SEMINOLE COUNTY

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Tires Piling Up?

Free Disposal at the upcoming Tire Amnesty Day

Residents of Seminole County may deliver up to 10 tires at no chare to: The Central Transfer Station or Seminole County Landfill

Saturday:  April 19, 2008  8:00 am - 2:00 pm Questions?  Call:  407.665.2260

The term "Seminole" is a derivative of the word "cimarron" which means "wild men" in Spanish. The County, named after the Seminole Indians, is dominated by the majestic St. John's River which opens up Central Florida to the north by the inland waterway which is more than 200 miles long. During the six years of conflicts between U.S. troops and the Seminole Indians who were never conquered, the waterways provided transport for the troops from the first white settlement established in 1836. Fort Mellon in Sanford and other forts became the fore-runners of the present day cities.

Much of Seminole County features a high quality of life for its residents. With just over 344 square miles of land, the county has committed to keeping approximately 20% in its natural state.

Early Seminole County history is intertwined with Orange County as the current towns and cities were formed early on and continually flourished. When Seminole County broke from Orange County in 1913, it already had a large population basis because all the early towns formed from the beginning settlements.

As one of the fastest growing counties, residents can choose from a number of neighborhoods and subdivisions surrounding the county's seven incorporated cities. In addition to the incorporated cities, there are four more unincorporated municipalities, ** all thriving towns. As of the 2000 census the population was at 365,196 and with the building explosion of the last few years and the influx of people from other states, that number is growing daily. As of last count, the number of neighborhood subdivisions now totals over 120 and it seems like they keep springing up overnight.

• Altamonte Springs

 One of  the most populous of the cities in Seminole. This retail, office, and residential community is located just north of Orlando.  The City's name is derived from the Spanish word for "High Hill" which refers to the area's hilly terrain and the springs that were discovered on the shore of Lake Adelaide in the late 1800's.

In the early 70s, my mother, Thelma Miller worked in the water Department for the City of Altamonte Springs.  I have fond memories of going into that small buiding, before the City Hall was built and talking to the few employess. I remember this to be during the time of Mayor Swafford.

One of the largest employers in the area is the Altamonte Springs Mall, a regional 1.28 million-square-foot shopping center on the cities two major byway's 436 and I-4. The area around the Crane's Roost Lake is currently being expanded with new retail shops, food venues, and just added is a state-of-the-art movie theater. The city also boosts 7 neighborhood/community parks. I remember in 1971 when Altamonte Springs was featured in the National Geographic as the fastest growing city in the nation.  We were all so excited when the mall was built! (I was very, very young!)  Florida Hospital-Altamonte is one of the largest area hospitals in Seminole County.

• Casselberry

One of the more established residential communities, Casselberry is located to the northeast of Orlando and covers 8 square miles. Casselberry's roots are connected with the fern growing business. In 1926, fern grower Hibbard Casselberry bought about 3,000 acres and turned the area into a fern grower´s heaven.

Recreation abounds in three area parks that offer tennis, racquetball, softball, and swimming. It is also the home of Orlando's parimutuel betting industry, with Seminole Greyhound Park and the Orlando/Seminole Jai-Alai Fronton. Local government is run by a commissioner-manager
form of government, meaning the city manager is appointed by the city commission and responsible for the daily running of the city. Casselberry runs its own water, sewer and storm water utilities.

• Lake Mary

One of Seminole County's  newest community being incorporated in 1973 was Lake Mary. It is a fast growing suburban community located just 10 miles North of Orlando. I-4 makes this community easily accessible and puts it within reach of all of Central Florida. A combination of up-scale residential development, business and industrial properties, adds to the growing commercial base. The area is a hot spot for many corporations who have their national headquarters in the area. There is a wide variety of housing from affordable apartments to very upscale home and condo communities. Both golf and retirement communities are a quick drive from I-4 and the community's center.

• Longwood

This city is the county's oldest city. It was a regular stop on the South Florida Railroad, built in the 1800. Longwood's name was borrowed from a district in Boston by one of the town´s founders, P.A. Demens, an exiled Polish count.  I remember as a child goint to Sanlando Springs to go swimming.  It is now the beautiful development of "THE SPRINGS."  One of Longwood's claims to fame is "the Senator," believed to be the oldest and largest bald cypress tree in the US. How old is it? Estimated to be be 3,500 years old, give or take 100 either way! I also loved going to visit this tree as a child and having a picnic out there.  Longwood offers a variety of parks and recreational activities, and is home to several upscale country clubs like Sabal Point, Sweetwater Oaks, Wekiva Springs, and Alaqua Lakes.

• Oviedo

 This city is one of the Incorporated Cities of Seminole County. The name which is pronounced "Oh-vee-dough" has a melodious sound and most on hearing it for the first time inquire as to its origin. The area was once called Solary's Wharf named for the docking wharf in Lake Jessup, known as the Lake Jessup Community. Among the many crops delivered into Orlando, this area's major crops were celery and citrus. Mail delivery was twice a week to that location. After the Civil War a post office was established called Lake Jessup Community. When a Swedish immigrant named Andrew Aulin was named Postmaster to that office, he began to use the name Oviedo a city and university in Spain. Mr. Aulin thought that the name was more appropriate since there was a strong Spanish influence all throughout Florida. Visit the photography site of a Dr. Michael Fenichel showing the beautiful university and cathedral buildings of the original Oviedo.   I came upon another story of "Oviedo Lights". Actually Snowhill Lights, a once popular place to park at night near the old bridge which was replaced in 1996. Erie lights would shine at night on the banks beyond the bridge or the bridge itself. There are many historic hiking trails throughout the region.   The landmarks we all love are the Fire Stations (now three), the Post Office complex, Ace Hardware and Popeye's Fried Chicken Restaurant. And, yes let us not forget the chickens. According to Citizen's Bank, the history of the chickens goes back to 1875 when brought to the area by early settlers. It is reported that the current and varied species of chickens walking freely about in Oviedo now total over 30! Remember to brake for those chickens, they are famous. So are our Firemen and our Departments. Let's all celebrate our first responders throughout Seminole County.