| Description: |
Bradford County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. Its county seat is Starke. New River County was created in 1858 and was renamed Bradford County in 1861 for Captain Richard Bradford, who fought in the American Civil War. Bradford County has a total area of approximately 300 square miles of which 98% is land and 2% water. As of the 2000 census, there were 26,088 people, 8,497 households, and 6,194families residing in Bradford County, FL. Lake Santa Fe is the third most stable of 120 lakes studied in Florida, as well as one of the clearest. It is designated by the State of Florida as an Outstanding Florida Water. Melrose is located in North Central Florida almost equally distant from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Being an unincorporated community sitting at the junction of Alachua, Bradford, Clay and Putnam Counties makes this a unique area. Being located in an area populated with many lakes, this area has attracted visitors and residents for over 125 years come explore our community and learn more about this special corner of "Old Florida." |