The creek primarily flows through the heart of Jacksonville's Southside, and through southern parts of the Arlington neighborhood.

Historical records of Spanish land grants filed with the Florida territorial government, such as for the plot owned by Peter Bagley,[1] indicate a tributary of the Arlington River named Pottsburg Creek on maps of the area as early as 1824.

The creek meanders north through suburban parts of Jacksonville, being fed directly or indirectly by heavy amounts of pollution and fertilizers.

[citation needed] Many retention ponds and storm drains owned by JEA, the utility company, feed into this part of the creek.

The Pottsburg Creek is mainly fed by rainwater, retention ponds, and storm drain runoff.