STARKE, FLORIDA

By  Mike Miller May 25, 2026

Starke, Florida is located about 26 miles northeast of Gainesville and about 46 miles southwest of Jacksonville in North Central Florida.  It is located at the intersection of US-301 and State Road 100 and has a population of 6,050.

Like most places in Florida, the Native Americans were here first. The area around Starke was occupied by the Utina and Potano chiefdoms, part of the large Timucua tribe.

In the years not long before the U.S. Civil War settlers began to establish small farms.  The area was heavily wooded with pine forests.

David Levy Yulee constructed the Florida Railroad between 1855 and 1860 and the route went through Starke, marking the mid-point of the long stretch from Fernandina to Cedar Key.

George W. Cole bought acreage on both sides of the railroad and his land became known as the Town of Starke. Mr. Cole was the first postmaster. 

The town was named either for former Florida governor Madison Starke Perry, or for Thomas Starke, a pioneer of Volusia County. The stark truth is that nobody is sure where the name came from.

Starke was incorporated in 1870 and became the seat of government of Bradford County.  This displeased some residents who got together and voted Lake Butler to become the county seat.

The state finally stepped in and created Union County with Lake Butler as the seat.

Timber and oranges became the biggest crops to be shipped out of Starke in the late 1800s. The Great Freezes of 1894 and 1895 wiped out the citrus industry, and strawberries became an important crop.

The crop is still celebrated with Bradford County's annual strawberry festival.

Starke's electric utility company was the first public power organization in Florida.  It was founded in 1890.

U.S. Highway 301 was built to connect Jacksonville to Tampa and went through Starke.  This created another economic boom.

Not long after, World War Two came along and nearby Camp Blanding became home to thousands of soldiers. After the war, many of those soldiers had fond memories of Starke and came back to make it their home.  

In recent years Alternate Highway 301 was created as a bypass around Starke on its west side. 

Although it negatively affected merchants along the downtown portion of the highway, it greatly reduced the through traffic in town and made it easier for locals to get around.

The town is large enough to have most of the businesses that people have come to expect in Florida. 

Most chain restaurants are here, along with some good local ones like The Downtown Grill and the Call Street Cafe. The bad news is that there is no Publix supermarket in Starke.

Starke is an active participant in the Florida Main Street Program. The centerpiece of downtown Starke is the beautiful Call Street Historic District.  The district has many locally owned shops, restaurants, and a twin screen theater.

One of the most beautiful buildings is the Old Bradford County Courthouse which now serves as the Andrews Center for Santa Fe College

Starke Historical Museum - 201 E Call St, Starke, FL 32091 - Explore the town's fascinating history through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.

Camp Blanding Museum and Memorial Park - 5629 State Road 16 W, Starke, FL 32091 - Delve into the military history of Camp Blanding, a significant training site during World War II.

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo - 3000 NW 83rd St, Gainesville, FL 32606 - Just a short drive from Starke, this zoo showcases a diverse array of wildlife and offers educational experiences.

Thomas Tree Farm - 6099 NW 176th St, Starke, FL 32091 - Experience the joy of picking your own fresh fruits and vegetables at this family-owned farm.

Gold Head Branch State Park - 6239 State Road 21, Keystone Heights, FL 32656 - Enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and picnicking amidst the natural beauty of this state park.

Bradford County Telegraph Museum - 207 S Walnut St, Starke, FL 32091 - Dive into the history of the town's oldest continuously operating newspaper, the Bradford County Telegraph.

Starke Golf and Country Club - 15501 NE 14th Ave, Starke, FL 32091 - Tee off at this picturesque golf course, perfect for golfers of all skill levels.

Southern Grace Gifts & Boutique - 204 W Call St, Starke, FL 32091 - Browse through a delightful selection of gifts, home decor, and fashion accessories at this charming boutique.

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