Where is Starke, Florida

Starke is a small city in north-central Florida and the county seat of Bradford County. Located about 35 miles southwest of Jacksonville and 25 miles southeast of Lake Butler, the city sits in a rural area between Jacksonville and Gainesville. Starke is known for its historic downtown, Bradford County Courthouse, nearby lakes, and strong connection to North Florida agriculture.

Location Map of Starke, Bradford County, Florida

About Map: The map shows the location of Starke in Bradford County, in the U.S. state of Florida.

Starke Map, Florida

Where is Starke Located?

Starke is a city located in Bradford County, Florida, the United States. It lies in north-central Florida, about 35 miles southwest of Jacksonville and roughly 25 miles northwest of Gainesville. Keystone Heights is about 15 miles south, while Middleburg is approximately 20 miles northeast of Starke. The city is located at 29.9441° North latitude and 82.1098° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 5,796 residents. Starke covers about 7.47 square miles (19.35 square kilometers), with most of its area consisting of land. The city serves as the county seat of Bradford County and is an important local center for government, business, education, and transportation. U.S. Highway 301 passes through Starke and connects the city with Jacksonville and Gainesville. The surrounding landscape includes pine forests, wetlands, farms, and small lakes typical of North Florida. Nearby Lake Sampson and Lake Rowell provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. A unique feature of Starke is its location at an important crossroads between Jacksonville and Gainesville, making it a long-standing transportation center for the region.

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Starke City Facts

Distance from Starke, FL to Nearby Cities

• Hampton, FL – 8 miles (13 km)
• Lawtey, FL – 8 miles (13 km)
• Keystone Heights, FL – 15 miles (24 km)
• Middleburg, FL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Lake Butler, FL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Gainesville, FL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Macclenny, FL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Green Cove Springs, FL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Palatka, FL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Jacksonville, FL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Orange Park, FL – 30 miles (48 km)
• Ocala, FL – 65 miles (105 km)
• Lake City, FL – 55 miles (89 km)
• Fleming Island, FL – 30 miles (48 km)
• Fernandina Beach, FL – 55 miles (89 km)
• St. Augustine, FL – 55 miles (89 km)
• Daytona Beach, FL – 105 miles (169 km)
• Orlando, FL – 125 miles (201 km)

Top Attractions in Starke, Florida

• Bradford County Courthouse – A historic civic landmark in downtown Starke and the center of county government.
• Starke Historic District – A collection of historic homes, churches, commercial buildings, and civic structures reflecting the city's development.
• Lake Sampson – A large freshwater lake northeast of Starke known for fishing, boating, birdwatching, and wildlife habitat.
• Lake Rowell – A nearby lake connected to the Sampson lake system and popular for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation.
• Camp Blanding Museum and Memorial Park – A military museum and memorial area documenting the history of Camp Blanding and Florida's military heritage.
• Santa Fe River – A scenic North Florida waterway near Starke offering opportunities for paddling, fishing, wildlife observation, and outdoor recreation.
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park – A nearby state park with hiking trails, a lake, camping areas, forests, and scenic ravines.
• Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park – A large natural preserve near Gainesville featuring wetlands, wildlife, hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and wild horses and bison.
• University of Florida – Located in nearby Gainesville, the university campus includes museums, gardens, sports facilities, and cultural attractions.

Airports Near Starke, Florida

• Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) – 30 miles
• Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) – 55 miles
• Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST) – 60 miles
• Ocala International Airport (OCF) – 65 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Starke city website and local government records.

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