text:
Sunshine Ranches, Florida

Sunshine Ranches is a former census-designated place (CDP) in Broward County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,704 at the 2000 census. It was incorporated into the town of Southwest Ranches, Florida in 2000, and now serves as a neighborhood.

Geography
Sunshine Ranches is located at 26.04028°N, -80.32528°W (26.040217, -80.325178).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 10.8 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,704 people, 551 households, and 456 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 157.8 /km2. There were 575 housing units at an average density of 53.2 /km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 92.43% White (77.7% were Non-Hispanic White,) 2.76% African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.88% Asian, 1.53% from other races, and 2.35% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.78% of the population.

There were 551 households, out of which 38.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.1% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.1% were non-families. 10.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.08 and the average family size was 3.34.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 27.1% under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 30.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $87,307, and the median income for a family was $89,078. Males had a median income of $58,487 versus $41,768 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $40,001. About 1.5% of families and 2.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.7% of those under age 18 and 2.0% of those age 65 or over.

As of 2000, before being annexed to Southwest Ranches, English as a first language accounted for 76.22% of all residents, while Spanish as a mother tongue accounted for 22.16%, and Italian made up 1.61% of the population.

title: Sunshine Ranches, Florida


text:
Tamarac, Florida

Tamarac is a city in Broward County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Miami metropolitan area. At the 2020 census, the city had a population of 71,897.

History
In the early 1960s a young developer named Ken Behring came from the Midwest and bought land where he could, creating an active adult community of two-bedroom maintenance-free homes. He called his new city Tamarac, named after the nearby Tamarac Country Club in Oakland Park.

In 1963, Behring built and Jesse Pilch sold the city's first development east of State Road 7, Tamarac Lakes Section One and Section Two. Next came two neighborhoods of homes built on a former orange grove called Tamarac Lakes North and Tamarac Lakes Boulevard. Four of Behring's last developments were Tamarac Lakes South, then the Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes just west of State Road 7, and finally the Woodlands community.

The city's early leaders, hoping to preserve Tamarac as a bedroom community, allowed Fort Lauderdale to annex commercial pockets, forever losing land that might have bolstered the city's coffers. In the late 1970s, the city de-annexed a long line of commercial buildings from State Road 7 all the way to Northwest 31 Avenue, but it went along with Behring's vision of Tamarac as a bedroom community. The boundaries were wherever Behring decided to build homes. The city's current eastern boundaries narrow to a sliver from Northwest 31 to 37 Avenues, then widen to the south. The city's easternmost boundary extends below Commercial Boulevard to Northwest 16 Avenue. City officials had once considered revising their east city limit lines to ensure efficient delivery of government services.

Behring also named a subdivision he built in the Pinellas Park area, the "Mainlands of Tamarac By-the-Gulf".

Geography
The approximate coordinates for the City of Tamarac is located at 26.20361°N, -80.24639°W (26.203581, –80.246376).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 31.3 km2, of which 30.1 km2 is land and 1.2 km2 is water (3.92%).

Climate
Tamarac has a tropical climate, similar to the climate found in much of the Caribbean. It is part of the only region in the 48 contiguous states that falls under that category. More specifically, it generally has a tropical monsoon climate (Köppen climate classification, Am).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 71,897 people, 27,330 households, and 15,437 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 60,427 people, 27,833 households, and 15,279 families residing in the city.

2000 census
In 2000, the city the population was spread out, with 13.4% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 23.5% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 37.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 53 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.3 males.

As of 2000, 15.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.8% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.6% were non-families. 36.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.00 and the average family size was 2.56.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $34,290, and the median income for a family was $41,927. Males had a median income of $32,317 versus $28,360 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,243. About 6.1% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.5% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.

As of 2000, speakers of English language as a first language were at 78.08% of the population, while Spanish was at 13.69%. Also, Yiddish was at 1.90%, French at 1.15%, Haitian Creole consisted of 1.12%, Italian made up 1.08%, German comprised 0.62%, and Hebrew as a mother tongue made up 0.52% of residents.

Over the years, the multicultural population has expanded in Tamarac, such as people from Latin American and Caribbean ancestry. As of 2000, Tamarac was the fifty-first-most Colombian-populated area in the U.S., with 2.74% of the population. It also had the thirty-second-highest percentage of Jamaicans in the U.S., (tied with Royal Palm Beach and Goulds) at 4.1% of all residents.

Education
Broward County Public Schools operates public schools.

Elementary schools in the Tamarac city limits include:
 * Challenger Elementary School
 * Tamarac Elementary School

Other elementary schools serving sections of Tamarac include Discovery Elementary School (Sunrise), Pinewood Elementary School (North Lauderdale), Park Lakes Elementary School (Lauderdale Lakes), Oriole Elementary School (Lauderdale Lakes), and Lloyd Estates Elementary School (Oakland Park).

Millennium 6–12 Collegiate Academy is the sole public secondary school in Tamarac; it was previously only a middle school, but its high school began operations in 2017. Tamarac has a middle school attendance zone serving the majority of the city (sections of the city limits west of NW 81 Avenue). High school students are not zoned to Tamarac; preference is given to those who attended Millennium middle, and those wishing to attend the high school must be eligible for dual-enrollment with Broward College. Other sections are served by Silver Lakes Middle School in North Lauderdale, Lauderdale Lakes Middle School in Lauderdale Lakes. and James S. Rickards Middle School in Oakland Park.

Much of Tamarac is zoned to J. P. Taravella High School in Coral Springs, and Piper High School in Sunrise, with Taravella serving northern areas and Piper serving southern areas. Other sections are assigned to Boyd H. Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes and Northeast High School in Oakland Park.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami operates Saint Malachy School in Tamarac.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Tamarac, Florida


text:
Tedder, Florida

Tedder is a neighborhood in Deerfield Beach, Florida, was a census-designated place (CDP) in Broward County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,079 at the 2000 census. The community was originally part of Pompano Beach.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 0.7 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2000 census, there were 2,079 people, 508 households, and 409 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,866.8 /km2. There were 531 housing units at an average density of 732.2 /km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 30.79% White, 44.59% African American, 0.35% Native American, 1.49% Asian, 6.73% from other races, and 11.35% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 23.12% of the population.

There were 508 households, out of which 48.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.8% were married couples living together, 18.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.3% were non-families. 11.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.88 and the average family size was 4.10.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 30.6% under the age of 18, 11.2% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 19.7% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $40,069, and the median income for a family was $37,330. Males had a median income of $24,053 versus $25,913 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $11,737. About 13.9% of families and 18.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.2% of those under age 18 and 10.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Tedder, Florida


text:
Terra Mar, Florida

Terra Mar was a census-designated place (CDP) in Broward County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,631 at the 2000 census. Most of the neighborhood belongs to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida with a small portion belonging to Pompano Beach, Florida.

Geography
Terra Mar is located at 26.2125°N, -80.09556°W (26.212493, -80.095452).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.0 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,631 people, 1,570 households, and 766 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,745.5 /km2. There were 2,712 housing units at an average density of 2,830.0 /km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.87% White (93.5% were Non-Hispanic White,) 0.57% African American, 0.19% Asian, 0.57% from other races, and 0.80% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.06% of the population.

There were 1,570 households, out of which 5.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.8% were married couples living together, 4.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 51.2% were non-families. 44.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.68 and the average family size was 2.23.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 5.0% under the age of 18, 1.7% from 18 to 24, 17.3% from 25 to 44, 31.6% from 45 to 64, and 44.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 62 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $50,394, and the median income for a family was $63,625. Males had a median income of $57,171 versus $35,625 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $40,923. About 3.6% of families and 8.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.0% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.

As of 2000, English as a first language accounted for 80.88% of all residents, while both French and Spanish made up 5.83%, Italian 3.42%, German was at 3.21%, and Arabic was the mother tongue of 0.80% of the population.

title: Terra Mar, Florida


text:
Twin Lakes (Fort Lauderdale)

Twin Lakes was a census-designated place (CDP) in Broward County, Florida, United States, which was divided into Twin Lakes North and Twin Lakes South. The population was 1,875 at the 2000 census.

On November 2, 2004, residents of the Twin Lakes North voted to join the City of Fort Lauderdale. The annexation became effective on September 15, 2005, and it now serves as a Fort Lauderdale neighborhood. Twin Lakes South became a neighborhood of Oakland Park, Florida in 2005.

Geography
Twin Lakes is located at 26.18278°N, -80.15917°W (26.182661, -80.159252).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 0.7 km2. 0.7 km2 of it is land and 3.70% is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,875 people, 656 households, and 446 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,784.4 /km2. There were 680 housing units at an average density of 1,009.8 /km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 79.47% White (66.6% were Non-Hispanic White,) 13.87% African American, 0.37% Native American, 1.76% Asian, 2.51% from other races, and 2.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.11% of the population.

There were 656 households, out of which 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.7% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.9% were non-families. 18.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.86 and the average family size was 3.24.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 37.4% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 8.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 121.4 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $40,433, and the median income for a family was $42,431. Males had a median income of $31,622 versus $21,889 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $19,284. About 2.4% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.0% of those under age 18 and 3.0% of those age 65 or over.

As of 2000, English was the first language of 79.59% of residents, while Spanish was at 14.62%, and French Creole as a mother tongue made up 5.78% of the population.

title: Twin Lakes (Fort Lauderdale)


text:
Utopia, West Park, Florida

Utopia was a census-designated place (CDP) in Broward County, Florida, in the United States. As of the 2000 census, the CDP population was 714. The area is now part of a West Park neighborhood.

Geography
Utopia is located at 25.98861°N, -80.20333°W (25.988719, -80.203268). According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 0.8 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 714 people, 262 households, and 175 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 889.3 /km2. There were 279 housing units at an average density of 347.5 /km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 21.57% White (11.9% were Non-Hispanic White,) 65.97% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.56% Asian, 9.38% from other races, and 2.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 22.83% of the population.

There were 262 households, out of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 30.9% were married couples living together, 28.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.32.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 32.6% under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 6.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $22,000, and the median income for a family was $24,250. Males had a median income of $21,602 versus $16,058 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $12,306. About 23.8% of families and 28.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.3% of those under age 18 and 30.2% of those age 65 or over.

As of 2000, before being annexed to West Park, English as a first language accounted for 80.62% of all residents, while Spanish as a mother tongue made up 19.37% of the population.

title: Utopia, West Park, Florida


text:
Village Park, North Lauderdale, Florida

Village Park was a census-designated place (CDP) in Broward County, Florida, United States. The population was 895 at the 2000 census. It is now a part of North Lauderdale, Florida.

Geography
Village Park is located at 26.19333°N, -80.2025°W (26.193428, -80.202568).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 0.5 km2. None of the area is covered with water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 895 people, 470 households, and 220 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,919.8 /km2. There were 546 housing units at an average density of 1,171.2 /km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 82.23% White (70.7% were Non-Hispanic White,) 4.69% African American, 1.01% Native American, 3.80% Asian, 6.59% from other races, and 1.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 18.66% of the population.

There were 470 households, out of which 13.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 29.8% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 53.0% were non-families. 39.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.90 and the average family size was 2.50.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 10.6% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 29.2% from 45 to 64, and 26.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.7 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $26,786, and the median income for a family was $27,321. Males had a median income of $19,669 versus $25,179 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $20,623. About 20.5% of families and 16.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.7% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those age 65 or over.

As of 2000, English as a first language accounted for 79.67% of all residents, while Spanish accounted for 14.83%, and French was the mother tongue of 5.49% of the population.

title: Village Park, North Lauderdale, Florida


text:
Washington Park, Florida

Washington Park is a census-designated place (CDP) in Broward County, Florida, United States. Its population was 1,948 at the 2020 census. It is home to the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center.

Geography
Washington Park is located at 26.13056°N, -80.17917°W (26.130613, -80.179042).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.1 km$2$ (0.4 mi2), of which 1.0 km$2$ (0.4 mi2) is land and 0.1 km$2$ (0.04 mi2) (4.88%) is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,948 people, 793 households, and 474 families residing in the CDP.

2010 census
As of the 2010 United States census, there were 1,672 people, 510 households, and 388 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,257 people, 410 households, and 298 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,213.3/km$2$ (3,162.1/mi2). There were 470 housing units at an average density of 453.7/km$2$ (1,182.3/mi2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 0.08% White, 98.17% African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.08% Asian, and 1.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.64% of the population.

In 2000, there were 410 households, out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.4% were married couples living together, 31.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.1% were non-families. 22.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.07 and the average family size was 3.52.

In 2000, in the CDP, the population was spread out, with 30.8% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.3 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the CDP was $23,516, and the median income for a family was $26,528. Males had a median income of $21,583 versus $18,581 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $11,359. About 24.9% of families and 28.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 48.5% of those under age 18 and 19.5% of those age 65 or over.

As of 2000, English was the first language for 97.82% of all residents, while Spanish was the mother tongue for 2.17% of the population.

title: Washington Park, Florida


text:
West Ken-Lark, Florida

West Ken-Lark was a census-designated place (CDP) in Broward County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,412 at the 2000 census. It now serves as a neighborhood of Lauderhill.

Geography
West Ken-Lark is located at 26.14566°N, -80.19138°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.3 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,412 people, 995 households, and 826 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,688.5 /km2. There were 1,022 housing units at an average density of 805.3 /km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 1.03% White, 97.33% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.26% from other races, and 1.17% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.49% of the population.

There were 995 households, out of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.9% were married couples living together, 40.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.9% were non-families. 14.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.42 and the average family size was 3.74.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 33.5% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 23.7% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 11.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $29,568, and the median income for a family was $30,194. Males had a median income of $23,462 versus $21,637 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $10,157. About 28.5% of families and 33.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 51.9% of those under age 18 and 27.0% of those age 65 or over.

As of 2000, English as a first language accounted for 98.82% of all residents, while Spanish made up 0.60%, and French Creole was the mother tongue for 0.57% of the population.

title: West Ken-Lark, Florida


text:
Weston, Florida

Weston is a city in Broward County, Florida, United States, just west of Fort Lauderdale. It is 31 mi to the northwest of Miami and part of the Miami metropolitan area. The population was 68,107 at the 2020 census.

History
In the 1950s, industrialist and philanthropist Arthur Vining Davis took control of the approximately 15,000 acre which Weston is now located on; Davis was Arvida's first owner. In the following years, plans were made to develop the land, and the area which is known as Bonaventure was sold and subsequently developed independently from the Arvida development; this area forms Weston's Bonaventure Development District. The large, remaining portion of the master-planned community was developed by Arvida/JMB Realty (known for developing Walt Disney World), and the community was originally named Indian Trace; the area developed by Arvida forms Weston's Indian Trace Development District.

The community's name of Indian Trace was changed to Weston in the early 1980s, and in 1984, the first homes in the Arvida-developed section of Weston were completed in the Country Isles and Windmill Ranch sections of the community.

In 1994, the Board of Supervisors of Weston began discussing the possibility of either incorporating as a municipality, being annexed into a neighboring municipality, or remaining an unincorporated area of Broward County. In April 1994, the Board of Supervisors initiated an Incorporation Feasibility Study, and a nine-member Steering committee consisting of residents and consultants was established by the Board.

By November 1995, after ruling out remaining an unincorporated area or being annexed to the neighboring municipalities of Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, or Sunrise (all four of which received Requests for Proposals on the matter from the Board of Supervisors), it was concluded by both the Board of Supervisors and the Steering Committee that the best option was for Weston to incorporate itself as a city. This was determined to be the best option because the community would be able to govern itself on a local level through home rule, and because the local tax revenues generated by the residents would stay in Weston, remain in Weston's control, and be used by and for Weston. Shortly thereafter, the Board of Supervisors formally requested to the State of Florida to let the Indian Trace Development District's residents vote on whether or not their district should incorporate as a city.

On May 6, 1996, the State Legislature approved the Local Bill, and a vote on the matter was subsequently scheduled for that summer. Weston ultimately incorporated itself as a city on September 3, 1996. Roughly 90% of the voters in voted in favor of incorporation.

The Bonaventure section was given the choice of becoming a part of Weston or a part of the City of Sunrise, located adjacent to Weston, as part of the Local Bill. On April 1, 1997, by a nearly two-to-one margin, the voters residing in the Bonaventure area voted in favor of becoming part of the City of Weston.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 68.2 km2, of which 65.2 km2 is land and 3.1 km2 is water, or 4.49% of the total area.

Weston is bordered by Sunrise to the northeast, Davie to the east, Southwest Ranches to the south, and the Everglades to the north and west. It is the most western city in Broward County, and the entirety of its western edge is located next to the Everglades.

Weston consists of two development districts: the Bonaventure Development District and the Indian trace Development District.

Weston is located roughly 31 mi to the northwest of Miami.

Climate
Weston has a tropical rainforest climate (Af). The weather is typically very humid and sunny during the majority of the year. Winters are usually dry and warm during La Niña conditions, while El Niño conditions usually bring cool and wet conditions to the region. ENSO effects on South Florida are rather minimal during the summer months, with the exception of tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic Basin.

Economy
Companies with large operations in Weston include UKG, DHL, Marriott International, Abbott Laboratories, Mondelez, Cleveland Clinic, Royal Caribbean, Rockwell Automation, and American Express. Weston is a very wealthy area, with an estimated median household income of $122,774 in 2021.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 68,107 people, 21,297 households, and 18,843 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 65,333 people, 20,041 households, and 16,768 families residing in the city.

According to a 2010 estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $93,553 and the median per capita income was $40,432. Males had a median income of $63,135 versus $38,119 for females. 2.3% of the population was below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 0.8% of those under the age of 18 and 8.2% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

2000 census
In 2000, there were 16,576 households, out of which 51.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.0% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present and 17.6% were non-families. 13.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.97 and the average family size was 3.29.

In 2000, the age distribution of the city was as follows: 32.4% were under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 36.1% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64 and 6.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over there were 90.2 males.

As of 2000, English was the sole language spoken at home by 62.50% of the residents, while Spanish speakers comprised 31.40% of the population, Portuguese speakers comprised 1.30% of the population, and French speakers 0.82%.

As of 2000, Weston had the highest number and highest percentage of Venezuelans in the United States, at 9.4% of the city's residents, the fourteenth highest percentage of Colombian residents in the US, at 6.19% of the city's population, seventy-fifth highest percentage of Cubans, at 4.05% of Weston residents, and had the forty-seventh highest percentage of Peruvians in the US, with 1.19% of the population (tied with Orange, New Jersey). Also, Puerto Ricans made up 4.1% of residents.

City government
As of January 2022, the Mayor of Weston is Margaret "Peggy" Brown and the city commissioners are Chris Eddy, Byron L. Jaffe, Henry Mead, and Mary Molina-Macfie. Its 2020 municipal election drew attention in local news media for resulting in the election of 3 Republican-endorsed candidates, who currently make up majority of the city commission. This is in spite of the city's traditionally Democratic political lean; Joe Biden was supported by 58% of Weston voters in the same election. The mayor of Weston has drawn attention for her support of Donald Trump and criticism of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Florida State House
Weston is located in the Florida State House's 104th district, which as of January 2022 is represented in the Florida State House of Representatives by Robin Bartleman (D–Weston).

Additionally, Bartleman had previously served as a City Commissioner of Weston, serving in that capacity between 2000 and 2004.

Florida State Senate
Weston is located in the Florida State Senate's 32nd district, which as of January 2022 is represented in the Florida State Senate by Lauren F. Book (D–Plantation).

United States Congress
As of January 2022, Weston is represented in the United States Congress by Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D–Weston).

United States Senate
Like the rest of Florida, Weston is represented in the United States Senate as of January 2022 by Marco Rubio (R–Miami) and Rick Scott (R–Naples).

Sports
The City of Weston contracts with the Weston Sports Alliance, Inc., the City's own all volunteer organization to manage and oversee its organized athletic league programs. The alliance is formed by six charter organizations: baseball/softball/t-ball, basketball, football, soccer, lacrosse and rugby, with roughly 9,000 participants annually.

The Weston FC, based in Weston, is Florida's largest soccer club and is one of the largest in the United States.

On October 16–18, 2013, Weston hosted the World Hardcourt Bike Polo Championship.

Parks
The City of Weston maintains a total of 15 parks and recreational facilities throughout the city, which are maintained by the City of Weston Department of Parks and Recreation.

The largest of the city's public parks, the Weston Regional Park, has an area of 102 acre and first opened in the 2000. It is the home of the Weston Hawks.

The Peace Mound, a midden associated with the Tequesta and their ancestors and dated to the late Archaic and Glades culture periods (3000 BCE – 1530 CE), is located in Peace Mound Park in Weston.

The other public parks maintained and operated by the City of Weston are Bonaventure Park, Country Isles Park, Eagle Point Park, Emerald Estates Park, Gator Run Park, Heron Park, Indian Trace Park, Tequesta Trace Park, Vista Park, Weston Library Park, the Weston Racquet Club, Weston Town Center Park, and Windmill Ranch Park.

Bicycle paths
The City of Weston maintains a large network of bicycle lanes and paths.

Country clubs
Weston is home to two country clubs: the Weston Hills Country Club and the Bonaventure Golf Club.

Federal roads
Weston is served by the following federal highways: Additionally, Interstate 595's western terminus is at the Weston-Sunrise-Davie tripoint.
 * Interstate 75 – Travels north-to-south along the eastern edge of the city, and east-to-west along the northern edge of the city as "Alligator Alley."
 * U.S. Highway 27 – Travels north-to-south through the western fringes of the city.

State roads
Weston is served by the following state roads:

 * State Road 84 – Travels east-to-west through the city as the service road for Interstate 75 and forms Weston's northern border.[[File:State Road 84 and Interstate 75 at Bonaventure Boulevard, Weston, Florida February 20, 2022.jpg|thumb|SR 84 as seen from its intersection with Bonaventure Boulevard within Weston. Interstate 75 can be seen crossing over Bonaventure Boulevard, in between SR 84's westbound and eastbound lanes.]]

Additionally, Griffin Road (State Road 818) serves the city and parallels its southern border.

Other roads
Other major roads in Weston include Blatt Boulevard, Bonaventure Boulevard, Glades Parkway, Indian Trace, Racquet Club Road, Royal Palm Boulevard, Saddle Club Road, South Post Road, and Weston Road.

Bus
The city is served by bus routes of Broward County Transit.

Bicycle routes
The City of Weston maintains a large network of bicycle lanes and paths across the city.

Public schools
Broward County Public Schools operates the public schools in Weston.

Elementary schools
The following elementary schools are located within and serve Weston:
 * Country Isles Elementary School
 * Eagle Point Elementary School
 * Everglades Elementary School
 * Gator Run Elementary School
 * Indian Trace Elementary School
 * Manatee Bay Elementary School

Middle schools
The following middle schools are located within and serve Weston:
 * Falcon Cove Middle School
 * Tequesta Trace Middle School

High schools
Cypress Bay High School is located within and serves the majority of Weston. However, small portions of the city are zoned to Western High School, located in adjacent Davie.

Private schools
The following private schools are located within Weston:
 * Sagemont School
 * Weston Christian Academy
 * Xceed Preparatory Academy

Charter schools
One charter school is located within the city: the Imagine Charter School at Weston.

Higher education
Broward College has a small campus on the second floor of the Broward County Public Library – Weston Branch.

Additionally, the American InterContinental University South Florida Campus was located in Weston until closing in 2015.

Libraries
Weston is served by the Weston Branch Library, which is located on Bonaventure Boulevard. The library is a branch of the Broward County Library.

Weston Town Center
Weston Town Center is a major shopping center located on the corner of Royal Palm Boulevard and Bonaventure Boulevard.

The initial construction of Weston Town Center began in November 1999. This 32-acre (13 ha) project cost $42 million. Apart from boutique and dining, this center of town has a bell tower, the Weston Town Center Park (a 1.2-mile park hugging the lake), and an outdoor amphitheater to host city events.

Notable people

 * Nina Ansaroff — mixed martial artist
 * Robin Bartleman — Florida State Congresswoman and a former Weston City Commissioner
 * Alan Cohen — former owner of the NHL's Florida Panthers
 * Daniel Dickey — comedian, humorist and political activist
 * Sami Gayle — television and theater actress best known for her role on the CBS series Blue Bloods
 * Art Ginsburg — cookbook author and television personality
 * Jake Miller — hip-hop recording artist
 * Billy Mitchell — video game player and restaurateur
 * Dean Pelman — Israeli-American baseball pitcher for the Israel National Baseball Team
 * Carlos PenaVega — actor/musician
 * María Luisa Piraquive — preacher, singer
 * Manny Ramirez — professional baseball player for the EDA Rhinos
 * Debbie Wasserman Schultz — U.S. Representative

title: Weston, Florida


text:
Wilton Manors, Florida

Wilton Manors is a city in Broward County, Florida, United States. Wilton Manors is part of the Miami metropolitan area, which was home to 6,166,488 people at the 2020 census. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 11,426.

History
In the early 20th century, the area now known as Wilton Manors was known as Colohatchee. A train stop along the Florida East Coast Railroad near the current NE 24th Street shared that name. The name Wilton Manors was coined in 1925 by Ned Willingham, a Georgia transplant and land developer. Wilton Manors was incorporated in 1947.

The city is home to a sizable LGBT population and has become a destination for LGBT tourists, who frequent its many nightclubs and gay-owned businesses along the main street, Wilton Drive; the 2010 U.S. Census reported that it is second only to Provincetown, Massachusetts in the proportion (15%) of gay couples relative to the total population. It contains a large Pride Center, the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center, and a branch of the Stonewall National Museum and Archives, whose main facility is in neighboring Fort Lauderdale. A city web page highlights LGBT+ life in Wilton Manors. As of the November 2018 elections, Wilton Manors became the first city in Florida and only the second city in the United States to have an all-LGBT+ governing body.

Since the late 1990s, the Wilton Drive main street corridor has undergone an economic transformation. Formerly a sleepy street lined with small retail shops, Wilton Drive is now the city's arts and entertainment district, home to numerous restaurants, bars, shops, condos and rental developments that have blossomed over the last decade. Many of the businesses in the arts and entertainment district are LGBT-owned and/or operated, and "The Drive" has become a local, regional, and national destination for LGBT+ tourism. In late 2018, construction began on a "Complete Streets" project that will see wider sidewalks, on-street parking, buffered bike lines, and the reduction of vehicular lanes from four to two. Construction of the roadway portion of the project is projected to be completed in late 2019, followed by the landscaping portion of the project.

Another example of the economic revitalization in Wilton Manors is the Highland Estates neighborhood, bordered by NE 26th Street on the south, Dixie Highway on the east, the North Fork of the Middle River on the north, and NE 6th Avenue on the west, was significantly transformed in the decade from 1995 to 2005 from a blighted area to an upscale neighborhood with multiple new modern townhouse developments. Citywide real estate prices increased with, and even ahead of, the national trend in the years of the expansion of the housing bubble (2000–2007). In 2007, the city's taxable property values had grown to $1.26 billion, according to the Broward County Property Appraiser's office. Again following the national trend as the housing bubble burst, Wilton Manors real property taxable values fell 36% from 2007 through 2011. An upward trend in values resumed in 2012 and has continued through the present, with Wilton Manors consistently ranking in the top tier of cities in Broward County with the highest increases in taxable property values. According to the Broward County Property Appraiser, the city's 2019 taxable values are approximately $1.48 billion and total assessed market values are just over $2.22 billion.

Wilton Manors is home to several recreational facilities, the largest of which are Hagen Park, Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve, and Island City Park Preserve. Other Wilton Manors parks include Donn Eisele Park, Snook Creek Park and Boat Ramp, and Colohatchee Park, a 9.3 acre recreational facility complete with a boardwalk for nature observation, a dog park, and a boat ramp for watercraft entry. In addition, there are several pocket parks throughout the city. Another major city park is Mickel Field, which was traditionally a busy hub for local baseball and softball leagues. At the request of the surrounding neighborhood residents, Mickel Field underwent a significant renovation and re-opened in Summer 2015 with new walking trails, fitness station, picnic and performance pavilion, and other new facilities more in tune with the needs of current residents. In 2019, a significant renovation was completed at Colohatchee Park.

2021 Stonewall Pride Parade accident
On June 19, 2021, at the start of the Stonewall Pride Parade in Wilton Manors, a member of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus lost control of the truck he was driving, which was to be a part of the parade, and drove into other members of his group, killing 75-year-old James Fahy and injuring 2 others, one of whom was put into critical condition, before going on to strike a nearby garden store. The driver, identified as 77-year-old Fred Johnson Jr., narrowly missed U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who was seated in a convertible at the time of the accident. The accident caused the parade to be canceled.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.94 sqmi, all land.

Wilton Manors is bordered on the north by the North Fork of the Middle River and the city of Oakland Park; to the south, the boundaries include the South Fork of the Middle River and the city of Fort Lauderdale; the eastern terminus of the city limits extends to near Federal Highway (US 1); and the westernmost boundary reaches Interstate 95. Wilton Manors completely surrounds the separately incorporated village of Lazy Lake. Since it is surrounded by water, Wilton Manors has gained the nickname "Island City."

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 11,426 people, 7,034 households, and 2,272 families residing in the city.

2010 census
As of the 2010 United States census, there were 11,426 people, 5,975 households, and 1,953 families residing in the city.

Wilton Manors is known as a gay village. As of 2010, Wilton Manors ranks 2nd in the U.S. for its percentage of gay couples as a proportion of total population, with 140 gay couples per 1,000 residents or 1,600 persons or 14% of the inhabitants. The Fort Lauderdale area ranks 4th in metro areas (per capita). Neighboring Oakland Park is ranked sixth on the list. Wilton Manors has approximately 1270% more resident gay couples per capita than the national average of 1.1% of the population, as of 2010.

2000 census
In 2000, 18.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 28.4% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 58.0% were non-families. 40.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.06 and the average family size was 2.91.

In 2000, the city the population was spread out, with 16.6% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 36.4% from 25 to 44, 25.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 123.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 128.2 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $38,366, and the median income for a family was $43,346. Males had a median income of $31,857 versus $26,522 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,770. About 10.7% of families and 15.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.3% of those under age 18 and 13.4% of those age 65 or over.

As of 2000, speakers of English as a first language accounted for 78.52% of the population, while Spanish was at 9.37%, French Creole at 7.13%, French at 2.31%, Italian at 1.22%, as well as Portuguese being at 0.68%, German being 0.55%, and Polish as a mother tongue of 0.17% of all residents.

As of 2000, Wilton Manors was the 133rd most Cuban-populated area in the US (tied with Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey) at 1.58% of the population, while it had the twenty-seventh highest percentage of Haitians in the US, (tied with North Lauderdale and Florida City) at 6.7% of all residents.

Government
Since the early 2000s Wilton Manors has voted overwhelmingly Democratic, higher than the state and county average. This is largely due to the city's large LGBT population and minority residents. In 2018 the city became the second city in the United States (after Palm Springs, California) to have a gay mayor and all-LGBT city commission.

The city holds nonpartisan elections to elect city officials.

Media
Wilton Manors is part of the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood media market, which is the twelfth largest radio market and the seventeenth largest television market in the United States. Its primary daily newspapers are the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and The Miami Herald, and their Spanish-language counterparts El Sentinel and El Nuevo Herald. A number of LGBT+ publications also serve the community; including South Florida Gay News, The Mirror, OutClique, and Hot Spots.

In 2010 Wilton Manors Main Street (now Wilton Manors Development alliance) aided Brazos Films in the production of episode seven of their award-winning series One Square Mile.

Primary and secondary schools
Broward County Public Schools operates public schools. Most portions are zoned to Wilton Manors Elementary, while some are zoned to Bennett Elementary School. All residential areas are zoned to Sunrise Middle School, and Fort Lauderdale High School.

In addition the community is in the service area of the magnet school Pompano Beach High School.

There is also an area charter school in Wilton Manors, Somerset Academy Village.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami previously operated the Saint Clement School in Wilton Manors. It opened in the 1950s and closed in 2009. According to Akilah Johnson of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, area parents indicated that St. Ambrose School in Deerfield Beach and St. Jerome's Catholic School in Fort Lauderdale would take most of the students who could not go to Saint Clement anymore.

Libraries
Wilton Manors' first library opened on June 24, 1957, as a project of the Jayceettes and staffed by volunteers. "The city took over the library in August 1958... and moved the library to the original city hall. In 1960, the building was enlarged to double its space." In 2003, construction was completed on a 4000 sqft library expansion. This increased the facility's size to 6500 sqft. The library, now called the Richard C. Sullivan Public Library of Wilton Manors, is not a part of the Broward County Library system. It is one of only five municipal libraries in Broward County. The Richard C. Sullivan Public Library is a heavily used facility. The volunteer organization, Friends of the Wilton Manors Public Library, actively supports the library's collections and programming.

title: Wilton Manors, Florida


text:
Altha, Florida

Altha is a small town in Calhoun County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Florida Panhandle in North Florida. The population was 496 at the 2020 census, a decrease from 536 at the 2010 census.

History
During segregation, the Town of Altha was known to have had "Sunset Signs" that were posted at each corner of the city limits warning African Americans not to enter after dark.

It was first settled in 1902, and the town was officially incorporated as a municipality in 1946.

Geography
The exact coordinates for the Town of Altha is located at 30.57167°N, -85.1275°W (30.571710, –85.127533).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.5 sqmi, of which 1.4 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi (2.72%) is water.

Altha is located in northwestern Florida, approximately 45 minutes from the Georgia state line and one hour from the Alabama state line. Altha is in a rural county, with the primary industry being agriculture. Tomatoes, watermelons, green vegetables, cucumbers, peanuts, corn, wheat, and cotton are all major crops in this farming area. The timber industry also thrives in the area, with many farmers electing to plant pine trees.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the Town of Altha has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

Altha has an average high temperature of 76 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 51 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers in this area are quite hot and humid, with afternoon showers frequently occurring during the summer months. Altha is located about 35 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, so when tropical storms or hurricanes approach the coastline, weather can become severe.

The coldest part of the winter occurs during late January and early February. Temperatures at night can dip as low as the lower 30s, and in some isolated instances, even striking the low to mid 20s. The last measurable snowfall occurred on December 23, 1989, where 2 inches of snow fell. January and February can be cool months, with temperatures occasionally struggling to reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

In 2004, during Hurricane Ivan, dozens of homes were destroyed and four people were killed because of a severe tornado striking near the town.

In October 2018, Altha and the surrounding areas were hit by Hurricane Michael, which was listed as a category 5 hurricane, and the strongest to ever hit Northwest Florida, caused extensive damage to the town. The old high school building, known as the white building, and many homes were damaged and/or destroyed as a result.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 496 people, 187 households, and 116 families residing in the town.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 536 people, 198 households, and 144 families residing in the town.

In 2010, the population was 47% male and 53% female. 33% of the population was under 18 and 15.5% was 65 or over.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there are 506 people, 204 households, and 128 families residing in the town. The population density is 136.6/km2 (354.8/mi2). There are 226 housing units at an average density of 61.0/km2 (158.5/mi2). The racial makeup of the town is 95.85% White, 0.20% African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 2.57% from other races, and 0.79% from two or more races. 5.93% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

In 2000, there are 204 households out of which 30.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.6% are married couples living together, 13.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 36.8% are non-families. 31.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 16.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.48 and the average family size is 3.04.

In 2000, in the town, the population is spread out with 25.5% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 94.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.3 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town is $27,917, and the median income for a family is $40,156. Males have a median income of $26,389 versus $22,000 for females. The per capita income for the town is $12,677. 17.3% of the population and 8.5% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 7.2% of those under the age of 18 and 29.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Education
Altha, served by the Calhoun County School District is home to the K–12 Altha Public School, established early after the turn of the twentieth century.

The "white building", as it was known as, has since been demolished due to Hurricane Michael. The school has since been rebuilt on the previous school's site, retaining its same name, and currently serves as the town's only public school.

School sports
The girls' volleyball team has won numerous district, region, and state semi-finals playoffs as well. Altha School runs boys' basketball, volleyball, softball, baseball, weightlifting, and a cross-country team. The girls' and boys' weightlifting teams have won several state championships.

Businesses and attractions
The largest employer in Altha is Oglesby Plants International. The Chipola River, about three miles west of Altha, offers swimming, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.

title: Altha, Florida


text:
Blountstown, Florida

Blountstown is a city and the county seat of Calhoun County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 2,266.

Name
Blountstown is named for John Blount, a Creek Indian chief who served as a guide for General Andrew Jackson during his invasion of Spanish Florida in 1818. This invasion was not directed at Spain, per se, but at Seminole Indians who would attack settlements north of Florida, then retreat to relative safety below the border of Spanish Florida. Also, Spain did not return escaped slaves to the U.S. In any case, this invasion caused Spain to sell Florida to the United States, since it was apparent that Spain would have a hard time defending against invasion. Thus, this territory became a part of the U.S. in 1821. The city was officially incorporated in 1903.

History
Blountstown was originally named for a Seminole Chief (John Blount), who had been awarded land in the vicinity by Andrew Jackson for aiding Jackson in his battles against the Native Americans. However, he was forced to move from Florida to Texas in the 1830s. He died soon after being relocated.

In the late 1850s, there was an open and violent feud between two rival factions which included the local Durden family. At one point, the Durdens and their rivals had a "pitched battle" at the courthouse square in Blountstown.

On October 10, 2018, Blountstown was nearly annihilated when Category 5 Hurricane Michael struck the town. The city was without power for almost three weeks and over 80% of homes and businesses were heavily damaged or destroyed. Blountstown High School suffered heavy damage, but Blountstown Elementary School was completely destroyed. In addition, the local timber and farming industries, which are Calhoun County's largest industries, were completely destroyed, costing millions of dollars in economic loss.

Geography
Blountstown is located at 30.44296°N, -85.0454°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.2 sqmi, of which 3.2 sqmi is land and 0.31% is water.

Directly to the east lies Bristol in Liberty County. Blountstown and Calhoun County uses the Central Time Zone, as opposed to Liberty County which is in the Eastern Time Zone.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the City of Blountstown has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,266 people, 1,149 households, and 647 families residing in the city.

In 2020, there was a 47.0% employment rate and a median household income of $37,083. 28.6% of the population lived below the poverty threshold. The median age in the city was 38.0 years old.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 2,514 people, 968 households, and 610 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,444 people, 913 households, and 595 families residing in the city. The population density was 767.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,046 housing units at an average density of 328.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 65.18% White, 31.79% African American, 1.27% Native American, 0.33% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.29% from other races, and 1.06% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.70% of the population.

In 2000, there were 913 households, out of which 27.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.6% were married couples living together, 21.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.8% were non-families. 31.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.99.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 23.2% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 22.1% from 25 to 44, 21.3% from 45 to 64, and 25.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 75.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 71.8 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $23,271, and the median income for a family was $30,880. Males had a median income of $23,313 versus $20,000 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,498. About 18.5% of families and 24.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.6% of those under age 18 and 17.7% of those age 65 or over.

Government
The old Calhoun County courthouse was located in Blountstown and is currently listed as a historic Florida landmark.

The city is home of the Calhoun Correctional Institution.

Education
Calhoun County School District operates public schools.

Blountstown has three schools: Blountstown Elementary School, servicing kindergarten through fifth grades; Blountstown Middle School for sixth through eighth; and Blountstown High School for ninth through twelfth.

Notable people

 * Patricia Dane, Hollywood actress of 1940s and early 1950s; starred in films Grand Central Murder, Johnny Eager and Life Begins for Andy Hardy; wife of bandleader Tommy Dorsey; died in Blountstown in 1995
 * Corn Griffin, Heavyweight boxer born in Blountstown, whose memorable 1934 TKO loss to James J. Braddock was recreated for the 2005 film Cinderella Man
 * Carey Loftin, Hollywood stuntman and actor, born in Blountstown
 * Elam Stoltzfus, Suncoast Emmy award winning American environmental documentary filmmaker
 * Fuller Warren, 30th governor of Florida

title: Blountstown, Florida


text:
Charlotte Harbor, Florida

Charlotte Harbor is a census-designated place (CDP) in Charlotte County, Florida, United States. The name Charlotte Harbor also refers to Charlotte Harbor (estuary) and Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park, a 42000 acre preserve with 70 mi of shoreline along Charlotte Harbor in Charlotte County.

The population of Charlotte Harbor was 3,784 in 2020, up from 3,710 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Punta Gorda, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area and included in the North Port-Bradenton, Florida Combined Statistical Area.

Geography
Charlotte Harbor is located at 26.96389°N, -82.06222°W (26.963897, -82.062267) on the north bank of the Peace River, the main tidal inlet to the Charlotte Harbor estuary, itself an arm of the Gulf of Mexico. U.S. Route 41, the Tamiami Trail, crosses the Peace River between Charlotte Harbor and Punta Gorda via the Barron Collier Bridge (northbound) and the Gilchrist Bridge (southbound).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Charlotte Harbor CDP has a total area of 13.0 km2, of which 6.0 km2 is land and 7.0 km2, or 53.95%, is water.

Notable event
On August 13, 2004, Hurricane Charley first made mainland landfall at the mouth of Charlotte Harbor.

title: Charlotte Harbor, Florida


text:
Charlotte Park, Florida

Charlotte Park is a census-designated place (CDP) in Charlotte County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,667 at the 2020 census, up from 2,325 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Punta Gorda, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, included in the North Port-Bradenton, Florida Combined Statistical Area.

Geography
Charlotte Park is located next to Punta Gorda, the Charlotte County seat, at 26.90444°N, -82.04611°W (26.904421, -82.046136). It is bordered by the larger city to the north, west, and south. The eastern edge of the CDP follows U.S. Route 41, the Tamiami Trail.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.4 sqkm, of which 2.7 sqkm is land and 0.7 sqkm, or 20.58%, is water. The CDP is crossed by several canals which lead southwest to Charlotte Harbor, an inlet of the Gulf of Mexico.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,182 people, 1,152 households, and 744 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,801.5 PD/sqmi. There were 1,518 housing units at an average density of 1,253.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.08% White, 0.27% African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.64% from other races, and 0.73% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.15% of the population.

There were 1,152 households, out of which 7.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.2% were married couples living together, 4.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.4% were non-families. 30.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.89 and the average family size was 2.28.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 7.6% under the age of 18, 3.0% from 18 to 24, 11.6% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 50.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 65 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.4 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $29,263, and the median income for a family was $35,462. Males had a median income of $26,397 versus $25,521 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $22,434. About 4.2% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.4% of those under age 18 and 1.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Charlotte Park, Florida


text:
Cleveland, Florida

Cleveland is a census-designated place (CDP) in Charlotte County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,435 at the 2020 census, up from 2,990 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Punta Gorda, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area, part of the North Port-Bradenton, Florida Combined Statistical Area.

Geography
Cleveland is located in north-central Charlotte County at 26.95583°N, -81.99694°W (26.955877, -81.996827). It is bordered on the north by the Peace River and on the west by the community of Solana. Punta Gorda, the Charlotte County seat, is 4 mi to the southwest via U.S. Route 17. Interstate 75 separates Cleveland from Solana and serves both communities from Exit 164.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Cleveland CDP has a total area of 14.8 km2, of which 13.5 km2 is land and 1.3 km2, or 9.03%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,268 people, 1,571 households, and 1,007 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 594.7 PD/sqmi. There were 1,978 housing units at an average density of 359.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.83% White, 0.40% African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.49% from other races, and 0.70% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.44% of the population.

There were 1,571 households, out of which 14.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.6% were married couples living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.9% were non-families. 29.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.52.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 14.3% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 17.7% from 25 to 44, 26.8% from 45 to 64, and 35.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $31,537, and the median income for a family was $37,208. Males had a median income of $30,778 versus $20,667 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $21,468. About 5.9% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.9% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Cleveland, Florida


text:
Englewood, Florida

Englewood is a census-designated place (CDP) in Charlotte and Sarasota counties in the U.S. state of Florida. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 20,800, up from 14,863 at the 2010 census. It is part of the North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Archeological digs in what is now Englewood discovered ceramics belonging to both the Weeden Island culture and Safety Harbor culture.

One of the earliest white settlers in the area was a man named William Goff, who arrived by schooner from Tampa in 1878. He settled a piece of land just a few miles south of where Englewood would be platted. On July 3, 1895, a post office was established in the area as well. The Great Freeze of 1894 and 1895, along with a bad freeze in 1896, led to the decimation of many local orange plants. For this reason, by 1897, a Manatee County General Directory listed fish as the chief product for Englewood.

The original plat of Englewood was recorded and filed on August 17, 1896. The home lots were 1 acre, and the grove lots—likely intended for citrus—were 10 acre. The area was developed by three brothers, and the name Englewood came from their hometown, Englewood, Chicago. Some streets, such as Dearborn, Harvard, and Yale, are named after those in Chicago.

In 1898, the Englewood Inn was opened, a relatively large hotel with 16 rooms. The hotel serviced visitors from up north until it burned down in 1909.

In 1921, both Sarasota and Charlotte County were created. Englewood, which was initially more on the modern Sarasota side of the county line, would eventually expand to its current size that now resides in both counties.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 33.8 km2, of which 25.4 km2 is land and 8.5 km2, or 24.99%, is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, Englewood had a population of 20,800 with 10,173 households which resulted in a rate of 1.92 persons per household.

By age the population was split with 1.2% under 5 years old, 6.3% under 18 years old, and 57.5% 65 years and older. 50.3% of the population were female persons. By race, the population was split with 95.5% white, 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.1% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, 1.9% two or more races, and 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. There were 2,626 veterans living in the city and 7.2% of the population were foreign born persons.

The CDP had an owner-occupied housing unit rate of 85.6%. The median value of owner-occupied housing units was $233,800. The median gross rent was $1,068. 93.1% of households had a computer and 84.5% had a broadband internet subscription.

94.2% of the population 25 years and older were High School graduates or higher and 30.2% of that same population had a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Education
The Englewood Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) is a special district created by the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners in 1999 on the Sarasota side of Englewood. The Sarasota and Charlotte County School Districts have an interlocal agreement allowing some Charlotte County residents to use the Englewood Elementary School and the Sarasota County students to use the Middle and High School located in Charlotte County. Englewood has a private utility company, the Englewood Water District, and the Englewood Fire District that serve the community.

Englewood contains multiple public elementary schools and one public high school (Lemon Bay High School). Several private schools are also located within Englewood. Englewood Christian Academy, Heritage Christian Academy, and Genesis Christian Academy offer grades K–12. L.A. Ainger Middle School, a public school serving grades 6–8, located in nearby Rotonda West, Florida, is the nearest public middle school.

Popular entertainment includes the beach, restaurants, and a small shopping district located primarily along Dearborn Street.

title: Englewood, Florida


text:
Grove City, Florida

Grove City is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Charlotte County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,174 at the 2020 census, up from 1,804 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Punta Gorda, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area, included in the North Port-Bradenton, Florida Combined Statistical Area.

History
Grove City was platted in 1886. A post office was established at Grove City in 1887, and remained in operation until 1910.

Geography
Grove City is located in western Charlotte County at 26.91194°N, -82.325°W (26.911966, -82.324933). It is bordered by Englewood to the north and by Manasota Key to the west across Lemon Bay, an arm of the Gulf of Mexico. Rotonda West is to the southeast.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Grove City CDP has a total area of 5.8 km2, of which 3.5 km2 is land and 2.3 km2, or 39.54%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,092 people, 1,045 households, and 659 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,647.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,457 housing units at an average density of 1,147.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.71% White, 0.43% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.67% Asian, 0.29% from other races, and 0.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.91% of the population.

There were 1,045 households, out of which 13.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 30.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.00 and the average family size was 2.40.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 12.7% under the age of 18, 3.7% from 18 to 24, 17.3% from 25 to 44, 28.3% from 45 to 64, and 38.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 58 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $32,104, and the median income for a family was $41,976. Males had a median income of $22,685 versus $17,177 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $21,602. About 4.9% of families and 9.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.6% of those under age 18 and 6.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Grove City, Florida


text:
Harbour Heights, Florida

Harbour Heights is a census-designated place (CDP) in Charlotte County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,428 at the 2020 census, up from 2,987 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Punta Gorda, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, included in the North Port-Bradenton, Florida Combined Statistical Area.

Geography
Harbour Heights is located in northern Charlotte County at 26.99028°N, -82.00528°W (26.990210, -82.005325), on the northwest side of the Peace River. Harbor View Road connects the community to Interstate 75, 1 mi to the southwest. Punta Gorda, the Charlotte County seat, is 6 mi to the southwest on the south side of the Peace River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Harbour Heights CDP has a total area of 6.3 km2, of which 5.6 km2 is land and 0.7 sqkm, or 11.19%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,873 people, 1,243 households, and 919 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,308.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,383 housing units at an average density of 629.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.70% White, 2.85% African American, 0.03% Native American, 0.77% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.73% from other races, and 1.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.83% of the population.

There were 1,243 households, out of which 21.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.8% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.0% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.64.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 18.2% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 19.2% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 30.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 51 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $44,394, and the median income for a family was $47,025. Males had a median income of $31,825 versus $21,173 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $22,547. About 1.8% of families and 2.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 3.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Harbour Heights, Florida


text:
Manasota Key, Florida

Manasota Key is a census-designated place (CDP) consisting mainly of the community of Englewood Beach in Charlotte County, Florida, United States. The population of the CDP was 1,326 at the 2020 census, up from 1,229 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Punta Gorda, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, included in the North Port-Bradenton, Florida Combined Statistical Area.

History
The name "Manasota Key" refers to an 11 mi peninsula (transformed into a barrier island by the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway) that continues north into Sarasota County. The community of Englewood Beach occupies the Charlotte County portion of the key, while the Sarasota County part of the peninsula contains the community of Manasota Beach. The key continues north as Caspersen Beach, extending as far as the Venice city limits.

Manasota is a portmanteau of "Sarasota" and "Manatee".

Geography
The Manasota Key CDP is located in the northwestern corner of Charlotte County at 26.93333°N, -82.36667°W. As noted above, the barrier island of the same name extends north well into Sarasota County. Its western edge is the Gulf of Mexico, and to the east is Lemon Bay, an estuary. The community of Englewood Beach occupies most of the CDP, and it is connected to the mainland by Beach Road, which crosses Lemon Bay to Englewood. The southern end of the CDP, which includes Manasota Key, Peterson Island, and Whidden Key, is covered by Stump Pass Beach State Park. Stump Pass is a channel that connects Lemon Bay to the Gulf of Mexico and separates Manasota Key from Don Pedro Island to the south. Grove City is located directly to the east across Lemon Bay from the south end of Manasota Key.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 8.0 km2, of which 2.7 km2 is land and 5.2 km2, or 65.97%, is water.

The extinct Chadwick Beach cotton mouse was endemic to the Englewood Beach area.

Demographics
As of the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 1,345 people, 769 households, and 459 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,263.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,867 housing units at an average density of 1,753.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 99.26% White, 0.15% African American, 0.30% Asian, 0.22% from other races, and 0.07% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.97% of the population.

There were 769 households, out of which 3.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.0% were married couples living together, 2.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.3% were non-families. 35.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.75 and the average family size was 2.16.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 3.9% under the age of 18, 1.1% from 18 to 24, 8.1% from 25 to 44, 32.5% from 45 to 64, and 54.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 67 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $44,071, and the median income for a family was $57,059. Males had a median income of $58,750 versus $36,607 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $40,759. None of the families and 4.7% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 6.1% of those over 64.

title: Manasota Key, Florida


text:
Port Charlotte, Florida

Port Charlotte is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Charlotte County, Florida, United States. The population was 60,625 at the 2020 census, up from 54,392 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Punta Gorda, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, included in the North Port-Bradenton, Florida Combined Statistical Area.

Port Charlotte was named to the "10 Best Places to Retire", in the United States for the year 2012 by U.S. News & World Report.

History
The Calusa originally settled around the Port Charlotte area. In 1819, Florida was ceded by the Spanish and became a U.S. territory, and in 1845 Florida became the 27th state. For the first 100 years of statehood, the area around Port Charlotte was mostly undeveloped. Maps of the area at the turn of the 20th century show that most of the roads and railroads leading into southwest Florida had bypassed the Port Charlotte area. Aside from some cattle ranches and small farming, the area was mostly uninhabited. This would change when the post-World War II boom opened people's eyes to the possibility of developing land in Florida. In the 1950s, the now defunct General Development Corporation led by the Mackle brothers decided to take advantage of the Florida land boom and developed land primarily on both of Florida's coastlines. Among the areas they planned and developed was the Port Charlotte area. Ultimately, Port Charlotte became the most populous community in Charlotte County, although like most GDC developments, Port Charlotte remained an unincorporated community.

Port Charlotte was severely impacted by Hurricane Charley on 13 August 2004. The hurricane, predicted to hit Tampa as a Category 2 hurricane, took a last-minute right hand turn and intensified into a Category 4 storm as it made landfall near Charlotte Harbor and caused severe damage in the city of Punta Gorda and in the Port Charlotte area. The storm's 145 mph maximum sustained winds destroyed almost half of the homes in the county and caused heavy ecological damage to sensitive wetlands in the area.

Just over 18 years later, Port Charlotte was once again severely impacted by a major hurricane, this time Hurricane Ian on 28 September 2022. Ian made landfall as a Category 4 storm in Cayo Costa State Park before moving north-east into Charlotte Harbor, with south-eastern Port Charlotte going through the eye of the storm. Ian caused severe damage to Port Charlotte, mostly wind-related, and to the rest of the surrounding area. Maximum sustained winds of 115 mph and a wind gust of 132 mph were reported by a private weather station in Port Charlotte.

Geography and climate
Port Charlotte is located at the north end of the Charlotte Harbor Estuary, northwest of the city of Punta Gorda. It is 100 mi south of Tampa and 65 mi north of Naples. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 83.7 km2, of which 73.6 km2 is land and 10.1 km2 (12.01%), is water.

Port Charlotte has a warm humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification: Cfa) bordering on a tropical wet and dry climate (Köppen climate classification: Aw). The summers are long, hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The winters are mild to warm with a pronounced drop in precipitation. Year round, the diurnal temperature change averages around 20 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius).

Murdock
The area of northwestern Port Charlotte where State Road 776 intersects US 41 is also known as Murdock.

Government
Since Port Charlotte is unincorporated, it is governed by the government of Charlotte County. The county is governed by a 5-person county commission. They take turns rotating into the commission chair position every year. County commissioners frequently sit on other regional boards involving other municipalities and counties.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 60,625 people, 25,925 households, and 16,077 families residing in the CDP.

According to Sperling's Best Places, as of July 2015 the family median income in Port Charlotte was $48,911, and household income was $40,049. The per capita income was $22,681. Port Charlotte's unemployment rate was 5.50%, compared to 6.30% for the United States overall.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 54,392 people, 24,501 households, and 15,658 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 46,451 people, 20,453 households, and 13,601 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,085.9/sq mi (805.3/km$2$). There were 23,315 housing units at an average density of 1,047.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 89.23% White, 6.53% African American, 0.28% Native American, 1.14% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.18% from other races, and 1.59% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.16% of the population.

In 2000, there were 20,453 households, out of which 20.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.5% were non-families. 28.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.71.

In 2000, in the CDP, the age distribution of the population shows 18.7% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 21.0% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 30.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.2 males.

Sports
Port Charlotte was home to the Charlotte Stone Crabs, which is a member of the Florida State League and Class High-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, which also hold its spring training at Charlotte Sports Park until 2020. The Rays also hold extended spring training in Port Charlotte, and have a Florida Complex League team which began to play in June 2009.

The Port Charlotte Invitational was a golf tournament held in 1969 at the Port Charlotte Golf & Country Club on the LPGA Tour. Kathy Whitworth won the event.

Education
Public schools in Port Charlotte are operated by Charlotte County Public Schools. For the 2007-08 school year, all schools in Port Charlotte received A's from the Florida Department of Education. Port Charlotte High School is the only traditional public high school located in Port Charlotte, although some parts of Port Charlotte are considered part of Charlotte High School's area, and students have the option to attend Charlotte Virtual School, a charter school, a special needs school, or a different traditional public high school through school choice. There are numerous private schools in Port Charlotte, including Family Christian Academy (formerly known as Community Christian School), Charlotte Preparatory School (formerly known as Charlotte Academy), Genesis Christian School, Joyful Noise Learning Center, Port Charlotte Adventist School, Port Charlotte Christian School, and St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School. Port Charlotte is home to three small higher education facilities, including Charlotte Technical College, Southern Technical College's Port Charlotte campus, and Southwest Florida Bible Institute.

Library
The Mid-County Regional Library and the Port Charlotte Library are located in Port Charlotte. They are included in the Charlotte County Library System.

History

 * 1961 – Port Charlotte Library was established
 * 1963 – The Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Englewood Public Libraries joined and formed the Charlotte County System
 * 1968 – The Port Charlotte Library moved to the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, the present location
 * 1985 – The Murdock Library was established as the library system administrative facility
 * 1996 – The Charlotte County Library System updated circulation with an automated catalog system
 * 2005 – Murdock Public Library moved to the new Mid-County Regional Library facility

Notable people

 * Patricia Barringer (1924–2007) – AAGPBL baseball player
 * Jeff Corsaletti (born 1983) – Minor League Baseball player
 * Vinnie Fiorello (born 1974) – drummer–lyricist for the band Less Than Jake and co-founder of Fueled By Ramen
 * John Hall (born 1974) – NFL player
 * Vincent Hancock (born 1989) – ISSF skeet shooter and Olympian
 * Anthony Hargrove (born 1983) – NFL player
 * David Holmberg (born 1991) – MLB player
 * Matt LaPorta (born 1985) – MLB player
 * Asher Levine (born 1988) – fashion designer; attended Port Charlotte High School
 * Barbara Liebrich (1922–2006) – AAGPBL baseball player
 * T. J. Luther (born 2000) – NFL player
 * Walter Minx (1917–2009) – bomb-maker and one-time NASCAR driver
 * Thomas C. Peebles (1921–2010) – physician who discovered the measles virus
 * Josh Williams (born 1993) – NASCAR and ARCA driver

title: Port Charlotte, Florida


text:
Rotonda West, Florida

Rotonda West is an unincorporated, deed-restricted planned community situated in Charlotte County, Florida, United States. The 2020 U.S. Census Bureau lists it as the Rotonda census-designated place, with a population of 10,114, up from 8,759 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Punta Gorda, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, included in the North Port-Bradenton, Florida Combined Statistical Area. It was developed and named Rotonda West by Cavanagh Communities Corporation, which purchased the land in 1969.

That developer also bought land for a projected but never developed community named Rotonda East in southern Martin County and northern Palm Beach County. The land selected for that development was swamp land, located north of West Indiantown Road, south of the Tailwinds Airport, west of Interstate 95 and east of Mack Dairy Road. It was not considered wise to drain those wetlands due to changing views on the ecological value of wetlands, and the Army Corps of Engineers refused a permit, so the Rotonda East project was abandoned.

History
The land was first part of a large cattle ranch owned by brothers William and Alfred Vanderbilt, direct descendants of Cornelius Vanderbilt. They purchased the land in 1952 and sold a portion in 1969 that became Rotonda West. The development of Rotonda West began in 1970. The layout of Rotonda West mimics temporary World War II airfields in Southern Florida, laid out like a wagon wheel. The choice of the airfield layout as the pattern for Rotonda West gives it a flavor of Florida history, however there was no airfield at this location prior to development, while the format was used at many locations, such as Forman Field NOLF, a training site for new pilots. The circular pattern used a configuration of four 3,000 ft paved runways, oriented along the cardinal directions of the compass, along with a circular taxiway running along the outer boundary of the runways. This allowed easier landing maneuvers of student pilots, before having to learn how to make crosswind landings. Forman NOLF is now the location of Nova Southeastern University at Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The circular nature of Rotunda West was developed after Walt Disney introduced his "City of Tomorrow" called EPCOT on national television October 27, 1966, two months before Disney's death.

This area was one of many in Florida hit by Hurricane Ian in September 2022.

Rotonda Neighborhood layout
The Rotunda community is laid out into eight segments with a central hub, called the Rotunda Community Park and Preserve, that is a mile and a half circumference. Within the hub there is a playground, tennis courts, and a walking path, while most of the hub is undeveloped. There is also a designated area where people can pay to park boats, trailers, and RVs. There is also a water treatment plant next to the RV & Boat Parking.

The approach was considered modern at the time, inspired by the garden city movement of urban planning, and incorporates a green belt layout throughout the property.

Parade Circle encircles the central hub, while Rotunda Circle and Boundary Boulevard encircle the outer edge. All three of these beltway roads are not contiguous. Rotunda Boulevard connects Parade Circle to Rotunda Circle and Boundary Boulevard, labeled Rotunda Boulevard North, West and East, and link the community to outside neighborhoods and surrounding communities. Rotunda Boulevard South runs along the western edge of Pine Valley and the neighborhood is undeveloped, connecting only to Boundary Boulevard and Rotunda Circle in the south.

Seven of the eight subdivision segments have neighborhood names; Oakland Hills, Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, Broadmoor, Long Meadow, White Marsh and Pine Valley. There is one segment that is undeveloped between Oakland Hills, which is the oldest, and Pine Valley in the southwest segment, which was to be called Saint Andrews, but due to wetlands conservation efforts, was not established. All but one segment, Broadmoor, incorporate a golf course between the houses, and Oakland Hills, Pinehurst, Long Meadow, and Pine Valley share a common street layout, while Pebble Beach, Broadmoor, and White Marsh incorporate cul-de-sac street layouts. The five golf courses are called Pinemoor, The Palms, The Hills, The Links and the Long Marsh, which offers 27 holes to play that are integrated into the White Marsh and Pine Valley subdivisions, while the others offer 18. Broadmoor neighborhood has twelve interconnected ponds for shallow watercraft, while the other neighborhoods have shallow canals that are linked to the other segments, and pass underneath bridges on Rotunda Boulevard and Rotunda Circle. Residents of Pine Valley do not have an inner connecting road to Parade Circle, while the other neighborhoods do, and the outer boundary roads, and don't connect Oakland Hills and Pine Valley in the southwest.

All of the homes are single-family bungalows with an attached garage, and there are no multi-family dwellings or shopping centers within the campus.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Rotonda CDP has a total area of 29.9 km2, of which 27.6 km2 is land and 2.3 km2, or 7.74%, is water.

Celebrity endorsement and promotion
In 1972, the original developer Cavanagh Communities Corporation promoted available sites for sale on the Superstars sports competition show on ABC-TV in February 1973. Later Ed McMahon was a paid spokesman for the property, and advertised the community at national events, later becoming Vice President of Cavanagh Corporation. He was given a house with close proximity to a golf course at 37 Golfview Rd in the Oakland Hills neighborhood, which was used for entertaining celebrities at the Superstars competitions.

Rotunda West interview with original residents on YouTube

Climate
Located in southwest Florida on the Gulf Coast, the weather usually stays relatively mild. In the summer, it is common for temperatures to reach the low to mid-90s, however, this is tempered by sea breezes from the Gulf. At night in the summer, temperatures quickly drop to the low to mid 70s. In the winter, hard freezes are extremely rare. It is more common to have frost on the ground briefly in pre-dawn hours in the winter season, however it quickly melts shortly after sunrise. Temperatures average 50 - 70 degrees during the winter, with thunderstorms in the summer, while the dry season is in the winter.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 8,759 people, 4,414 households, and 2,925 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 823.0 PD/sqmi. There were 6,581 housing units at an average density of 618.5/mi2 (238.8/km$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.3% White, 1.0% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 0.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race made up 1.9% of the population.

There were 4,414 households, out of which 10.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.5% were married couples living together, 5.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.7% were non-families. 19.9% of all households had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.98 and the average family size was 2.38.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 10.3% under the age of 18, 3.0% from 18 to 24, 10.3% from 25 to 44, 31.8% from 45 to 64, and 44.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 62.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.6 males.

According to the 2017 American Community Survey, the median income for a household in the CDP was $47,586, and the median income for a family was $53,680. The per capita income for the CDP was $28,391. About 3.1% of families and 5.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.9% of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65 or over.

Public schools
Rotonda West falls within the Charlotte County Public School district. Two schools are adjacent to the Rotonda West area: L.A. Ainger Middle School and Vineland Elementary School. The high school located near Rotonda West is Lemon Bay High School. Both schools have received an A from the state more than five years in a row. All schools are located outside of the community.

In popular culture
Baseball superstar Reggie Jackson, appearing at a "Superstars" television sports competition in Rotonda in 1977, gave a derogatory opinion of the community when he excused himself from an interview for a bathroom break: "I gotta take a Rotonda," he quipped.

title: Rotonda West, Florida


text:
Solana, Florida

Solana is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Charlotte County, Florida, United States. The population was 671 at the 2020 census, down from 742 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Punta Gorda, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, included in the North Port-Bradenton, Florida Combined Statistical Area.

Geography
Solana is located on the eastern edge of Punta Gorda at 26.94028°N, -82.02944°W (26.940277, -82.029368). It is bordered to the east by Interstate 75, with access from Exit 164 (U.S. Route 17). Via I-75 it is 26 mi north of the Fort Myers area and 30 mi southwest of the outskirts of Venice.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Solana CDP has a total area of 4.3 km2, of which 4.0 km2 is land and 0.3 km2, or 7.13%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,011 people, 459 households, and 267 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 590.3 PD/sqmi. There were 563 housing units at an average density of 328.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.69% White, 5.44% African American, 0.20% Native American, 1.09% Asian, 0.49% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.37% of the population.

There were 459 households, out of which 18.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.3% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.8% were non-families. 31.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.69.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 18.2% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 22.4% from 25 to 44, 26.9% from 45 to 64, and 23.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.7 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $23,472, and the median income for a family was $30,855. Males had a median income of $28,594 versus $20,726 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $17,176. About 14.2% of families and 19.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 48.5% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Solana, Florida