Jay (Florida)

Jay is a town in Santa Rosa County, Florida, United States. The population was 579 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau was 650. It is part of the Pensacola - Ferry Pass - Brent Metropolitan Statistical Area.HistoryIn 1902, a committee was formed to select a name for the thriving farming community. James Thomas Nowling submitted the name "Pine Level" but it was declined due to a Florida post office already using it. Mr. Nowling was asked to submit a second name and was turned down again due to the name being too long. He was asked to submit yet another name but the Postal Department named the new post office after Mr. Nowling before he was able to submit another name and Mr. Nowling became the first postmaster of Jay.A small group of farmers began a livestock market in 1940 and reached sales of up to $1 million within 10 years. Oil was discovered here in 1970. The Jay oilfield has approximately 67 oilwells - eleven within the town limits. Royalties from the oil have exceeded $400 million that funded a new city hall, fire department and recreation complex.GeographyAccording to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.6sqmi, all land. The town lies on high ground on the east bank of the Escambia River. There are two river access points/boat ramps, both outside the city limits.