Bradford County, Florida
Bradford County sits in north Florida, not far from Gainesville. It’s a small, rural county with Starke as the county seat, where farming remains an important part of life. The area is known for its strawberries and timber.
Camp Blanding, a major military training site, occupies a significant portion of the county. Locals enjoy fishing along the Santa Fe River, while high school football remains a cherished Friday night tradition.
Starke has a charming downtown filled with local, family-owned shops. Bradford County moves at its own pace, with residents valuing family, community, and close-knit relationships. It’s definitely a cool place to call home.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Bradford County |
| County Seat | Starke |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Starke, Hampton, Lawtey, Brooker |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. 301, SR 100, SR 16 |
| FIPS Code | 12-007 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 300 square miles (land: 293 sq mi, water: 7 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Baker County (North), Clay County (East), Putnam County (Southeast), Alachua County (South), Union County (West), Duval County (Northeast) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Florida |
| Coordinates | 29.9455° N, 82.1714° W |
| Etymology | Named after Richard H. Bradford, the first Confederate officer from Florida to die in the Civil War |
| Major Landmarks | Florida State Prison, Kingsley Lake, Camp Blanding Joint Training Center |
| Population | Approximately 29,000 |
