For the most up to date information on economic development opportunities in Clay County, visit www.clayedo.com or contact the Chief Economic Developer.
Economy
Clay County enjoys a diverse economy and a history of lower unemployment and a low cost of doing business. The area’s foremost attributes are an abundant, readily available quality workforce. Currently 60 percent of the workforce commutes outside the county, creating an opportunity for potential employers. Construction of the First Coast Outer Beltway will create numerous development opportunities in the county.
Clay County is proactive about the future sustainability of its economy and boasts a variety of active neighborhoods including:
- Orange Park has an dynamic service sector economy with a base of medical, business, commercial, light industrial and retail trade.
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Fleming Island features Eagle Harbor and Fleming Island Plantation offering highly attractive environments for both business and recreation that supports active lifestyles. The Fleming Island area is ready to serve a variety of business build-to-suit needs, including office, headquarters and light industrial.
- The Branan Field-Chaffee area is slated to be the next growth corridor for Clay County, with direct north-south access between Clay County and I-10 near Cecil Commerce Center.
- OakLeaf Plantation is a 6,400-acre residential/commercial development with an abundance of amenities, infrastructure and environment right for commercial, office and industrial space, interconnected with well-planned neighborhoods, communities, schools, shopping and regional parks.
- Middleburg/Clay Hill provides a mixture of suburban and rural lifestyles through rolling hills and timberland, with a location advantageous for warehouse/distribution activities.
- Green Cove Springs incorporates a variety of historic sites and a quaint, old-town feel along the St. Johns River. The Greater Green Cove Springs Brownfields initiative is encouraging redevelopment activity surrounding the commercial corridors of US 17 and SR 16. Nevertheless, this area also sustains the largest percentage of industrial employers, strategically located to take advantage of multi-modal transportation options for movement of goods.
- Keystone Heights boasts an airpark that provides multiple employment activities through aviation commercial, select industrial and industrial, in addition to a natural park and timber/wildlife areas.
- The Camp Blanding Joint Training Center is recognized as a premier training center, with state-of-the-art-facilities, classrooms and teleconferencing capabilities, in addition to a wide range of training options.
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Lifestyle
Located along the banks of the St. Johns River, companies and residents find the best of both worlds – a small town atmosphere with the amenities of a major metro area. Clay County offers an unsurpassed quality of life. Boating, sailing, golf and tennis are enjoyed here year round. Some of the finest public and private golf courses are found in Clay County such as the Country Club of Orange Park, Eagle Harbor, Fleming Island Plantation, OakLeaf Plantation, and Magnolia Point. Clay County Fair Grounds, near Green Cove Springs, has expanded facilities and offers a variety of activities in a family-oriented atmosphere. Clay County has opportunities for those interested in the arts and culture including professional theater, dance, music performances and visual art exhibits at the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts.
Young families are moving to the area because of the top-notch public school system. Clay County schools rank above state and national standards and have been rated "superior" by outside consultants. The post-secondary education system offers a variety of life long learning opportunities while the higher education options range from undergraduate to graduate degree programs.
Clay County residents and businesses are benefiting from the county’s proactive smart planning approach. Clay County is home to several master planned communities such as OakLeaf Plantation, Eagle Harbor and Fleming Island Plantation. These areas provide "live, work, and play" environments. Future developments of regional impact include Governor's Park, Black Creek and Saratoga Springs areas, which will incorporate a variety of mixed uses as well as the Peter’s Creek Business Park for business and industrial development.
Government
Clay County includes Orange Park (adjacent to Jacksonville), Green Cove Springs (county seat), Penney Farms and Keystone Heights, along with unincorporated Middleburg. The Board of County Commissioners is the law-making body of the county operating under the Home Rule Charter since 1991 along with a county manager.
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Chief Economic Developer
Danita Andrews
Clay County Chamber of Commerce
1734 Kingsley Avenue
Orange Park, FL 32073
(904) 264-1005 phone
(904) 269-0363 fax
dandrews@clayedo.com
www.clayedo.com
Clay County has a Chamber of Commerce and Development Authority ready to assist expanding or relocating businesses.