| DIXIE COUNTY
is along Florida's upper Nature Coast with the Suwannee River as a right-hand border.
With only about 13,500 residents within 709 square miles (approximately 20 people per square
mile), Dixie is not over-crowded, still has elbow room, a growing economy and
strongly-knit communities. This points to a bright, balanced future. While much of the
area is rural and agricultural (timber is the No. 1 crop), there are several vital towns
including tiny, salty Jena at the northwestern edge of the county (and picturesque Steinhatchee
just across the river from it), Cross City, the county seat, Horseshoe Beach where fishing
and aquaculture (clams) drive the economy, shady Old Town, and the waterfront village of
Suwannee where the great river meets the Gulf. Each of these towns contributes to the vitality
and health of Dixie. There are excellent restaurants large and small, fast and not-so-fast, and
fine lodgings through-out the area. Dixie is a great place to visit and this is a good place,
indeed a very good place to live, work and raise a family. Our schools are praised by
parents and students alike. There are over 40 churches here of many faiths plus a number of
crackerjack service organizations like the Rotary Club that help make sure we stay on track.
WHEN TO BE HERE: Anytime is a good time
because our average temperatures are 55° in January and 81° in August. Outdoor activities
are year-round. Plan ESPECIALLY to be here in the Spring for Red Belly Day
and Bird Fest (check our Calendar of Events), 4th of July
at Steinhatchee, September Flats Fishing Tournament, Christmas-in-the-Park and the Festival
of Lights.
DIXIE COUNTY named for the
"pride of the South" has several dentists, good doctors, a state-of-the-art public health
facility, a nearby Shands medical unit and nursing home, at least one optometrist, two elementary
schools, a beautiful new middle school and a well-rated high school. All schools are highly
computer-equipped. Many graduates go on to area colleges such as Lake City Community College
and Santa Fe Community College and state universities such as Florida State University
and the University of Florida. Jobs are not as
numerous as in metro areas but good jobs are to be had and many careers blossom here.
While it has been said that in Dixie the 50's live again, it's equally true that Dixie is
perfectly at home in the 21st Century.
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