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Clermont, Florida

Coordinates: 28°32′58″N 81°44′53″W / 28.54944°N 81.74806°W / 28.54944; -81.74806
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Clermont, Florida
City
Florida Citrus Tower in 2015
Florida Citrus Tower in 2015
Motto(s): 
"Choice of Champions"
"The Gem of the Hills"[1][2][3][4]
Location in Lake County and the state of Florida
Location in Lake County and the state of Florida
Clermont is located in Florida
Clermont
Clermont
Location of Clermont
Clermont is located in the United States
Clermont
Clermont
Clermont (the United States)
Coordinates: 28°32′58″N 81°44′53″W / 28.54944°N 81.74806°W / 28.54944; -81.74806
Country United States
State Florida
County Lake
Founded1884[5][6][7]
Incorporated (town)June 9, 1891-May 25, 1895[6][7]
Reincorporated (city)December 28, 1916[6][7]
Government
 • TypeCouncil-Manager
 • MayorTim Murry
 • Council MembersMichael Gonzalez,
Chandra Myers, and
Michelle Pines
 • City ManagerBrian Bulthuis
 • City ClerkTracy Ackroyd Howe
 • City AttorneyDaniel Mantzaris
Area
[8]
 • Total
19.16 sq mi (49.61 km2)
 • Land18.07 sq mi (46.79 km2)
 • Water1.09 sq mi (2.82 km2)
Elevation
[9]
141 ft (43 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
43,021
 • Density2,381.32/sq mi (919.45/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes
34711-34715
Area code352
FIPS code12-12925[10]
GNIS feature ID0280563[9]
Websitewww.clermontfl.gov

Clermont is a city in Lake County in central Florida, United States, about 22 miles (35 km) west of Orlando and 22 miles (35 km) southeast of Leesburg. The population was 43,021 in 2020.[11] The city is residential in character and its economy is centered in retail trade, lodging, and tourism-oriented restaurants and bars. It is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Clermont is home to the 1956 Florida Citrus Tower, one of Florida's early landmarks.[12]

History

[edit]

Clermont was originally occupied by the Timucua, whose numbers were whittled by epidemics of new infectious diseases introduced by contact with Europeans, then by attacks and slave raids by colonists. They were followed by the Seminole, who were largely driven out by federal troops. The first white settlers in the area arrived in 1853.[13]

Clermont was founded in 1884, and named for the French birthplace of A.F. Wrotnowski, manager of the Clermont Improvement Company, formed for land development.[14] The municipality was first officially incorporated as a town from June 9, 1891, to May 25, 1895, when it disbanded and became unincorporated; but it was officially reincorporated as a city on December 28, 1916.[5][6][7]

Much of the county initially was developed as orange and other citrus groves, which was the basis of the economy through the mid-20th century. For instance, Apshawa Groves owned and worked large expanses of land in the county. It later became a major real estate company. Tourism also became increasingly important.[15][16]

The population grew 208% from 2000 to 2010, with commensurate economic growth, attracting big box retail stores. In Spring 2010, the Clermont Landings shopping center opened, featuring 20 shops and restaurants and the city's first cinema. Increased pollution from runoff and residential development has hurt the city's lakes and other natural resources.[17]

Geography

[edit]

The approximate coordinates for the City of Clermont is located at 28°32′58″N 81°44′53″W / 28.54944°N 81.74806°W / 28.54944; -81.74806.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.5 square miles (30 km2), of which 10.5 square miles (27 km2) is land and 1.0 square mile (2.6 km2) (8.54%) is water.[8]

The Clermont area lies on the northern part of the Lake Wales Ridge. There are rolling hills atypical of the Florida peninsula. Nearby are the Clermont chain of lakes[18] and Lake Apopka.

Climate

[edit]

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the City of Clermont has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

Climate data for Clermont, Florida, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1892–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 89
(32) 		91
(33) 		97
(36) 		99
(37) 		100
(38) 		102
(39) 		102
(39) 		101
(38) 		99
(37) 		99
(37) 		94
(34) 		90
(32) 		102
(39)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 83.4
(28.6) 		84.9
(29.4) 		87.9
(31.1) 		91.2
(32.9) 		94.7
(34.8) 		96.2
(35.7) 		96.6
(35.9) 		96.1
(35.6) 		94.5
(34.7) 		91.5
(33.1) 		87.2
(30.7) 		83.9
(28.8) 		97.6
(36.4)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 72.4
(22.4) 		75.3
(24.1) 		79.4
(26.3) 		85.0
(29.4) 		89.8
(32.1) 		92.2
(33.4) 		93.6
(34.2) 		93.2
(34.0) 		91.1
(32.8) 		86.1
(30.1) 		79.4
(26.3) 		74.5
(23.6) 		84.3
(29.1)
Daily mean °F (°C) 60.7
(15.9) 		63.4
(17.4) 		67.5
(19.7) 		73.0
(22.8) 		78.3
(25.7) 		82.3
(27.9) 		83.8
(28.8) 		83.8
(28.8) 		82.1
(27.8) 		76.5
(24.7) 		68.8
(20.4) 		63.5
(17.5) 		73.6
(23.1)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 49.0
(9.4) 		51.5
(10.8) 		55.5
(13.1) 		61.0
(16.1) 		66.7
(19.3) 		72.3
(22.4) 		74.0
(23.3) 		74.4
(23.6) 		73.2
(22.9) 		66.9
(19.4) 		58.2
(14.6) 		52.6
(11.4) 		63.0
(17.2)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 31.6
(−0.2) 		34.7
(1.5) 		40.6
(4.8) 		46.3
(7.9) 		56.9
(13.8) 		65.7
(18.7) 		69.1
(20.6) 		69.4
(20.8) 		66.3
(19.1) 		52.3
(11.3) 		42.5
(5.8) 		36.2
(2.3) 		29.7
(−1.3)
Record low °F (°C) 18
(−8) 		17
(−8) 		25
(−4) 		37
(3) 		47
(8) 		51
(11) 		62
(17) 		62
(17) 		56
(13) 		38
(3) 		28
(−2) 		19
(−7) 		17
(−8)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 2.84
(72) 		2.29
(58) 		3.20
(81) 		2.59
(66) 		3.54
(90) 		7.95
(202) 		7.44
(189) 		8.09
(205) 		5.39
(137) 		2.71
(69) 		1.81
(46) 		2.79
(71) 		50.64
(1,286)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 7.2 6.3 6.7 5.6 7.0 14.6 15.9 17.1 12.1 7.5 5.2 6.5 111.7
Source: NOAA[19][20]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1920496—
19301,086119.0%
19401,63150.2%
19502,16832.9%
19603,31352.8%
19703,66110.5%
19805,46149.2%
19906,91026.5%
20009,33335.1%
201028,742208.0%
202043,02149.7%
U.S. Decennial Census[21]

2010 and 2020 census

[edit]
Clermont racial composition
(Hispanics excluded from racial categories)
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
Race Pop 2010[22] Pop 2020[23] % 2010 % 2020
White (NH) 17,377 23,598 60.46% 54.85%
Black or African American (NH) 3,852 5,250 13.40% 12.20%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH) 87 105 0.30% 0.24%
Asian (NH) 1,185 1,913 4.12% 4.45%
Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian (NH) 18 35 0.06% 0.08%
Some other race (NH) 360 787 1.25% 1.83%
Two or more races/Multiracial (NH) 761 2,006 2.65% 4.66%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 5,102 9,327 17.75% 21.68%
Total 28,742 43,021

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 43,021 people, 13,032 households, and 9,179 families residing in the city.[24]

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 28,742 people, 10,072 households, and 7,377 families residing in the city.[25]

In 2010, the income per capita is $24,952, which includes all adults and children. The median household income is $45,980.

The median home value in town is $227,510. Home appreciation was –21.40% during 2009.[citation needed] Renters made up 23.21% of the population.[citation needed] 8.33% of houses and apartments were unoccupied (vacancy rate).[citation needed]

2000 census

[edit]

As of the census of 2000, there were 9,333 people, 3,995 households, and 2,736 families residing in the city. The population density was 343.5 people/km2 (890 people/sq mi). There were 4,368 housing units at an average density of 160.8 units/km2 (416 units/sq mi). The racial makeup of the city was 83.50% White, 12.08% African American, 0.48% Native American, 0.89% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.55% from other races, and 1.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.71% of the population.

In 2000, there were 3,995 households out of which 22.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.73.

In 2000, in the city the population was spread out with 20.1% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 24.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.5 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $39,290, and the median income for a family was $48,216. Males had a median income of $36,240 versus $26,571 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,099. About 6.3% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.0% of those under age 18 and 4.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education

[edit]
Lake Sunnyside as seen from high above eastbound SR 50, one of many lakes in Clermont.

The public school district for the City of Clermont is Lake County Schools.

Public elementary schools

[edit]
  • Clermont Elementary School
  • Cypress Ridge Elementary School
  • Grassy Lake Elementary
  • Lost Lake Elementary School
  • Minneola Elementary School
  • Pine Ridge Elementary
  • Sawgrass Bay Elementary School

Public middle schools

[edit]
  • Clermont Middle School
  • East Ridge Middle School
  • Windy Hill Middle School

Public high schools

[edit]

Charter school

[edit]
  • Imagine South Lake Charter School
  • Pinecrest Lakes Academy

Private schools

[edit]
  • Real Life Christian Academy
  • The Key to Learning

Higher education

[edit]

Lake-Sumter State College and the University of Central Florida have a joint-use campus in Clermont.

Public library

[edit]

The Cooper Memorial Library in Clermont is staffed by the Lake-Sumter State College and the Lake County Library System.

A salesman wandered into town in 1904, and spoke promises of donating books to start a library if the town helped him sell his Chautauqua lectures to residents.[26] Many town members with money to spare put forth what they could, excited at the prospect of a library. However, when it came time for the lectures only a few of the speakers showed; no salesman or books were present. Not all money was handed over; the cost for the last lecture was still available, and with that amount they began to organize their own library. This was hosted in the Montrose Street home of Mrs. Payson Pierce, with the collection of books open to the town on Saturday afternoons. Patrons paid 50 cents a year. The Clermont Library Club also hosted their meetings at Pierce's house. The growing collection was moved to Isiah Benson's Lake Avenue house in 1910, then to the Baptist Church the following year.[27]

In the summer of 1914, the Friends of the Library raised $600 to erect a one-room building on 630 DeSoto Street, a lot donated by Alice Cooper. The library was funded by the club and its small circulating collection staffed by Clermont Women's Club volunteers until the city took over in the 1950s and the Cooper Memorial Library Association was formed to administer the public library. In 1980, a former bank building was purchased. A human chain of town volunteers passed the books, hand to hand, from the old to the new location.[28] Mike Delaney, a Friends of the Library member, said, "It was an amazing honor to be part of the early book brigade when I was seven...It was an experience that I will never forget that brought the community together".[26] In 1984, the building was expanded by more than 4,000 square feet, adding the Florida Room and Children's Room. In 1982, the Cooper Memorial Library joined the Lake County Library System, and is the only continuous member of that system.

Places of interest

[edit]
Woman crosses finish line of a 5K run in Clermont's Victory Pointe Park.

Downtown Clermont has restaurants, shops, the local Art League, Clermont City Center, and City Hall.[29]

The downtown's western area, known as Historic Village, includes sites such as the Townsend House, home to James and Sallie Townsend, the first African-American couple in Clermont. The building known as "Little Cooper" was moved to the Clermont Historic Village in 2009, and restored to be opened as a museum of local and world history.[30] The Historic Village is maintained by the South Lake County Historical Society and the City of Clermont.[31]

South Lake Hospital is the regional hospital of south Lake County.

The United States Triathlon National Training Center use to be located in Clermont. Duathlons, triathlons and cross country races are held at the facility.

Waterfront Park is located along Lake Minneola, The park includes picnic areas, a swimming area, fishing piers and a playground. There are rentals of paddle boards, kayaks and bicycles. A fitness trail that is part of a 40-mile system runs through the park.

Transportation

[edit]

The main roads through Clermont consist of State Road 50 and U.S. Route 27.

Additionally, the public transit of LakeXpress serves routes along State Road 50 and South on US 27 towards Four Corners.

Notable people

[edit]
See also: Category:People from Clermont, Florida

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ "Clermont: From Gem of the Hills to Choice of Champions". midfloridanewspapers.com (Clermont Sun).
  2. ^ "Get to know Clermont, "The Gem of the Hills" of Florida". vivaorlando.com.
  3. ^ "ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT". clermontfl.gov.
  4. ^ "LURE OF THE LAKE. GEM OF THE HILLS". clermontdowntown.com.
  5. ^ a b "ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT". clermontfl.gov.
  6. ^ a b c d "The Kern House Built about 1885". clermonthistoricvillage.org.
  7. ^ a b c d "IN 1920S, POSTAL COLONY BECAME KNOWN AS COMPANY THAT HELPED TO RUN A CITY". Orlando Sentinel.
  8. ^ a b "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  9. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Clermont, Florida
  10. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  11. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Clermont city, Florida". Census.gov. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  12. ^ "The Citrus Tower". The Citrus Tower. Retrieved January 26, 2012.
  13. ^ Bloodsworth, Doris (2019). Clermont: From Gem of the Hills to Choice of Champions. Clermont, FL, USA: Cooper Memorial Library Association. p. 5. ISBN 9780998186306.
  14. ^ Morris, Allen (1995). Florida Place Names. p. 52. ISBN 978-1-56164-084-3.
  15. ^ "HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY CITRUS - The story of a dynamic industry that dominated Lake County for more than 125 years (APSHAWA)". historyoflakecountycitrus.com.
  16. ^ "Apshawa Citrus Label". floridamemory.com.
  17. ^ "Algae a threat to health of Clermont lakes".
  18. ^ "Clermont Chain of Lakes – South Lake County's Pride - Outside of Orlando".
  19. ^ "NOWData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  20. ^ "Summary of Monthly Normals 1991–2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  21. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  22. ^ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Clermont city, Florida". United States Census Bureau.
  23. ^ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Clermont city, Florida". United States Census Bureau.
  24. ^ "S1101 HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES - 2020: Clermont city, Florida". United States Census Bureau.
  25. ^ "S1101 HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES - 2010: Clermont city, Florida". United States Census Bureau.
  26. ^ a b Bloodsworth, Doris (2010). "Literary Love Affair: How the Love of Books Helped Shape the History of Clermont, Florida". Florida Libraries. pp. 4–6.
  27. ^ "Cooper Memorial Library | Clermont". Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  28. ^ "Cooper Memorial Library, part of the Lake County Library System". digital.lib.usf.edu. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  29. ^ Solodev (September 27, 2019). "About Clermont | The official site of the City of Clermont, Florida". www.clermontfl.gov. Retrieved October 4, 2019.
  30. ^ "Cooper Memorial Library | Clermont". Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  31. ^ Solodev (September 27, 2019). "Historic Downtown | The official site of the City of Clermont, Florida". www.clermontfl.gov. Retrieved October 4, 2019.
  32. ^ Dickinson, Joy Wallace. "'Winn-Dixie' author returns to Florida roots in new tale". OrlandoSentinel.com. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
[edit]
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Clermont.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Clermont, Florida.
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