CLAY COUNTY – The county is jam packed with great local businesses from restaurants, to dance studios, to dry cleaners.

It’s Clay County’s local businesses that make the area such a unique spot in Florida, a state filled with Winn-Dixie and Publix supermarkets and a Chick-Fil-A on every other street, not to mention that little-known place called Disney World. Clay Today’s Best of Clay 2021 competition wrapped up its voting earlier this week, we asked readers what their favorite local businesses were and why they loved those businesses so much.

“There are so many great local businesses in Clay County,” Mimi Williams said. “Some of my favorites include Pat’s Nursery – family run and extremely knowledgeable – Steelmill Crossfit [Steel Mill Fleming Island] – amazing coaches that help achieve results – and of course, Urban Bean – best coffee and atmosphere by far.”

Karen Fey said one of her favorite businesses in Clay County is Green Cove Springs’ Spring Park Coffee. She said it has great ambience and consistently-excellent products. It always makes her soul feel better after a quick Spring Park Coffee visit and a blended coffee, she said.

Keeping with the food industry, Frank Brewer said Gerald’s Restaurant is their favorite business in the county.

“Talk about looking out for the community...every Thanksgiving, he feeds anyone and everyone a full meal and has a Bluegrass band for entertainment,” Brewer said. “Customers and employees volunteer their time to take care of each other. Nobody has to be alone on this special holiday.”

Doug Deters said his favorite business is The Carpet Man in Orange Park, by the Orange Park Mall. He said it’s a local business with “deep local ties and the best prices and services in Northeast Florida.”

“My favorite business is No Limits Dance Studio, Inc.,” Jami Maxwell-Bloedow said. “My daughter joined the team there last year and was brought into a family of friends that are like sisters – not just a team. The positive and encouraging atmosphere the instructors provide helps the girls believe in themselves, which is so important in life.

“They truly love each student and help them grow and develop their own unique styles, all while teaching them the discipline and perseverance that is necessary to reach their goals, which will carry over into their future and all they set out to do.”

Clay Today currently is tabulating the results of more than 350 categories, and winners will be announced in May.

It’s safe to say that Clay County businesses are loved by the community. What’s your favorite local business in the area? Let us know by responding to the Facebook Question of the Week and be sure to follow the official Clay Today Newspaper Facebook page so you don’t miss this week’s upcoming question.