Port Orange is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. The city's estimated population was 57,203 in 2013. The city is part of the Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area; the metropolitan area's population in 2010 was 590,289. Port Orange is a principal city in the Fun Coast region of the state of Florida.
Port Orange was settled by John Milton Hawks, who brought freed blacks to work at his sawmill after the U.S. Civil War. Esther Hawks established an integrated school in the area. The colony struggled soon after its creation and most colonists left. The area that became known as Freemanville is a legacy of the settlers who stayed in the area.
Geography
Port Orange is located at 29°7′8″N 81°0′10″W (29.118970, -81.002906). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 28.7 square miles (74.3 km2), of which 26.6 square miles (69.0 km2) is land and 2.0 square miles (5.3 km2) (7.09%) is water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 56,048 people, 24,841 households, and 1,544 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,102.3 per square mile . There were 27,972 housing units at an average density of 1,049.2 per square mile (329.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 91.3% White, 3.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, 2.2% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.0% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.5% of the population.
The median income for a household in the city was $46,572.
Economy
Recent studies show the workforce to be educated, productive and competitive, with 10 percent under-employed. Seven colleges and universities and the Advanced Technology Center support business needs with career advancement, workforce development and research.
Education, health care and government are the area’s largest employment sectors.
One of the larger businesses in Port Orange is Thompson Pump and Manufacturing. The city has started courting high-tech companies as well, prompting the simulation training defense contractor, Raydon Corporation, to move its headquarters and all operations there in 2010.
Education
Public primary and secondary education is handled by Volusia County Schools. Port Orange schools are A-rated by the state, and one of the high schools, Spruce Creek High School, has made the list of one of the top 100 high schools in the nation for several years in a row.
Elementary schools
- Horizon Elementary School
- Spruce Creek Elementary School
- Sugar Mill Elementary School
- Cypress Creek Elementary School
- Sweetwater Elementary School
- Port Orange Elementary
Middle schools
- Creekside Middle School
- Silver Sands Middle School
High schools
- Atlantic High School
- Spruce Creek High School
Colleges and universities
Port Orange is the home of the Florida campus of Palmer College of Chiropractic. The campus in Port Orange was founded in 2002 by James E. Hether, D. C.
Notable people
- Vince Carter, NBA player
- Adam Cianciarulo, professional Motocross racer
- Marci Gonzalez, ABC News Reporter WABC-TV New York City
- Danielle Harris, actress
- Ryan Lochte, Olympic gold medalist
- Mark Martin, NASCAR driver
- Mike Skinner, NASCAR driver
- Madison Strachan, Seen on Bachelor (season 5,7) and Bachelor In Parasise (season 3)
Public transportation
Port Orange is served by several bus routes operated by VOTRAN. The #4 & #17 offer Sunday and night service.
References
External links
- City of Port Orange official website
- Port Orange Lakeside Jazz Festival
- Port Orange City Guide