Seminole County

Seminole County is a lovely county located in the U.S. state of Florida and part of the Orlando-Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). It is located in the central part of Florida between Orlando to the south and Deland/Daytona Beach to the north. As of 2000, the population was 365,196. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the 2006 population was 406,875.

Seminole County is home to seven cities: Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Lake Mary, Longwood, Oviedo, Sanford and Winter Springs,. You can learn more about each one, by simply clicking on their name on the graphic to the right:

On July 21, 1821, there were two counties that formed Florida: Escambia to the west and St. Johns to the east. In 1824, the area to the south of St. Johns County became Mosquito County and Enterprise was named the County Seat. The federal government began enticing settlers to this region in 1840 with offers of food and supplies. This large county was renamed Orange County in 1845 when Florida became a state. For the next 70 years, Orange County would split into numerous other counties. Seminole County was one of the last counties to emerge from Orange County with Sanford becoming the county seat. Seminole County was created on April 25, 1913 out of part of the northern portion of Orange County by the Florida Legislature. It was named for the Seminole tribe of Indians. The name "Seminole" is thought to be derived from the Spanish word cimarron, meaning "wild" or "runaway." Seminole County has grown from a small self-sufficient pioneering community to a thriving agricultural center to today's modern hub for business. Agriculture continued to be the backbone of the area's economy.

By the late 1970s, new industries gradually took agriculture's place. Seminole County's growth increased with the arrival of major businesses in next-door Orange County, such as Walt Disney World and Martin Marietta Corporation. The construction of the Altamonte Mall in the 1970s made the southern half of the county a major retail center.

Seminole County offers a collection of diverse communities, each offering something special, from historical charm to sophisticated style we have it all right here. Since the 1950s, Seminole has been one of the fastest-growing communities in Florida. By the county's centennial celebration in 2013, it is projected to be home to nearly 500,000 residents. It may be the second-smallest county in Florida, but Seminole is anything but small when it comes to its ability to offer the best of many different worlds. A hotbed for high-tech and other industry growth, Seminole is recognized for its vitality and diversity, and for the new jobs and capital investment it has generated over the past decade. With a business climate that has fostered quality development, this county has become home to a plethora of dynamic and innovative corporations.

Working in Seminole's favor is a robust infrastructure, available land and a stable of highly regarded educational offerings. Quality of life abounds with a broad selection of entertainment, cultural arts, dining, shopping and recreational activities highlighted by an extensive recreational trail system. Combined, these factors make Seminole a progressive Florida county that boasts some of the highest wages and best quality-of-life opportunities around. Enjoy the great weather and scenery at our picturesque parks or thriving urban centers. From trails, to playgrounds, to sports fields, you'll find that Seminole County is Florida's natural choice.

Important Dates In Seminole County History

2000BC - 1700s-Timucuan Indians live on the shores of Lake Monroe.
1760s-Timucuans disappear from Florida, Seminoles come to Florida from Ala. & Ga.
1821-Governor Andrew Jackson establishes territorial government.
1824-Mosquito County is created.
1835-Seminole Indian War.
1845-Florida becomes a state on March 3. Orange County is carved out of Mosquito County with Mellonville as the county seat.
1856-Orlando becomes the county seat.
1870-Henry Sanford purchases 12,547 acres of land from General Finegan. Sanford is founded but does not incorporate until 1877. 1874-Lake Jesup post office est.- changed to Oviedo May 18, 1886.
1876-Longwood established.
1880-Snowville, later to be known as Altamonte Springs est. in Dec. 1884.
1913-Seminole County is created on April 25, with Sanford as the county seat.
1960-Hurricane Donna ravages the county.
1982-Museum of Seminole County History opens.
1995-Orlando/Sanford International Airport and Seminole Towne Center Mall open
2003-New I-4 Bridges over St. Johns River/Lake Monroe completed and open.

Here is a small list of sites you can explore to learn more about our county, its rich history and bright future:

http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov
http://www.visitseminole.com
http://www.seminolecountyflorida.com