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Chokoloskee, Florida

Chokoloskee is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located at the edge of the Ten Thousand Islands in Collier County, Florida, United States. The population was 345 at the 2020 census, down from 359 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Chokoloskee was inhabited by Native Americans for at least 1500 years before European explorers first recorded visiting the island. It was briefly visited by Seminoles and the United States Army in the 1800s, and the current settlement can be traced back to 1874. Today, the isolated community's economy is largely based on boating and recreational boat fishing in the Ten Thousand Islands and the nearby Gulf of Mexico and ecotourism to nearby Everglades National Park.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 0.6 km2, all land.

Chokoloskee is located on Chokoloskee Island, which is opposite the mouth of the Turner River near the southeastern end of Chokoloskee Bay. The bay is about 10 mi long and 2 mi wide, and runs southeast to northwest along the mainland of Collier County. It is separated from the Gulf of Mexico by the northern end of the Ten Thousand Islands. Chokoloskee Island is connected to Everglades City on the mainland by a causeway.

The land around Chokoloskee Bay, both on the mainland and the islands, is very low-lying. Chokoloskee Island is an exception, as it reaches a high point of 20 ft above sea level. This height is due to the shell mounds built on the island during more than 2,000 years of occupation by Native Americans of the Ten Thousand Islands district of the Glades culture.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 346 people, 155 households, and 106 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 404 people, 183 households, and 139 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,445.0 PD/sqmi. There were 589 housing units at an average density of 2,106.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.51% White, 0.25% from other races, and 1.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2.23% of the population.

There were 183 households, out of which 16.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.6% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.0% were non-families. 21.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.53.

In the CDP, the age distribution of the population shows 16.3% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 21.8% from 25 to 44, 32.2% from 45 to 64, and 24.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.2 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $33,750, and the median income for a family was $36,389. Males had a median income of $26,333 versus $19,250 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $16,847. About 2.4% of families and 1.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.7% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Before European settlement
Chokoloskee Island was inhabited by the indigenous Calusa and their ancestors for more than 1,500 years before European explorers reached the area. By the time Spain transferred Florida to Great Britain in 1763, the area was uninhabited. During the first three-quarters of the 19th century, Chokoloskee Island may have been occasionally visited by Seminoles, white hunters, "Spanish Indian" fishermen from Cuba and various "refugees from justice".

Chokoloskee was briefly occupied by the United States Army during the Third Seminole War. In November 1856, 110 men of the Florida Mounted Volunteers reached Chokoloskee Island. From there, an expedition of 75 men went up the Turner River, where they burned a Seminole settlement and a couple of planted fields. After a skirmish with the Seminoles in which a Captain John Parkhill was killed, the expedition returned to Chokoloskee Island to find that their base had been moved to Cape Romano, because of a lack of fresh water on the island.

Early settlement
The modern settlement of Chokoloskee Island started in 1874. The first family to settle was the family of John Weeks. The second family on the island was that of Adolphus Santini, who was soon joined by his brother and his parents. By around 1880 the Santini family held claim to most of the island. In 1882 there were five families living on the island, including those of the two Santini brothers. These early residents farmed, fished and caught turtles, selling any surpluses in Key West. Other residents came and went fairly frequently. Due to the efforts of Charles Greenleigh (C.G.) McKinney, a post office was established in Chokoloskee in 1891, although it was known as "Comfort" for the first few months.

In 1897 Ted Smallwood moved to Chokoloskee Island. There were still just five other families on the island, including the Santini brothers. In 1899, the Santinis left and sold their claims to Smallwood, who became the major landholder on the island. Chokoloskee had acquired a post office in 1891, at first called Comfort, but changed to Chokoloskee within a year. At first, mail for Chokoloskee came by boat from Key West, then as the railroads extended down the Florida peninsula, the mail came from Punta Gorda and later from Fort Myers. After the highway reached Everglades City, it came by boat from there until the causeway to Chokoloskee Island was completed in 1956. Because of the uncertainty of the mail boat schedule, a conch shell would be blown to alert the islanders that the mail had arrived.

Chokoloskee Island was quite isolated. At first it was in Monroe County, with the county seat in Key West, 90 mi away by boat and inaccessible by land. In 1887, Lee County was created out of part of Monroe County, including Chokoloskee, but the county seat was in Fort Myers, almost 90 mi in the opposite direction from Key West. Finally, in 1923, Collier County was created out of Lee County, with the county seat at Everglades City, just a few miles across Chokoloskee Bay from Chokoloskee Island. However, access to the outside world was still by boat to Key West or Fort Myers until the Tamiami Trail was completed and connected to Everglades City in the late 1920s.

C.G. McKinney had moved to Chokoloskee in 1886. He had opened a small store soon afterwards and had been instrumental in getting the post office for Chokoloskee. In 1912 McKinney wrote a complaint about how Chokoloskee was being ignored. He was insulted that two recent letters to him had been addressed to "Everglade" (Everglades City). He wrote, "Now I wish folks could learn that there is another part of this neck of the woods beside Everglade. Everglade is a small place beside Chokoloskee. We have two business houses... we have ten families living here."

Ted Smallwood
Starting in 1896 Ted Smallwood carried the mail by sailboat between Chokoloskee and Marco Island via Everglades [City]. In 1897 he married and settled down on Chokoloskee Island. He hunted alligators, cut buttonwood (for charcoal), fished, and raised tomatoes. In 1906 he became postmaster for Chokoloskee and opened a general store which housed the post office. He remained postmaster until he retired in 1941. His daughter succeeded him as postmaster.

Ted Smallwood died in 1951, but his daughters kept the store open until 1982. Ted Smallwood's store was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. His granddaughter has opened the store as a museum.

Edgar Watson
The Ten Thousand Islands country, including Chokoloskee, had a reputation as being a refuge for outlaws. The Ed Watson story, as related by Ted Smallwood, is the best known example of that. Edgar Watson, a native of Ridge Springs, in the Saluda Division of Edgefield District, South Carolina, showed up in the Chokoloskee Bay country in the early 1880s. He had supposedly gotten into trouble in Columbia County in northern Florida, to which his parents had migrated sometime after 1870, and had then gone out to the Indian territory (later known as the Oklahoma Territory) where he allegedly killed Belle Starr, herself allegedly an outlaw. He then returned to Florida and killed a man in Arcadia, apparently in self-defense. After that Ed Watson moved to the Ten Thousand Islands area, then part of Monroe County, where he bought a claim on the Chatham Bend River and began raising vegetables.

On a trip to Key West, Watson got into an argument with Adolphus Santini and tried to cut his throat. Santini survived, but the incident cost Watson $900. After that Watson bought a claim on the Lost Man's River, also in Monroe County. A man named Tucker soon squatted on the claim and would not leave. Eventually Tucker and his nephew were found murdered, and suspicion fell on Watson. After that Watson went back to Fort White, Columbia County. While there he again became involved with bad company, and came under suspicion in the deaths of two men.

Watson returned to the Chatham Bend area and began making syrup from sugar cane. According to legend, Watson would "pay" his African-American and Native American help by killing them on payday. Soon Watson had several people living at his place, including a man named Dutchy Melvin, who is said to have "killed a policeman and burned a factory or two." While Watson and Melvin were in Chokoloskee, a man named Cox and someone identified only as "the Nigger" allegedly killed an old woman named Hannah Smith and a man named Walker at the Watson place. When Watson and Melvin returned, Cox and "the Nigger" allegedly killed Melvin as well. Hannah Smith's body was later found in the Chatham Bend River by some settlers and given a burial.

About this time, on October 17, 1910, a major hurricane struck the area. Ed Watson went to Fort Myers during the hurricane and tried to bring the sheriff back afterwards to arrest Cox, but the Lee County sheriff would not go out of his jurisdiction past Marco. Watson then bought some shells at Ted Smallwood's store and said he was going back to his place to kill Cox. When Watson returned to Chokoloskee a few days later a crowd met him at the landing and, after a brief standoff, killed him. The sheriff did come down to Chokoloskee after that, and took a number of Chokoloskee residents back to Fort Myers for a court session, but nothing came of it.

Peter Matthiessen fictionalized the story in his Watson trilogy (Killing Mister Watson, Lost Man's River, Bone by Bone) and retold the "Watson Legend" in Shadow Country. Matthiessen inspired the Decemberists to retell the story as "E. Watson" on their EP Long Live the King.

Florida based swamp rock & blues band MOFRO relates some of the story in a song titled "Ten Thousand Islands" from the album Lochloosa.

Education, religion and medical care
As a small, isolated community, Chokoloskee did not support a continuously operating school or church. A small school building was erected, and teachers were sent on occasion, but the teachers were not generally prepared for the life at Chokoloskee, and most did not stay very long. The children of Chokoloskee Island did not attend school past the eighth grade until the late 1930s, when some began attending high school in Everglades City and Naples.

Religious services were also sporadic. A priest would come up from Key West on occasion to provide for the Catholics on the island. Protestant preachers also visited the island, and a small mission church was built. One week in 1915 there were two preachers on the island, with competing revival meetings every night.

The Chokoloskee Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) was founded in 1913 and is the third oldest church in Chokoloskee.

Except for a "Doctor" S.L. Greene who lived there for a few months, Chokoloskee Island never had a resident physician. C.G. McKinney provided most of the medical care on the island for 50 years. He was registered with the State Board of Health as a midwife, treated injuries and illnesses, and extracted teeth. His dental care was supplemented by the occasional visit of an itinerant dentist.

title: Chokoloskee, Florida


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Everglades City, Florida

Everglades City is a city in Collier County, Florida, United States, of which it was once the county seat. It is part of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers-Naples Combined Statistical Area. The Gulf Coast Visitor Center for Everglades National Park is located in Everglades City. As of the 2020 US census, the population was 352, down from 400 in the 2010 US census.

History
The area around Chokoloskee Bay, including the site of Everglades City, was occupied for thousands of years by Native Americans of the Glades culture, who were absorbed by the Calusa shortly before the arrival of Europeans in the New World, but by the time Florida was transferred from Spain to the United States in 1821, the area was uninhabited. A legend says that Seminoles planted potatoes along what is now the Barron River during the Seminole Wars, in the vicinity of the present Everglades City.

American settlement began after the Civil War, when Union sympathizers who had farmed on Cape Sable to supply Key West during the war moved up the west coast of the peninsula. The first permanent settler was William Smith Allen, who arrived on the banks of Potato Creek (later renamed the Allen River) in 1873. After Allen retired to Key West in 1889, George W. Storter, Jr. became the principal landowner in the area. Storter gained fame for his sugar cane crops. He opened a trading post in 1892, and gained a post office, called "Everglade", in 1895. Storter also began entertaining northern tourists who came to Everglade by yacht in the winter to hunt and fish. His house eventually grew into the Rod and Gun Club, visited by United States Presidents and other notables.

The first school in Everglade was organized in 1893. The school moved into a new building in 1895, but the building was destroyed by a tornado later in the year. The next school building was washed away by the 1910 hurricane. A Methodist circuit rider began visiting Everglade in 1888, and another Methodist minister began a four-year residency the next year. After that, Everglade was occasionally visited by itinerant preachers of various denominations. The Episcopal Church established a mission at Immokalee which eventually moved to Everglade when revitalized in the 1930s by Harriet Bedell.

In 1922, Barron Collier began buying large areas of land in what was then southern Lee County. In 1923, the Florida legislature created Collier County from Lee County, and they chose the county seat to be in Everglade. During that same year, it only consisted of a dozen families, but some northern sportsmen had established winter homes there. Also in 1923, the community was officially incorporated as the "Town of Everglades" (adding the "s").

The Tamiami Trail, which crossed Collier's domain, passed five miles north of Everglades City. While construction was proceeding on the Trail (it was completed in 1929), Collier pushed construction of what became State Road 29 from Everglades City to Immokalee, providing the town with its first land connection to the rest of the state. In 1928, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad began service to Everglades City, which became the southernmost point the Coast Line ever reached. Service was provided by an extension of the Coast Line's Haines City Branch from Immokalee to Deep Lake, where it connected to Collier's Deep Lake Railroad, an earlier railroad that transported agricultural freight. The railroad was removed in 1957.

In 1953, the "Town of Everglades" became the "City of Everglades". In 1960, the strong winds and coastal flooding of Hurricane Donna combined to destroy 153 homes in Collier County, as well as inflict major damage on 409 more, and damage an additional 1,049. Everglades was hard hit, and two years later, Florida's legislature moved the county seat to East Naples, Florida. In 1965, the state legislature changed the city's name to the "City of Everglades City".

Geography
The approximate coordinates for the City of Everglades City is located at 25.85889°N, -81.38472°W.

Everglades City is at the mouth of the Barron River, on Chokoloskee Bay. Chokoloskee Bay is approximately 10 mi long and 2 mi wide, and runs southeast to northwest along the mainland of Collier County. It is separated from the Gulf of Mexico by the northern end of the Ten Thousand Islands. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.2 sqmi, of which 0.9 sqmi is land and 0.2 sqmi (21.01%) is water.

Climate
Everglades City 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 savanna climate (Köppen climate classification: Aw), bordering a tropical monsoon climate (Köppen climate classification: Am).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 352 people, 103 households, and 59 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 400 people, 106 households, and 80 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 479 people, 230 households, and 154 families residing in the city. The population density was 513.2 PD/sqmi. There were 345 housing units at an average density of 369.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.45% White, 0.84% African American, 0.63% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 1.46% from other races, and 0.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.97% of the population.

In 2000, there were 230 households, out of which 13.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.0% were married couples living together, 3.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.0% were non-families. Of all households, 27.0% were made up of individuals, and 9.1% 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 2.50.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 11.9% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 19.0% from 25 to 44, 30.5% from 45 to 64, and 34.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 25 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.0 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $36,667, and the median income for a family was $38,929. Males had a median income of $32,083 versus $22,222 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,535. About 6.1% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.5% of those under age 18 and 1.6% of those age 65 or older.

Historic buildings
Historic buildings in Everglades City include the Old Collier County Courthouse, Bank of Everglades Building, and Everglades Laundry (now the Museum of the Everglades).

Schools & Libraries
The city's public schools are operated by the District School Board of Collier County.
 * eCollier Virtual Academy School (K-12)
 * Everglades City School (VPK-12)
 * Optima Classical Academy School (K-12)

The Collier County Public Library (CCPL) is the public library system that serves Collier County, and the one branch located within Everglades City is the Everglades City Branch Library

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

title: Everglades City, Florida


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Golden Gate, Florida

Golden Gate is a community and census-designated place (CDP) in Collier County, Florida, United States. Golden Gate's boundaries coincide with a 2 by square of significantly higher density development than surrounding areas. The population was 25,321 as recorded in the 2020 census, up from 23,961 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Golden Gate is located in western Collier County at 26.18528°N, -81.70361°W, 8 mi northeast of Naples.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 10.6 km2, of which 10.1 km2 is land and 0.5 km2, or 5.08%, is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 25,321 people, 7,542 households, and 5,869 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 20,951 people, 6,518 households, and 5,012 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 5,190.7 PD/sqmi. There were 7,010 housing units at an average density of 1,736.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 77.00% White, 10.15% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.71% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 7.34% from other races, and 4.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 37.14% of the population.

There were 6,518 households, out of which 44.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.6% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.1% were non-families. 14.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.21 and the average family size was 3.44.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 30.1% under the age of 18, 11.6% from 18 to 24, 36.0% from 25 to 44, 16.1% from 45 to 64, and 6.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 114.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $42,295, and the median income for a family was $41,774. Males had a median income of $28,630 versus $22,911 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $15,923. About 11.4% of families and 14.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.0% of those under age 18 and 9.9% of those age 65 or over.

Public transportation
Golden Gate is served by Collier Area Transit's 3A, 3B, 4, and 10 routes.

title: Golden Gate, Florida


text:
Goodland, Florida

Goodland is a census-designated place (CDP) in Collier County, Florida, United States. The population was 312 at the 2020 census, up from 267 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area. Located on the southeast portion of Marco Island, it is the closest community to Cape Romano, the southern tip of a nearby island that was the official site of the Florida landfall of Hurricane Wilma. Goodland is home to several seafood restaurants and some charter boat operators.

Geography
Goodland is located in southwestern Collier County at 25.92448°N, -81.64688°W. The beachfront city of Marco Island is 6 mi to the west. Goodland is nearly surrounded by water, with Goodland Bay to the north, Coon Key Pass to the east, and Blue Hill Creek to the south. To the west, an artificial inlet of Blue Hill Creek separates Goodland from forested wetland within the city limits of Marco Island.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Goodland CDP has a total area of 0.9 km2, of which 0.4 km2 is land and 0.5 km2, or 57.47%, is water.

Goodland has a tropical savanna climate that consists of warm dry winters and hot humid summers. Wet season is from April 1 to September 30 and Dry season is from October 1 to March 31.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 312 people, 98 households, and 58 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 320 people, 186 households, and 88 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,512.0 PD/sqmi. There were 317 housing units at an average density of 1,497.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.75% White, 0.31% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.31% Asian, and 0.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.56% of the population.

There were 186 households, out of which 8.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.0% were married couples living together, 2.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 52.2% were non-families. Of all households 41.4% were made up of individuals, and 19.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.72 and the average family size was 2.25.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 7.2% under the age of 18, 2.2% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 33.1% from 45 to 64, and 32.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 53 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.6 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $26,739, and the median income for a family was $27,279. Males had a median income of $22,083 versus $27,059 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $22,893. About 13.0% of families and 14.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.1% of those under age 18 and 15.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Goodland, Florida


text:
Immokalee, Florida

Immokalee is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Collier County, Florida, United States. The population was 24,557 at the 2020 census, up from 24,154 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Naples–Marco Island metropolitan area.

History
The region was settled by the Calusa people. It was inhabited by the Seminole centuries later, after they moved down from northern Florida. Initially the settlement was known as Gopher Ridge by the Seminole and Miccosukee nations. Immokalee means "your home" in the Mikasuki language.

When the swamps were drained in the region, agriculture became the dominant industry. European-American hunters, trappers, Native American traders, cowmen, and missionaries moved in before permanent villages developed. The first permanent settlement was founded in 1872. In 1921, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad extended its Haines City Branch south to Immokalee. The railroad was removed in 1989.

The Immokalee area is heavily agricultural. It is one of the nation's major centers of tomato growing. In 1960, CBS News anchor Edward R. Murrow reported on the region's farms' working conditions for his Harvest of Shame report for CBS Reports, which described the harsh lives of migrant workers.

Geography
Immokalee is in northern Collier County along Florida State Road 29. LaBelle is 24 mi north, and Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley) is 20 mi south.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has an area of 60.3 km2, of which 58.8 km2 is land and 1.5 sqkm, or 2.42%, is water.

Climate
The climate in Immokalee is right on the border between a humid subtropical climate and a tropical climate, with the mean temperature in the coldest month, January, at 63.90 F which is 0.30 C-change below the 18.00 C threshold for a tropical climate.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 24,557 people, 5,985 households, and 4,517 families residing in the CDP.

2010 census
Immokalee's population was 24,154 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 19,763 people, 4,715 households, and 3,635 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,449.1 PD/sqmi. There were 4,987 housing units at an average density of 618.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 70.98% Hispanic (Of Any race), 18.03% African American, 3.19% White, 1.03% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 0.19% Pacific Islander, 35.66% from other races, and 6.38% from two or more races.

There were 4,715 households, out of which 49.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were married couples living together, 20.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.9% were non-families. 13.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.91 and the average family size was 4.10.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 34.9% under the age of 18, 15.7% from 18 to 24, 31.2% from 25 to 44, 14.1% from 45 to 64, and 4.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 25 years. For every 100 females, there were 129.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 145.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $24,315, and the median income for a family was $22,628. Males had a median income of $17,875 versus $16,713 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $8,576. About 34.6% of families and 39.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 46.1% of those under age 18 and 26.9% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture
The federally recognized Seminole Tribe of Florida has one of its six reservations here, Immokalee Reservation, on which it operates one of its gaming casinos.

The Audubon Society's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is nearby.

Government
Being unincorporated, the area has no municipal government of its own and is governed by Collier County.

Education
Immokalee's public schools are operated by the District School Board of Collier County.

Elementary schools in Immokalee and serving Immokalee include Eden Park, Highlands, Lake Trafford, and Village Oaks. Pinecrest Elementary School, outside of and adjacent to the CDP, serves a portion of the CDP. All residents are zoned to Immokalee Middle School and Immokalee High School, both in the CDP.

Media
Immokalee is home to WCIW-LP, a low power community radio station owned and operated by the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. The station was built by volunteers from Immokalee and around the country in December 2003 at the fifth Prometheus Radio Project barnraising. WCIW broadcasts music, news, and public affairs to listeners in Spanish, Haitian Creole and several indigenous languages.

WAFZ-FM (92.1 FM) is a full-power FM radio station licensed to Immokalee, Florida. The station plays a variety of hits in the Regional Mexican format. In the 1980s, WAFZ also played Tejano music on its sister station WAFZ-AM. In its beginnings WAFZ was WZOR-AM 1490 and played English-language adult contemporary music and news in the morning and until 3pm. Then it changed its format to Regional Mexican/Tejano. The early DJs who worked there were Gabino Soliz, "EL CHAVO ALEGRE", and Irma Ayala. The station continued on the air until the mid-1990s, when it went silent until what is now WAFZ was bought by Glades Media Company LLC, and transmitted simultaneously what WAFZ-FM was playing (a regional Mexican format). The current format of WAFZ is a young Regional Mexican, playing newer top 40 hits of the genre.

WAFZ's programming is also heard on WAFZ AM 1490 in Immokalee.

Transportation
Collier Area Transit provides local bus service and paratransit. The #5 connects to Naples, the #7 connects to Marco Island (limited trips), and the 8A circulates within the area.

Immokalee used to be served by the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad (formerly Atlantic Coast Line), which ran a branchline from Palmdale through Immokalee to Everglades City. The line generated considerable agricultural-related traffic. The line was cut back to Sunniland south of Immokalee in the 1950s and then abandoned to the mainline at Palmdale in the 1980s. This left Immokalee without rail service.

The main road through Immokalee is State Road 29. Other important county roads through the region are CR 29A and CR 846.

Immokalee Airport is a public-use general aviation airport 1 mi northeast of the central business district. The closest airport for commercial service is Southwest Florida International Airport.

Notable people

 * D'Ernest Johnson, Jacksonville Jaguars running back
 * Mackensie Alexander, cornerback
 * Albert Bentley, played football at Immokalee High School and went on to play for the Miami Hurricanes and the Indianapolis Colts
 * J. C. Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers cornerback
 * Edgerrin James, Hall of Fame running back (Indianapolis Colts)
 * Javarris James, Indianapolis Colts running back
 * Brian Rolle, former NFL and CFL linebacker
 * Ovince Saint Preux, Ultimate Fighting Championship competitor
 * Felipe Santos, missing person
 * Deadrin Senat, defensive tackle

title: Immokalee, Florida


text:
Lely, Florida

Lely is a census-designated place (CDP) in Collier County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,694 at the 2020 census, up from 3,451 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Lely is located in western Collier County at 26.10278°N, -81.73306°W (26.102802, -81.733125). It is bordered on the southwest by U.S. Route 41, on the south by Naples Manor, and on the southeast by Lely Resort. Downtown Naples is 5 mi to the northwest on U.S. 41.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Lely CDP has a total area of 3.8 km2, of which 3.5 km2 is land and 0.3 sqkm, or 7.04%, is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,694 people, 1,795 households, and 1,030 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,857 people, 2,037 households, and 1,179 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,638.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,641 housing units at an average density of 1,806.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.41% White, 0.70% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.44% Asian, 0.91% from other races, and 0.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.71% of the population.

There were 2,037 households, out of which 8.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.7% were married couples living together, 3.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.1% were non-families. 37.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 26.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.82 and the average family size was 2.33.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 8.1% under the age of 18, 2.8% from 18 to 24, 13.1% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 50.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 65 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.2 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $45,170, and the median income for a family was $57,361. Males had a median income of $40,719 versus $31,139 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $32,430. About 5.1% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.2% of those under age 18 and 8.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Lely, Florida


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Lely Resort, Florida

Lely Resort is a census-designated place (CDP) in Collier County, Florida, United States. The population was 7,619 at the 2020 census, up from 4,646 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History and development
Lely Resort was named after Cornelius van der Lely, a Dutch inventor. He bought around 25,000 acres of undeveloped land in 1972 with a plan to develop a community with more than 10,500 homes. Although three planned golf courses were built in 1990, 1991 and 1997, the development stalled until Stock Development purchased 340 acres in the southern half of Lely Resort in 2001.

Geography
Lely Resort is located in western Collier County at 26.08111°N, -81.70083°W (26.081014, -81.700776). It is bordered to the southwest by U.S. Route 41, to the west by Naples Manor, to the northwest by Lely, and to the east by Verona Walk. Downtown Naples is 7 mi to the northwest.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Lely Resort CDP has a total area of 13.7 km2, of which 12.8 sqkm is land and 0.9 sqkm, or 6.21%, is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 7,619 people, 2,993 households, and 1,754 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 1,426 people, 649 households and 445 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 272.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,086 housing units at an average density of 207.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 89.27% White, 4.63% African American, 0.49% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 1.89% from other races, and 3.58% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.48% of the population.

There were 649 households, of which 19.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.1% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.4% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% 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 2.53.

16.1% of the population were under the age of 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 20.8% from 25 to 44, 29.1% from 45 to 64, and 23.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.3 males.

The median household income was $50,640 and the median family income was $57,273. Males had a median income of $31,750 and females $25,560. The per capita income was $33,536. About 2.4% of families and 6.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Lely Resort, Florida


text:
Cecil

Cecil may refer to:

People with the name

 * Cecil (given name), a given name (including a list of people and fictional characters with the name)
 * Cecil (surname), a surname (including a list of people with the name)

Canada

 * Cecil, Alberta, Canada

United States

 * Cecil, Alabama
 * Cecil, Georgia
 * Cecil, Ohio
 * Cecil, Oregon
 * Cecil, Pennsylvania
 * Cecil, West Virginia
 * Cecil, Wisconsin
 * Cecil Airport, in Jacksonville, Florida
 * Cecil County, Maryland

Computing and technology

 * Cecil (programming language), prototype-based programming language
 * Computer Supported Learning, a learning management system by the University of Auckland, New Zealand

Music

 * Cecil (British band), a band from Liverpool, active 1993-2000
 * Cecil (Japanese band), a band from Kajigaya, Japan, active 2000-2006

Other uses

 * Cecil (novel), an 1841 novel by Catherine Gore
 * Cecil (lion), a famed lion killed in Zimbabwe in 2015
 * Cecil (Passions), a minor character from the NBC soap opera Passions
 * Cecil (soil), the dominant red clay soil in the American South
 * Cecil College, a community college
 * The Cecil, a heritage hotel in Shimla, India, built in 1884
 * Long Cecil, a gun
 * Cecil, a Danish cigarette brand by House of Prince
 * Caecilius of Elvira, patron saint of Granada

title: Cecil


text:
Marco Island, Florida

Marco Island is a city and barrier island in Collier County, Florida, 20 mi south of Naples on the Gulf Coast of the United States. It is the largest barrier island in Southwest Florida's Ten Thousand Islands area, which extends southerly to Cape Sable. Marco Island is home to an affluent beach community with resort amenities.

Two bridges provide road access to the island via Collier Boulevard and San Marco Road (CR 92).

There are two public access locations with parking and amenities (Tigertail and South Beach), a private beach complex for residents (Residents' Beach), a private parking area for residents (Sarazen Park at South Beach), and two other public access points (with no amenities). Offshore island beaches, such as Keewaydin, are accessible by boat or tour.

Marco Island is a principal city of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 15,760 at the 2020 census, down from 16,413 at the 2010 census. The population more than doubles during the winter.

Parts of the island have some scenic, high elevations relative to the generally flat south Florida landscape. The island has a tropical climate; specifically a tropical wet and dry or savanna type (Aw under the Köppen system). It is known for its distinct wet and dry seasons, with most of the rainfall between June and October.

History

Marco Island's history can be traced to 500 CE, when the Calusa people inhabited the island as well as the rest of southwest Florida. A number of Calusa artifacts were discovered on Key Marco (an island then adjacent, and since attached, to Marco Island) in 1896 by anthropologist Frank Hamilton Cushing as part of the Pepper-Hearst Expedition. The most notable artifact discovered was the carved wooden "Key Marco Cat," now on display at the Marco Island Historical Museum under a loan from the Smithsonian Institution. The artifact is featured on a 1989 postage stamp.

When Spanish explorers came to the island in the mid-1500s, they gave the island the name La Isla de San Marcos after St. Mark, traditionally considered the author of the Gospel of Mark.

Early development of the island began in the late 1800s after the arrival of William Thomas Collier and his family. Collier founded the village of Marco on the island in 1870, and in 1896 his son, William D. "Capt. Bill" Collier, opened a hotel on the island, known today as the Olde Marco Inn.

Clam digging became a major industry on Marco Island and throughout the Ten Thousand Islands in the early 1900s. The Burnham Clam Cannery began operation near Caxambas Pass in 1903 and operated until 1929. The Doxsee Clam Cannery also operated from 1911 to 1947.

In 1912, ferry service began between Marco Island and the Isles of Capri. A road on the mainland linked the ferry landing with East Naples (just west of State Road 951). A small piece of this road remains and is known as Barefoot Williams Road.

Barron G. Collier (whom Collier County is named after, and no relation to William T. Collier) purchased a large amount of land on Marco Island in 1922, and in 1927 the island incorporated as Collier City. Collier City was abolished in 1957. James Harvey Doxsee Sr. served as Collier City's only mayor.

Also in 1927, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad began service to the island after extending its route from Fort Myers and Naples. The railroad ran to the island along the present route of State Road 951. Rail service was discontinued in 1944.

The first vehicle bridge to the island was a small wooden swing bridge built in 1938 near Goodland on the island's east side. Remnants of this bridge can be seen next to the current bridge at the site, the Stan Gober Memorial Bridge (built in 1975). The island's ferry service was discontinued after the original Goodland Bridge opened.

Significant development of Marco Island took place in the 1960s that made it into the retirement and tourist destination it is today. The Mackle brothers of the Deltona Corporation led development of the island after purchasing large amounts of land there for $7 million. As a result of development, the S.S. Jolley Bridge opened for traffic in 1969.

Marco Island reincorporated as a city on August 28, 1997. As in many coastal communities, residents battle short-term rentals and traffic congestion.

On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian devastated the island with an 8’ storm surge.

Geography
Marco Island is in southwestern Collier County, along the Gulf of Mexico.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 59.0 km2, of which 31.4 km2 is land and 27.6 km2 (46.73%) is water.

Climate
Marco Island has a tropical climate that borders on a humid subtropical climate since the mean temperature in the coldest month, January, is 64.4 F which is barely over the 64 F threshold for a tropical climate.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 15,760 people, 9,056 households, and 6,109 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 16,413 people, 7,517 households, and 5,393 families residing in the city.

In 2010, there were 7,517 households, out of which 9.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21.

In 2010, the median income for a household in the city was $73,373, and the per capita income was $52,089. 2.1% of the population were below the poverty level.

Political affiliation
Marco Island generally supports the Republican Party, as the city is represented in the House by Republican Byron Donalds and voted in favor of Republican incumbent Donald Trump during the 2020 election at margins varying from 62% to 73% over Democratic nominee Joe Biden. The region, however, voted more Democratic than it did during the 2016 election.

Education
The District School Board of Collier County operates the following schools serving Marco Island:
 * Lely High School
 * Marco Island Academy High School
 * Marco Island Charter Middle School
 * Tommie Barfield Elementary School

Private schools:
 * Island Montessori Academy
 * Marketplace Mission Learning Center

Transportation
Marco Island Executive Airport (MRK) provides general aviation service to the area. It is 4 mi northeast of the island's central business district. The closest regularly scheduled commercial flights to the area arrive at Southwest Florida International Airport.

Marco Island is served by Collier Area Transit's Route #21 and Route #121 (Express: Immokalee to Marco Island)

Notable people

 * John Boehner, former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
 * Michael Collins, astronaut
 * William J. Cullerton, World War II flying ace
 * Leighton Meester, actress

title: Marco Island, Florida


text:
Naples, Florida

Naples is a city in Collier County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 19,115, down from 19,539 at the 2010 census. Naples is a principal city of the Naples–Marco Island metropolitan area, which had a population of about 375,752 as of 2020. Naples' USPS City population (i.e. the total population that lists Naples as the city on their postal address and who consider themselves residents of Naples) includes most of the communities in Collier County with the notable exceptions of Immokalee, Marco Island, Ave Maria, Everglades City, and a few others, and thus Naples' USPS City population is approximately 333,083.

The city is mostly known for its high-priced homes, white-sand beaches, and numerous golf courses. Naples is the self-titled "Golf Capital of the World", as it has the second most holes per capita out of all communities, and the most holes of any city in Florida. The city is also known for being appealing to retirees, and a large percent of the population is made up of them.

History
Before the period of European colonization, the indigenous Calusa lived in Florida (including the region of present-day Naples) for thousands of years, from Charlotte Harbor to Cape Sable. In 1513, Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León explored the region and encountered the Calusa, who resisted attempts by de León to establish a Spanish colony in Florida. This initiated nearly two hundred years of conflict between the Spanish and the Calusa. In the early 18th century, following slave raids from Muscogee and Yamasee raiders allied with European settlers in Carolina, the majority of the remaining Calusa moved south and east to escape the raids.

The city of Naples was founded in 1886 by former Confederate general and Kentucky U.S. Senator John Stuart Williams and his partner, Louisville businessman Walter N. Haldeman, the publisher of the Louisville Courier-Journal. Throughout the 1870s and 1880s, magazines and newspapers ran stories about the area's mild climate and abundant fish and likened it to the sunny Italian peninsula. The name Naples caught on when promoters described the bay as "surpassing the bay in Naples, Italy". By the summer of 1888, Naples had a population of about 80 people, and the first hotel opened in 1889. Major development was anticipated after Collier County was established in 1923, the completion of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad extension in 1927, and the completion of the Tamiami Trail linking Naples to Miami in 1928, but did not begin until after the 1929 Stock market crash, the Great Depression, and World War II. During the war the U.S. Army Air Forces built a small airfield and used it for training purposes; it is now the Naples Municipal Airport.

After a hurricane in 1945, a fill was required to repair the damage. A local dredging company, Wyatt Brothers, created a lake north of 16th Avenue S, between Gordon Drive and Gulf Shore Boulevard. In 1949, Reginald Wyatt II asked Mr. Rust to sell him the 296 acre from Jamaica Channel to today's 14th Avenue S. The Jamaica Channel was widened, one canal was dredged, and 14th Avenue S was created. That same year, Naples officially became a city.

Today, the Wyatt family is credited with the construction of Naples' first beach. Additional channels were eventually added to the south of 14th Avenue S and are named alphabetically for local water birds. The first channel south of 14th Avenue S is Anhinga Channel, then Bittern Channel is south of 15th Avenue S, Crane Channel is south of 16th Avenue S, Duck Channel is south of 17th Avenue S, and Egret Channel is north of 21st Avenue S. From the channels there are coves named Flamingo, Gull, Heron, and Ibis, as well as the original Aqua Cove. These initial channels, canals, and coves were dredged and bulldozed from the mangrove swamps. Where shallow rock precluded digging, the land was filled to create lots with navigable water.

The Aqualane Shores Association was incorporated as a non-profit corporation on February 3, 1966. It served lot owners in the area roughly bounded by the Bay of Naples to the east, Gordon Drive to the west, and the land between 14th Avenue and 21st Avenue S, as well as Marina Drive, Forrest Lane, and Southwinds Drive. Thirty years later, in 1996, a state-mandated city master plan renamed the area the Aqualane Shores Neighborhood and extended its boundary west to the Gulf of Mexico, east to the Bay of Naples, and the area from 14th Avenue S all the way south to Jamaica Channel. The numerous canals and waterfront homes add a distinctive feature to the south portion of Naples and provide access to the Gulf of Mexico for many homeowners.

Geography
Naples is located in southwest Florida at (26.139, −81.795) on U.S. Highway 41 between Miami to the east and Fort Myers to the north.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 42.5 km2, of which 31.9 km2 is land and 10.7 km2, or 25.09%, is water.

Hurricanes
National Weather Service records that date back to 1851, indicate 74 tropical storms have passed within 85 nmi of Naples, or once every 2.2 years (as of a 2014 data).

2005 Hurricane Wilma (Category 5) – Wilma reached maximum wind strength of 185 mph, but its winds were 125 mph when it made landfall near Cape Romano (below Naples, just beyond the southwestern tip of Marco Island and northwest of the Ten Thousand Islands in Collier County). Wilma caused 87 deaths and $22.4 billion in damage.

2017 Hurricane Irma (Category 5) – Irma had maximum wind strength of 180 mph, but when it made landfall near Marco Island, its winds were 115 mph. As Irma hit Florida, tropical-storm-force winds extended out to 400 mi from the center and hurricane-force winds extended up to 80 mi. This storm left over 7.5 million homes (70% of the state) without electricity for days. Irma caused 134 deaths and $50 billion in damage.

2022 Hurricane Ian (Category 5) - Ian had a maximum wind strength of 160 mph while approaching Florida, and it made landfall at Cayo Costa slightly below peak strength as a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 150 mph. Power was lost to much of the Naples area including Pelican Bay and Bay Colony for several days, but repairs began to allow power to be turned back on starting on October 1, 2022. Ian caused 149 deaths in the state of Florida and an estimated $989 million in damages to the city of Naples and approximately $2.2 billion in damages to buildings in Collier County.

Climate
According to the Köppen climate classification, Naples has a tropical savanna climate or Aw. Naples is normally frost-free and the growing season is 365 days. Like much of central and south Florida there are two basic seasons in Naples; From May through October there is a hot and wet season in Naples, when hot temperatures (average high temperature is 92 F) and frequent thundershowers are common. From November through April, is the dry season, when sunshine, dry weather, and milder temperatures with daily highs around 74 F. Naples is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 19,115 people, 10,453 households, and 6,193 families residing in the city. Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018-2022 $135,657. The Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2022 dollars), 2018-2022 is $141,245

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 19,537 people, 9,991 households, and 6,041 families residing in the city.

In 2010, the largest self-identified ancestry and ethnic groups in Naples were German-American 20.0%, English-American 19.2%, Irish-American 17.8%, and Italian-American 9.2%.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there are 20,981 people, 10,803 households, and 6,568 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,744.3 PD/sqmi. There were 16,957 housing units at an average density of 1,410.0 /mi2. The racial makeup of the city is 92.50% White, 4.65% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.33% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.30% from other races, and 2.07% from two or more races. 2.23% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

In 2000, there were 10,803 households, out of which 10.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.8% were married couples living together, 5.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.2% were non-families. 34.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.92 and the average family size was 2.38.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 10.9% under the age of 18, 2.3% from 18 to 24, 14.5% from 25 to 44, 30.0% from 45 to 64, and 42.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 61 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.0 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 83.9 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city is $65,641, and the median income for a family is $83,831. Males have a median income of $50,092 versus $30,948 for females. The per capita income for the city is $61,141. 5.9% of the population and 3.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 15.1% of those under the age of 18 and 3.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Economy
The economy of Naples is based largely on tourism and was historically based on real estate development and agriculture. Due to its proximity to the Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands, Naples is also popular among ecotourists.

Companies based in Naples include Beasley Broadcast Group and ASG Technologies in addition to numerous small businesses. Due to the wealth present in Collier County, Naples is also home to many small non-profit organizations. The surrounding Naples metro area is also home to major private employers such as Fortune 1000 company Health Management Associates and technology company NewsBank.

In 2009, Naples placed 10th in a report by U.S. News & World Report titled "10 Pricey Cities That Pay Off." The report ranked cities by its "amenity value", a measurement based on the amount of satisfaction an asset brings to its owner. In 2012, a report by Kiplinger ranked Naples with the sixth-highest per capita income in the country, along with the second-highest proportion of millionaires per capita in the US.

Attractions
The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, was founded in 1919.

Downtown Naples is home to The Naples Players, the 5th Avenue South, and 3rd Street South shopping districts, which feature a variety of antique luxury shops and fine dining restaurants. Gallery Row is a concentration among the numerous art galleries spread throughout the downtown area. Near downtown Naples Bay and the Gordon River is the shopping district of Tin City. This open-air shopping center specializes in antiques and handmade local novelties, as well as several seafood restaurants.

The Naples Half Marathon is a half marathon held every year in Naples since 1989, with record participation in 2013 of 2,038 runners.

Points of interest

 * Naples Botanical Garden
 * Naples Depot Museum
 * Naples Zoo
 * Palm Cottage
 * Coastland Center
 * Waterside Shops
 * Golisano Children's Museum of Naples
 * Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
 * Naples station

Performing arts
Naples is home to The Naples Players, Naples Shakespeare Festival (and sister company Marco Island Shakespeare Festival), Opera Naples, the equity theatre company Theatre Zone, and Gulfshore Playhouse. The Naples Philharmonic and The Baker Museum are located at Artis—Naples, which also serves as the educational campus for the Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Youth Chorus, Youth Jazz Orchestra and Youth Symphony. The Holocaust Museum and Education Center of Southwest Florida educates about 155,000 students each year both in its facility and with a locally traveling exhibit.

Sports
The last LPGA golf tournament played each year, the CME Group Tour Championship, has been held in Naples since 2012. Since 2013, it has been played at the Gold Course of the Tiburón Golf Club. It claims the largest purse and the largest winner's share of any women's golf tournament, presently at $5,000,000 and $1,500,000 respectively. The purse and winner's share increase in 2022, to $7,000,000 and $2,000,000 respectively. Pickleball is an increasingly popular sport in Naples. Because of this, many parks have added pickleball courts. Naples is home to the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, which have been held annually since 2016.

Naples has two semi-pro soccer teams, Naples United FC, which was founded in 2017 and competes in the National Premier Soccer League and Naples City FC, which was founded in 2020 and competes in the United Premier Soccer League. Starting from the 2025 season, Naples will also have a professional club, USL Naples in the USL League One.

Naples is also the home of swamp buggy races, held three times each year at the Florida Sports Park. The swamp buggy was invented in Naples.

Parks and recreation
The beach on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico is more than 10 mi long and is known for its cleanliness and pristine white sand. In 2005, Naples was voted the best all-around beach in America by the Travel Channel.

Naples area beaches include:

 * Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
 * Clam Pass Beach Park
 * Naples Pier
 * Vanderbilt Beach
 * North Gulfshore Boulevard Beach
 * Seagate Beach
 * Lowdermilk Beach Park

Education
Naples is served by the District School Board of Collier County and various private institutions, including the following:

 * St. Elizabeth Seton School (private)
 * Naples High School (City of Naples, public)
 * Barron G. Collier High School (public)
 * Gulf Coast High School (public)
 * St. John Neumann High School (private)
 * Golden Gate High School (public)
 * Lely High School (public)
 * Palmetto Ridge High School (public)
 * Community School of Naples (private)
 * Seacrest Country Day School (private)
 * First Baptist Academy (private)
 * Mason Classical Academy (charter)
 * Lorenzo Walker Technical High School (public)
 * Naples Christian Academy (private)
 * Saint Ann School (private)
 * The Village School of Naples (private)
 * Naples Classical Academy (charter)

Colleges and universities
While no colleges are based within the city limits, Ave Maria School of Law is located in Vineyards, and Florida SouthWestern State College has a satellite campus in Lely Resort. In addition, Florida Gulf Coast University operates continuing education classes from its Downtown Naples campus. Hodges University sold its campus in North Naples in 2021. Higher education institutions close to Naples include:

 * Ave Maria University (35 miles northeast of Naples)
 * Florida Gulf Coast University (8 miles northeast of Naples)
 * Florida SouthWestern State College (30 miles northwest of Naples)
 * Hodges University (35 miles north of Naples)

Road
Since February 2001, Naples has been served by several bus routes operated by the Collier Area Transit. The service runs seven days a week and end times depend on the route. Highways that pass through Naples are I-75 and US-41.

Air
The city is served by the Naples Airport, and although it doesn't have any scheduled commercial service, it is one of the busiest municipal airports in the United States. The closest airport with regular-scheduled commercial service for both domestic and international destinations is Southwest Florida International Airport.

Healthcare
The region is served by the NCH Healthcare System, which currently has 716 beds between two hospitals, and Physician's Regional Healthcare System, which has two hospitals that contain 201 beds and is owned by the Health Management Associates, headquartered in Pelican Bay. In addition to the two hospitals, the company operates six clinics in Naples.

Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida (HCN) was founded in 1977 to serve migrant farmworkers and their families in Immokalee. It now provides care to over 41,000 residents of Collier County through 20 practices, including internal medicine, family practice, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, behavioral health and dental care.

Notable people

 * Bill Bain, management consultant, founder of Bain & Company
 * Billy Bigley, racing driver
 * Obe Blanc, member of 2010 U.S. Freestyle Wrestling World Team
 * Ben Bova, award-winning science fiction author and science author
 * Hayden Buckley, professional golfer
 * Mary Carillo, former professional tennis player, now a sportscaster
 * Michael Collins (1930–2021), Apollo 11 Command Module Pilot
 * Robin Cook, author
 * Mike Ditka, former NFL player and coach, part-time Naples resident
 * Glennon Doyle, author, blogger, and activist
 * Mike Duke, Ex-CEO of Walmart
 * Keith Eloi, 2003 Lely high graduate, wide receiver in the UFL and AFL
 * Dominic Fike, rapper
 * J. Dudley Goodlette (born 1948), politician and lawyer
 * Laura Jane Grace, lead singer of Against Me!, attended Naples High School
 * Earnest Graham, former NFL running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
 * Garnet Hathaway, ice hockey player for the Philadelphia Flyers
 * Carlos Hyde, current NFL running back, part of the Naples High graduation class of 2009
 * Courtney Jolly, professional monster truck driver
 * Sonny Jurgensen, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback
 * Shahid Khan, Pakistani-American billionaire, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, English soccer club Fulham and Flex-N-Gate
 * John Kruk, Major League Baseball player and broadcaster (Philadelphia Phillies)
 * Mickey Kuhn, child actor
 * Denny Laine, first lead singer of The Moody Blues, Ginger Baker's Airforce, and Paul McCartney and Wings
 * John Legere, former CEO of T-Mobile, purchased a Naples mansion in 2019
 * Alex Lifeson, rock musician, has a home in Naples
 * John Lodge, British musician for The Moody Blues, bought a home in Naples in 2015
 * Fred McCrary, former NFL player, graduated from Naples High School in 1991
 * James Morgan, scenic designer and Producing Artistic Director of the York Theatre
 * Earl Morrall, two-time Super Bowl champion and former NFL quarterback, died in 2014
 * Piotr Nowak, former soccer player and head coach of United States U-23 men's national soccer team, D.C. United and Philadelphia Union
 * Jake O'Connell, former NFL tight end that went to Gulf Coast High School
 * Drew O'Keefe, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, had a residence in Naples
 * Chris Resop, former MLB pitcher
 * Rick Scott, U.S. Senator and former Governor of Florida
 * Richard M. Schulze, businessman, best known as the founder of Best Buy
 * Bob Seger, musician who has a residence in Naples
 * Judith Sheindlin, better known to the public as Judge Judy, author and television personality (Pelican Bay)
 * Donna Summer, entertainer; died at her Naples home in 2012
 * Peter Thomas, the narrator of television programs
 * Aysegul Timur, president of Florida Gulf Coast University
 * Margit Varga, artist, gallerist, art director
 * Abby Wambach, a former professional soccer player, has a home in Naples
 * Jesse Witten, professional tennis player
 * Wrinkles the Clown, performance artist

In popular culture
Many movies have been filmed in or around Naples, such as Still Green, Just Cause, Pick-Up and Thunder and Lightning. Scat, a young adult novel by Carl Hiaasen is set in Naples.

title: Naples, Florida


text:
Naples Manor, Florida

Naples Manor is a census-designated place (CDP) in Collier County, Florida, United States. The population was 5,132 at the 2020 census, down from 5,562 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Naples Manor is located in western Collier County at 26.08972°N, -81.725°W (26.089653, -81.724910). It is bordered to the southwest by U.S. Route 41, to the north by Lely, and to the east by Lely Resort. Downtown Naples is 5 mi to the northwest on U.S. 41.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Naples Manor CDP has a total area of 1.8 km2, of which 0.05 km2, or 2.91%, is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 5,132 people, 1,312 households, and 1,064 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,186 people, 1,140 households, and 1,016 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 7,483.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,160 housing units at an average density of 1,673.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 49.48% White, 16.43% African American, 0.39% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 29.16% from other races, and 4.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 69.30% of the population.

There were 1,140 households, out of which 55.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.1% were married couples living together, 12.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 10.8% were non-families. 5.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 1.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.55 and the average family size was 4.30.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 33.7% under the age of 18, 15.5% from 18 to 24, 33.9% from 25 to 44, 13.2% from 45 to 64, and 3.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 25 years. For every 100 females, there were 127.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 140.5 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $41,338, and the median income for a family was $37,065. Males had a median income of $20,434 versus $19,434 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $11,019. About 23.6% of families and 26.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.7% of those under age 18 and 13.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Naples Manor, Florida


text:
Naples Park, Florida

Naples Park is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Collier County, Florida, United States. The population was 5,092 at the 2020 census, down from 5,967 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Naples-Marco Island, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Naples Park was officially opened on November 4, 1951. Constructed by M. H. Davis Properties, Inc. lots were initially being sold for as low as $149.00, designed for lower or retirement level income buyers. The Naples Park Area Association was founded in 1957 and a clubhouse was built by members four years later. The neighborhood had its own fire department until 1961, when the North Naples Fire District expanded into the area.

Geography
Naples Park is located in northwestern Collier County at 26.26361°N, -81.8075°W. It is part of the area known as North Naples, just north of Pelican Bay. It is bounded to the east by U.S. Route 41, to the north by 111th Avenue North, to the west by Vanderbilt Drive, and to the south by 91st Avenue North. Vanderbilt Lagoon is to the west, connecting to the Gulf of Mexico. Downtown Naples is 8 mi to the south.

The Mercato, an outdoor shopping mall to the east of U.S. Route 41 is also considered part of Naples Park. It is the only portion of Naples Park to the east of U.S. Route 41.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Naples Park CDP has a total area of 3.2 km2, all land.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 5,092 people, 2,323 households, and 1,265 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,741 people, 2,737 households, and 1,757 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 5,541.4 PD/sqmi. There were 3,145 housing units at an average density of 2,585.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.90% White, 1.32% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.85% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 4.58% from other races, and 1.16% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.56% of the population.

There were 2,737 households, out of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.4% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.8% were non-families. 24.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 22.4% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 33.1% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.5 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $41,820, and the median income for a family was $45,441. Males had a median income of $27,923 versus $28,038 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $21,150. About 4.6% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.1% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Naples Park, Florida


text:
Orangetree, Florida

Orangetree is a census-designated place (CDP) in Collier County, Florida, United States. The population was 5,896 at the 2020 census, up from 4,406 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Orangetree is located in northeastern Collier County at 26.28944°N, -81.58472°W (26.289386, -81.584686), 23 mi northeast of downtown Naples.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 11.4 km2, of which 9.9 km2 is land and 1.6 sqkm, or 13.60%, is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 5,896 people, 1,521 households, and 1,339 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 950 people, 327 households, and 292 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 214.8 PD/sqmi. There were 355 housing units at an average density of 80.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.05% White, 1.26% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 1.89% from other races, and 1.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.58% of the population.

There were 327 households, out of which 45.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 80.1% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 10.7% were non-families. 10.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.91 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 30.3% under the age of 18, 3.6% from 18 to 24, 32.6% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $56,645, and the median income for a family was $57,614. Males had a median income of $39,297 versus $26,071 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $20,616. None of the families and 1.7% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Education
Orangetree's public schools are operated by the District School Board of Collier County. Residents are zoned to Corkscrew Elementary School and Middle School, and Palmetto Ridge High School, all in Orangetree.

Weather
In 2016, the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society announced that Orangetree experiences more lightning than any other location in the United States, with around 200 flashes of lightning per square mile each year.

title: Orangetree, Florida


text:
Pelican Bay, Florida

Pelican Bay is a census-designated place (CDP) in Collier County, Florida, United States. The population was 6,660 at the 2020 census, up from 6,346 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Pelican Bay is located in northwestern Collier County at 26.23306°N, -81.80889°W. It is part of the area known as North Naples and is located just south of Naples Park and west of Pine Ridge. It is bordered to the south by the city of Naples, to the east by U.S. Route 41 (the Tamiami Trail), to the north by Vanderbilt Beach Road, and to the west by the Gulf of Mexico.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 8.7 km2, of which 7.6 km2 is land and 1.0 km2, or 11.87%, is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 6,660 people, 3,483 households, and 2,165 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,686 people, 3,005 households, and 2,166 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,754.0 PD/sqmi. There were 5,738 housing units at an average density of 1,770.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 99.21% White, 0.09% African American, 0.04% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.07% from other races, and 0.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.91% of the population.

There were 3,005 households, out of which 3.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.0% were married couples living together, 1.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.9% were non-families. 25.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.84 and the average family size was 2.12.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 3.4% under the age of 18, 0.7% from 18 to 24, 4.2% from 25 to 44, 33.9% from 45 to 64, and 57.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 67 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $102,762, and the median income for a family was $127,920. Males had a median income of $100,000 versus $44,286 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $89,063. About 1.9% of families and 2.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 1.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Pelican Bay, Florida


text:
Pine Ridge, Collier County, Florida

Pine Ridge is a census-designated place (CDP) in Collier County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,717 at the 2020 census, down from 1,918 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Pine Ridge is located in northwestern Collier County at 26.23306°N, -81.7975°W. It is part of the unincorporated community of North Naples and is just east of Pelican Bay and north of Naples.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 4.7 sqkm, of which 4.3 sqkm is land and 0.3 sqkm, or 6.91%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,965 people, 806 households, and 544 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,111.9 PD/sqmi. There were 957 housing units at an average density of 541.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.56% White, 0.97% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 0.31% from other races, and 0.41% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.10% of the population.

There were 806 households, out of which 29.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.4% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.5% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 3.6% from 18 to 24, 22.0% from 25 to 44, 30.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $60,150, and the median income for a family was $78,308. Males had a median income of $52,083 versus $32,768 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $43,362. About 1.7% of families and 1.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.6% of those under age 18 and 2.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Pine Ridge, Collier County, Florida


text:
Plantation Island, Florida

Plantation Island is a census-designated place (CDP) in Collier County, Florida, United States. The population was 119 at the 2020 census, down from 163 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Plantation Island is located in southern Collier County at 25.84639°N, -81.36833°W (25.846346, -81.368274), along Halfway Creek upstream several thousand feet from Chokoloskee Bay. Plantation Island is near a northwest point of Everglades National Park and a southwest point of Big Cypress National Preserve. It is south of Everglades City and north of Chokoloskee via State Road 29.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.5 km2, of which 0.03 sqkm, or 1.90%, is water. From the canal-lined lots on Plantation Island, it is a short boat ride down Halfway Creek, across Chokoloskee Bay, through the Ten Thousand Islands and out into the Gulf of Mexico. Plantation Island is located within the Big Cypress Area of Critical State Concern.

Plantation Island, Florida has a Tropical climate.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 119 people, 14 households, and 0 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 202 people, 92 households, and 57 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 344.1 PD/sqmi. There were 158 housing units at an average density of 269.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.53% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.47% of the population.

There were 92 households, out of which 18.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.3% were married couples living together, 3.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.0% were non-families. 28.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% 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 2.65.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 14.4% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 32.7% from 45 to 64, and 22.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 119.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $38,750, and the median income for a family was $45,208. Males had a median income of $31,667 versus $30,833 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $21,581. About 13.8% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen and 11.4% of those 65 or over.

title: Plantation Island, Florida


text:
Vineyards, Florida

Vineyards is a census-designated place (CDP) in Collier County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,883 at the 2020 census, up from 3,375 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Vineyards is located in northwest Collier County, bordered to the west by Interstate 75, with access from Exit 107, and is located about 10 mi northeast of downtown Naples.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.9 km2, of which 5.1 sqkm is land and 0.8 sqkm, or 13.61%, is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,883 people, 1,908 households, and 1,295 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,232 people, 1,023 households, and 804 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 987.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,543 housing units at an average density of 682.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.98% White, 0.76% African American, 0.04% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.49% from other races, and 0.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.46% of the population.

There were 1,023 households, out of which 13.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.9% were married couples living together, 2.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.4% were non-families. 18.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.40.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 12.8% under the age of 18, 1.3% from 18 to 24, 11.2% from 25 to 44, 34.7% from 45 to 64, and 39.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 61 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $71,597 in 2016. Males had a median income of $46,151 versus $28,964 for females.

title: Vineyards, Florida


text:
Five Points, Florida

Five Points is a census-designated place (CDP) in Columbia County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,076 at the 2020 census, down from 1,265 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Lake City, Florida Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Five Points is located at 30.21535°N, -82.64256°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.6 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,362 people, 417 households, and 266 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 527.6 PD/sqmi. There were 480 housing units at an average density of 185.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 82.75% White, 15.71% Black, 0.22% American Indian, 0.22% Asian, 0.22% from other races, and 0.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.91% of the population.

There were 417 households, out of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.9% were married couples living together, 22.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.2% were non-families. 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 23.1% under the age of 18, 13.5% from 18 to 24, 36.1% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 8.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 138.1 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 141.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $15,057, and the median income for a family was $15,375. Males had a median income of $17,446 versus $11,964 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $6,246. About 30.7% of families and 43.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 67.6% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those aged 65 or over.

title: Five Points, Florida


text:
Fort White, Florida

Fort White is a town in Columbia County, Florida, United States, named after a military fort built in the 1830s. It is the closest town to Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Fort White High School and the Fort White Public School Historic District are located within the town's borders. The original school building was constructed in 1915. As of the 2020 census, the population of Fort White was 618, up from 567 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Lake City, Florida Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Fort White was originally constructed as a military fort during the Second Seminole War in 1836 to protect the Cow Creek settlement. Supplies were brought in by steamboat on the Santa Fe River and distributed to other area forts. Due to sickness, flooding along the river and rumors of the railroad coming to the area, the settlement was moved 4 mi east to its present location.

Named after the military fort, in 1884, the Town of Fort White was officially incorporated and grew steadily, following the arrival of the railroad in 1888. Phosphate mining, turpentine and agriculture (cotton and oranges) were the foundation of the economy, and the population grew to nearly 2,000. The boom turned to bust as severe freezes in the winters of 1896 and 1897 destroyed the local citrus industry. By 1910, the largest phosphate deposits were depleted and mining ceased. The boll weevil ended cotton farming before World War I, and the population shrank to a few hundred people, primarily farmers, ranchers and foresters. The town's population in 1979 was 365.

Geography
The exact coordinates for the Town of Fort White is located in southern Columbia County at 29.92306°N, -82.71417°W (29.923001, –82.714299), at the intersection of U.S. Route 27 and Florida State Road 47. SR 47 leads north 20 mi to Lake City, the Columbia County seat, and south 23 mi to Trenton. US 27 leads southeast 16 mi to Alachua and Interstate 75, and west 13 mi to Branford.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Fort White has a total area of 6.2 km2, all land. Most of the land surrounding the town is family farms and/or forests.

The Ichetucknee River
The locals have always known of and enjoyed the crystal clear Ichetucknee River and springs, located 4 mi northwest of the town. However, before 1970, the existence and location of this natural wonder were not widely known. The road to the spring was not paved, nor was it marked, because the spring was on private property. In 1970, the state of Florida purchased the Ichetucknee spring and river property from the Loncala Phosphate Corporation. Columbia County built a paved road, number 238, providing easier access to the springs. In 1972, the head spring of the river was declared a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The main tributary from Ichetucknee Springs became one of the most popular tubing destinations in the world, attracting up to 5,000 visitors each day during the summer. Others came to the river to swim, picnic, snorkel, scuba dive, and explore the nearby forests.

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 Fort White has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 618 people, 214 households, and 164 families residing in the town.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 567 people, 311 households, and 169 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 409 people, 151 households, and 104 families residing in the town. The population density was 176.8 PD/sqmi. There were 184 housing units at an average density of 79.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 50.61% White, 46.70% African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.49% Asian, 0.24% Pacific Islander, and 1.71% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.42% of the population.

In 2000, there were 151 households, out of which 33.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.7% were married couples living together, 19.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.1% were non-families. 28.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.35.

In 2000, in the town, the population was spread out, with 28.6% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 76.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.5 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $26,250, and the median income for a family was $28,000. Males had a median income of $26,477 versus $26,667 for females. The per capita income for the town was $10,578. About 24.1% of families and 26.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.0% of those under age 18 and 42.0% of those age 65 or over.

Government services
The town elects a mayor and four town council members who meet once each month. Water is provided through the city, but all residents utilize a septic tank system for sewerage. Law enforcement is provided by the Columbia County Sheriff's Office who utilize a sub-station within the city limits. Fire protection is provided by the Columbia County Fire Department. Garbage collection is subcontracted to a private company. The Fort White Branch of the Columbia County Public Library system, which was previously located next to town hall, is across from Fort White High School. The county health clinic has a satellite office in Fort White which is open one day each week, but the nearest hospital facility is in Lake City.

The Fort White Sports Complex was constructed in 2005 on 25 acre abutting the high school. Facilities include six baseball fields, two basketball courts and two tennis courts. A community center was built on the site in 2008. A senior citizen meal program operates at the center on weekdays.

Schools
The public schools located within the Town of Fort White are served by the Columbia County School District.

 * Fort White Elementary School
 * Fort White Middle School
 * Fort White High School

The original Fort White High School was constructed during 1915, and an auditorium was added in 1936. Separate elementary school classrooms were completed in 1938.

The last high school class to graduate was in 1969, about the same time desegregation and integration forced the closing of the black schools in the area. At that time, there weren't enough children to justify a high school in Fort White; students in grades 9–12 were bused 20 mi to Columbia High School in Lake City for over 30 years. After Ichetucknee Springs State Park opened in 1971, the population in the south end of the county steadily grew to the point where the need for a local facility was substantiated.

A $25 million high school was completed in December 2000 for grades 6–12, having opened in August 2000, in temporary buildings because of construction delays. The school had been scheduled for completion in August 2000. Fort White High School graduated the first class in a generation in 2001. A new Fort White Middle School for grade 6 was completed prior to the 2008–2009 school year. The rest of the middle school (for grades 7 and 8) has recently been finished and is in use, though the middle and high school are still joined.

title: Fort White, Florida