Introduction to Deltona, Florida
The Florida city of Deltona is located in southwestern Volusia County, midway between Daytona Beach (30 miles to the northeast) and Orlando (30 miles to the southwest). Access to both cities is afforded via Interstate I-4, which passes through Deltona. Nearby communities include Enterprise, DeBary, Orange City, DeLand, Lake Helen, and Sanford.
The area of southwestern Volusia County now comprising Deltona was originally inhabited by Timucuan Indians. The surrounding area became the site of a small town known as Enterprise, near which Baron Fredrick DeBary bought several hundred acres and built a winter home in 1871 where he regularly entertained several prominent guests. The character of the area didn't change significantly until 1962, when the Mackle Brothers bought a large tract of land consisting of over 17,000 acres slated for development of a community and named the area Deltona. Over the ensuing decades, Deltona experienced steady but rapid growth. Two attempts at city incorporation (1987 and 1990) failed, but the third time was the charm and Deltona was finally incorporated as a city in 1995.
Deltona and Volusia County Attractions
The city of Deltona boasts over 100 lakes within its boundaries comprising a total of over 8 square miles of water. Not surprisingly, there are numerous opportunities for water-related outdoor recreational activities that can be enjoyed. Fans of indoor recreation will appreciate the Deltona Arts & Historical Center, a venue which preserves Deltona's history and also features art exhibitions, performing arts programs, cultural events, and music and acting workshops. Volusia County is home to many other attractions. Just a few of these are:
- Atlantic Center for the Arts (New Smyrna Beach)
- African American Museum of the Arts (DeLand)
- Fred Dana Marsh Museum (Ormond Beach)
- The DeLand House (DeLand)
- Halifax Historical Museum (Daytona Beach)
- Daytona Beach Playhouse (Daytona Beach)
- Harvey W. Lee Jr. Memorial Gallery (Daytona Beach)
- Seaside Music Theater (Daytona Beach)
- DeLand Naval Air Station Museum (DeLand)
- Orange City US Postal Museum (Orange City)
About 30 minutes south of Deltona is the city of Orlando, home to several major Central Florida attractions, including Walt Disney World, Sea World Florida, and Universal Studios. Sports fans will recognize Orlando as home of the NBA's Orlando Magic and Arena Football's Orlando Predators, as well as the Spring Training home of baseball's Atlanta Braves. Daytona Beach (30 minutes to the north) has its share of sports as well. The city is home to the Daytona Cubs, the Minor League Baseball single-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Daytona Beach also serves as the headquarters of NASCAR (National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing) and of the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association).
