Middleburg civic leader: Stop complaining and start contributing

The vice-president of the Middleburg Civic Association said one of the biggest problems in the growing community is the lack of civic involvement among everyday citizens.

Kristina Byrd said people don’t hesitate to complain about things they don’t like in the county, but few take the additional step of making a difference.

“The biggest problem is that people are distancing themselves more and more instead of getting out there and being a part of the change,” said Byrd. “They’re complaining, but they’re not contributing.”

“In a lot of Clay County, people are talking about the changes that they want to see and that they’re not happy with things,” she continued, “but they’re not getting involved; you’re not getting involved with your civic association; you’re not attending your county commissioner’s meetings; you’re not attending your school board meetings. So, you’re saying these things, but you aren’t getting involved.”

Byrd said she joined the civic association four years ago to make her own contribution and has served on the organization’s board of directors for three years.

“We are a complete nonprofit, but we host all kinds of events here within the community,” Byrd said of the association. The events are paid for by small businesses like mine and bigger businesses that are here. Everything’s free for the community to come out.”

Byrd said the civic association fills a vital role in the 32068-zip code.

“One of the things that people do not understand about a civic association is the fact that Green Cove Springs has a city council. Orange Park has a city council, but Middleburg is unincorporated, so you don’t have a city council. You instead have a civic association,” she said. “So, the five association board members—we’re the people that set up all of your meetings with Clay County Economic Development, where you can come and ask them questions. We meet with your county commissioners and speak to your school board. That is why more people need to get involved with their civic association.”

Byrd is a Middleburg High School graduate and has owned and operated One Swanky Chic Boutique since 2016.

“One Swanky Chick doesn’t refer to me,” she said. “It refers to my customer. I sell everything that makes that woman feel like one swanky chick among her friends. We cater to ladies clearly, but I carry everything from newborn up to tween sizes and children.”

Byrd said her store helps parents navigate those challenging years when girls transition to teenagers.

“Typically, once kids get into the tween sizes, then it’s very difficult for parents to find clothing that is still on the conservative side, but yet fun and that the kids want to wear,” she said. “I carry clothes for that. I also carry women’s clothing, from extra small up to 5XL. So literally every woman can shop there and feel like she looks good and feels good about herself.”

Byrd said that her inventory is constantly changing, and she keeps prices around 30% below the competition.

“We are always getting in new stuff,” she said. “So, whereas when you shop the big box stores, it’s the same thing over and over and over.”