Located in Dixie County on the southern banks of the Steinhatchee River, this unincorporated community is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor across the water, Steinhatchee. Jena is a community of dualities. On one hand, it is a waterfront settlement of stilt houses, marinas, and fish camps clustered along the river. On the other, it is a vast wilderness. While the residential core spans only a few square miles, the statistical area of Jena covers over 26 square miles, much of which is claimed by nature. The southern boundary of the town dissolves into the Jena Unit of the Big Bend Wildlife Management Area (WMA). This 11,857-acre expanse of pine flatwoods and cabbage palm hammocks ensures that Jena will never be swallowed by urban sprawl.

During scallop season, Jena is a hive of activity, with families snorkeling in the waist-deep waters and returning to the docks to shuck their catch. However, when the season ends, Jena reverts to its natural state: a sleepy commercial fishing and vacation outpost where the loudest sound is often the cry of an osprey or the low thrum of a boat heading out into the Gulf. There is a friendly but distinct rivalry between Jena and Steinhatchee. While both share the same river and the same 32359 ZIP code, Jena residents take pride in being on the "Dixie Side."

Historically, Jena grew out of the timber and fishing industries that fueled the region in the late 19th century. When Dixie County was established in 1921, Jena became its westernmost coastal hub. Today, Jena doesn't have a downtown, a stoplight, or a single chain restaurant. It does have a first-class boat ramp at the dead end of Highway 358 - the main drag and only way into town.

• VisitDixie.com webpage for Jena