Starke, FL is located in Bradford County with a population of 5769 , a median income of $27,021 and a median age of 36. It was founded by George W Cole, a developer, who was attracted to the area after the Railroad came through in the 1870s. There is some speculation on how Starke got its name. Some say Cole named the town after his fiance others say it was named in honor of Madison Starke Perry, the fourth Governor of Florida and a Confederate States Army Colonel. Still others say it was named after Thomas Starke, a slave owner who owned most of the land around the area. Cole worked hard to develop the town and due to his efforts he became the first Postmaster of Starke. With the railroad's influence the town continued to grow and agriculture helped also. Citrus groves, cotton and a new crop, Strawberries, were the reason it continued to thrive. The big freeze in 1895 killed off the citrus and 20 years later the boil weevil took the cotton but strawberries continued to thrive and the strawberries in Bradford county are known as "the sweetest this side of Heaven". Starke holds a Strawberry festival every year. This year it will be held April 21 & 22.
There have been several movies filmed in or near Starke: 'GI Jane', 'Tigerland', 'Basic', 'What's Love Got To Do With It' and the musical ' The Great American Trailer Park'. Two TV shows were filmed in the area also: 'Boot Camp' a reality show for FOX and a BBC mini series 'The State Within'.
Starke, FL is a nice town and if you have time the Strawberry festival is worth visiting. There are lots of strawberries, music, food, vendor booths and it is just a nice way to spend a day; small town style!
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