Apopka Information

Apopka Demographics

The city of Apopka was incorporated in 1882. At that time, the City limits were measured one mile in all directions from the Masonic Lodge. The "Lodge" is still in its original location on Main Street (US 441) and is the oldest lodge room in continuous use in the State of Florida.

The history of this land, of course, goes farther back than that. When the Spaniards arrived in Florida in the 16th century, the Acuera tribe of the Timucua confederation was said to have lived in the Apopka area, growing crops and trading. By 1730 these natives were decimated by war and diseases brought by the Europeans and had also disappeared.
Then early in the 19th century, Indians again inhabited the area. There was a Seminole village on Lake Apopka, or "Ahapopka," as they spelled and pronounced it. It remained an active village until the outbreak of the Second Seminole War in the mid 1830s. The Armed Occupation Act of 1842 brought white settlers to the Apopka area. They received 160 acres if they would settle them. These Pioneers and those that followed the Civil War from states to the north began converting the area into what it is today.

Over time, the settlement grew, attracting developers and settlers because of the climate and the agricultural opportunities and by the 1850s, it had become an important trading center. In 1912 ferns became the industry for Apopka and soon Apopka developed the name of "Fern City". More tropical plants were introduced to the growers in the area. This influx of foliage took over the fern industry and the City eventually earned its current nickname as "The Indoor Foliage Capital of the World".

Progress continued and today Apopka is still an important hub of commerce. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Orange County, and among its many great services, it features a well organized Recreation Department with programs for all ages. The offerings include an extensive list of Senior Programs, great park facilities including facilities to rent for large gatherings and racquetball courts.

The city also features many great annual community events, such as Apopka’s Family, Friendly 4th. Each July 4th, the City observes this special holiday with a grand celebration including one of the most well known fireworks displays in the area. There is also the Apopka Fair in February, featuring great family events, crafts, entertainment and of course lots of great food.

Nearby Lake Apopka is a popular fishing lake and is connected by waterways with an extensive central Florida Lake system. Lake Apopka is nearly circular in size and lies on the line between Orange and Lake Counties. Another great site, just northeast of Apopka is Wekiwa Springs State Park. Approximately 7,000 acres of wild scenic park, offers visitors a chance to see what central Florida looked like when the Timucuan Indians lived here. The Indians left a number of mounds that are still visible today. Popular activities at Wekiwa Springs are swimming and canoeing, and picnic areas and a playground for children are also located in the park. A museum and visitor center houses exhibits on natural and cultural history. Of course, there may be no better spot in the country for golf lovers than this part of Florida. For beginners to experts, there is a wide variety of great courses for all skill levels.

One of the region's main attractions is the near perfect year-round weather. Mid-Florida's subtropical climate is warm and humid during the summertime with almost daily thundershowers. However, these storms are scattered and generally pass quickly and the sunshine soon returns. Average annual rainfall is over 50 inches per year, keeping Central Florida lush and green all year long. The average elevation of this area is 127 feet above sea level and prevailing winds are southerly at nine mph. Winters in Central Florida are delightful, with warm days and mild evenings, much less humidity than summer and lots of sunshine.

During the past 25 years, Florida Hospital Apopka has grown to meet the needs of the community and today offers world-class health care to area residents. From 24-hour Cardiology services and Critical Care units to specialized emergency care, the hospital provides patients with a multitude of inpatient and outpatient services. And all performed with the care and warmth you should expect from a community hospital.

Apopka is an easy drive to Disney World, Sea World and too many world-class attractions to even mention. You are sure to also want to visit the Kennedy Space Center and Universal Studios Orlando. And don’t forget that you will only be a short drive from Ocean or Gulf beaches. After all that, you will be glad to return to Apopka, serving as your quiet home base in Central Florida.

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