Putnam County
A River Flowing with Opportunity
Seekers of an authentic Florida lifestyle need look no further than Putnam County and its small historic towns, bright and colorful art displays and unique wildlife. Raise children to be well prepared adults in Putnam County, with planned neighborhoods and a school district that offers strong career & technical education (CTE) programs. Take a step back in time at one of the many festivals in Palatka or sit by the shores of Crescent Lake — one of the largest lakes in Florida with connections to St. Johns River. It’s all here, and only an hour’s drive to Jacksonville, the most populated city in Florida.
- Live Here
- Recreation
- Work Here
What You Need – When You Need It
Putnam County is brimming with opportunity for a high quality of life, whether you choose to live in Victorian Era home in Palatka or Crescent City, or a planned neighborhood in Welaka. Big city amenities like HCA Florida Putnam Hospital’s 99-bed acute healthcare facility in Palatka offer 24-hour healthcare and a 10-bed intensive care unit. Need help starting a business? The county chamber offers a publication that provides assistance for businesses of any type.
Heritage, Culture and a Relaxing Way of Life
From the mural tours and art galleries in Palatka to the many museums that remember the area’s early riverboating and railroading days, Putnam County offers a slower, but no less entertaining way of life. If you live in Melrose, you might as well just get a bumper sticker that says “Gone Fishing” — with bluegill, black crappie and four-pound bass as commonalities.
The city of Crescent has been called “The Bass Capital of the World” for good reason, and the annual Catfish Festival has brought in thousands for 40+ years. St Johns River also takes a direct path through the county, meaning swimming, canoeing, kayaking is always just a short drive away.
Families will also enjoy several events throughout the year, including the community-building Putnam County Fair and its midway games and a circus attractions.
Find the Career You Love
Find a job with one of several major employers in Putnam County, including manufacturers like Georgia Pacific and Veritas Steel and growing healthcare systems like HCA Florida Putnam Hospital. CareerSource North Florida offers in training, career planning and job placement services whether your profession is in welding, food processing or ship building and maintenance. And if you’re looking to upskill, St. John River College is a state certified education institution with continuing education courses that help boost employability.