55-711: Altamonte Springs is a suburban city in Central Florida in Seminole County , Florida , United States, which had a population of 46,231 at the 2020 United States Census . The city is in the northern suburbs of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area , which the United States Census Bureau estimated had a population of 2,673,376 in 2020. Dr. Washington Kilmer of Cincinnati
110-575: A tropical climate . Unlike South Florida, where temperatures below 32 °F (0 °C) practically never occur, Central Florida can see occasional freezing temperatures in the some winters (though brief). Consequently, most of Central Florida cannot accommodate the same tropical plants found in Southern Florida with the exception of coastal areas in the Tampa Bay area , Brevard county , and Indian River county due to maritime influences of
165-405: A detrimental ripple effect on the economy. The hard-packed sand of Volusia County's beaches lent itself to auto races beginning in 1903 before paved roads were common, leading to the area's reputation for cars and racing. Ormond Beach was a popular spot for those who liked fast cars after the turn of the 20th century because the hard-packed beach was ideal for going fast. The same beach had led to
220-479: A female householder with no husband present, and 46.8% were non-families. 36.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.86. In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 20.4% under the age of 18, 10.8% from 18 to 24, 37.1% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
275-520: A high speed rail between Orlando and Miami is currently being developed by Brightline , who plans to extend the rail to Tampa after completion. Florida's public primary and secondary schools are administered by the Florida Department of Education . 28°55′37″N 81°43′17″W / 28.92694°N 81.72139°W / 28.92694; -81.72139 Seminole County Public Schools Seminole County Public Schools ( SCPS )
330-620: A large swath of peninsular Florida. This area encompassed the interior, including the Orlando metropolitan area , and coastal stretches from the Citrus County south to the Hillsborough County in the west and from Volusia County south to Sebastian in the east. Central Florida is one of Florida's three most common directional regions, the others being North Florida and South Florida . Lamme and Oldakowski note that
385-600: A much lesser extent: Disney's Animal Kingdom and SeaWorld Orlando . Central Florida also has a wide variety of natural attractions including the Bok Tower Gardens , Wekiwa Springs State Park , Blue Spring State Park , Rock Springs Run State Reserve , Canaveral National Seashore , and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge . The region also boasts an extensive network of recreational trails (jogging, biking, equestrian, etc.). While many connections are already in place, construction continues and will link all of
440-544: A square for weddings, festivals, and city holidays. The spot has become popular with Altamonte Springs residents, and attracts residents from nearby Longwood, Casselberry, and Maitland. Future plans include two high rise residential structures (in excess of 10 stories) and a series of parking structures to facilitate visitors. The area includes the Altamonte Mall , a 4-anchor indoor shopping mall, which includes an 18-screen AMC Theatre . Many restaurants are located near
495-740: A threat to the coastal cities as evidenced by the 2004 hurricane season , which brought three major hurricanes to the Central Florida area: Charley , Jeanne , and Frances . Winters are dry and temperate with the average winter high temperature in Orlando being 71 °F (22 °C) and the average winter low temperature being 49 °F (9 °C). Summers are hot and humid with high temperatures averaging 92 °F (33 °C) and low temperatures averaging 75 °F (24 °C). Peak summer heat generally arrives in early June and continues to early October. The combination of high temperatures, high humidity, and opposing sea breezes from both
550-537: Is a public school district that covers Seminole County , Florida . As of September 2006 , the total district wide enrollment was 66,351 students. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida , as of August 2021 Seminole County allows parents to opt out of their children wearing masks, but if there is no parental opt-out students must wear masks. In August 2021 17% of students were exempted. The District School Board
605-468: Is a large contributor to Central Florida's economy. The area has economically diversified in the past decade. As a high-tech industrial hub, Metro Orlando has the seventh largest research park in the U.S., Central Florida Research Park , the engineering and business school of the University of Central Florida . It has defense companies such as Lockheed Martin and Siemens . Medical research
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#1732772270463660-513: Is also home to a branch of Seminole State College of Florida . Additionally, Altamonte Springs boasts 10 percent more college graduates per capita than the Florida average, and is just a few miles away from the University of Central Florida and Rollins College . Serving the needs of residents since 1960, the Altamonte Springs City Library houses a permanent collection of 44,000 items.. The city announced closure of
715-553: Is being developed in Central Florida. The first of these initiatives, SunRail , is a commuter rail line that runs from DeLand south to Kissimmee . The first phase was completed in 2014 with the full system in place in 2015. Amtrak also serves Central Florida running on CSX Transportation 's A line and stops at the Orlando Amtrak station . The Auto Train stops in Sanford, Florida , north of downtown Orlando. As of 2022,
770-404: Is elected on a non-partisan basis. Members serve four year terms. The district operates 57 traditional schools. This includes nine high schools, 12 middle schools, and 36 elementary schools. There are the four charter schools that are accountable to SCPS. The district operates home school and virtual school programs. The district operates voluntary pre-K at selected locations within
825-612: Is known as the central area of the city. This is the area that borders Interstate 4 which is the main interstate highway for Central Florida connecting Daytona Beach, Orlando, and Tampa. An outdoor town center was recently opened named 'Uptown Altamonte' which marks the central business district of the city. Cranes Roost at Uptown Altamonte features a water fountain choreographed to classical, swing and contemporary music. This city center incorporates large-scale apartment buildings and planned high rise condominiums. The construction also includes mixed use shops and retailers. The park area includes
880-516: Is land and 0.6 mi (1.5 km) (5.93%) is water. The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification , the City of Altamonte Springs has a humid subtropical climate zone ( Cfa ). As of the 2020 United States census , there were 46,231 people, 19,732 households, and 10,169 families residing in the city. As of
935-564: Is prominent at Tampa's University of South Florida and Orlando's University of Central Florida , as well as the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute biomedical research facility. USF in particular is a national leader in cancer and dementia research. The Tampa Bay area has become a center of high-tech manufacturing and research, while both Orlando and the Tampa Bay area are centers for
990-555: Is served by SunRail , the Central Florida Commuter Rail system. The station opened on May 1, 2014. Only one hospital is in Altamonte Springs and that is AdventHealth Altamonte Springs. Central Florida Central Florida is a region of the U.S. state of Florida . Different sources give different definitions for the region, but as its name implies it is usually said to comprise
1045-438: Is served primarily by Orlando International Airport , which is located 30 minutes south. Orlando Sanford International Airport , located 25 minutes north, also serves the area. Orlando Executive Airport , located 20 minutes south, is used for charter flights and general aviation. Altamonte Springs is served by Lynx , offering local transit service which covers the three-county area (Osceola-Orange-Seminole). Altamonte Springs
1100-563: Is the closest port for tourists and Orlando residents alike to cruise on Disney Cruise Lines and Carnival Cruises . Future plans for the port include a rail and natural gas line running directly to Orlando International Airport. Another major seaport of the region is Port Tampa Bay , which is one of the busiest in the state and is on the verge of a huge expansion which will allow it to compete on an international level. Limited Access Freeways and Expressways : Major Surface Arterials: * U.S. Highway 41 A regional commuter rail network
1155-603: Is the present day Orlando International Airport ; and Orlando Air Force Base , which was transferred to the Navy in 1968 and renamed Naval Training Center Orlando until its BRAC -directed closure in 1999 and conversion to the present day Baldwin Park neighborhood. The other major U.S. Government installations in Central Florida is the Kennedy Space Center , a NASA facility located adjacent to Cape Canaveral SFS, and
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#17327722704631210-554: The 2000 Presidential election . Central Florida's economy is very similar to that in South Florida. Compared to the more diversified North Florida economy, tourism is by far the most significant industry in Central and South Florida, along with a much smaller but significant agricultural industry. Lamme and Oldakowski's survey also found some cultural indicators that characterize Central Florida. In general, Central Florida
1265-427: The 2010 United States census , there were 41,496 people, 18,045 households, and 10,083 families residing in the city. As of the census of 2000, there were 41,200 people, 18,821 households, and 10,012 families residing in the city. The population density was 4,631.1 inhabitants per square mile (1,788.1/km). There were 19,992 housing units at an average density of 2,247.2 per square mile (867.6/km). The racial makeup of
1320-938: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Outpatient Clinic at Baldwin Park (former Orlando AFB Hospital / former Naval Hospital Orlando) and the VA Hospital at Lake Nona. Central Florida has four major zoos , the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford , the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay animal park, and Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa. There are also two theme parks in Orlando featuring animals, albeit to
1375-626: The Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean . However, winters are still warmer than most other areas of the United States in winter. Central Florida’s typical high temperatures in the winter are around 70 °F (21 °C). The low temperatures near 50 F. At the end of the Civil War, aside from the cattle, cotton, and coastal lands, much of Central Florida was wetlands. It took a major drainage project financed by businessman Hamilton Disston in
1430-576: The Kennedy Space Center . Deltona was developed in 1962 as a planned retirement community. It is now the largest city in Volusia County. The construction of the Walt Disney World Resort was a transforming event for greater Orlando. Walt Disney wanted a location with abundant available land that was more accessible for the residents of the eastern United States to visit. Not only was there ample land in Central Florida, but it
1485-745: The South , people in the southern part of Central Florida did not typically identify their area as part of " Dixie ", while people in northern Central Florida did. People from Central Florida usually did not consider their region part of the Bible Belt . Politically, while North Florida overwhelmingly was considered conservative and South Florida was considered more liberal, the majority of Central Florida residents (52%) considered their area moderate; 41% considered it conservative, and 7% liberal. Lamme and Oldakowski's survey tracks with Barney Warf and Cynthia Waddell's studies of Florida's political geography during
1540-890: The St. Johns River , the Halifax River , the Ocklawaha River and the Econlockhatchee River . Major lakes include Lake Apopka , Lake Tohopekaliga , East Lake Tohopekaliga , Lake Louisa , Lake Monroe , Lake Jessup , and the Butler Chain of Lakes. There are over 100 miles (160 km) of coastline in Central Florida along the Atlantic Coast. Major beaches include Canaveral National Seashore , New Smyrna Beach , Daytona Beach , Cocoa Beach , and Indialantic Beach near Melbourne . Hurricanes are
1595-519: The poverty line , including 9.5% of those under age 18 and 6.4% of those age 65 or over. Altamonte Springs has a city manager, city commissioner form of government (commission-manager), consisting of four commission districts and the mayor serving citywide. The City of Altamonte Springs' public schools are a part of Seminole County Public Schools . Altamonte Springs is served by 4 public elementary schools (K–5); 2 public middle school (6–8); and 2 public high school (9–12). The City of Altamonte Springs
1650-603: The trails and greenways . Major trails include the Cady Way , Cross Seminole and West Orange Trails . Many of the top ranked beaches in the United States are located in Central Florida. Major international airports include: Port Canaveral , located in Cape Canaveral 45 minutes east of Orlando, is a cruise, cargo, and naval port. It is one of the busiest ports in Florida and is economically tied to Orlando. Locally perceived to be Orlando's seaport , Port Canaveral
1705-663: The 1880s to make these wetland areas available for settlement. Sanford was incorporated in 1877 as a port city at the Lake Monroe intersection and the St. Johns River. It was envisioned as a transportation center; the city's founder, Henry S. Sanford, nicknamed it "the Gate City of South Florida". It became a hub for shipping agricultural products, which earned the city another nickname, "Celery City". Kissimmee, originally named Allendale, after Confederate Major J.H. Allen, who operated
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1760-503: The Gulf and Atlantic coasts, results in significant thunderstorm activity from June to September for the interior counties. Central Florida records more lightning strikes per area than any other region in Florida, and Florida records more lightning strikes than any other state in the US. As a result, Florida, and more specifically, Central Florida, is often referred to as the "Thunderstorm capital of
1815-828: The Navy Pinecastle Impact (Bombing) Range, and the Avon Park Air Force Range located inland. These are augmented by major commands that are tenant activities at these installations, such as the headquarters for United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) and the headquarters for United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) at MacDill AFB , the Naval Ordnance Test Unit and Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral at Cape Canaveral SFS , and other Active, Reserve, Army National Guard , and Air National Guard activities that are located as either stand-alone facilities or as tenants on
1870-455: The USA", or "Lightning Alley." These severe thunderstorms often make Central Florida prone to many tornadoes. However, they are usually small, short lived, and almost always rated as EF0 or EF1 size storms. According to the Köppen climate classification , Central Florida has a subtropical climate. A climate that is typical for the majority of the state, except for South Florida, which has
1925-454: The active duty installations. Additional former facilities that have since been closed and converted to civilian use include Hillsborough Army Air Field , a World War II training range which is now part of a neighborhood, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay , and the University of South Florida ; Naval Air Station Sanford , which closed in 1968 and is the present day Orlando-Sanford International Airport ; McCoy Air Force Base , which closed in 1975 and
1980-493: The agency and other state and outside entities, including the Florida Department of Transportation . This definition covers much of the same area as in Lamme and Oldakowski's survey, with some exceptions. The central region includes the Orlando metropolitan area ( Orange , Lake , Osceola , and Seminole Counties), and Sumter , Polk counties in the interior, Citrus , Hernando , Hillsborough , Pasco , and Pinellas counties on
2035-523: The central part of the state, including the Tampa Bay area and the Greater Orlando area , though in recent times the Tampa Bay area has often been described as its own region, with "Central Florida" becoming more synonymous with the Orlando area (most notably, this is what the local news channels in each respective metro area call their region). It is one of Florida's three directional regions, along with North Florida and South Florida . Under
2090-411: The city was 79.23% White , 9.72% African American , 0.33% Native American , 2.94% Asian , 0.04% Pacific Islander , 4.79% from other races , and 2.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 15.93% of the population. In 2000, there were 18,821 households, out of which 24.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.1% were married couples living together, 12.0% had
2145-466: The development of a tourist resort by Henry Flagler. It later attracted Flagler's former business partner John D. Rockefeller, who had a winter home in Ormond. During and after World War II, the U.S. Army Air Forces (U.S. Air Force after 1947) and the U.S. Navy established several training facilities and operational bases in the region, mainly for aviation activities, followed by space exploration sites. In
2200-572: The directional region is more commonly used in the interior areas rather than on the coast. In fact, while coastal areas often have their own regional vernacular identities such as the Space Coast and the Nature Coast , no vernacular regions were reported on the interior of the state other than Central Florida. Enterprise Florida, the state's economic development agency , identifies "Central Florida" as one of eight economic regions used by
2255-525: The financial industry, especially insurers and back-end operations for large banking companies. Active military installations in the region include Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station located on the Atlantic coast; MacDill Air Force Base , Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater and Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg on the Gulf Coast; and Naval Support Activity Orlando ,
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2310-473: The first cargo steamboat on the Kissimmee River, boomed in the 1880s. It was the headquarters of Hamilton Disston's drainage company. The city was an important regional steamship port, owing that status to its location on Lake Tohopekaliga. Expanding the railroads into Central Florida eliminated the need for Kissimmee's steamship industry. The Great Freeze of 1894-1895 ruined citrus crops, which had
2365-530: The late 1940s, the U.S. military established a missile testing facility on Merritt Island near Cape Canaveral. The land was largely undeveloped and the agreeable climate allowed for year-round operations. When NASA later searched for a long-term base in the 1960s to launch spacecraft, it chose the Merritt Island site next to Cape Canaveral for its access to the testing facility and nearby communities. NASA purchased over 100,000 acres (400 km ) of land for
2420-507: The library on August 31, 2024 citing budget constraints and rising costs. Residents will be able to use the Seminole County Public Library. However, the city held a special meeting to discuss the library shutting down, and residents argued to commissioners that the library should not shut down and is vital to the city. Cranes Roost Park, Cranes Roost Lake, and the general area on State Road 436 east of Interstate 4
2475-487: The mall. Since 1995 Altamonte Springs has been host city to the Red, Hot, & Boom annual firework festival each July 3 in celebration of Independence Day. The event, which includes musical performances by nationally and internationally known entertainers and a custom fireworks show with over 15,000 shells, has drawn 200,000 people in recent years, and is Central Florida's largest Independence Day Celebration. Altamonte Springs
2530-486: The past thirty years. As of 2007 there were 70,000 Asians in Central Florida according to the U.S. Census . There were almost 1,900 Japanese persons, making up 3% of the Asians. Selected cities in Central Florida arranged by population: Agriculture has occupied a large portion of Central Florida's economy, with winter strawberries, citrus, timber, vegetables, and aquaculture all making major contributions. Tourism
2585-766: The previously mentioned "usual" definition, it includes the following 13 counties: Brevard , Citrus , Hernando , Hillsborough , Lake , Orange , Osceola , Pasco , Pinellas , Polk , Seminole , Sumter , and Volusia . Sometimes Ocala, which is in Marion County , was included. Although Citrus , Hernando , Hillsborough , Pasco , and Pinellas are also considered to be the Tampa Bay area. Like many vernacular regions, Central Florida's boundaries are not official or consistent, and are defined differently by different sources. A 2007 study of Florida's regions by geographers Ary Lamme and Raymond K. Oldakowski found that Floridians surveyed identified Central Florida as comprising
2640-439: The residents of Altamonte Springs voted 38 to 7 in favor of incorporation. The approximate coordinates for the City of Altamonte Springs is located at 28°39′41″N 81°23′31″W / 28.661463°N 81.392016°W / 28.661463; -81.392016 (28.661463, –81.392016). According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 9.4 mi (24.5 km), of which 8.9 mi (23.1 km)
2695-489: The west coast and Volusia and Brevard Counties on the east coast. The central cities of both metropolitan areas ( Orlando and Tampa ) are in close proximity (85 miles (137 km)), and as a result, their two metropolitan areas blend together in the area of Lakeland to make up a larger contiguous population center often referred to as the I-4 corridor . This is a population concentration that stretches from Tampa Bay on
2750-544: The west coast to Daytona Beach and Cape Canaveral on the east coast of the state. With the exception of hill terrain in Mount Dora , southern Lake County, Polk County ( Lake Wales Ridge ) Pasco County, and Hernando County (Brooksville Ridge). Central Florida is mostly flatland with significant amounts of open space and over 1,500 lakes and ponds. There is a mixture of wetlands, Cypress, Oak, Maple and Pine forests, pastures, prairies and coastline. Major rivers include
2805-415: Was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.6 males. In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $ 41,578, and the median income for a family was $ 49,082. Males had a median income of $ 34,413 versus $ 28,897 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 23,216. About 5.6% of families and 7.4% of the population were below
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#17327722704632860-416: Was inexpensive, and the inland location offered some protection from hurricanes. Plans were announced in 1965, and the theme park opened to the public in 1971. Lamme and Oldakowski's survey identifies several demographic, political, and cultural elements that characterize Central Florida and distinguish it from other areas of the state. While people from all parts of the state associated their area as part of
2915-436: Was less popular in Central and North Florida, and more so in South Florida. In 2009, the estimated total population of the Central Florida, including the populations of Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Volusia, and Lake Counties region was 3.3 million people. If the populations of Polk and Sumter counties were included, the estimated population would be 3.969 million people. Exponential growth has fueled Central Florida for
2970-471: Was similar to North Florida and differed from South Florida in these measures. In Central and North Florida, American cuisine was the most popular food, in contrast to South Florida where ethnic foods were equally popular. Additionally, while there was little geographical variation for most styles of music, there was regional variation for both country and Latin music. Country was popular in Central and North Florida, and less so in South Florida, while Latin
3025-537: Was the first person of European background to settle into the area circa 1870, and he named the area Altamonte. In 1882, the Altamonte Land, Hotel and Navigation Company, founded by Thomas C. Simpson and four other Massachusetts businessmen, gave the area its present name: Altamonte Springs. The company developed the core community along Altamonte Avenue (today's SR 436 ) between Maitland and Longwood Avenues (today's Ronald Reagan Boulevard). On November 11, 1920,
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