About
Step into the tranquil embrace of Neptune Beach, a serene coastal enclave tucked away along Florida’s northeast shoreline, sandwiched between Atlantic Beach and Jacksonville Beach.
Embracing a relaxed and easygoing vibe, Neptune Beach beckons visitors of every age to bask in its natural splendor. With its firm sands perfect for biking and waves tailor-made for surfing, there’s no shortage of outdoor delights to savor.
Community
Neptune Beach, nestled in Duval County, boasts a population of 7,500 residents. It sits snugly on a barrier island, flanked by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west.
Covering around 2.5 square miles, Neptune Beach shares its borders with Atlantic Beach to the north and Jacksonville Beach to the south.
Government
In Neptune Beach, governance follows a Council-Manager model. Residents elect a Mayor and four City Councilors who collectively form the City Council. This body holds the responsibility of passing ordinances and resolutions that govern the city, with the Mayor presiding over council meetings.
Appointed by the City Council, the City Manager assumes the role of chief administrative officer, ensuring the implementation of all enacted ordinances and resolutions. The City Manager also appoints key positions such as the Chief of Police, Public Services Director, Finance Director, and Planner.
Acting as the legal advisor, the City Attorney offers counsel on matters concerning the city. Meanwhile, the City Clerk oversees legislative operations and serves as the custodian of the City Seal, holding signature authority over official documents, ordinances, and resolutions.
History
The roots of Neptune Beach trace back to 1922, when Dan Wheeler erected his own train station adjacent to his residence, dubbing it Neptune. Wheeler’s motivation stemmed from the assurance that a station would mandate train stops, sparing him the daily trek to Mayport for commuting to Jacksonville. This station occupied the current site of the Sea Turtle Inn.
Initially, Neptune was under Jacksonville Beach’s jurisdiction until the tax revolt of 1931. On August 11, 113 residents voted in favor of secession, with only 31 opposed, leading to the incorporation of Neptune Beach as an independent city.
