Bradford County, Florida, originally known as New River County in 1858 was renamed in 1961 in honor of Capt Richard Bradford, killed in the Battle of Santa Rosa Island during the American Civil War. Development of Bradford County was a slow process that began diminishing back in the 1830's and 1840's due to the Seminole Indian Wars. It wasn't until the 1850's when the railroads came to the area carrying with them George W. Cole, a land developer attracted to the area with dreams of growth and prosperity. Cole obtained a 40-acre tract of land alongside the railroad that is still known to this day as the "original Town of Starke". Soon Cole obtained a post office and was named the first postmaster in the area. Although Lake Butler, a small town of what was once New River County, received the original County Seat; it was in 1875 that current day Starke petitioned the county commission and won the county seat from Lake Butler.

Today Bradford County is the home to cities such as Brooker, Hampton, Lawtey and Starke. Priding itself on being a small, rural county, Bradford County is located only 45 miles Southwest of Jacksonville and 25 miles Northeast of Gainesville. This location provides residents with all the perks of rural country living with big city life only a hop, skip and jump up the road. Popular movies such as G.I. Jane, Basic and Tigerland have all been filmed in Bradford County, taking advantage of Camp Blanding National Guard Reservation as a back drop for the films. As like most small rural areas, hometown festivals are a must in Bradford County. The annual Bradford County Strawberry Festival is held in April every year and brings many opportunities for family fun and local entertainment. The Bike Festival brings motorcycle shows, poker runs and tattoo contests to the historic Call Street in downtown Starke.

Real estate options in Bradford County vary from single family homes to ranches with acres of opportunities for self-sustainment. Raising a family on the open roads of Bradford County bring back that close-knit family feel that has been lost of so long. Old Florida style living runs rampart in the area with family festivals, and a place where everyone knows their neighbors.