Sanford

Sanford
City
City of Sanford
Downtown Sanford overlooking Lake Monroe Downtown Sanford overlooking Lake Monroe
Flag of Sanford Flag Official seal of Sanford Seal
Nickname(s):  "The Historic Waterfront Gateway City"
Motto(s):  "Where the past meets the present"
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	Florida
County	Seminole
Settled	1870
Incorporated (town)	1877
Incorporated (city)	1911
Founded by	Henry Shelton Sanford
Named for	Henry Shelton Sanford
Government
• Type	Commission-Manager
• Mayor	Art Woodruff
• City Manager	Norton N. Bonaparte Jr.
Area
• Total	26.75 sq mi (69.3 km2)
• Land	23.80 sq mi (61.6 km2)
• Water	2.95 sq mi (7.6 km2)
Elevation	10 ft (3 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	59,000
• Density	2,477.99/sq mi (956.76/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes	32771-32773
Area code(s)	407, 689
Website	www.sanfordfl.gov

Sanford is a city located in Seminole County, Florida, United States. It is known as "The Historic Waterfront Gateway City" and is where the past meets the present. Sanford is situated on the southern shore of Lake Monroe, a part of the St. Johns River system. The city covers a total area of 26.75 square miles, with 23.80 square miles of land and 2.95 square miles of water.

History

Sanford was settled in 1870 by Henry Shelton Sanford, a wealthy businessman and diplomat. He envisioned the city as a transportation hub and named it after himself. The city was incorporated as a town in 1877 and later became a city in 1911.

Geography

Sanford is located at . It is bordered by Lake Monroe to the north and the city of Lake Mary to the west. The city is approximately 20 miles northeast of downtown Orlando.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Sanford has a population of approximately 59,000 people. The population density is 2,477.99 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the city is diverse, with a significant African American population.

Economy

Sanford's economy is diverse and includes industries such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism. The city is home to several major employers, including the Central Florida Regional Hospital and the Seminole State College of Florida.

Attractions

Sanford offers a variety of attractions for residents and visitors. The historic downtown area is known for its charming brick streets, unique shops, and restaurants. The Sanford Riverwalk, overlooking Lake Monroe, provides scenic views and recreational opportunities. The city is also home to the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, which showcases a wide range of animal species and plant life.

Education

The city of Sanford is served by the Seminole County Public Schools system. There are several public and private schools in the area, providing education from pre-kindergarten through high school. Seminole State College of Florida offers higher education opportunities for residents.

Transportation

Sanford is well-connected to other parts of Florida and beyond through various transportation options. The city is served by the Orlando Sanford International Airport, which offers domestic and international flights. Interstate 4 and State Road 417 provide convenient access to the surrounding areas.

Notable People

Sanford has been home to several notable individuals, including professional athletes, musicians, and politicians. Some of the notable people associated with Sanford include NBA player Vince Carter, musician Bo Diddley, and former U.S. Senator Mel Martinez.

External links

• Official website
• Sanford Chamber of Commerce