Yulee is a Census County Division (CCD) located within Nassau County, Florida, in the United States. Positioned in northeastern Florida, Yulee lies directly south of the Florida-Georgia state line, marked by the St. Marys River. Furthermore, it is situated 24 miles north of downtown Jacksonville, Florida. As of the latest survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2021, the CCD's population is recorded at 36,742.[4] Yulee is a constituent of the Jacksonville metropolitan area, which encompasses an estimated population of approximately 1.68 million individuals as of 2022.[5] Presently, the Yulee Census County Division serves as a residential bedroom community for individuals commuting to Jacksonville, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, and various locations in Southeast Georgia. It is also actively engaged in efforts to broaden its tax base for economic diversification.[6]
A post office called Yulee has been in operation since 1893.[9] The community of Yulee was named after David Levy Yulee, who was known for his role as the builder of the Florida Railroad, a significant railway in the state. Additionally, David Yulee served as a United States Senator from Florida.[10]
Geography
According to the Fernandina Observer, the Yulee CCD has a total area of 414.4 km2 (180.0 mi2).[11]
Neighborhoods
There are more than 15 neighborhoods within Yulee CCD.[12]
Similar to many areas in the southern Atlantic region of the United States, Yulee experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers, designated as Köppen 'Cfa.' The region typically sees concentrated rainfall during the warmest months, spanning from May through September, while the driest period occurs between November and April. Yulee's geographical location near the coast and its lower latitude contribute to minimal cold weather, resulting in generally mild and sunny winters.[18]
The average household income is $94,995[21] and the average home value is $381,033.[22] In total there are 6,134 total housing units and of which 4,778 are owner occupied, 1,040 are renter occupied, and 316 units are vacant.[when?][23]
Yulee hosts several outdoor festivals and events, with the most notable being the annual Holiday Festival and Parade. [24] Additionally, the area boasts a variety of dining establishments, including restaurants, cafes, and a selection of bars. During the evening hours, Yulee provides a nightlife scene that attracts a diverse range of patrons, including local residents, young professionals, college students from the nearby institution, and tourists. Furthermore, Yulee features a sports complex and gymnasium to cater to recreational and fitness needs.[25]
Yulee is home to two world-class golf courses: The Golf Club at North Hampton was designed in part by Arnold Palmer, and is over 7,000 acres, has 18 holes and a 72 par.[26] Additionally, the Amelia National Golf & Country Club, designed by Tom Fazio, offers 18 holes with a par of 72.[27][28]
Yulee serves as the headquarters for the Nassau County Economic Development Board, responsible for promoting Nassau County as an attractive destination for business relocation or expansion.[29] The Nassau County Sheriff's Office is also headquartered in Yulee.[30] In November 2017 it was announced that the University of Florida will be building two health and fitness facilities.[31] In January 2018 the large energy company Florida Public Utilities announced that they will be relocating to Yulee and will be building a new 55,000 square foot corporate headquarters.[32]
The Florida Welcome Center located in northern Yulee is a "tourist information house", located near the Florida/Georgia state line on I-95. This center provides incoming visitors with a variety of information on travel, highways, sports, climate, accommodations, cities, outdoor recreation, and attractions. In tribute to the citrus industry (which historically has been a major part of Florida's economy), every visitor is offered a free cup of Florida citrus juice (orange or grapefruit).[33]
In 2017 Rayonier established a new corporate headquarters within the Yulee Census County Division (CCD).[34] Additionally, Rayonier outlined plans for the development of a 24,000-acre pine forest in Yulee, envisioning a comprehensive community encompassing residential areas, office spaces, medical facilities, shopping centers, light industrial facilities, and educational institutions. This development initiative, initially spanning 4,200 acres, is known as Wildlight. In collaboration with Nassau County, Rayonier worked with the county in the development of the Wildlight Elementary School, with an estimated cost of $26 million. The school commenced operations at the beginning of the 2017–2018 academic year and accommodated over 600 students.[35]
Local Government
Robert M. Foster Justice CenterYulee Volunteer Fire Department
Fire and rescue
The Yulee CCD is served by its own fire department [36] and two additional regional fire stations, the all-career Nassau County Fire Rescue Stations 30 and 70.[37] The Yulee Volunteer Fire Department is dispatched along with the County department to all fire calls in the Yulee area.[38]
Police services
The Nassau County Sheriff's Office serves the residents of the Yulee CCD and Nassau County, Florida. Their primary responsibilities include upholding the Florida Constitution, enforcing state laws and statutes, and ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of the community. These objectives are achieved through law enforcement services, the management of the Nassau County Jail and Detention Center, and the provision of court security. The headquarters of the Nassau County Sheriff's Office is situated at 76001 Bobby Moore Circle, Yulee, FL 32097.[39]
Judicial complex
The Robert M. Foster Justice Center, formerly referred to as the Nassau County, Florida Judicial Complex, is situated within the Yulee Census County Division (CCD). It was inaugurated in 2004 with the purpose of supplementing the historic Nassau County Courthouse situated in Fernandina Beach, Florida. This facility spans over 111,000 square feet in size and involved an expenditure of more than $20 million for its construction.[40]
Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ), accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, operates the Betty P. Cook Nassau Center within the Yulee CCD. FSCJ is part of the Florida College System. This campus serves Nassau County residents, providing a range of academic offerings, including courses, certificates, and degree programs across various fields. Notably, this campus houses FSCJ's 16-acre Outdoor Education Center, a natural space.[41]
Public primary and secondary schools in Yulee and Nassau County are administered by Nassau County Public Schools, which is governed by a six-member Nassau County School Board. In total 21 total schools comprise the Nassau County Public Schools and the system currently enrolls 11,155 students.[44]
Goffinsville Nassau River Park & Boat Ramp, providing amenities such as fishing, parking, pavilions, recreational areas, restroom facilities, and places for picnics
John Muir Ecological Park, which features a 1/4 mile trail commemorating John Muir's 1867 journey across Florida
Yulee Sports Complex & Gymnasium, encompassing lighted baseball and softball fields, football fields, a designated structure, parking facilities, play equipment, restroom accommodations, picnic tables, and tennis and basketball courts.[49]
United States
Florida
