Altamonte Springs, FL

Nestled in the heart of central Florida, Altamonte Springs is a city of upscale homes, offices, retail space, restaurants, and civic areas. Fifteen minutes outside of Orlando, the sleepy town has remained clear of the population boom striking so much of the South.

In addition to the business of Altamonte Springs, another element to this quality of life is the preservation of the natural side of Florida. The area offers a wide variety of recreational and sports activities, golf courses, and special events set in traditional old Florida surroundings.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The largest retail centers in the city are Altamonte Mall, Marketplace at Altamonte, West Town Corners, Renaissance Center, Oak Grove Shoppes, and Altamonte Crossing. The newest addition is the upcoming retail district, known as Uptown Altamonte. Upon completion, it will encompass more than 1,300 acres of business region designed to include areas for work, play and living. Included in the district are the Altamonte Mall, AMC Theater and Cranes Roost Park.

The most common industries in the city are health care, construction, finance and insurance, educational services, professional, scientific and technical services, and accommodation and food services. The major employers are Altamonte Mall, Florida Hospital, Lucent Technologies, Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs, Insurance Office of America, Metavante, Ocius Communications Inc., and Sprint PCS.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

The town centers around Uptown Altamonte, the waterfront mall and park development on Cranes Roost Lake that includes Cranes Roost Park, with a mile of continuous walkway along the lake, overlooked by a landmark 62-foot tower.

Neighborhoods of Altamonte Springs accommodate about 20,000 houses, more than 7,900 owner-occupied while renters occupy around 11,100 houses. The neighborhoods of Altamonte Springs have a housing density of around 2,300 houses or condos per square mile.

The city of Altamonte Springs is fairly walkable. However, residents may need a car to commute to some places, such as coffee shops, bars and movie theatres.

EDUCATION

• Mountain State University Central Florida Campus: In 2002 Mountain State University, based in West Virginia, added to its 75-year tradition by building a central Florida campus. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs geared toward the busy schedules of working adults. The school is accredited and presents numerous courses via the Internet. The Florida campus is a forerunner in leadership classes, both strategic and organizational.
• Everglades University: Everglades University is a fully accredited school that teaches courses in such subjects as business administration, aviation science, management, and alternative medicine. It caters primarily to the adult student, with flexible schedules and courses taught solely online as well as in traditional classroom settings.
• Rollins College: Billed as the oldest institution of higher education in Florida, Rollins College is in neighboring Winter Park and focuses on undergraduate and graduate degrees in business and the sciences.
• University of Central Florida: UCF in Orlando provides the epitome of a well-rounded college life. The school includes academics, sports teams, Greek life, and alumni programs.
• Valencia Community College: Valencia, based in Orlando and with a campus in Winter Park, contributes to the community through its continuing education programs for professionals. Many students also attend Valencia in order to earn an associate's degree before enrolling at the University of Florida, also in Orlando, 12 miles away. Students can choose credit-driven majors, continuing education credits, or alternative certification programs.
• Florida Southern College: In Lakeland, 15 miles from Altamonte Springs, students can mix and match from nearly 50 majors and 40 minors. The school uses hands-on training to prepare students for careers. Clubs, athletics, and recreation in the area keep students entertained outside of class.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Pinocchio's Marionette Theater: This theater offers some fun on a string. Puppets act out classic fairy tales from Grimm and other authors. Master puppeteers lead the stringed actors on their escapades and travels, while a small theater gives children an up-close and personal view of the stage.
• Cranes Roost Park: Set on a placid lake, Cranes Roost Park includes more than 35 acres of outdoor entertainment. Visitors and residents can stop by almost any night to catch the dancing water show in the onsite fountain. Many festivals, carnivals, and shows of cars or art coincide with the park's musical acts.
• Shorecrest and Northlake Boulevard: Plants, trees, and other foliage decorate the boardwalk and pavilions here. There is also a floating stage and amphitheater for city shows and events. For those seeking a nice evening stroll, the lake is bordered with a lighted boardwalk.
• Lake Lotus Nature Park: Active residents make use of Lake Lotus Park's trails, pier, and children's areas. Other trails lead followers on a walk through the fauna and flora of Old Florida. On the boardwalk, people can learn about the plants from a self-guided walk with signs to help them along. Picnic facilities are also available.

EVENTS

• Taste of Altamonte: At this annual event, local restaurants provide samples of fare from their menus.
• Red, Hot, and Boom: Patriots of all ages can find something at the Independence Day celebration. Concerts create a festive atmosphere for the day. Children's activities, booths, food, and beverages are available before the grand finale fireworks.

LOCAL MEDIA

• WEAZ (Hits)
• WHIM (Christian)
• WNUE (Spanish)
• WPOZ (Christian)
• WTLN (Christian Talk)

• Altamonte Springs News
• Orlando Sentinel

• WFTV ABC
• WKMG CBS
• WESH NBC
• WOFL FOX
• WMFE PBS
• WRBW UPN
• WKCF CW
• WACX
• WVEN