Built by farmers in the 1800s, and still providing fresh produce to the area.
This small town in the southwest corner of St. Johns County was once the market basket for St. Augustine. Founded in the late 19th Century, Hastings is named for Thomas Horace Hastings, a cousin of Henry Flagler who suggested that Hastings start a farm to provide fresh vegetables to Flagler’s hotels. No longer an incorporated town, but still known as “The Potato Capital of Florida,” this farming community produces cabbages, onions, eggplants, and shrubs and flowers — as well as potatoes. Hastings has the dubious distinction of being the only region of St. Johns County which does not border on a large body of water. The venerable building housing the Hastings Potato Growers Association is just 18 miles from the Plaza de la Constitución in St. Augustine.
Downtown Palatka, Inc. is a non-profit merchants association that supports the economic development, enhancement, and promotion of historic downtown Palatka.
The St. Johns County Equestrian Center is managed and operated by The St. Johns County Horse Council. On-site there is a community center available to rent for events and meetings.
