Daytona Beach

Population: 64,889
Square miles: 65

Daytona Beach has become known internationally as the "World's Most Famous Beach" and the "World Center of Racing." These images often overshadow its role as the center for business, education, cultural and entertainment activities for a large portion of North Central Coastal Florida.

Daytona Beach is a modern, growing community boasting six universities and colleges, the $40 million new Ocean Center, a revitalized downtown, a new 500-slip marina and a wide spectrum of advantages for business expansion.

Daytona Beach Shores

Population: 4,514
Square miles: 5.5

Formed in 1960 by a group of moteliers who called themselves "2,000 Cottages," the City of Daytona Beach Shores, incorporated in 1967, is a 5.5 mile strip of beautiful hotels, motels, high-rise condominiums, townhouses and single family residences along the Atlantic Ocean. It is the second fastest growing city in Volusia County, showing a 20% growth in the last four years.

During the winter months, its population swells from 2,680 to nearly 16,000 residents. With tourism as the chief industry, the City's daily population can climb as high as 30,000 during special event weeks - Speed Week, Bike Week and Spring Break. However, an increasing trend in the City is the construction of new condominiums, popular residences for retirees. Daytona Beach Shores operates a Public Safety Department, meaning that its Public Safety Officers are cross-trained in law enforcement, fire fighting and as EMT's. The city also provides paramedics. The city is also recognized as a leader in emergency management with an Emergency Management Director arid a fully-equipped Emergency Operations Center.

DeBary

Population: 17,027
Square miles: 18.25

Named for Frederick DeBary, a well-known businessman from New York, the newly incorporated city of DeBary is situated in the southwest portion of Volusia County. Small, privately owned shops supply most of the employment and are responsible for a significant part of the economy. Approximately 40% of the city's tax base is derived from two power plants located within the city's limits.

Residents find nearby I-4 and U.S. 17-92 provide easy access to large communities close by. DeBary is considered a friendly, comfortable and desirable community to residents and newcomers alike.

DeLand

Population: 22,901
Square miles: 9.8

DeLand has been the county seat of Volusia since 1888. The city is located on the St. Johns River in west Volusia County and maintains its old world charm under a canopy of stately 200 year old oak trees. DeLand is home to prestigious Stetson University. Its growing industrial and commercial base combined with the renaissance of its picturesque downtown area offers families a traditional lifestyle and businesses a healthy environment.

Deltona

Population: 76,332
Square miles: 46

Now the largest city in Volusia County, Deltona is located in southwest Volusia County near I-4 and was created as a planned unit development in 1962. The original concept called for 36,000 building sites. The residents of the unincorporated Deltona community voted in September, 1995, to incorporate as the new City of Deltona.

A seven-member City Commission was elected and as of December 31, 1995, the City of Deltona became official. With a population of 76,332, Deltona is the largest municipality within Volusia County. Centrally located between Daytona Beach and Orlando, Deltona provides a large residential base for commuters to both cities.

Edgewater

Population: 20,088
Square miles: 7.8

The City of Edgewater lies just south of New Smyrna Beach along the Indian River, 2 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean. Beginning as the small village of Hawk's Park in 1871 with 115 permanent residents by 1887, the name was formally changed to Edgewater in 1925.

The apiaries of the early days evolved into a large honey company which exports internationally. A large paint factory, a thriving building industry, boat building, garment factories and other light manufacturing provide employment.

A friendly city with small town flavor, Edgewater offers a wide variety of residential options.

Holly Hill

Population: 12,504
Square miles: 3.79

Located on the beautiful Halifax River, bounded on the north by Ormond Beach and to the south by Daytona Beach, Holly Hill is a growing, dynamic small city bustling with commercial activity and expanding small industries.

The City administration has progressively expanded and improved public service in its recreation, parks, water plant and street system making Holly Hill attractive to both new residents and small businesses. The city was incorporated in 1901

Lake Helen

Population: 2,823
Square miles: 4

The community of Lake Helen is located on I-4 in southwest Volusia County. The economic stability of the town is primarily centered around service related occupations. Lake Helen is well known for bass fishing and has many fishing lakes nearby. Nautilus, the well known exercise equipment was first developed and manufactured in Lake Helen. Pyramax Studios now occupies the former Nautilus site.

New Smyrna Beach

Population: 20,595
Square miles: 19.5

New Smyrna Beach is nestled among beautiful moss-hung trees along the shore of the historic and picturesque Indian River in southeast Volusia County. Evidence of its magnificent heritage include the Turnbull Ruins, the home of Dr. Andrew Turnbull, the Scottish physician credited with establishing the colony of New Smyrna, made entirely of coquina shells, and the Sugar Mill Ruins, built around the 1830's to process cane into sugar.

The 8-mile stretch of Atlantic coast beach has earned the reputation as the "World's Safest Bathing Beach." The economy is based on light manufacturing, agriculture and service-related businesses and the major industry is tourism - both winter and summer.

Oak Hill

Population: 1,481
Square miles: 10.5

The City of Oak Hill came into being as a result of a timber expedition in which a good stand of live oaks were discovered along a shore dotted with shell mounds and aptly called Live Oak Hill.

Located south of New Smyrna Beach and Edgewater, Oak Hill is situated along the Indian River.

Orange City

City of Orange City

Population: 7,091
Square miles: 5.8

Orange City is well know for Blue Springs State Park, a 518 acre park designated as a Manatee Refuge Area. Manatees, large docile mammals, find shelter in the warm spring waters during the winter months. The economy is primarily service related with several light industries employing a number of residents. Orange City is located in southwest Volusia County on State Road 17-92 and is the commercial center of the "Four Towns" area.

Ormond Beach

City of Ormond Beach

Population: 38,325
Square miles: 28.5

The late John D. Rockefeller selected Ormond Beach as his winter home as did the Astors, Vanderbilts and Flaglers. Today, Ormond Beach is known as a community that offers an exceptional quality of life rich in tradition and cultural activity.

The Ormond Beach Business Park and Airpark are being developed by the City itself which is committed to attracting business and industry. The City of Ormond Beach has created an environment that is a catalyst for successful business operations.

Pierson

Population: 2,621
Square miles: 7

The rural community of Pierson was first founded POPULATION in the 1800's and known then as Piersonville. The town is best known for the ferns grown and exported worldwide for use in floral arrangements and other decorations. Agriculture is the main- stay of employment.

Many of the residents trace their lineage directly to the town's founders. Pierson is located on U.S. 17 in northwest Volusia County and is the northern most incorporated town in the County.

Ponce Inlet

City of Ponce Inlet

Population: 2,917
Square miles: 7

The Town of Ponce Inlet is located on the southern tip of the peninsula, south of Daytona Beach and Daytona Beach Shores. The Ponce DeLeon Lighthouse, constructed more than 100 years ago, remained in service until 1970. Since restoration as an historic monument and museum, the light- house still marks the entrance to the inland waterways through Ponce Inlet. Several marinas are located in Ponce Inlet, which is considered one of the area's prime fishing spots. The area is prized by residents for its relaxed lifestyle and natural, uncrowded beaches.

Port Orange

City of Port Orange

Population: 50,981
Square miles: 24.3

Port Orange has been the County's fastest growing incorporated City over the past 25 years with a population of 3,781 in 1970 to 39,750 residents in 1995. This exceptional growth has made Port Orange the strongest residential housing market in East Volusia County and one of the most active commercial markets in East Central Florida.

South Daytona

City of South Daytona

Population: 13,714
Square miles: 3.87

Located at the hub of the fastest growing area in eastern Volusia County, South Daytona is experiencing growth in small business, professional office, commercial and residential activity. In 1985 the city began a community-based comprehensive planning process focused upon enhancing the quality of life for its residents and businesses which has resulted in improved parks, beautification, street improvements, storm water utilities and a new municipal complex and community center.

The city strives to ensure that residents can enjoy the best community in which to live, grow, work, play and relax.