Clay County, Florida
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Map_of_Florida_highlighting_Clay_County.png
Image:Map of Florida highlighting Clay County.png
Clay County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population is 140,814. Its county seat is Green Cove Springs, Florida6.
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History
Clay County was created in December 1858 from a section of Duval County. Its name is in honor of Henry Clay, famous American statesman, member of the United States Senate from Kentucky and United States Secretary of State in the 19th century.
Clay County was once a popular destination for tourists visiting from the northern states. The therapeutic, warm springs and mild climate were major draws for visitors. Steamboats brought them to various hotels in Green Cove Springs - the St. Elmo, Clarendon and the Oakland. President Grover Cleveland was the most prominent of such tourists; he had spring water shipped to the White House. Clay County's popularity among tourists peaked during the last three decades of the 19th century. It was later eclipsed by Henry Flagler's extension of the Florida East Coast Railway to points south (Palm Beach, Miami).
The military has also played an important role in Clay County history. In 1939, Camp Blanding opened on Kingsley Lake in central Clay County. The Florida National Guard developed this 28,000 acre complex. During World War II, it trained over 90,000 troops and became the fourth largest 'city' in the state. In Green Cove Springs, Lee Field was a flight training center. After World War II, Lee Field became a base for the mothball fleet. Although Lee Field closed in the early 1960s, Camp Blanding continues to operate today. Clay County is also a popular choice of residence for military personnel who are stationed on bases in nearby Duval County (NAS Jacksonville, NS Mayport).
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,667 km² (644 mi²). 1,557 km² (601 mi²) of it is land and 110 km² (43 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 6.62% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 140,814 people, 50,243 households, and 39,390 families residing in the county. The population density is 90/km² (234/mi²). There are 53,748 housing units at an average density of 35/km² (89/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 87.44% White, 6.70% Black or African American, 0.47% Native American, 1.99% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 1.31% from other races, and 2.01% from two or more races. 4.30% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 50,243 households out of which 39.60% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.80% are married couples living together, 10.70% have a female householder with no husband present, and 21.60% are non-families. 16.90% of all households are made up of individuals and 5.50% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.77 and the average family size is 3.11.
In the county the population is spread out with 28.00% under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 30.30% from 25 to 44, 24.00% from 45 to 64, and 9.80% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 97.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 94.20 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $48,854, and the median income for a family is $53,814. Males have a median income of $36,683 versus $25,488 for females. The per capita income for the county is $20,868. 6.80% of the population and 5.10% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 8.90% of those under the age of 18 and 7.40% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
According to the Florida Times-Union, in October 2004, there were 106,114 registered voters in Clay County.
Cities and towns
Incorporated Municipalities
Unincorporated Communities
External links
Government links/Constitutional offices
- Clay County Government / Board of County Commissioners (http://www.claycountygov.com/)
- Clay County Supervisor of Elections (http://www.clayelections.com/)
- Clay County Property Appraiser (http://www.ccpao.com/ccpao/ccpao.asp)
- Clay County Sheriff's Office (http://www.claysheriff.com/)
- Clay County Tax Collector (http://www.claycountytax.com/)
Special Districts
- Clay County Public Schools (http://www.clay.k12.fl.us/)
- St. Johns River Water Management District (http://www.sjrwmd.gov)
Judicial branch
- Clay County Clerk of Courts (http://clerk.co.clay.fl.us/)
- Public Defender, 4th Judicial Circuit (http://www.coj.net/Departments/Public+Defender/default.htm) serving Duval, Clay, and Nassau Counties
- Office of the State Attorney, 4th Judicial Circuit (http://www.coj.net/Departments/State+Attorneys+Office+/default.htm)
- Circuit and County Court for the 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida (http://www.coj.net/Departments/Fourth+Judicial+Circuit+Court/default.htm)