NEPTUNE BEACH
Neptune Beach is the newest addition to the Beaches community. Located between Atlantic Beach to the north and Jacksonville Beach to the south, it was considered part of Pablo Beach, later named Jacksonville Beach, for many years. In the early days First Street was the only road running through Neptune Beach from Jacksonville Beach to Atlantic Beach. The railroad ran along where Second Street is now.
The railroad was important in the development of Neptune Beach as well as other Beaches communities. There is a story that a Dan Wheeler had a beach cottage located near the present site of the Sea Turtle Inn. Mr. Wheeler rode the train back and forth to his work in Jacksonville. Since the train would not stop at his house, he rode to Mayport and walked back. He learned the train would have to stop if there were a station so he built one, and the station was named Neptune, so the tale goes.
In the early 1930's the area was sparsely populated, and, because of the difficulty of transportation and physical separation from Jacksonville Beach, the residents felt they were not receiving adequate return of services for their taxes. Their dissatisfaction lead the residents to seek separation from Jacksonville Beach and to set up their own town. On August 11, 1931, an election made Neptune Beach a separate community, with 113 voted cast for and 32 against separation.
An agreement was made with Jacksonville Beach to provide the new community with fire protection for $100 a year. Also, Jacksonville Beach was to supply Neptune Beach with electricity at the same rates as Jacksonville Beach.
At the time of incorporation, another story was told of how Neptune Beach got its name. It seems a plat of the area to be incorporated had a drawing of King Neptune in one corner. Seeing this drawing someone is said to have suggested Neptune Beach would be an appropriate name for the new community.
Neptune Beach is a quiet residential community with a 1990 population of 6,497. It has not encouraged commercial development nor industry. Neptune Beach has the largest park of the communities, and is proud of the many families who have owned their homes for two and three generations.
TOWN CENTER
ATLANTIC & NEPTUNE BEACH.
Where Atlantic Boulevard meets the Ocean. Stroll the
bricked lined paths of Town Center and enjoy the quaint shops, fine dining and
entertaining night life.
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