CLAY COUNTY – Cast a fishing line off a dock at Whitey’s Fish Camp. Descend a ravine to reach the bubbling brook in Mike Roess Gold Head State Park. Take a stroll down River Road, curving along the bank of the St. Johns River. Dip your toes in a spring-fed swimming pool at Springs Park. Kick a kayak from the shores of Keystone Beach.  

There’s plenty of adventure in Clay County. The problem is not enough people know. Kimberly Morgan of the Clay County Tourism Department is working on the solution by filming a promotional video to advertise the many wonders of the county.  

Filming will take place at various locations. The Tourist Development Council’s newest outreach initiative needs you and your family to participate in the production.  

All interested volunteers can email Morgan at Kimberly.Morgan@claycountygov.com, or call her at (904) 278-3734 to schedule the best time and location.  

“It’s not well known, but tourism to Clay County brings a lot of value to the county’s residents,” she said.   

If everyone suddenly stopped visiting, dining, shopping and spending their money in the county, she said residents would have to pay $300 in extra in taxes. The promotional material will also serve as a resource for new and existing residents. 

“Clay County has received an influx of new residents because it’s a great place to start a family. We’re convenient to Jacksonville. We have great schools and a great quality of life,” she said.  

The goal is to show new and existing residents they don’t have to travel across county lines to Jacksonville, St. Augustine or Gainesville for a fine dining or quality shopping experience.  

“Instead of fighting traffic for 45 minutes or more, shop local! Local businesses love doing business with local residents. It’s not just a transaction to them,” she said.  

The schedule is tentative, but the plan is to film volunteers showcasing shops on Walnut Street in Green Cove Springs on Jan. 9 at 4:15 p.m. 

On Jan. 11, they will be at Mike Roess Gold Head State Park from 8-10 a.m.; Geneva Jungle/Keystone Beach Pavilion from 10:30-11:15 a.m.; the JC Penney Statue in Penney Farms from 1:45-2:15 p.m.); Fleming Island’s Junque in the Trunk, Bold Soul Boutique and Pepper’s from 3:30–4:30 p.m. 

On Jan. 12, filming will continue at Jennings State Forest from 8–9:30 a.m., Ronnie Van Zant Park from 10:45–11:30 a.m. and the Historic Triangle in Green Cove Springs from 2-3:15 p.m.

“We’re all in this together. We (would be thrilled) to have residents come out and be a part of the process as they enjoy their recreational or dining experience. Just, please, call me ahead of time so we can best prepare,” she said.  

“Volunteers will receive a copy of the promotional film and the bragging rights that come with it.” 

Clay County enjoys a premier location in the triangle between the bustling Jacksonville metropolitan area, historical St. Augustine and the University of Florida in Gainesville. Morgan’s mission with the Tourist Development Council is to show how Clay County is a premier location of its own.

Update: The film schedule has been postponed due to next week's weather conditions. Updates to the schedule will be posted as finalized.