School is the third, about three miles south of the town limits.

Notable people

 * Kat Cole, former CEO of Cinnabon
 * Dane Dunning, MLB baseball player
 * Steve Gaines, former member of Lynyrd Skynyrd who is buried in Jacksonville Memory Gardens Cemetery in Orange Park
 * Hank Garland, guitarist and songwriter
 * Nassir Little, NBA player
 * Terrance Plummer, former NFL linebacker
 * Billy Powell, keyboardist of Lynyrd Skynyrd
 * Shaquille Quarterman, NFL linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars
 * Ronnie Van Zant, former member of Lynyrd Skynyrd who is buried in Jacksonville Memory Gardens Cemetery in Orange Park
 * Adrian White, NFL defensive back and former coach for the Buffalo Bills
 * Dez White, retired NFL wide receiver
 * Slim Whitman, country music singer-songwriter

title: Orange Park, Florida


text:
Penney Farms, Florida

Penney Farms is a town in Clay County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Jacksonville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 821 at the 2020 census, up from 749 at the 2010 census.

History
In 1926, JCPenney department store pioneer J. C. Penney founded the community of Penney Farms. He planned to develop an experimental farming village. The state of Florida officially incorporated the Town of Penney Farms in 1927.

The real estate decline and stock market crash caused Penney to scale back his ambitions to a community for retired ministers in honor of his father. Today, the Penney Retirement Community is a 192 acre home to Christian laypeople as well as clergy and missionaries.

Geography
The exact coordinates for the Town of Penney Farms is located near the geographic center of Clay County at 29.98107°N, -81.80995°W. Florida State Road 16 leads east 8 mi to Green Cove Springs, the county seat, and west 20 mi to Starke.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.4 sqmi, all land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the Town of Penney Farms has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 821 people, 286 households, and 163 families residing in the town.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 749 people, 232 households, and 148 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 580 people, 266 households, and 171 families residing in the town. The population density was 414.7 PD/sqmi. There were 290 housing units at an average density of 207.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 90.86% White, 8.28% African American, 0.17% Asian, and 0.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.34% of the population.

In 2000, there were 266 households, out of which 6.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.5% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.7% were non-families. 33.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 28.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.83 and the average family size was 2.23.

In 2000, in the town, the population was spread out, with 5.7% under the age of 18, 1.9% from 18 to 24, 6.4% from 25 to 44, 10.2% from 45 to 64, and 75.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 76 years. For every 100 females, there were 64.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 61.4 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $37,344, and the median income for a family was $46,875. Males had a median income of $31,875 versus $31,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $23,929. About 8.1% of families and 16.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 41.7% of those under age 18 and 11.5% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Meinhardt Raabe, actor
 * E. Urner Goodman, Boy Scouts of America

title: Penney Farms, Florida


text:
Darlington transistor

In electronics, a Darlington configuration (commonly called as a Darlington pair) is a circuit consisting of two bipolar transistors with the emitter of one transistor connected to the base of the other, such that the current amplified by the first transistor is amplified further by the second one. The collectors of both transistors are connected together. This configuration has a much higher current gain than each transistor taken separately. It acts like and is often packaged as a single transistor. It was invented in 1953 by Sidney Darlington.

Behavior

A Darlington pair behaves like a single transistor, meaning it has one base, collector, and emitter. It typically creates a high current gain (approximately the product of the gains of the two transistors, due to the fact that their β values multiply together). A general relation between the compound current gain and the individual gains is given by:

 * $$\beta_\mathrm{Darlington} = \beta_1 \cdot \beta_2 + \beta_1 + \beta_2$$

If β1 and β2 are high enough (hundreds), this relation can be approximated with:

 * $$\beta_\mathrm{Darlington} \approx \beta_1 \cdot \beta_2$$

A typical Darlington transistor has a current gain of 1000 or more, so that only a small base current is needed to make the pair switch on much higher switched currents. Another advantage involves providing a very high input impedance for the circuit which also translates into an equal decrease in output impedance. The ease of creating this circuit also provides an advantage. It can be simply made with two separate NPN (or PNP) transistors, and is also available in a variety of single packages.

One drawback is an approximate doubling of the base–emitter voltage. Since there are two junctions between the base and emitter of the Darlington transistor, the equivalent base–emitter voltage is the sum of both base–emitter voltages:

 * $$V_{BE} = V_{BE1} + V_{BE2} \approx 2V_{BE1}\!$$

For silicon-based technology, where each VBEi is about 0.65 V when the device is operating in the active or saturated region, the necessary base–emitter voltage of the pair is 1.3 V.

Another drawback of the Darlington pair is its increased "saturation" voltage. The output transistor is not allowed to saturate (i.e. its base–collector junction must remain reverse-biased) because the first transistor, when saturated, establishes full (100%) parallel negative feedback between the collector and the base of the second transistor. Since collector–emitter voltage is equal to the sum of its own base–emitter voltage and the collector-emitter voltage of the first transistor, both positive quantities in normal operation, it always exceeds the base-emitter voltage. (In symbols, $$\mathrm{V_{CE2} = V_{CE1} + V_{BE2} > V_{BE2}} \Rightarrow \mathrm{V_{C2} > V_{B2}}$$ always.) Thus the "saturation" voltage of a Darlington transistor is one VBE (about 0.65 V in silicon) higher than a single transistor saturation voltage, which is typically 0.1 - 0.2 V in silicon. For equal collector currents, this drawback translates to an increase in the dissipated power for the Darlington transistor over a single transistor. The increased low output level can cause troubles when TTL logic circuits are driven.

Another problem is a reduction in switching speed or response, because the first transistor cannot actively inhibit the base current of the second one, making the device slow to switch off. To alleviate this, the second transistor often has a resistor of a few hundred ohms connected between its base and emitter terminals. This resistor provides a low-impedance discharge path for the charge accumulated on the base-emitter junction, allowing a faster transistor turn-off.

The Darlington pair has more phase shift at high frequencies than a single transistor and hence can more easily become unstable with negative feedback (i.e., systems that use this configuration can have poor performance due to the extra transistor delay).

Packaging
Darlington pairs are available as integrated packages or can be made from two discrete transistors; Q1, the left-hand transistor in the diagram, can be a low power type, but normally Q2 (on the right) will need to be high power. The maximum collector current IC(max) of the pair is that of Q2. A typical integrated power device is the 2N6282, which includes a switch-off resistor and has a current gain of 2400 at IC=10 A.

Integrated devices can take less space than two individual transistors because they can use a shared collector. Integrated Darlington pairs come packaged singly in transistor-like packages or as an array of devices (usually eight) in an integrated circuit.

Darlington triplet
A third transistor can be added to a Darlington pair to give even higher current gain, making a Darlington triplet. The emitter of the second transistor in the pair is connected to the base of the third, as the emitter of first transistor is connected to the base of the second, and the collectors of all three transistors are connected together. This gives current gain approximately equal to the product of the gains of the three transistors. However the increased current gain often does not justify the sensitivity and saturation current problems, so this circuit is seldom used.

Applications
Darlington pairs are often used in the push-pull output stages of the power audio amplifiers that drive most sound systems. In a fully symmetrical push-pull circuit two Darlington pairs are connected as emitter followers driving the output from the positive and negative supply: an NPN Darlington pair connected to the positive rail providing current for positive excursions of the output, and a PNP Darlington pair connected to the negative rail providing current for negative excursions.

Before good quality PNP power transistors were available, the quasi-symmetrical push-pull circuit was used, in which only the two transistors connected to the positive supply rail were an NPN Darlington pair, and the pair from the negative rail were two more NPN transistors connected as common-emitter amplifiers.

A Darlington pair can be sensitive enough to respond to the current passed by skin contact even at safe zone voltages. Thus it can form a new input stage of a touch-sensitive switch.

Darlington transistors can be used in high-current circuits such as the LM1084 voltage regulator. Other high-current applications could include those involving computer control of motors or relays, where the current is amplified from a safe low level of the computer output line to the amount needed by the connected device.

title: Darlington transistor