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Tara S. Gree, Clerk of Court and Comptroller of Clay County, FL
Clerk of Court and Comptroller of Clay County, FL Clerk of Court and Comptroller of Clay County, FL
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Sugar Cane & Sugar Plantations

Our first evidence for sugar production in Clay County is from the 1830’s when William Travers operated a sugar plantation mill at Magnolia Springs with his friend Matthew Solano. This was burned by Seminoles in 1840 and was not rebuilt. This fifty-barrel operation wouldn’t have been larger than five acres. The rest of the references we know of related to early sugar works are listed below.

Early Sugar Works References

Mill Cove- A bay on the south side of Doctors Lake indicates the probable location of an early saw or sugar mill. Also, the location of a small bombing range during WWII.

Sugarhouse Cove- Across from Mill Cove is Sugarhouse Cove, where cane fields were also planted. Coincidentally, a plantation called “Cane Field” near Sugarhouse Cove probably got its name not from sugar but from its early owner, William Kane (Cain).

Fleming Sugar Mill (at Hibernia)

Long Branch area- There may have been a sugar mill in the Long Branch (Penney Farms) area around 1880. Darling Prescott (a small child) died in a sugar mill accident and was buried in the Long Branch Cemetery. (John Wilson Prescott family history)

Mill Cove and Sugar House Map

McIntosh Sugar Works (now Orange Park area)

  • See also the Burlington Sawmill
  • Apparently, steam powered (Parade of Memories, pg 35)
  • Map CCA101585 at the Archives also shows sugar works on the Kingsley Plantation.

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Public Notice - Main Courthouse

If you visit the Clay County Courthouse in Green Cove Springs over the weeks and months ahead, you will notice renovation projects happening here  – but all services remain available.

  • Construction/renovation began this week on the 2nd Floor (new side) – expect noise related to that work for several months (up to a year).
  • Contractors/vendors will enter/exit the courthouse regularly throughout the day, so parking in the area may be challenging – arrive early for any appointments.
  • Our Orange Park Branch and online options are available, as are other service options.
  • During September, renovation projects in Administration, Civil, and Clerk’s Finance (1st Floor) areas may temporarily alter those office/staff locations in the building, so pay special attention to security staff directions and signage.

Thank you for your patience during this time of improvement. Please keep an eye out for updates throughout the months ahead.