Introduction to Sanford, Florida
Sanford, Florida, in Seminole county, is 10 miles S of Deltona, Florida (center to center) and 90 miles NE of Tampa, Florida. The city is located along the shoreline of Lake Monroe at the head of the St. Johns River in Central Florida. It features numerous marinas and provides boats and commercial vessels access to the Atlantic Ocean. The city includes a large number of old commercial buildings and residential homes and has a small town rural atmosphere.
Sanford History
The Timucuan Indians were the original inhabitants. By 1760 the Timucuan population was wiped out by war and disease which led to the Seminole Indians becoming the new residents. In 1821 the United States acquired the Florida region from Spain, however the Seminole Wars postponed the settlement of the territory. After the Indian battles were over, a large number of orange groves were established. In 1870, General Henry Shelton Sanford purchased a vast acreage and laid out the city of Sanford. The city was incorporated in 1877.
Swedes were brought in to convert the wilderness landscape into a major citrus area. The region became one of the major suppliers of oranges in the world after the arrival of the railroad. The decline in the agricultural industry began in 1940 due to the desirability of growing crops in South Florida where frost wasn't an issue. In 1942 the Naval Air Station at Sanford was constructed. It was closed in 1968 which harmed the local economy.
Sanford Attractions
- Central Florida Zoological Park.
- Sanford Museum.
- Museum of Seminole County History.
- Jazzed in Sanford.
- Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium.
- Cinema in the Park.
- River Walk.
- Palms Island Resort and Marina.
- Big Tree County Park.
- Colonial Town Park.
- Historic Downtown Sanford.
- Jeanine Taylor Folk Art.
- The Helen Stairs Theatre.
Sanford Activities
Tourists enjoy the cruises along the scenic St. John's River which provide opportunities to see heron, osprey, eagles, manatee and other types of wildlife. Lake Dot Park is noteworthy for fishing. Sanford River Walk provides scenic views of Lake Monroe. Lake Jesup is popular with residents. The nearby Wekiwa Springs State Park is a large scenic acreage.
Golfers enjoy the area's numerous quality courses including the Mayfair Country Club, Magnolia Plantation Golf Club and the Timacuan Golf & Country Club. The popular Sea World Orlando, Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Islands of Adventure are nearby.
Sanford Transportation
The Orlando Sanford International Airport provides air travel for the region.
Sanford Higher Education
Seminole Community College provides opportunities for higher education.
