ORANGE PARK - The North Florida Association of Realtor's (NFAR) Southwest Area Council hosted its tradeshow breakfast on March 26, where industry professionals and community leaders met to discuss the intertwining realities of real estate and the county's ever-growing population. 

Superintendent David Broskie, Clay Economic Development Director Crawford Powell and Jessie Spradley with North Florida's Builders Association were joined by a host of realtors and industry partners at the Courtyard by Marriott. They were anxious to network and hear about market insights and local updates.

The NFAR is the largest professional trade association in Northeast Florida and the fourth largest in Florida, providing opportunities for professional development and social engagement for its 11,000 members. 

Each presentation during Thursday's event was followed by a five-minute Q & A session. From various road developments and the now-completed First Coast Expressway, Powell took time to discuss the economic state of the county. 

With a population of more than 235,000, Clay County has a 115,000-labor force where 75% outbound commute for work. There's also a $367,000 median home price.  Powell also discussed some of the county's biggest economic projects including IKO Industries, which provided $380 million in capital and more than 160 jobs.

Broskie, on the other hand, took a more student-focused approach, highlighting how the A-rated school district is one of the key reasons that homebuyers move into the area. 

"People don't move to areas where the school system is terrible. They don't. Business and industry [don't] want to go there either, because they're looking for a workforce down the roads," he said.

Clay County District Schools, Broskie told the audience, reached a 97% graduation rate for all seven of its tradition high schools and was ranked the No. 8 best school district in Florida by Niche. Additionally, 10 schools were recognized by the Florida Department of Education as "Schools of Excellence."

With more than 9,000 new homes projected in the next 10 years, the school district is expected to construct two more schools. More than $240 million dollars will be needed to build new student stations to meet the demand.

In addition to their presentations, attendees enjoyed breakfast, connected with colleagues and explored the tradeshow, which featured the Southwest Council's annual sponsors for 2026.