Port Orange was established in 1867 on the banks of the Halifax River and is a community with a unique and rich history. Indians were the main inhabitants of the area until the early 1800s, although a few explorers attempted to tame the wild earth and transform it into economically viable, cash-crop-producing farmland. After the Civil War, abolitionist and United States Army surgeon Dr. John Milton Hawks teamed up with other Union Army officers to form the Florida Land and Lumber Company. In 1866, the men brought 500 freed slaves to the public lands along the Halifax River. Hawks named his settlement Orange Port and in 1867 it was moved to its current location. Later that same year, the city's name was officially changed to Port Orange when it was discovered that another United States city had already claimed the name Orange Port.
The area of Port Orange retained a resort-like character and a relatively stable population for well over a century. It wasn't until the mid-1970s and the construction of additional roads that Port Orange began blossoming into the large metropolitan community that it is today. The city's exceptional recent growth has made it the strongest residential housing market in East Volusia County and one of the most active commercial markets in East Central Florida. Positioned to meet the challenges of continued growth, Port Orange residents are very optimistic about their future. Port Orange is made up of some 150 distinct neighborhoods. These neighborhoods form the core of this close-knit community, making it a friendly and comfortable place in which to live, learn, work, and play. Port Orange offers a multitude of recreational experiences, many of which are centered on the city's abundant freshwater lakes and rivers. Residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, from fishing, boating and water skiing to jet skiing, surfing and swimming. Enrichment classes, sports leagues, extreme sports facilities and community parks and playgrounds are just a few of the dry-land recreational opportunities provided by the city. Located on the southern tip of the Florida peninsula lies the city of Ponce Inlet. Offering a relaxed, small-town lifestyle and unspoiled, uncrowded beaches, Ponce Inlet has become a popular destination for new residents and tourists alike. With its ideal location and long stretches of sand, Ponce Inlet provides the perfect setting for any number of water-based recreational activities. Volusia County hosts several fishing tournaments each year and Ponce Inlet is considered one of the area's prime spots for deep sea, pier, surf, river and freshwater fishing. The town is also home to several marinas. The history of Ponce Inlet dates back to the 16th century. Ponce de Leon first explored the area in 1513. Control of the land remained unstable until 1803, when Antonio Pons was granted ownership of 175 acres of farmland. Pons died while serving Spain in the Patriots War in 1812 and in 1820, his widow received an additional 230 acres in return for her husband's service. Lumber soon became the main industry and the city then known as Ponce de Leon Inlet began to flourish. The area continued to prosper as local government was established and more people moved in. In 1870, Congress secured a site within the inlet to build a lighthouse, which was completed in 1877. When Ponce Inlet was incorporated in 1963, the First Town Council was sworn in at the lighthouse. The building remained in service until 1970 and was later restored as a historic monument and museum. To this day, it marks the entrance to the inland waterways through Ponce Inlet. The Ponce de Leon Lighthouse is the tallest in the state and a major tourist destination. Both cities enjoy an average year-round temperature of 72 degrees. Their respective business climates are just as warm and friendly and the towns pride themselves on supporting and promoting local business growth. Port Orange and Ponce Inlet also have a continuing commitment to education and students from both cities are served by the excellent Volusia County Public School District. Residents seeking higher education have a large selection of colleges and universities to choose from, including Daytona Beach Community College, Bethune-Cookman College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of Central Florida. Looking for a community that welcomes economic growth while promoting quality of life, education, and environmental awareness? Look no further than Port Orange and Ponce Inlet. Through careful planning and the help of local residents, beauty and opportunity continue to flourish within both these seaside communities, so come see first-hand what they have to offer. |