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Pete Jensen
Pete’s Bar was the first bar to “legally” open in Duval County after Prohibition was repealed in 1933. The establishment actually precedes the founding of Neptune Beach as a city in 1931. In the 1920’s, what is now Pete’s Bar was known as Jensen’s Market.
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Mr. Jensen ran the bar for several years with his son, William Jensen.
William & Clara Jensen
William married Clara Jensen and together they were responsible for much of the current design and atmosphere of the bar. Clara took over ownership of the bar after her William Jensen, died in 1979. She was a beloved face around the area, with many people calling her “Godmother.” Her employees all said that she treated everyone as if they were her own children. To her, the bar was more than just a business. It was a legacy and a family. She ran the bar until she retired at 79 years old. She died in 2001 at the age of 81, after a battle with cancer knowing that the bar was in good hands, those of their daughter – Nancy Jensen.
Nancy Jensen
Peter’s granddaughter, Nancy Jensen, with her four children: Tom, Steve, John and Nancy Jo were the next to own and operate the bar. Their secret to the continued success of the bar was to change nothing. Nancy Jensen once said, “I had one man walk in the door and say ‘thank God.’ And I said why are you saying that sir? He said “I haven’t been at the beach for 40 years. Everything has changed but Pete’s.”