Yulee, Florida

Yulee is a census-designated place (CDP) 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. The population at the 2020 United States Census was 14,195, up from 11,491 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Jacksonville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses an estimated population of approximately 1.68 million individuals as of 2022. Presently, Yulee 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.

Yulee is strategically located within a 15-mile radius of significant landmarks, including Amelia Island, Jacksonville International Airport, Florida State College at Jacksonville's Nassau Center, White Oak Conservation, two renown golf courses, Jimmy; the Cheater, Florida Fish and Nassau Wildlife Management Area managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Robert M. Foster Justice Center, Four Creeks State Forest, Yulee Branch Library, Nassau County Sheriff's Office Headquarters, and the Florida Welcome Center situated along Interstate 95 in Florida. In addition, the Yulee CDP is provided regional services by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.

History
A post office called Yulee has been in operation since 1893. 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.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau Population and Housing Counts report, the Yulee CDP has a total area of 23.18 mi2 (60.04 km$2$). It is covered by the 904 and 324 area codes and the 32041 and 32097 ZIP codes.

Neighborhoods near the Yulee CDP and/or CCD include:

• Blackmon/Haddock

• Blackrock

• Chester

• Flood Acres

• Heron Isles

• Hickory Village

• Hideaway and Pinewood Pointe

• Lofton Oaks

• Meadowfield Bluffs

• North Hampton

• Pirate's Wood

• Plummers Creek

• River Glen

• Roses Bluff

• Timber Creek Plantation

• Wilson Neck

• Yulee Hills

• WildLight

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 14,195 people, 5,337 families and living arrangements, residing in the CDP. The population density was approximately 613 inhabitants per square mile (237/km2). There were 5,754 housing units at an average density of 248 per square mile (96/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 83.58% White, 5.64% African American, 0.35% Native American, 1.26% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 1.77% from other races, and 7.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.71% of the population.

There were 5,337 households, out of which 48.8% were married couples living together, 23.1% had a female householder with no spouse present, 19.5% had a male householder with no spouse present. The average household size was 2.96.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 22.5% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.6 years. For every 100 males, there were 86.9 females. For every 100 males age 20 and over, there were 92.2 females. The median income for a household in the CDP was $79,818, and the median income for a family was $87,566. About 12.0% of the population was below the poverty line, including 18.3% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those age 65 or over.

Climate
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.

Economy
Yulee hosts several outdoor festivals and events, with the most notable being the annual Holiday Festival and Parade. 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.

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. Additionally, the Amelia National Golf & Country Club, designed by Tom Fazio, offers 18 holes with a par of 72.

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. The Nassau County Sheriff's Office is also headquartered in Yulee. In November 2017 it was announced that the University of Florida will be building two health and fitness facilities. 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.

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).

In 2017 Rayonier established a new corporate headquarters within the Yulee Census County Division (CCD). 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.

Fire and rescue
The Yulee CDP is served by its own fire department and two additional regional fire stations, the all-career Nassau County Fire Rescue Stations 30 and 70. The Yulee Volunteer Fire Department is dispatched along with the County department to all fire calls in the Yulee area.

Police services
The Nassau County Sheriff's Office serves the residents of the Yulee CDP 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.

Judicial complex
The Robert M. Foster Justice Center, formerly referred to as the Nassau County, Florida Judicial Complex, is situated in Yulee. 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.

Higher Education
Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ), accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, operates the Betty P. Cook Nassau Center in Yulee. 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.

Also in the area are the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University in Jacksonville.

Library
The Yulee Branch Library of the Nassau County Public Library System is situated within the Nassau Campus of FSCJ in Yulee.

K-12 Education


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.

Public secondary schools:
 * Yulee High School (9-12)
 * Yulee Middle (6-8)

Public primary schools:
 * Wildlight Elementary School (Kindergarten-5 and ESE)
 * Yulee Elementary (3-5)
 * Yulee Primary (Pre Kindergarten-2)

Private schools:
 * Faith Christian Academy (Pre Kindergarten-12)

Continuing Education
Yulee provides adult education in a variety of subjects at the FSCJ Nassau Center and at the Yulee Public Library.

Healthcare
There are 14 hospitals in or near the Yulee CDP.

Parks
Yulee showcases three separate parks:
 * 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.

Notable people

 * George Crady - (b 1931) former member of the Florida House of Representatives
 * Kyle Denney - (b 1977) former Major League Baseball catcher for the Cleveland Indians.
 * Derrick Henry - (b 1994) is a Heisman Trophy Winner football running back for the Baltimore Ravens football.
 * Apple Pope - American rugby league player who currently plays for the United States national rugby league team.
 * Tom Schwartz - Entrepreneur, 'mactor' and star of Bravo's 'Vanderpump Rules'
 * D. J. Stewart - (b 1993) is a professional baseball outfielder for the New York Mets, and previously played for the Baltimore Orioles
 * Zack Taylor - (1898–1974) was a professional baseball player, coach, scout and manager. In addition, he was a Major League Baseball player and manager for the St. Louis Browns