Ocoee, Florida
Ocoee is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States of America. It is located in the central part of the state, about 12 miles (20 kilometers) northwest of Orlando. It is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, and the population was 48,263 at the 2019 census. Ocoee has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the country for several years.
The city has a total area of 15.7 square miles (40.6 km2), of which 14.7 square miles (38.1 km2) is a land, and 0.97 square miles (2.5 km2) (6.12 percent) is water, according to the United States Census Bureau.
Around 100 communities and enclaves makeup Ocoee. Geographically, it is in the northwest portion of the Orlando Metro area, in the North Central section of Central Florida. It is bordered on the north by Apopka, on the south by Windermere and Gotha, on the east by Hiawassee, and on the west by Winter Garden.
Lake Apopka, one of the largest lakes in Florida, is partly located in the northeast corner of Ocoee. It has a surface area of about 30,800 acres (125 km2) and is a popular spot for fishing and boating. The lake was severely polluted for many years by runoff from area farms, but environmental restoration projects have improved the water quality.
One of the best things about living in Ocoee is the location. It is close to many popular tourist destinations such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. It is also close to the Orlando International Airport. The residents are diverse and come from all different backgrounds.
The city has been experiencing a lot of growth in recent years, with new businesses and homes popping up all over. There are new restaurants, shopping centers, and schools being built all the time. The city is constantly expanding and improving, making it a great place to live.
If you are looking for a lovely and exciting place to live, Ocoee, Florida, is a great choice. There are many things to do in Ocoee, and it is a great place to raise a family. The schools are excellent, and the people are friendly.
Historical Background
The City of Ocoee began as a tiny agricultural hamlet supported by the citrus and vegetable-producing industries in the area. In the mid-1800s, the community was founded on Starke Lake, southeast of Lake Apopka.
In the mid-1850s, Dr. J. D. Starke led enslaved people into the area, which started the community. Many men, including Starke, were infected with malaria and hoped to avoid new breakouts by leaving. They set up camp on the northern banks of a lake surrounded by open pine forests and discovered that the clear, clean water improved their health. So, during the day, Starke and his slaves labored in the fields surrounding Lake Apopka, and at night, they retired to the warm, peaceful refuge.
After the Civil War ended, a number of settlers arrived in the area, notably Captain Bluford M. Sims, a Tennessee native who served in the Confederacy. Dr. J. D. Starke had sold him a piece of land on which he developed the first citrus nursery in the United States.
Sims had a variety of other accolades and accomplishments to his name, including road commissioner, Freemason, and contractor for the first framed courthouse in Orlando. Sims exploited this area of the property for citrus farming, and it is now the majority of what is known as downtown Ocoee. Sims led a group of early immigrants in laying out the town, which was renamed Ocoee in 1886.
Despite the fact that Ocoee was the name of a neighborhood laid out by Bluford Sims, the origins and derivation of the name are unknown. Some think it originates from an Indian term meaning “no cold.” Some say it comes from either the river or the town of the same name in Tennessee, while others say it means “apricot vine place.” Whatever the reason, in May of 1925, the town of Ocoee became the City of Ocoee.
Until the mid-nineteenth century, when the rapidly expanding Orlando Metropolitan Area began to expand westward, Ocoee remained a little community. The population was just approximately 2,500 in 1960, but it grew quickly as three major highways were built through the city, making it more accessible.
Today, the City of Ocoee is a prosperous community of over 50,000 residents and is the fastest-growing city in Orange County. With its excellent schools, low crime rate, and proximity to world-famous tourist attractions, it is no wonder that people are choosing to call Ocoee home.
Top Places to Visit in Ocoee, FL
Ocoee is a great place to live, but it is also a great place to visit. There are many things to do in the city, and it is close to some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Here are some of the top places to visit in Ocoee, Florida:
West Orange Trail – This 22-mile trail is a popular destination for cyclists, runners, and pedestrians. It winds through the quiet neighborhoods and scenic countryside of west Orlando and is a great way to get some exercise and see some beautiful parts of the city.
Bill Breeze Park – This park is home to a variety of sports facilities, including baseball and softball diamonds, tennis courts, and a basketball court. It also has a playground, picnic area, and pavilion.
West Orange Cinema – This theater features the latest movies and offers a variety of concessions, including popcorn, candy, and soft drinks. It is popular with locals and tourists alike and is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.
Family Aquatic Center – This center offers a variety of recreational activities for the whole family, including swimming, diving, and playing in the water park. It also has a concession stand and is a great place to cool off on a hot day.
Princesses & Princes Playground – This playground is a must-see for young children. It is home to a variety of play equipment, including slides, swings, and a climbing wall.
These are just some of the top places to visit in Ocoee, Florida. The city has something to offer everyone, and it is the perfect place to spend a day or a week exploring everything it has to offer. The city is also home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. So, whether you are looking for a place to visit on a day trip or looking for a place to call home, Ocoee, Florida, is the perfect place for you.