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Asbury Lake, FL

Asbury Lake is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Clay County, Florida, within the Jacksonville metropolitan area.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The full official name of this community is the Asbury Lake Census Designated Place (CDP). It is an unincorporated area, meaning it does not have its own municipal government and is administered directly by Clay County. It is part of the Jacksonville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area .

Date of Foundation and Age

Asbury Lake is a relatively modern community that grew around a man-made reservoir of the same name. Its population saw a dramatic increase of over 290% between the 2000 and 2010 censuses, transforming from a small rural area into a suburban residential hub .

Geographic Position and Coordinates

Asbury Lake is located in northeastern Florida at coordinates 30.0472° N, 81.7853° W. It is situated in the north-central part of Clay County, approximately 30 miles (48 km) southwest of downtown Jacksonville and about 13 miles (21 km) southwest of Orange Park . The community surrounds its namesake reservoir and is bordered to the north by Black Creek, a tributary of the St. Johns River. The elevation of the area is around 33 feet (10 m) above sea level .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Asbury Lake is primarily a residential suburb and a classic "bedroom community" for the nearby city of Jacksonville. There is no significant industry within the CDP itself. The main employment sectors for residents are in construction (15.9%), education, health, and social services (18.9%), and finance, insurance, and real estate (12.4%) . It serves as a quiet, family-oriented base for those working in the wider region.

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Asbury Lake was 11,036 . This represents significant growth from 8,700 in 2010. With a total area of 17.23 square miles, it is a low-density suburban area. The population is predominantly White (78.0%), with African Americans making up 7.4%, and Hispanics or Latinos of any race comprising 9.1% of the population . The median age is 36 years, reflecting a mix of families and long-time residents .

"City's Business Card" (Briefly)

Asbury Lake is a quiet, family-oriented community in northeast Florida, defined by its namesake reservoir and its proximity to the natural beauty of Black Creek. Its identity is that of a peaceful suburban retreat, offering residents and visitors a base to explore the area's waterways and natural preserves while being a short drive from the amenities of Jacksonville .

Geography

Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)

The community is named after the small, man-made reservoir, Lake Asbury, which it surrounds. The northern border of the CDP is formed by Black Creek, a significant tributary of the St. Johns River. This "blackwater" creek, named for its tea-colored tannic waters, is popular for fishing and kayaking .

National and State Parks

While there are no national parks within the CDP, the Julington-Durbin Creek Preserve is located nearby. This natural gem, part of the Timucuan Parks Foundation, sits on a peninsula at the confluence of Julington and Durbin creeks. It offers over 9 miles of shoreline and extensive trails ideal for hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding. Kayak launches provide access to the creeks, where visitors might spot bald eagles, ospreys, gopher tortoises, and even manatees in season. The preserve is open from dawn to dusk with no fees for parking or access .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Asbury Lake has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) , characterized by long, hot, and oppressive summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and short, mild, and relatively dry winters. The area is humid year-round due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the St. Johns River system .

Average Temperatures by Month

Temperatures are warm to hot for most of the year. The hottest month is July, with an average high of 91°F (33°C) and an average low of 74°F (23°C). The coolest month is January, with an average high of 66°F (19°C) and an average low of 45°F (7°C). Temperatures rarely drop below freezing .

Precipitation and Humidity

The region experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall. The wettest months are from June through September, with July and August each averaging over 18 days with measurable rain. The heaviest rainfall occurs in August and September, with monthly totals often exceeding 5 inches (130 mm). The driest month is November, which averages only about 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain . Humidity is a defining feature of the climate. The "muggy" season lasts from May to November. During July and August, the area experiences an average of 30.6 days with oppressive, muggy conditions .

Sunny Days and UV Index

The area enjoys a mix of sun and clouds. The clearest months are April, October, and November, with about 63% of the sky being clear or mostly clear. The cloudiest period is during the summer thunderstorm season, particularly in July, when the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy 62% of the time .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

Landmarks

Natural and Recreational Landmarks

The primary landmarks in and around Asbury Lake are natural. The Asbury Lake Reservoir itself is the central geographic feature of the community, providing scenic views and a focal point for the residential area. Just north of the CDP lies Black Creek, a noted local waterway for canoeing and fishing . The most significant nearby attraction is the Julington-Durbin Creek Preserve. This large natural area offers a true escape into Florida's native ecosystems, with well-maintained trails for hiking and biking, and kayak launches for exploring the creeks. It is a prime location for wildlife viewing and experiencing the area's natural beauty .

Transport

Main Airports in the City and Region

Asbury Lake does not have its own airport. The primary airport serving the region is Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) . Located about 40 minutes north of the area in Jacksonville, it is a full-service airport with numerous domestic and some international flights . It is the most convenient air travel hub for residents and visitors.

Major Highways and Roads

Asbury Lake is primarily accessed via local roads from County Road 220 and Florida State Road 21 (Blanding Blvd) . These roads connect the community to the broader highway network, including Interstate 295 (Jacksonville's outer beltway) and Interstate 95, the main north-south artery on the East Coast. This provides residents with a commute of roughly 30-45 minutes to downtown Jacksonville .

Healthcare Facilities Near Asbury Lake

While Asbury Lake itself is a smaller community and does not have its own hospital , residents and visitors have access to several well-regarded medical centers in the nearby cities of Orange Park, Middleburg, Fleming Island, and Jacksonville . These facilities provide a comprehensive range of services, from emergency care to specialized treatments.

Orange Park Medical Center

Located about 16 km away in Orange Park, the Orange Park Medical Center is a highly regarded full-service hospital . It offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, cardiology, and orthopedics. The hospital is known for its commitment to exceptional care and is equipped with advanced technology and a skilled team of healthcare professionals .

St. Vincent's Medical Center Clay County / Ascension St. Vincent's Clay County Hospital

Serving the Asbury Lake area from Middleburg, approximately 16 km away, is St. Vincent's Medical Center Clay County, also referenced as Ascension St. Vincent's Clay County Hospital . This prominent facility provides a wide array of services, including emergency care, surgery, oncology, cardiology, and neurology. It is recognized for its patient-centered approach and commitment to providing compassionate, personalized care to improve community health .

Baptist Medical Center Clay County

Situated in Fleming Island, about 16 km away, the Baptist Medical Center Clay County is a trusted healthcare provider in the region . This hospital offers a comprehensive range of services, with a focus on patient satisfaction and quality care. Its specialties include emergency care, surgery, women's health, and pediatrics .

Kindred Hospital North Florida

For specialized care, Kindred Hospital North Florida in Green Cove Springs is located about 15 km from Asbury Lake . This facility typically focuses on longer-term acute care and specialized services.

Memorial Hospital Jacksonville

For additional options, the larger Memorial Hospital Jacksonville is located about 33 km away in Jacksonville. This reputable facility offers a comprehensive range of services, including emergency care, surgery, oncology, and cardiology, with a focus on patient-centered, high-quality healthcare .

Universities and Higher Education

Asbury Lake does not host its own universities, but a number of significant higher education institutions are within a reasonable commuting distance, primarily in the nearby city of Jacksonville, which is about 33 km away . These institutions provide a range of associate, bachelor's, and graduate degree programs.

University of North Florida (Jacksonville)

The University of North Florida (UNF) is a public university located in Jacksonville. It is a mid-sized institution with an enrollment of around 9,200 students, offering a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs .

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) is a large public state college serving the Northeast Florida region, including the Jacksonville area. With approximately 10,500 students, it offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and workforce certificate programs, serving as a key access point for higher education .

St. Johns River State College

The St. Johns River State College has a campus in Palatka and serves the surrounding area, including Clay County. With about 2,500 students, it offers associate and bachelor's degrees, as well as career and technical education .

University of Florida (Gainesville)

While further away (the location of Gainesville is not specified in the text, but the University of Florida is a major institution), the University of Florida in Gainesville is a flagship public university and a major research institution with a massive student body of approximately 41,500. It is one of the top-ranked universities in the state and offers a comprehensive range of programs at all levels . Gainesville also hosts Santa Fe Community College, which serves about 7,900 students .

Central Florida Community College (Ocala)

The Central Florida Community College in Ocala, with an enrollment of around 3,100 students, provides associate degrees and certificate programs to residents of that region .

Museums and Cultural Attractions

As a smaller residential community, Asbury Lake does not have major museums within its immediate boundaries. However, the nearby city of Jacksonville, located approximately 33 km away, serves as the cultural hub for the region and offers a variety of museums and historical sites . Visitors and residents of Asbury Lake can easily access these attractions for a rich cultural experience.

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens (Jacksonville)

This is the premier fine arts museum in the region, known for its impressive collection spanning 8,000 years, from ancient art to contemporary works. The museum is particularly famous for its beautiful historic gardens overlooking the St. Johns River, which are a work of art in themselves.

Museum of Science & History (MOSH) (Jacksonville)

Located on the Southbank Riverwalk, MOSH is a hands-on, family-friendly museum. It features interactive exhibits on the natural and physical sciences, as well as the history of Northeast Florida. Its famous attractions include the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, one of the largest single-lens planetariums in the United States.

Kingsley Plantation (Jacksonville)

For those interested in history, the Kingsley Plantation, part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, offers a profound look into the region's past. It is the oldest surviving plantation in Florida and provides insight into the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked there, as well as the complex history of the plantation system.

Ritz Theatre & Museum (Jacksonville)

Located in the historic LaVilla neighborhood, this museum and theater is dedicated to celebrating the rich African American history and culture of Jacksonville and the African diaspora. It houses a significant collection of artifacts, art, and archival materials.

Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA)

A cultural asset of the University of North Florida, MOCA is located in downtown Jacksonville. It features a diverse collection of contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries, with rotating exhibitions that showcase both emerging and established artists.

Sports and Recreation

Asbury Lake is a residential community without its own major professional sports teams or large stadiums. However, its proximity to Jacksonville (about 33 km away) provides residents and visitors with access to a full range of professional and collegiate sports .

Major Professional Sports Teams in Jacksonville

Jacksonville is home to several professional sports franchises that compete at the national level.

Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)

The Jacksonville Jaguars are the city's most prominent sports team, playing in the National Football League (NFL). They joined the league as an expansion team in 1995.

Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL)

Hockey fans can cheer for the Jacksonville Icemen, a professional minor league team in the ECHL (East Coast Hockey League), affiliated with the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and the AHL's Rochester Americans.

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (MiLB)

Baseball is represented by the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, a Minor League Baseball team (Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins). The team is known for its unique and memorable name, which has gained national attention.

Collegiate Sports

Jacksonville is also a hub for college athletics, offering another layer of sports entertainment.

University of North Florida (UNF) Ospreys

The UNF Ospreys compete in NCAA Division I as members of the ASUN Conference. Their basketball and other sports events provide a vibrant college sports atmosphere.

Jacksonville University (JU) Dolphins

The Jacksonville Dolphins also compete in NCAA Division I as members of the ASUN Conference. They are particularly well-known for their men's basketball and rowing programs.

Major Sporting Events

Jacksonville hosts several high-profile sporting events that draw national attention.

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Asbury Lake is a residential community without a distinct culinary identity of its own. Its dining scene primarily consists of local eateries and national chains that serve the neighborhood. However, its location in Clay County, within the greater Jacksonville metropolitan area, means that the broader culinary traditions of Northeast Florida are easily accessible .

The Culinary Identity of Northeast Florida

The cuisine of the First Coast (as the region is known) is heavily influenced by its location on the Atlantic Ocean and the St. Johns River. It is a blend of traditional Southern cooking and fresh coastal seafood.

Fresh Seafood

Given its proximity to the coast, fresh seafood is a staple. Local restaurants in nearby towns like Orange Park and Fleming Island often feature:

Southern Comfort Food

As part of the American South, the area's cuisine includes classic comfort food dishes:

Unique Local Specialties

While not specific to Asbury Lake, the greater Jacksonville area has a few unique culinary claims:

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