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According to ABLOGTOPHONE, Deland, Florida is a small city in the heart of Central Florida. Located just 25 miles north of Orlando, Deland has a population of over 30,000 people. With its picturesque downtown and historic buildings, Deland is often referred to as “The Athens of Florida”.

Deland is situated on the St. Johns River near Lake Monroe and the Ocala National Forest. The city’s geography can be divided into three distinct regions – the uplands to the west, the lowlands to the south and east, and the wetlands along the St. Johns River.

The uplands are characterized by rolling hills covered in pine forests and hardwood hammocks while the lowlands are mostly flat with areas of marshland and swamps. The wetlands along the St Johns River include both freshwater marshes and saltwater estuaries which provide habitat for numerous species of wildlife including alligators, turtles, wading birds, fish, and other aquatic animals.

The climate in Deland is subtropical with hot summers (average high temperature in July is 90°F) and mild winters (average low temperature in January is 42°F). The area receives an average annual rainfall of 46 inches per year with most occurring during summer months from June through September.

Deland has several parks throughout its boundaries including Blue Spring State Park where visitors can enjoy kayaking or canoeing on its crystal-clear waters or take a leisurely stroll around its nature trails while admiring wildlife such as manatees or river otters that inhabit this natural area. There are also several lakes throughout Deland offering recreational activities such as fishing or boating for those looking to get out on the water.

Deland offers a unique combination of natural beauty combined with historical charm making it an ideal place for those looking to explore Central Florida’s diverse ecology while still being close enough to Orlando for day trips into one of America’s most popular tourist destinations.

History of Deland, Florida

Deland, Florida is a historic city located in the heart of Central Florida. Founded in 1876, it was once known as the “Athens of Florida” due to its numerous educational institutions. It was named after Henry A. DeLand, a wealthy New York businessman who purchased thousands of acres of land in the area and founded the town.

The first settlers to arrive in Deland were mostly farmers who grew citrus fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, and cabbage. The town quickly grew to include stores, churches, schools, and other businesses. In 1895, Deland became the county seat of Volusia County and continued to expand rapidly over the next several decades.

During World War II, Deland became an important training center for pilots and other military personnel due to its close proximity to many military bases in Central Florida. After the war ended, Deland experienced a period of economic growth with many new businesses opening up and new housing developments being built throughout the city.

Today, Deland is home to Stetson University which is one of the oldest private universities in America as well as Bethune-Cookman University which is a historically black college founded by Mary McLeod Bethune in 1904. The city also has several historical landmarks including DeLand Memorial Hospital (the first hospital in Volusia County), The Athenaeum (a former hotel that now serves as an art museum), and The Athens Theater (the oldest continuously operating theater in Florida).

Deland has also become known for its vibrant downtown area with many unique shops and restaurants located along Woodland Boulevard as well as its numerous annual festivals such as Greek Fest (held every March) and Artisan Alley (held every April).

Deland offers visitors a unique glimpse into Central Florida’s past while still providing plenty of modern amenities such as shopping centers, restaurants, parks, museums, theaters and more. It truly is an ideal destination for those looking to experience both history and culture while still enjoying all that Central Florida has to offer.

Economy of Deland, Florida

Deland, Florida is a vibrant and thriving city located in Volusia County in Central Florida. It has been an important center of commerce and industry since its founding in 1876, when it was named after Henry A. DeLand, a wealthy New York businessman who purchased thousands of acres of land in the area. The city has experienced periods of economic growth over the years, particularly during World War II when it served as an important training center for pilots and other military personnel due to its close proximity to many military bases in Central Florida.

Today, Deland’s economy is largely driven by its diverse range of industries which include manufacturing, services, retail trade, education and health care services. The manufacturing sector is made up of companies that produce industrial machinery and equipment as well as chemicals and plastics. Deland also hosts several service-based businesses such as accounting firms, law offices and consulting companies. Retail trade is another major component of the local economy with numerous stores located throughout the city offering everything from clothing to home goods.

Education also plays an important role in Deland’s economy with two universities located within the city limits – Stetson University which is one of the oldest private universities in America as well as Bethune-Cookman University which is a historically black college founded by Mary McLeod Bethune in 1904. Additionally, there are several public schools within the district including elementary schools, middle schools and high schools that serve students from kindergarten through grade twelve.

Health care services are another major contributor to Deland’s economy with numerous hospitals and medical centers located throughout the city providing quality care for patients from all walks of life. Deland Memorial Hospital (the first hospital in Volusia County) is one such facility that offers a wide range of services including emergency care, primary care, specialty care and more.

Deland’s economy continues to grow each year thanks to its diverse mix of industries ranging from manufacturing to health care services as well as its vibrant downtown area which features unique shops and restaurants along Woodland Boulevard. With a strong job market, affordable housing options and plenty of recreational activities available nearby it’s no wonder why so many people choose to make their home in this beautiful Central Florida city.

Politics in Deland, Florida

Deland, Florida is a vibrant city with a diverse political landscape. As the county seat of Volusia County, Deland is home to many local and state government bodies. At the local level, the city is governed by a mayor-council form of government with an elected mayor and five council members serving four-year terms. The mayor has veto power over any ordinance passed by the council and is responsible for appointing department heads and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city. The council sets policy, approves budgets, and passes ordinances that are enforced by the city’s police force.

At the state level, Deland residents are represented in both chambers of Florida’s legislature. The city is located in Senate District 8 which is currently represented by Senator Tom Wright. In addition to representing Deland at the state level, Senator Wright also serves as chairman of several committees including Education Pre-K–12 Appropriations Subcommittee, Transportation Infrastructure and Security Committee and more.

In terms of national politics, Deland is part of Florida’s 6th congressional district which has been represented in Congress since 1993 by Democrat Nancy Soderberg who was elected in 2018 with nearly 67% of the vote. Congresswoman Soderberg serves on several committees including House Foreign Affairs Committee, House Select Committee on Intelligence and House Budget Committee among others.

Deland’s political landscape reflects its diverse population with many different viewpoints being represented at all levels of government from local to national levels. Whether it’s voting for a new mayor or participating in town hall meetings about upcoming policy changes residents have plenty of opportunities to get involved in their community and make their voices heard when it comes to politics.