Broskie, Crawford talk school district, economic development during trade show

April 2, 2026

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com

ORANGE PARK - The North Florida Association of Realtor's (NFAR) Southwest Area Council hosted its tradeshow breakfast on March 26, where industry professionals and community leaders met to discuss the intertwining realities of real estate and the county's ever-growing population. 

Superintendent David Broskie, Clay Economic Development Director Crawford Powell and Jessie Spradley with North Florida's Builders Association were joined by a host of realtors and industry partners at the Courtyard by Marriott. They were anxious to network and hear about market insights and local updates.

The NFAR is the largest professional trade association in Northeast Florida and the fourth largest in Florida, providing opportunities for professional development and social engagement for its 11,000 members. 

Each presentation during Thursday's event was followed by a five-minute Q & A session. From various road developments and the now-completed First Coast Expressway, Powell took time to discuss the economic state of the county. 

With a population of more than 235,000, Clay County has a 115,000-labor force where 75% outbound commute for work. There's also a $367,000 median home price.  Powell also discussed some of the county's biggest economic projects including IKO Industries, which provided $380 million in capital and more than 160 jobs.