About the City of Starke

The City of Starke, located in the heart of north central Florida, is one of the region’s oldest communities and home to 6,000 residents. Starke serves as the seat of Bradford County and is an important regional logistical center. 

Founded on April 4th, 1870, the City’s history is tied to the railroad that runs through the heart of the community. Starke served as the halfway point on Florida’s first railroad, the Fernandina to Cedar Key railroad, and saw significant growth in the late 1800’s with farmers moving to the area to grow citrus and strawberries.  

The City was also the first municipal electric company in Florida, producing electricity to its citizens just months before neighboring Jacksonville. 

The construction of Highway 301 through Starke, as well as the opening of nearby Camp Blanding brought yet another boom in population during the late 1940s, helping the City grow into one of the largest communities between Jacksonville and Ocala.

Today, Starke continues to play an important role as a cultural center of the region. Located less than an hour south of Jacksonville, and just 30 minutes north of Gainesville, the City is home to several colleges and a historic downtown featuring local restaurants, shops, and a 1940s era movie theatre.