Hilliard, Florida

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Hilliard is a town in Nassau County in the state of Florida in the United States of America. The population was 2,702 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 2,840 [1]. In 2003, Hilliard was chosen as the "2003 Rural Community of the Year" by Florida governor Jeb Bush, because of its collaboration with the YMCA to establish a local chapter, which includes a large swimming pool and exercise facilities.

Contents

[edit] Geography

Location of Hilliard, Florida

Hilliard is located at 30°41′16″N, 81°55′30″W (30.687760, -81.925022)GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 14.2 km² (5.5 mi²), all land.

[edit] Demographics

As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 2,702 people, 966 households, and 705 families residing in the town. The population density was 190.0/km² (491.7/mi²). There were 1,066 housing units at an average density of 75.0/km² (194.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 84.09% White, 13.10% African American, 0.70% Native American, 0.48% Asian, and 1.63% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.00% of the population.

There were 966 households out of which 40.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% were married couples living together, 18.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.0% were non-families. 24.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the town the population was spread out with 30.4% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 87.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $34,531, and the median income for a family was $37,227. Males had a median income of $34,554 versus $23,713 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,683. About 11.0% of families and 11.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.2% of those under age 18 and 18.6% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Economy

Along with Callahan, Hilliard is one of the major economic centers of western Nassau County. Its location on the railroad and at the intersection of several major roads (US-1 and County Road 108) have contributed significantly to economic growth. The area has significant stands of lumber used in the manufacture of paper as well as wood products. Much of the area land for tree farming is owned by either Rayonier or Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation.

Hilliard is home to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Control Center, which coordinates most commercial and civilian air traffic for the southeastern United States. The FAA center is a major employer in Hilliard.

The Life Care Center of Hilliard, a convalescent home, is also a major local employer, with many nursing professionals on staff.

The Franklin family owns some timber land, which is used to supply a family-owned sawmill. Some of this wood may be used in construction, as the family also owns a building company. Other holdings include several apartment complexes, mini-storage facilities, a commercial/retail plaza, a tire store (all in Hilliard or Callahan) and a motorcycle shop in nearby Folkston, Georgia. Other area businesses include a local Winn-Dixie, a Wendy's fast food restaurant, and a Flash Foods convenience store, part of a chain owned and operated by the Jones Corporation, Jonathan Charles Waggoner the Third and Lendol E. Thornton, based in Waycross, Georgia.

Because of specific soil conditions and a great deal of open rural land in the area, Hilliard was at one time considered by the Department of Energy as a possible site for the Superconducting Super Collider; however, that never materialized.

[edit] Education

There are 680 residents, or 25.1% of the total population, who are enrolled in some type of school. 7.9% of those school-age individuals are in nursery or pre-school, 9.0% attend kindergarten, 44.6 are in elementary school (grades 1-8), 30.4% are in high school (9-12), and 8.1% are enrolled in college or graduate school.

Hilliard has 1,651 residents who are 25 years and older. 8.8% have less than a 9th grade education, and 23.9% have between a 9th and 12th grade education, but no diploma. 38.3% have a high school diploma or GED, 18.8% have some college but no degree, 4.3% have an Associate's degree, 3.8% have a Bachelor's degree, and 2.0% have a Master's degree.

[edit] Educational institutions

Hilliard Elementary School serves grades K-5, and Hilliard Middle-Senior High School is a consolidated institution which holds grades 6-12.

[edit] Transportation

[edit] Area Roads

Hilliard lies at the intersection of County Road 108 and US-1, which is also part of U.S. Route 301 as it runs south from the St. Mary's River to Callahan, Florida. CR-108 is known as Second Street while going through Hilliard. At this intersection is the only complete set of traffic signals in the town. There is also a blinking yellow light approximately two miles south, at the intersection of County Road 115 and US-1.

[edit] Mass Transportation Services

A single Greyhound Lines terminal at Hilliard Town Hall is serviced at least once a day by buses heading both north and south.

[edit] Air Transport

The Hilliard Airpark is a small, unpaved airstrip available for personal aircraft. This is a municipal facility, and has hangars available for those who want them. The Airpark can also be used as a landing site for helicopters to transport patients in urgent situations. The complex is located on Eastwood Road, across the street from Eastwood Oaks Apartments.

[edit] Government

Mayor: David W. Buchanan

Town Clerk: Lisa Purvis

Council Members

  • John P. Beasley (Council President)
  • Patricia Webb (Council Pro Tem)
  • Donald Humphrey (Fire Commissioner)
  • Gregory Anderson
  • Alton Crews

[edit] External links

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