Sanford, FL

As the county seat for Seminole County, Sanford is a city benefiting from the population boom in Florida. The city population grew to more than 50,000 in recent years, an increase of 11,000 residents since 2000. While growing, Sanford manages to retain its small-town feeling and inspires visitors to slow down and relax while enjoying the culinary and cultural offerings of the community.

Sanford's location near major bodies of water like the St. Johns River and Lake Monroe makes the city ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy water recreation, fishing and boating. Sections of the waterfront now include several resorts offering a full range of amenities to visitors.

The rapid growth is changing what was once a sleepy river town with a bustling agricultural trade into a diverse city with a varied culture. As Sanford continues to grow, there is every indication that the city will become even more diverse in both culture and economy.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Agriculture was once predominant in Sanford, but the city now has a booming hospitality and tourism industry. Education is also important to the local economic base, as are retail and service-oriented businesses. To meet the challenges of its increasing population, the city has developed a multiphase expansion program that promises to further diversify the community's industrial base.

The unemployment rate of Sanford is at 5.8 percent. Estimates indicate that nearly 18 percent of the population of Sanford earns below the poverty level. Additionally, the recent population boom has driven up the average prices for housing in the community.

Some of the leading employers in the city are Luigino's Inc., Florida Extruders International Inc., T.I. Group Automotive Systems, Del-Air and Central Florida Regional Hospital.

The city of Sanford operates a website featuring information of interest to newcomers and visitors to the area. Many businesses in Sanford are members of the Sanford Seminole Chamber of Commerce, which promotes business development and support throughout the country. The Seminole Convention and Visitor's Bureau offers conference center facilities as well as general tourist information.

Health care is another important industry in the city. Sanford is home to the Central Florida Regional Hospital, which provides a wide range of health care services, among them:

• Coronary and Cardiac Care
• Renal Dialysis
• Inpatient Surgical Support
• Occupational Therapy
• Neonatal Care
• Pediatrics
• Speech Pathology
• Respiratory Care
• Emergency Room Services (around the clock)

EDUCATION

Sanford is home to two secondary education institutions of note:

• Seminole Community College offers a full range of four-year programs.
• Delta Connection Academy trains professional airline pilots.

GETTING AROUND

While no city transit system is currently in operation, Sanford does have easy access to rail, air, and bus services.

The nearby Orlando-Sanford International Airport provides flights to and from many cities in the United States, as well as direct flights to and from the United Kingdom.

Greyhound bus lines operates a terminal within Sanford, with buses leaving and entering the city seven days a week, including holidays.

Amtrak maintains a simple station in Sanford, which serves as the southern terminus for the route. Future plans include expanding and modernizing the current station to accommodate passenger traffic from the Florida Commuter Rail System.

Limousine services to and from the airport, as well as charter flights, are also available.

LOCAL MEDIA

Sanford has one radio station, WSDO 1400 AM. Radio stations from neighboring cities offer a wider range of music and news options.

Sanford currently has no television stations, and relies on stations established in the surrounding communities. Cable services are available.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Two museums serve residents and visitors:

• Museum of Seminole County History, located at 300 Bush Boulevard, highlights the history of the local area.
• Sanford Museum, at 520 East 1st Street, includes exhibits relevant to the creation of the Florida Territory to the present.

Sanford also is home to the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, which serves as a resource center for conservation and wildlife education.

FOR VISITORS

Visitors to Sanford can enjoy several parks located in and around the city:

• Paw Park is an off-leash park where owners can allow their pets to run freely. The park includes amenities, such as dog showers, watering bowls and a special play area for smaller dogs.
• Sunland Park is ideal for the sports enthusiast, with tennis and basketball courts, a playground for children, and a ball field.
• Lake Dot Park offers riverbank and boat fishing opportunities. Benches and picnic areas provide a place to rest while enjoying the scenery.
• Lake Jesup Park and Wilderness Area offers a boat launch, a shaded pavilion and three miles of wilderness trails.
• Wekiwa Springs State Park, located in nearby Apopka, contains more than 7,000 acres of hiking, camping and picnic areas. Swimming and fishing are also available and a supervised children's playground is held found in the park.