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DeLand, Florida
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DeLand, Florida
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DeLand is a city in and the county seat of Volusia County, Florida, United States. It is a part of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area. As of the 2020 U.S. census, its population was 37,351.

Key Information

The city was founded in 1876, and was named for its founder, Henry Addison DeLand.[9] DeLand is home to Stetson University, Florida's oldest private college, as well as the Museum of Art - DeLand. The DeLand Municipal Airport serves as an uncontrolled general-aviation reliever airport to commercial operations at Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), and Orlando International Airport (MCO).

History

[edit]
Bird's-eye view of DeLand, 1884

DeLand was previously known as "Persimmon Hollow" for the wild persimmon trees that grow around the natural springs, and the area was originally accessible only by steamboat up the St. Johns River.[2]

The first settler in the area was probably Ruben Marsh. He first came to Florida during the Seminole Indian War in 1841, during a scouting party that stopped at a lake area within the modern city limits, and in 1846, when the war ended, Ruben Marsh got married and moved to what is now known as DeLand. He bought a settlers claim, where he built a cabin for his family and started raising livestock.[2]

Henry Addison DeLand, a baking soda magnate from Fairport, New York, visited there in 1876, and envisioned building a citrus, agricultural, and tourism center. He sold his northern business and hired people to clear land, lay out streets, erect buildings, and recruit settlers, most of whom came from upstate New York (though DeLand never lived in the city year-round). On December 6, 1876, at 2:00 pm, the settlers decided to rename the community from Persimmon Hollow to DeLand, in honor of his founding and helping develop its infrastructure.[2]

In 1877, DeLand built a public school for the town.[9] To enhance the community's stature and culture, and to enhance the value of his local real-estate holdings, in 1883, DeLand established DeLand Academy, Florida's first private college.[9] However, in 1885, a freeze destroyed the orange crop. One story has it that DeLand had guaranteed settlers' investments as an inducement to relocate, so was obligated to buy back their ruined groves, though no hard evidence indicates that this took place. As for many other would-be real-estate magnates in the area at the time, his Florida investments were nearly worthless after the freeze, and he returned to his home in the North. DeLand entrusted the academy to his friend, John B. Stetson, a wealthy hat manufacturer from Philadelphia and one of the institution's founding trustees. In 1889, it was renamed John B. Stetson University in its patron's honor.[9] In 1900, it founded the first law school in Florida (which relocated to Gulfport in 1954). Its various sports teams are called the Hatters.

The community was officially incorporated as the City of DeLand in 1882, and became the county seat of Volusia County in 1887. It was the first city in Florida to have electricity.[10] According to city officials, minutes of the first City Commission meeting in 1882 show the city decided to create a seal with the emblems of "Faith, Hope and Charity," namely a cross, an anchor and a heart.

The city seal was briefly the object of a controversy in 2013, when the national group Americans United for Separation of Church and State sent the city a letter in which they argued that the seal unconstitutionally promotes Christianity, thus allegedly breaching the First Amendment Establishment Clause.[11][12] The controversy faded after the city refused to change the seal.[13]

During the 1920s Florida Land Boom, fine examples of stucco Mediterranean Revival architecture by native architect Medwin Peek and others were constructed in DeLand. Many of these buildings have been handsomely restored, including the restored Athens Theatre.

Since 1992, the city has hosted the DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts, a two-day event held annually in the historic downtown area on the weekend before Thanksgiving. As of 2009, the event has an annual attendance of more than 50,000 during the weekend.

Geography

[edit]

Topography

[edit]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 17.8 square miles (46.1 km2), of which 0.19 sq mi (0.5 km2), or 1.06%, is covered by water.[14] DeLand is drained by the St. Johns River.

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 DeLand has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

Climate data for DeLand, 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) 		90
(32) 		96
(36) 		98
(37) 		100
(38) 		102
(39) 		102
(39) 		102
(39) 		101
(38) 		98
(37) 		91
(33) 		89
(32) 		102
(39)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 81.8
(27.7) 		83.9
(28.8) 		87.4
(30.8) 		90.3
(32.4) 		93.8
(34.3) 		96.0
(35.6) 		96.7
(35.9) 		96.3
(35.7) 		93.9
(34.4) 		91.1
(32.8) 		86.1
(30.1) 		82.6
(28.1) 		97.5
(36.4)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 69.1
(20.6) 		72.1
(22.3) 		76.4
(24.7) 		81.2
(27.3) 		85.9
(29.9) 		89.2
(31.8) 		90.9
(32.7) 		90.4
(32.4) 		87.7
(30.9) 		82.5
(28.1) 		75.8
(24.3) 		71.2
(21.8) 		81.0
(27.2)
Daily mean °F (°C) 56.9
(13.8) 		59.7
(15.4) 		63.6
(17.6) 		69.1
(20.6) 		74.7
(23.7) 		79.8
(26.6) 		81.6
(27.6) 		81.5
(27.5) 		79.3
(26.3) 		73.0
(22.8) 		65.0
(18.3) 		59.8
(15.4) 		70.3
(21.3)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 44.6
(7.0) 		47.4
(8.6) 		50.7
(10.4) 		57.1
(13.9) 		63.6
(17.6) 		70.5
(21.4) 		72.2
(22.3) 		72.7
(22.6) 		70.8
(21.6) 		63.5
(17.5) 		54.2
(12.3) 		48.4
(9.1) 		59.6
(15.3)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 29.1
(−1.6) 		31.6
(−0.2) 		35.9
(2.2) 		43.6
(6.4) 		53.9
(12.2) 		65.0
(18.3) 		68.1
(20.1) 		69.0
(20.6) 		64.7
(18.2) 		50.3
(10.2) 		40.2
(4.6) 		33.4
(0.8) 		27.4
(−2.6)
Record low °F (°C) 16
(−9) 		15
(−9) 		25
(−4) 		30
(−1) 		42
(6) 		54
(12) 		59
(15) 		60
(16) 		53
(12) 		34
(1) 		24
(−4) 		16
(−9) 		15
(−9)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.07
(78) 		2.44
(62) 		3.54
(90) 		2.47
(63) 		4.16
(106) 		8.20
(208) 		8.70
(221) 		7.05
(179) 		6.91
(176) 		3.98
(101) 		2.32
(59) 		2.65
(67) 		55.49
(1,409)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 8.3 7.4 7.9 6.2 8.6 17.2 17.2 16.5 14.0 10.3 8.1 8.2 129.9
Source: NOAA[15][16]

On February 2, 2007, DeLand and the surrounding area was the site of a major tornado outbreak.[17] One tornado passed through Deland. It reached a peak intensity of EF-3 (160–165 mph; 257–266 km/h), had a track length of 26 miles (42 km), and was responsible for the deaths of 13 people.[18] On August 18, 2020, an EF-2 tornado made landfall in DeLand around 4 PM EST, and caused an estimated $7.4 million in damages over its 4.6-mile (7.4 km) path.[19]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18901,113—
19001,44930.2%
19102,81294.1%
19203,32418.2%
19305,24657.8%
19407,04134.2%
19508,65222.9%
196010,77524.5%
197011,6418.0%
198015,35431.9%
199016,4917.4%
200020,90426.8%
201027,03129.3%
202037,35138.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[20]
Annual Dog Parade

2010 and 2020 census

[edit]
DeLand racial composition
(Hispanics excluded from racial categories)
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
Race Pop 2010[21] Pop 2020[22] % 2010 % 2020
White (NH) 18,122 22,760 67.04% 60.94%
Black or African American (NH) 4,465 5,056 16.52% 13.54%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH) 56 52 0.21% 0.14%
Asian (NH) 484 901 1.79% 2.41%
Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian (NH) 14 19 0.05% 0.05%
Some other race (NH) 32 254 0.12% 0.68%
Two or more races/multiracial (NH) 436 1,297 1.61% 3.47%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 3,422 7,012 12.66% 18.77%
Total 27,031 37,351 100.00% 100.00%

As of the 2020 United States census, 37,351 people, 12,675 households, and 7,753 families were residing in the city.[23]

As of the 2010 United States census, 27,031 people, 10,007 households, and 5,498 families were living in the city.[24]

2000 census

[edit]

As of 2000, the city had 8,375 households, of which 23.8% had children under 18 living with them, 37.0% were married couples living together, 14.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.7% were not families. About 37.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.4% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.92.

In 2000, in the city, the age distribution was 20.7% under 18, 14.9% from 18 to 24, 23.2% from 25 to 44, 17.6% from 45 to 64, and 23.6% who were 65 or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.0 males. For every 100 females 18 and over, there were 77.8 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $28,712, and for a family was $35,329. Males had a median income of $26,389 versus $20,114 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,936. About 14.2% of families and 19.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.3% of those under 18 and 8.7% of those 65 or over.

Old Volusia County Courthouse DeLand

Economy

[edit]

Businesses include Mystic Powerboats.

Arts and culture

[edit]

Sites of interest include:

Historic districts

[edit]
Athens Theatre, built in 1921
New York Avenue in 1905
DeLand Hall, built in 1884

Downtown DeLand's main street, Woodland Boulevard, has a number of notable 19th-century buildings. It is officially known as Downtown DeLand Historic District.

The Garden District is a mixed-use neighborhood adjacent to downtown DeLand, which is officially known as Downtown DeLand's Historic Garden District. The neighborhood was originally developed between 1900 and 1920. It fell into a long period of decline after World War II, and by the 1980s, had become blighted.[27]

In 2001, an artist bought 27 dilapidated structures, renamed the area the Garden District, and lobbied to create a new historic district. During the following eight years, he restored 32 homes and businesses, which have become the core of a neighborhood revival. This was documented in the film New Urban Cowboy: Toward a New Pedestrianism.[28]

Sports

[edit]

DeLand hosts all home games for Stetson University Stetson Hatters athletic teams. The Stetson Hatters men's basketball team and women's basketball teams play at the Edmunds Center, an on-campus arena which opened in 1974 and seats about 5,000 spectators.[citation needed]

The Hatters baseball team plays at Melching Field at Conrad Park, a 2,500-seat ballpark. Melching Field was built in 1999 and is a college baseball venues in the NCAA, having hosted numerous Atlantic Sun Conference championships, and the 2018 NCAA Baseball Regionals. Prior to the opening of Melching Field, the Hatters played at old Conrad Park on the same site, which also hosted spring training games in the 1940s and 1950s and the DeLand Red Hats, a Florida State League minor league franchise.[citation needed]

Spec Martin Stadium is a 6,000-seat football stadium that serves as home of the Stetson University Hatters football team. Stetson had discontinued its football program in the early 1960s, and reinstated the sport in 2013, when it joined the Pioneer Football League.[citation needed]

DeLand has been called the "skydiving capital of the world", with the several skydiving industries located here.[29] The skydiving industry employs over 500 workers from the DeLand area. This in combination with the tourist end of the industry makes it one of the town's largest economic contributors.[30][29]

The Central Florida Warriors of the USA Rugby League are based in DeLand.

Government

[edit]

The City of DeLand has a commission-manager form of government.[31] The city commission consists of five members, one of whom is the independently elected Mayor-Commissioner.[31] All commissioners are elected citywide in non-partisan elections every four years.[31]

Campaign signs in DeLand, 2024

Elected officials

[edit]
Name Seat Term ends Citations
Chris Cloudman Mayor/Seat 1 2026 [32]
Jessica Davis Seat 2 & Vice Mayor 2026 [33]
Richard Paiva Seat 3 2028 [34]
Daniel Reed Seat 4 2028 [35]
Kevin Reid Seat 5 2026 [36]

Education

[edit]

Public primary and secondary education is handled by Volusia County Schools.

Elementary schools

[edit]
  • Blue Lake Elementary
  • Citrus Grove Elementary
  • Edith I. Starke Elementary
  • Freedom Elementary
  • George W. Marks Elementary
  • Woodward Avenue Elementary

Middle schools

[edit]
  • DeLand Middle School
  • Southwestern Middle School

High schools

[edit]

Private schools

[edit]
  • DeLand Preparatory Academy
  • Magnolia Christian School
  • Saint Barnabas Episcopal School
  • Saint Peters Catholic School
  • Stetson Baptist Christian School

Montessori schools

[edit]
  • Casa Montessori School
  • Children's House Montessori School

Colleges and universities

[edit]

Media

[edit]

Filming location

[edit]

Productions filmed or partly filmed in DeLand include:

Newspapers

[edit]
  • The West Volusia Beacon, a weekly news publication covering DeLand and West Volusia County
  • The Daytona Beach News-Journal, a daily newspaper covering the greater Daytona Beach area and Volusia County
  • Orlando Sentinel, a newspaper based in Orlando with a bureau covering Volusia County

Radio stations

[edit]

AM

[edit]
  • WYND, 1310, religious
  • WTJV, 1490, Spanish language

FM

[edit]
  • W247AK, 97.3, translator for WJLU
  • WOCL, 105.9, classic hits

Publishing

[edit]

Everett/Edwards[37][38][39][40]

Infrastructure

[edit]

Transportation

[edit]

Rail and public transportation

[edit]
DeLand Station

Since 2024, the DeLand station has been the northern terminus of Orlando's SunRail commuter rail system. It also contains a spur leading from the station which was built by the Orange Ridge, DeLand and Atlantic Railroad and has received passenger service in the past.

Local transit service is provided by VOTRAN.[41]

Aviation

[edit]

During World War II, Babcock Airplane Corporation manufactured 60 Waco CG-4 assault gliders at DeLand.[42] The firm was out of business by 1945.[43]

The DeLand Municipal Airport operates as a general aviation airport as well as a reliever airport for Orlando and Daytona Beach. It also contains the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum.

Highways

[edit]

Notable people

[edit]

Sister city

[edit]
See also: List of sister cities in Florida

DeLand is a sister city of Belén, Costa Rica.[45]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

DeLand, Florida

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
DeLand is a city and county seat of Volusia County in east-central Florida, United States, situated along the St. Johns River. Founded in 1876 by Henry Addison DeLand, who envisioned it as a planned community focused on education and culture, the city spans approximately 19 square miles and features rolling hills amid a high pine meadow landscape originally known as Persimmon Hollow. DeLand is home to Stetson University, established in 1883 as Florida's first private university, which has shaped the city's identity as an educational hub. As of 2024, the city's population is estimated at 41,264, reflecting steady growth driven by its historic downtown district, cultural attractions, and proximity to natural features like the river and nearby beaches. The area maintains a commitment to preserving its architectural heritage, including Victorian-era buildings and national historic districts, while serving as a regional center for commerce and government in Volusia County.

History

Founding and Early Settlement (1876–1900)

Henry Addison DeLand, a baking soda manufacturer from Fairport, New York, founded the settlement in 1876 after purchasing a $1,000 plot of land during a visit to central Florida. Returning in October of that year, he acquired additional acreage and promoted the area as a hub for citrus cultivation and cultural development, dubbing it the "Athens of Florida." On December 6, 1876, approximately two dozen settlers from within a 10- to 12-mile radius convened at John Rich's cabin to formally name the community DeLand in recognition of its founder's contributions, including a $400 donation and one acre of land for a schoolhouse. Early efforts included the establishment of a at Cabbage Bluff, known as DeLand Landing, by 1880 to facilitate transport of goods and passengers. In 1881, the Orange Ridge, DeLand and Atlantic Railroad was incorporated, connecting the settlement to broader rail networks and spurring modest population and driven by and nascent industries. DeLand personally guaranteed investments to attract northern settlers and leased land for orange groves, fostering agricultural expansion despite initial challenges like rudimentary transportation. The founding of DeLand Academy in 1883 marked a pivotal step toward his educational vision, with philanthropist later assuming financial support after relocating to the area for reasons. By 1890, the population reached 1,113, reflecting steady influxes of farmers and entrepreneurs. The period's prosperity was curtailed by the of 1894–1895, which destroyed much of the crop; temperatures in DeLand plummeted to 17 degrees , killing young trees and unharvested fruit across Volusia County. DeLand absorbed significant financial losses from his guarantees but pledged to reimburse affected investors, underscoring the risks of Florida's subtropical . Despite this setback, the grew to 1,449 by 1900, as resilient settlers pivoted to diversified farming and the town's institutional foundations endured.

Expansion and Institutional Growth (1900–1950)

DeLand's population grew steadily from around 1,100 residents in 1900 to approximately 11,200 by 1950, reflecting annual growth rates of 6.85% between 1900 and 1910, followed by more moderate increases averaging 2-5% through subsequent decades. This expansion was fueled by the citrus industry, railroad connectivity established earlier, and the anchoring presence of educational institutions. The 1920s Florida Land Boom accelerated development, with city limits expanded, new subdivisions platted, and downtown sidewalks installed, though the subsequent 1928 downturn and Great Depression prompted a temporary reduction in municipal boundaries to one square mile. Stetson University, originally DeLand Academy founded in 1883, solidified its role as a central institution during this period, achieving university status and expanding academic offerings. The Stetson University College of Law was established in 1900, becoming Florida's first law school to admit women in 1905. Campus infrastructure grew with new buildings constructed around 1904, 1905, and 1908 to accommodate increasing enrollment, maintaining its position as Florida's oldest private university on its original site through the 1930s. Municipal infrastructure advanced incrementally, with the fire department modernized around 1900 under Chief Silas B. Wright through the introduction of horse-drawn hook-and-ladder rigs and repurposed Confederate uniforms for firefighters, who earned 50 cents per daytime call and $1 for nighttime responses. By 1926, a new city hall incorporating fire and police facilities was completed, supporting the county seat's administrative needs amid post-boom recovery. Road improvements in the early further enhanced connectivity, contributing to despite national economic challenges.

Post-War Development and Modernization (1950–2000)

In the decades following , DeLand's grew steadily amid Florida's broader suburban expansion, with an average annual increase of 2.22% from 1950 to 1960 and 2.81% from 1970 to 1980, driven by migration, , and proximity to growing regional hubs like Orlando. This demographic shift strained municipal resources but spurred infrastructural adaptations, including the professionalization of the fire department under the first paid chief, Charles L. Holman, appointed in 1952, who oversaw a shift from volunteer to salaried operations with alternating 24-hour shifts. The city's aviation infrastructure modernized significantly with the 1946 return of the former —commissioned in 1942 for pilot training—to civilian control as DeLand Municipal Airport, fostering , flight schools, and related economic activity that diversified beyond agriculture and citrus. contributed to intellectual and physical growth, capitalizing on enrollment surges to construct facilities like Davis Hall in 1967 as an initial home for its , enhancing DeLand's appeal as an educational center. By the 1970s, further upgrades included a new Fire Station 81 in 1975, introducing modern apparatus and , alongside the hiring of specialized personnel like the first "smoke diver" in the same year. Downtown areas faced challenges from suburban retail competition and automobile dependency, resulting in vacancy and by the as commercial activity shifted outward. Revitalization gained traction in the late period with the 1985 formation of the Downtown Development Authority and DeLand's selection as one of Florida's inaugural program participants, emphasizing , facade improvements, and small business incentives to counter decline without large-scale . These efforts, supported by low-budget community initiatives, laid groundwork for of early-20th-century structures, aligning modernization with retention of the city's core identity.

Recent Growth and Challenges (2000–Present)

DeLand experienced substantial in the , expanding from approximately 20,000 residents in 2000 to 39,832 by 2023, representing a 105.79% increase at an average annual rate of 4.60%. This surge aligned with broader migration trends, fueled by the city's proximity to Orlando, relative to coastal areas, and amenities like , which bolstered education and cultural sectors. By 2025, estimates projected further growth to 46,206, with a 3.58% annual rate, though official city figures for 2024 stood at 41,264 permanent residents. Economic development emphasized downtown revitalization and business attraction, with a tax-financing district established in the early funding upgrades that transformed the area into a vibrant commercial hub by the . Key industries included healthcare, , retail, and , supported by initiatives to retain existing firms and lure high-wage employers, contributing to rising to $73,352 in 2023 from lower baselines earlier in the period. investments, such as an $83 million water reclamation facility upgrade initiated in 2023, aimed to accommodate expanding flows from residential and commercial development. Road and intersection improvements, including projects on SR 44 and US 92, addressed traffic demands from suburban expansion. Challenges arose from rapid straining natural and built environments, particularly exacerbated by development in low-lying areas and inadequate historical drainage. in 2022 and subsequent storms prompted $49.4 million in Volusia County grants for DeLand-specific projects, including expansions and pump station enhancements to mitigate repeat inundation. Local standards requiring developments to withstand 100-year storms provided some resilience, but growth outpaced , leading to overcrowded schools and hospitals by the mid-2020s. State legislation in 2025, such as SB 180, restricted post-disaster moratoriums on , prompting local pushback over diminished control to enforce sustainable growth amid risks. Ongoing drainage analyses in 2025 sought to preempt future vulnerabilities through targeted county planning.

Geography and Environment

Location and Topography

DeLand serves as the of Volusia County in the U.S. state of , positioned in the western portion of the county within northern peninsular . The city lies at geographic coordinates 29°01′41″N 81°18′11″W, approximately 35 miles (56 km) north-northwest of Orlando and 20 miles (32 km) west of Daytona Beach along the Atlantic coast. It forms part of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach , which encompasses broader east-central population centers. The terrain of DeLand features gentle slopes amid a of sandy soils, wetlands, and uplands, spanning roughly 17.8 square miles (46 km²). Average stands at about 36 feet (11 m) above , with variations reflecting the underlying morphology. The city is underlain by the DeLand Ridge, a prominent Pleistocene-era sand deposit representing the highest and oldest stable land surface in Volusia County, formed around years ago during lower s that facilitated dune and ridge development. This ridge contributes to moderately well-drained conditions with rolling elevations, contrasting the predominantly flat, low-lying expanses typical of Florida's interior. Proximity to the , which borders the area to the west, influences local , though DeLand itself occupies drier upland positions away from direct exposure. The topography supports a mix of urban development on higher ground and peripheral natural features including lakes and sinkholes characteristic of karst-influenced sands.

Climate and Natural Features

DeLand features a classified as Köppen Cfa, marked by long, hot, and humid summers alongside mild winters with occasional cold fronts. Average annual temperatures reach highs of 81°F (27°C) and lows of 60°F (16°C), with extremes typically ranging from 48°F (9°C) in winter to 91°F (33°C) in summer. The hot season spans from late May to mid-September, during which daily highs often exceed 87°F (31°C), accompanied by high humidity levels averaging 70-90%. Winters are generally temperate, with rare freezes; the coldest month, , sees average highs around 70°F (21°C) and lows near 48°F (9°C). Precipitation totals approximately 50.6 inches (129 cm) annually, concentrated in the from June to September, when afternoon thunderstorms driven by are common. The region experiences about 126 days with measurable rain per year, contributing to lush vegetation but also periodic flooding risks. DeLand lies within the Atlantic hurricane basin, with tropical cyclone activity peaking from June 1 to November 30; its inland location reduces storm surge threats compared to coastal areas but exposes it to high winds, heavy rainfall, and tornadoes, as evidenced by events like in 2017, which brought sustained winds over 50 mph and widespread power outages. Geographically, DeLand sits at an average elevation of 36 feet (11 meters) above amid gently rolling hills, providing subtle topographic variation uncommon in Florida's predominantly flat . The , Florida's longest (310 miles or 499 km) and one of its slowest-flowing waterways, borders the city to the east, fostering floodplain ecosystems with cypress swamps, hardwood hammocks, and diverse wildlife including manatees and wading birds. The underlying supplies freshwater, supporting features like nearby Blue Spring—the largest in the St. Johns basin, discharging 86 million gallons daily at a constant 72°F (22°C). Vegetation includes live oaks, southern pines, and palmettos in upland areas, transitioning to wetlands along waterways, while Volusia County's 77 soil types range from sandy to hydric histosols in lowlands.

Demographics

The population of DeLand increased from 27,031 in the 2010 U.S. decennial census to 37,351 in the 2020 U.S. decennial census, reflecting a growth rate of 38.2% over the decade. This expansion aligned with broader patterns in Volusia County and central Florida, where inbound domestic migration from higher-cost states contributed to sustained increases, supported by the region's lower property taxes and housing affordability compared to metropolitan areas like Orlando. Post-2020 growth accelerated, with the U.S. Census Bureau estimating the population at 45,587 as of July 1, 2024, a 22.0% rise from the 2020 base of 37,351. The University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR), which provides official state estimates, reported 43,185 residents as of April 1, 2024, indicating an annual growth rate of approximately 3-4% in recent years. These figures underscore DeLand's appeal as a with institutional anchors like , drawing retirees, remote workers, and families amid Florida's net domestic inflow exceeding 300,000 annually statewide.
YearPopulation EstimateSource
201027,031U.S. Census Bureau (decennial)
202037,351U.S. Census Bureau (decennial)
April 1, 202443,185BEBR
July 1, 202445,587U.S. Census Bureau
City-specific long-term projections are limited, as state-level forecasts from BEBR focus primarily on counties; Volusia County's medium-series projection anticipates growth to 612,960 by 2029 from 553,543 in 2020. Extrapolating DeLand's recent 3.5-5% annual rates—driven by persistent migration and limited by infrastructure capacity—yields estimates of 46,000-48,000 by 2025, though actual outcomes depend on economic factors like housing development and regional job growth. Slower growth could occur if state policies curbing or rising insurance costs from hurricanes dampen inflows, as observed in coastal areas.

Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Composition

According to the , DeLand's of 37,351 residents exhibited a racial and ethnic composition dominated by individuals identifying as , with comprising 61.9% of the total. or African American residents accounted for 12.5%, while or Latino residents of any race represented 21.5%. Smaller shares included Asian non-Hispanics at 1.4%, those identifying with two or more races (non-Hispanic) at 5.6%, and other groups such as Native Hawaiian and at 0.1%. These figures reflect a majority non-Hispanic consistent with patterns in many inland cities, influenced by historical settlement and recent migration trends from other U.S. regions.
Racial/Ethnic GroupPercentage (2020 Census/ACS)
(Non-Hispanic)61.9%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)21.5%
or African American (Non-Hispanic)12.5%
Two or More Races (Non-Hispanic)5.6%
Asian (Non-Hispanic)1.4%
Other (including Native American, )<1%
Socioeconomically, DeLand displays a middle-income profile, with a median household income of $73,352 based on 2019-2023 (ACS) data, exceeding the national median but aligning with Florida's urbanizing areas. stood at $34,570 over the same period, indicating moderate individual earnings amid a mix of service, , and retail sectors. The poverty rate was 10.2%, lower than the state average of approximately 12.7%, with about 3,720 individuals affected, often concentrated in renter households and among younger adults. for those aged 25 and older shows 91% holding a or higher, with roughly 28% possessing a or above, bolstered by the presence of , which draws educated professionals and students. These metrics suggest a community with stable socioeconomic strata, though income inequality persists, as evidenced by the gap between median household and figures, potentially linked to family size variations and dual-income households.

Household Income, Poverty, and Immigration Patterns

The median household income in DeLand was $73,352 during the 2019–2023 period, based on U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This level exceeds the 2023 Florida state median of $73,300 but trails the national median of $80,610. Per capita income in the city reached $33,054 over the same timeframe, reflecting a socioeconomic profile influenced by retirement migration and educational institutions like Stetson University, which draw middle-income domestic households. DeLand's poverty rate for individuals was 10.2% in 2019–2023, lower than Florida's statewide rate of 12.3% and the national figure of approximately 11.5%. This rate equates to about 3,717 residents below the poverty line in a of roughly 39,000, with higher concentrations in areas like North DeLand (31.2%) tied to lower-wage service sectors. Factors contributing to the relatively low citywide rate include stable employment in , healthcare, and , though vulnerabilities persist among younger and transient populations. Immigration patterns in DeLand feature a modest foreign-born of 9.0% as of 2019–2023, well below Florida's 21.4% statewide share and the U.S. average of 14.3%. Among foreign-born residents, origins include (19%), (13%), and (predominantly and other Central American countries at around 60% combined), indicating selective migration patterns favoring skilled or family-based entries rather than broad labor inflows. The city's lower immigrant density aligns with its role as a regional hub for retirees and students, limiting appeal for large-scale international settlement compared to metros; net domestic in-migration has driven recent gains instead.

Government and Politics

Municipal Government Structure

DeLand operates under a commission-manager form of , as defined in its city . In this structure, the City Commission serves as the legislative body, establishing policy and appointing the city , who is responsible for the day-to-day administration of city operations and departments. The City Commission consists of five members elected by city residents in nonpartisan elections. One of these positions is designated as the Mayor-Commissioner seat, which carries ceremonial duties including presiding over commission meetings and representing the city in official capacities, while all commissioners share equal voting power on policy matters. Commissioners serve staggered four-year terms, with elections held to fill specific seats as terms expire. The , appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the commission, oversees such as budgeting, personnel, and service delivery across departments including finance, , and . This form emphasizes professional management while maintaining elected oversight, a common municipal structure in designed to balance democratic input with administrative efficiency.

Electoral History and Political Alignment

DeLand municipal elections are non-partisan and held in even-numbered years, coinciding with Florida's dates, for the positions of and the four other city commissioners, who together form the five-member city commission under a commission-manager structure. The is elected to a four-year term, while commissioners serve staggered two-year terms. Longtime Mayor Bob Apgar held office from 2002 until his retirement in 2022 after five terms, overseeing periods of steady municipal governance focused on local infrastructure and community development. In the 2022 mayoral election, Chris Cloudman, a sitting commissioner since 2014, won with approximately 52% of the vote against challengers Reggie Williams (about 30%) and Buz Nesbit (about 18%), marking the first leadership change in two decades. City commission races, such as the 2024 primary for Seat 2, typically feature low-turnout contests emphasizing local issues like growth management and zoning, with winners advancing to general elections if no candidate secures a majority. In broader political alignment, DeLand residents exhibit patterns consistent with Volusia County's conservative-leaning electorate, where Republican candidates have dominated federal and state races. in Volusia County shows Republicans comprising the largest share, followed by no-party-affiliation independents and Democrats, reflecting a structural advantage for conservative policies on taxation, development, and public safety.
Election YearVolusia County Presidential ResultsTrump (R) %Biden/Harris (D) %
2020Trump vs. Biden54.5%44.1%
2024Trump vs. Harris60.2%38.5%
Volusia County's presidential voting, serving as a proxy for DeLand given its status as the county seat and shared precincts, demonstrates increasing Republican margins, with Donald Trump securing 54.5% in 2020 and 60.2% in 2024 amid higher turnout driven by economic and border security concerns. The district encompassing DeLand, Florida's 7th congressional district, has been represented by Republicans since 2013, underscoring sustained alignment with conservative platforms on limited government and fiscal restraint. Local policy debates, including resistance to rapid overdevelopment, further align with pragmatic conservative priorities rather than progressive interventions.

Policy Impacts on Growth and Development

DeLand's Comprehensive Plan, mandated by Florida's Growth Management Act, establishes goals, objectives, and policies for future , transportation, , and conservation to guide orderly urban expansion while conserving natural resources. This framework has directed development toward designated urban cores and nodes, reducing sprawl and aligning infrastructure investments with population increases, as evidenced by periodic evaluations required under state law. The 2050 Vision Plan, serving as a foundational strategy for long-term growth, promotes in five key nodes, expanded housing varieties, and economic diversification to accommodate projected demographic shifts through 2050. By emphasizing and in the historic and adjacent areas, these policies have supported residential and commercial intensification without extensive greenfield expansion, contributing to sustained gains in line with Central Florida's broader trends. Smart growth principles integrated into city regulations prioritize environmental protection, agricultural preservation, and cohesive neighborhoods, influencing decisions to favor walkable, high-density projects over low-density suburban spread. Updates to land development regulations, including eased restrictions for on non-conforming lots in and proposed allowances for tiny homes in 2025, aim to increase supply amid rising demand, potentially mitigating shortages that could constrain labor mobility and economic vitality. Municipal incentives for business expansion, coupled with dedicated support for and building permit processes, have facilitated commercial relocations and scaling, enhancing fiscal revenues to fund growth-related services without disproportionate tax hikes. districts, such as those funding for new subdivisions, have enabled residential projects by allocating growth-generated costs away from existing taxpayers, promoting equitable expansion. In 2024, public surveys and board hearings reflected adaptive policymaking, incorporating resident feedback to balance density with quality-of-life concerns like and transitions in adjacent zones.

Economy

Major Industries and Employment Sectors

DeLand's economy employs approximately 16,000 residents, with a heavy reliance on service-oriented sectors reflecting its role as a regional hub in Volusia County. The largest employment sector in 2023 was health care and social assistance, supporting 2,573 jobs, driven by facilities such as and other regional providers serving the aging population in the Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach metropolitan area. Educational services rank prominently, primarily through , a private institution founded in 1883 that employs over 500 staff on its DeLand campus and contributes to the local economy via student spending and ancillary operations. Retail trade and accommodation/food services together sustain thousands of positions, bolstered by DeLand's downtown historic district and proximity to , facilitating commerce and tourism-related activities. , though smaller in scale, includes food and beverage processing firms like Country Pure Foods and advanced manufacturing entities such as Technetics Group, which specialize in components for aerospace and industrial applications. provides steady employment as the , with city and county operations adding to the sector's footprint. Overall, these sectors align with Volusia County's broader emphasis on advanced , logistics, and life sciences, though DeLand's profile skews more toward and health services due to its institutional anchors.

Key Employers and Economic Contributions

Stetson University serves as a cornerstone employer in DeLand, employing approximately 742 full-time staff across instructional, administrative, and support roles as of 2023 data. Founded in , the institution supports the educational services sector, which encompasses 1,371 jobs citywide, by fostering academic programs, research, and community engagement that stimulate local spending from its over 4,500 s and faculty. Its presence drives ancillary economic activity, including housing, retail, and services tailored to a transient , while contributing to development through partnerships with regional programs. Kingspan Insulated Panels , with its North American in DeLand since its U.S. expansion, operates as a significant employer, supporting 1,001 to 5,000 positions across its operations focused on insulated metal panels for . The facility at 726 Summerhill Drive leverages the DeLand Business Park's 230+ acres and over 100 aviation- and manufacturing-oriented businesses, enhancing and skilled labor demand in industrial production. This bolsters DeLand's manufacturing base, which benefits from proximity to and a regional exceeding 1.6 million within 50 miles, promoting export-oriented growth in building materials amid Florida's boom. The health care and social assistance sector represents DeLand's largest employment category with 2,573 positions, anchored by facilities like AdventHealth DeLand providing acute and outpatient services to Volusia County's west side. These employers sustain economic resilience through stable, high-wage jobs in , administration, and support, while addressing demographic needs from an aging and tourism-related demands; their operations generate ripple effects in procurement and , supporting fiscal health via property taxes and sales revenue. Retail trade, with 1,562 jobs including outlets like , complements these by serving daily consumer needs and seasonal influxes, though it yields lower per-capita contributions compared to education and health sectors.

Growth Drivers and Fiscal Health

DeLand's economic expansion has been propelled by its strategic location in , providing access to major transportation corridors including and Interstate 95, which facilitate connectivity to larger markets like Orlando. The city's surged 38% over the past decade, reflecting broader regional migration trends and appeal to retirees, families, and young professionals drawn by relative to coastal areas. Key sectors driving this growth include and , anchored by the DeLand Airport Business Park's 230+ acres of developable land, alongside education from —which sustains demand for housing and services—and healthcare and retail. A robust regional of 1.6 million within 50 miles, supported by nearby universities and vocational programs through CareerSource Central Florida, further bolsters business retention and attraction efforts. These factors contributed to a 3.75% increase from 38,392 in 2022 to 39,832 in 2023, accompanied by median household income growth from $71,439 to $73,352. The absence of and proactive initiatives, such as a dedicated website launched in 2025 for permits and property listings, enhance DeLand's competitiveness for high-wage employers. City strategies emphasize retaining existing firms and targeting expansions in value-added industries, yielding a diverse base less reliant on volatility compared to neighboring Volusia County areas. DeLand maintains sound fiscal health, evidenced by an unmodified auditor opinion for 2023, confirming compliance with generally accepted principles and stable financial condition under Statutes. Total revenues reached $102.6 million across all activities, with governmental funds generating $46.4 million primarily from property taxes on a $2.66 billion taxable value base, which expanded 15.09% into 2024 amid population-driven development. Expenditures totaled $77.5 million, yielding a net position increase of $25.1 million or 8.03%, supported by a general fund balance of $31.3 million (including $7.7 million unassigned). Debt levels remain manageable at $18.6 million outstanding for the primary , with governmental long-term at $18.4 million mostly in notes payable, reflecting controlled borrowing for amid growth. The millage rate stood at 6.5841 per $1,000 assessed value in 2023, trimming to 6.4841 in 2024 before a proposed 4.1% rise to 6.2841 for 2025—still above the rolled-back rate of 6.0358 but aligned with rising service demands from expansion. Adopted budgets for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 underscore fiscal discipline, with no material weaknesses noted and funding ratios between 73% and 76%. This positions DeLand to fund growth-related capital projects without undue strain, leveraging a broadening base.

Education

Public K-12 Education System

Public K-12 education in DeLand is administered by the Volusia County Schools district, which serves the city as part of its 90 schools spanning prekindergarten through grade 12 and enrolling approximately 63,365 students across the county with a student-teacher of 17:1. The district, one of Florida's largest employers with over 7,800 staff, received an overall "A" grade from the for the 2024-2025 school year—its first such rating since 2008-2009—after earning a "B" in 2023-2024, reflecting improvements in 75% of schools achieving "A" or "B" status. DeLand High School, located at 800 North Hill Avenue, serves grades 9-12 and is the primary public high school for the city, with a graduation rate of 95% and proficiency rates of 33% in math, 46% in reading, and varying performance in end-of-course exams such as Biology 1 and U.S. History. The school earned a "B" grade from the for 2024-2025, ranking 320th among high schools, and offers courses. DeLand Middle School, at 1400 South Aquarius Avenue, provides for grades 6-8 and aligns with district efforts to boost middle school performance, though specific 2024-2025 grades for the school emphasize ongoing alignment with Florida's FAST assessments in English language arts and . Several public elementary schools serve DeLand residents, including Edith I. Starke Elementary School, which improved from a "D" to an "A" grade in 2024-2025; George W. Marks Elementary; Blue Lake Elementary; and Citrus Grove Elementary, with district-wide elementary proficiency varying but showing gains in 21 schools earning "A" grades county-wide. These schools focus on foundational skills under Florida's accountability system, which weights student progress, achievement, and acceleration metrics.

Higher Education Institutions

Stetson University, a private institution founded in 1883 as DeLand Academy and renamed in honor of philanthropist , maintains its primary campus in DeLand across 175 acres. The university encompasses four colleges and schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Music, the College of Business Administration in DeLand and Tampa, and the College of Law in Gulfport, serving approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students with a focus on liberal arts, business, music, and programs. It holds national rankings for academic quality and environmental responsibility, including selection as a 2026 Green College by . Daytona State College operates a DeLand campus providing general college-credit courses, a full-service , and learning resources to support associate and baccalaureate degree pathways, primarily serving local residents pursuing transfer or workforce credentials. This campus integrates with the college's broader network, which offers over 100 certificate, associate, and bachelor's programs across Volusia County. Florida Technical College, a private for-profit institution established in 1982, runs a DeLand campus focused on technical and vocational training in fields such as healthcare, , and business, emphasizing career-oriented associate degrees and diplomas. These programs cater to non-traditional students seeking rapid entry into the workforce, with campuses spanning multiple locations.

Educational Attainment and Outcomes

In DeLand, 92.7% of residents aged 25 years and older had completed high school or obtained a GED as of the most recent estimates, exceeding the state rate of approximately 90%. Bachelor's degree attainment stood at 18.5% for the same population cohort, lower than the statewide figure of 34.9% and reflecting a community profile influenced by service-oriented employment sectors rather than knowledge-intensive industries. Graduate or professional degrees were held by about 7.9% of adults, consistent with patterns in mid-sized municipalities hosting regional universities but lacking large-scale tech or research hubs. The presence of , a private liberal arts institution founded in , elevates local educational capital through its faculty, alumni networks, and student population, fostering a cultural emphasis on that indirectly supports community attainment levels above county medians in select demographics. However, empirical data indicate no disproportionate spike in degree holders attributable solely to the university, as commuter patterns and retiree inflows dilute overall metrics. K-12 outcomes in DeLand align with Volusia County Schools district performance, where the four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate climbed to 93.7% for the 2023-2024 school year, surpassing the state average of 90%. DeLand High School, the primary public secondary institution serving the city, achieved a 96.5% graduation rate in the same period, reflecting targeted interventions in dropout prevention and credit recovery programs. Proficiency on state FAST assessments lagged state benchmarks, with district-wide English Language Arts pass rates at 47.1% and mathematics around 45% for 2022-2023, though year-over-year gains positioned Volusia above pre-pandemic baselines and earned the district an "A" accountability grade in 2024-2025 based on 61% of maximum points for progress and achievement.

Culture and Community Life

Historic Preservation and Districts

DeLand maintains three historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the Downtown DeLand Historic District, encompassing masonry vernacular commercial buildings primarily from 1886 and listed in 1987; the Stetson University Historic District, featuring Colonial Revival, Second Empire, and Neoclassical structures dating to 1883 and listed in 1991; and the Northwest Historic District, with frame vernacular, Neoclassical, and bungalow residences from 1883 to 1920, listed in 1992. These districts preserve architectural examples from DeLand's founding era, supported by the city's review of new developments and redevelopments within them to maintain historical integrity. The City of DeLand's Historic Preservation Board, meeting monthly on the first Thursday at 5:00 PM, advises on incorporating preservation into the comprehensive plan, evaluates resources, and oversees compliance with regulations for historic properties. The local DeLand Register of Historic Places includes over 40 structures, such as the Henry DeLand House at 137 West Michigan Avenue built in 1886 and the Athens Theatre at 124 North Florida Avenue constructed in 1922, many overlapping with national listings like DeLand Memorial Hospital (1922, Mediterranean Revival). Preservation extends to more than 600 properties across local and national registers, with activities including guided walking tours of the districts organized by the DeLand House Museum. MainStreet DeLand, designated as one of Florida's first communities in 1985 and recipient of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Great American Award in 1997, promotes preservation through that sustains small businesses in the historic downtown core. City ordinances under Section 33-34 empower the commission to identify, evaluate, and protect historic and archaeological resources within municipal limits.

Arts, Media, and Entertainment

![Downtown DeLand Hist Dist - Athens Theatre.jpg][float-right] DeLand maintains a vibrant arts scene anchored by historic venues and community-driven initiatives. The Athens Theatre, a landmark of architecture designed by Murray S. King, opened on January 6, 1922, and serves as the city's primary hub, hosting live theater productions, youth programs, summer camps, and cultural events. Originally envisioned as part of founder Henry DeLand's goal to establish the "Athens of ," the theater has undergone restorations, including efforts in the late to revive its role beyond film screenings. Visual arts thrive in DeLand's Arts District, featuring galleries, mural walks, sculpture trails, and institutions such as the Museum of Art - DeLand Downtown and the African American Museum of the Arts. Performance spaces extend beyond the to include Cafe , Second , and the Noble Watts Amphitheater, supporting local theater, music, and events like DeLandApalooZa. Local media encompasses print, radio, and regional broadcast coverage. The West Volusia Beacon operates as a weekly community newspaper focused on DeLand and surrounding areas, providing news on local happenings. Radio options include independently owned WSBB (AM 1230 and 1490), serving Volusia County with community programming. Broader coverage comes from Orlando-area outlets like and FOX 35, which report on DeLand events. Entertainment emphasizes annual festivals and parades that draw regional participation. The Fall Festival of the Arts, held November 22-23, showcases over 160 artists, live music, and family activities in downtown DeLand. The DeLand Outdoor Art Festival occurs in March at Earl Brown Park, featuring fine artists with free admission. Other highlights include the DeLand Original in November, emphasizing songwriters, and the Krewe of Amalee on MainStreet Dog .

Sports, Recreation, and Local Events

Stetson University's Hatters athletic teams represent the city in competition across 18 sports, including football at Spec Martin Stadium, , men's and at the Edmunds Center, and on nearby lakes. Home games, such as football matchups, attract community attendance and contribute to local engagement, with the program fostering regional rivalries within the ASUN Conference. The university's athletics facilities, located centrally in DeLand, support both competitive events and public access for . The City of DeLand's Department manages youth and adult sports leagues, including for ages 4-12, , and at the Chisholm Community Center. These programs require participants to reside in the greater DeLand area and emphasize community involvement through online registration and seasonal play. Additional adult leagues, such as Tuesday night , operate from fall through spring at city venues. Recreational opportunities abound in DeLand's parks, with Lake Beresford Park offering a 1.8-mile paved loop trail for walking, jogging, and cycling, alongside nature paths, playgrounds, pavilions, and connections to the Spring-to-Spring Regional Trail extending toward Blue Spring State Park. The 210-acre site, open sunrise to sunset with free admission, supports fishing, kayaking, and picnicking, serving as a hub for outdoor activities. Other facilities include Freedom Playground and Barkley Square Dog Park for family-oriented leisure. Local events highlight DeLand's community spirit, featuring the annual Krewe of Amalee Dog Parade and Festival in , held each February since the early 2000s, drawing participants in costumes with pets and raising funds for arts and charities—nearing $600,000 total by 2025. The city hosts additional gatherings like the Firecracker Festival and events, alongside seasonal running races such as the Viking 5K and Pirate at Lake Beresford Park. These activities, coordinated through municipal and partner organizations, promote civic participation without formal admission fees for most.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Road Networks and Accessibility

DeLand's primary road network is anchored by , a north-south corridor that bisects the city and connects it to Lake County to the south and the broader Volusia County region northward, and , an east-west artery passing through the downtown area en route from DeBary westward and Daytona Beach eastward. These routes multiplex as US 17/92 in central DeLand, handling significant local and through traffic while serving as key commercial corridors. State Road 44 (SR 44) functions as the principal east-west thoroughfare, extending from US 17/92 through DeLand and intersecting (I-4) approximately 12 miles east near DeLand Junction, enabling efficient regional connectivity to Orlando (about 40 miles southwest via I-4) and Daytona Beach (roughly 25 miles east). This linkage supports commuter access to the Orlando without direct I-4 passage through the city, minimizing local bottlenecks while tying into Florida's Strategic Intermodal System (SIS). Complementing these, State Road 15A provides a 6.9-mile western bypass of DeLand, linking US 17/92 to SR 11 and designated as a route to divert heavy vehicles from the urban core, thereby enhancing safety and flow on principal arterials. The city's thoroughfare system, encompassing arterials like Orange Camp Road and collectors such as Beresford Avenue, follows Volusia County's adoption of federal functional classification criteria, assigning level-of-service (LOS) standards—typically LOS D for urban principal arterials and LOS C for collectors—to guide capacity and congestion . Accessibility is bolstered by access management policies that regulate driveway connections to thoroughfares, limit direct residential access to high-volume arterials, and prioritize operational enhancements like turn lanes and signal coordination with the (FDOT). In coordination with the Volusia-Flagler Transportation Planning Organization, DeLand identifies projected capacity deficiencies on segments of US 17/92, SR 44, and SR 15A by 2045, informing phased improvements. Recent initiatives include a 2024 paving program targeting drivability enhancements across streets. Overall, the network offers robust regional ties with moderate traffic volumes relative to urban centers, though growth pressures necessitate ongoing monitoring of (AADT) via FDOT resources.

Public Transit and Rail

Public transit in DeLand is primarily provided by Votran, the Volusia County Public Transit System, which operates fixed-route bus services covering urban and rural areas of the county with a fleet of 69 revenue buses and 56 vehicles. Key routes serving DeLand include the 20 Deland-Deltona line, which connects DeLand to Deltona via and other stops; the 30 Deland Circulator for local looping service within the city; and the 60 East-West Connector linking DeLand to other county points. Schedules vary by route, with the 20 line featuring multiple daily runs and stops like Angeles Road and Charles Beall Overpass. Additionally, VoRide offers on-demand, app-based shared rides in DeLand, Deltona, DeBary, and Orange City, integrating with Votran buses for broader connectivity at affordable rates. A SunRail circulator bus route, relaunched in July 2025 through a partnership between DeLand, , and Votran, provides dedicated shuttle service from downtown DeLand to the SunRail station, enhancing access to for residents and visitors. Rail services center on the shared DeLand station at 2491 Old New York Avenue, which functions as the northern terminus for 's 61-mile network extending to , operational Monday through Friday since its extension in August 2024. Amtrak intercity trains, including the and Floridian, stop at the same facility, offering connections to destinations like New York and with an enclosed waiting area, parking, accessible platforms, and daily operations from 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. The station supports ticketing, baggage, and restrooms, facilitating both regional commuting and long-distance travel.

Aviation and Regional Connectivity

DeLand Municipal Airport-Sidney H. Taylor Field (FAA LID: DED; ICAO: KDED) functions as the city's principal facility, situated about 3 miles northeast of the on 1,289 acres at an elevation of 79 feet above mean . The airport accommodates two paved asphalt runways: Runway 05/23, measuring 6,001 feet in length by 150 feet wide, and Runway 12/30, measuring 5,000 feet by 75 feet, supporting operations for single-engine and multi-engine aircraft, , and ultralights. Established by the City of DeLand in the 1920s with the initial asphalt runway laid around 1936, the site was transferred to the U.S. Navy in 1942 for use as Naval Air Station DeLand—a primary base—before reverting to municipal control in March 1946. Current operations emphasize , including flight instruction, private charters, and aerial recreation, with no scheduled commercial passenger or cargo services. The facility hosts prominent skydiving activities, with continuous operations dating to 1959 and Skydive DeLand established in 1982 as a key serving the Southeast U.S. region. services (100LL and Jet A), maintenance hangars, and tie-downs support approximately 100-150 based , though exact figures fluctuate with local demand; historical data from 2002 recorded over 77,000 annual operations, indicative of sustained activity levels for a in Florida's aviation-dense corridor. Regionally, DeLand's aviation infrastructure integrates with Central Florida's network by providing short-field access for private pilots while deferring commercial travel to proximate hubs: (SFB), 18 miles south, handles low-cost carriers like ; (DAB), 18 miles east, offers regional jets via American Eagle and ; and (MCO), about 40 miles southwest, serves major domestic and international routes. This configuration enables efficient ground linkages via and U.S. Highway 92, facilitating DeLand's role in broader air traffic distribution without its own tower controlling high-volume commercial flows. The airport's positioning enhances connectivity for business aviation and , contributing to Volusia County's airspace management amid growing regional tourism and logistics demands.

Public Safety and Challenges

Crime Rates and Law Enforcement

DeLand's rate was approximately 422 per 100,000 residents in 2021, based on Uniform Crime Reporting data from the , encompassing 162 incidents including 3 murders, 8 rapes, 13 robberies, and 138 aggravated assaults. This figure exceeded the national rate of 364 per 100,000 in 2023 but aligned closely with Florida's approximate rate of 380 per 100,000. rates reached about 1,800 per 100,000 in 2021, driven by 690 incidents such as 539 larcenies and 97 burglaries, comparable to the national rate of 1,760 per 100,000. Overall index crimes declined by 18% in from the previous year, totaling 872 offenses reported to the DeLand Police Department. This downward trend aligns with broader reductions in Florida's crime rates, including decreases in both violent and property offenses statewide through 2021. In 2023, the department recorded 68,248 public contacts by officers, with criminal arrests occurring in just 1.7% of interactions, indicating a relatively low prevalence of criminal encounters amid high . The DeLand Police Department, led by Chief Jason D. Umberger, employs 69 sworn officers as of 2022 and focuses on safeguarding lives, property, and reducing crime incidence through . The department maintains transparency via annual fact sheets and tools, while the Volusia County Sheriff's Office provides supplemental support in surrounding areas. Resistance to arrest rose slightly to 1.75% of arrests in 2024 from 2023, per department metrics on and safety.

Urban Development Pressures

DeLand has experienced significant , with its resident count rising approximately 16.3% since the 2020 to around 39,832 as of recent estimates, contributing to heightened demand for and urban expansion. This annual growth rate of about 3.6% has driven home prices upward by an average of 9.87% per year over the past decade, exacerbating affordability challenges and prompting proposals for alternative housing like tiny homes on non-conforming lots. Urban development pressures manifest in frequent rezoning requests and project approvals amid concerns over infrastructure capacity, particularly in flood-prone southeast areas where a 26-acre residential development received narrow city commission approval in December 2023 despite documented flooding risks. Similarly, the 2022 rezoning of a former golf course for nearly 600 homes passed by a 3-2 vote, highlighting tensions between growth advocates and those prioritizing environmental and traffic impacts. These decisions reflect broader Volusia County dynamics, where rapid land conversion for urban uses outpaces population increases by more than double, straining water resources, drainage systems, and rural boundaries. To counter sprawl, DeLand's comprehensive plan emphasizes strategies, directing commercial pressures away from residential neighborhoods and promoting infill development over expansive suburban patterns, as unchecked expansion could overwhelm existing road networks and exacerbate flooding exacerbated by prior overdevelopment in the region. County-level efforts, such as rejecting urban-style neighborhoods north of DeLand in 2023 and exploring rural boundaries to limit sprawl, underscore the causal link between unchecked building and issues like intensified runoff, though a proposed development moratorium was rejected in 2025 in favor of targeted drainage analyses. Local changes, including potential shifts to streamline staff approvals, have raised public input concerns, potentially accelerating development while reducing community oversight on cumulative impacts. DeLand's population grew by 20.92% between 2020 and 2025, reaching an estimated 46,206 residents at an annual rate of 3.58%, contributing to pressures on local infrastructure and services. City audits highlight ongoing challenges in accommodating this expansion, including insufficient capacity for water, roads, and utilities amid rapid . Property values in surrounding Volusia County rose 7% in 2024, driven by influxes of new residents seeking central Florida's appeal, which has intensified competition for housing and land. Urban development has accelerated land consumption at rates exceeding population growth, prompting city-led efforts to curb sprawl and preserve open spaces. Approvals for projects like a 26-acre residential development in southeast DeLand in December 2023, despite known local flooding vulnerabilities, illustrate tensions between growth incentives and risk mitigation. shortages have emerged as a byproduct, with a 17% rise in from 2022 to 2023 and city explorations of alternatives like tiny homes in 2024. Environmental vulnerabilities are compounded by this growth, particularly flooding from the , which entered major flood stage after Hurricane Milton in October 2024, with water levels forecasted to reach 5.8 feet and inundating low-lying structures, marinas, and areas like Hontoon Island. Residents along Taylor Road have reported chronic inundation, demanding infrastructure upgrades as of 2025. The city's extreme wind risk factor, tied to hurricanes and severe storms, heightens these threats, with Milton causing widespread inland flooding and stranding households. Stormwater runoff poses additional hazards, carrying pollutants from lawns, roads, and parking lots into local waterways, harming aquatic ecosystems and causing clogged basins that exacerbate flooding during heavy rains. Legacy contamination persists at the Sherwood Medical Industries site, listed in 1983 for polluted , sediments, soils, and , requiring ongoing remediation. environmental management enforces protections for wetlands and trees, but development pressures continue to test these measures.

Notable Individuals

Business and Civic Leaders

Henry Addison DeLand (1834–1908), a soda manufacturer from , founded the town of DeLand in after purchasing 1,000 acres of land in what was then Volusia County for cultivation and settlement. He envisioned a community centered on education and culture, platting the townsite on December 6, , and attracting settlers through promotional efforts that emphasized moral and intellectual advancement over mere economic gain. DeLand established the DeLand Academy in 1880, which evolved into DeLand University in 1883 with his financial support, though a devastating freeze in 1894–1895 led to crop losses that strained his resources and prompted him to relinquish control of the institution. John Batterson Stetson (1830–1906), founder of the known for cowboy hats, became a pivotal civic benefactor in DeLand after acquiring DeLand University in 1887 amid its financial distress. He renamed it John B. Stetson University in 1889, providing substantial endowments that secured its growth into a prominent liberal arts institution, and constructed the opulent Stetson Mansion in 1886 as his winter residence, which symbolized wealth and architectural innovation in . Stetson's philanthropy extended to community infrastructure, including support for local railroads and public facilities, fostering DeLand's early economic and cultural development before his death in the mansion. James W. Wright (1864–1940), an African American entrepreneur, emerged as a key figure in DeLand's Black business community during the early , owning the James W. Wright Building at 112–116 South Clara Avenue, which housed commercial enterprises and served as a hub for lending and . As a civic leader, he advocated for education and economic self-sufficiency, contributing to the establishment of institutions like the local Booker T. Washington-aligned efforts, amid segregation-era constraints that limited broader influence.

Arts, Sciences, and Entertainment Figures

Stephen Guarino, born November 14, 1980, in DeLand, Florida, is an actor recognized for portraying Damien Whitworth in the ABC comedy series Happy Endings from 2011 to 2013, as well as roles in films including No Strings Attached (2011) and We're the Millers (2013). His early career included guest appearances on shows like The Big Bang Theory and Modern Family, establishing him as a supporting player in American television comedy. Maurice Starr, born March 18, 1958, in DeLand, Florida, is a record producer, songwriter, and musician who rose to prominence in the 1980s by creating and managing the R&B boy band New Edition, producing their debut album Candy Girl (1983), which reached number 11 on the Billboard R&B chart. He later formed New Kids on the Block, writing and producing their breakthrough hits from the album Hangin' Tough (1988), which sold over 14 million copies worldwide and topped the Billboard 200 for 32 weeks. Starr's production style emphasized bubblegum pop and teen appeal, influencing the boy band genre, though his later projects like the band Starrship received less commercial success. Notable figures in the sciences from DeLand are scarce in public records, with local contributions more evident in applied , such as Bill Booth (1943–2018), who founded United Parachute Technologies in DeLand and invented the Piggyback Tandem Skydiving Harness System patented in 1984, enabling commercial tandem skydiving and advancing recreational parachuting safety. Booth's innovations stemmed from his experience as a skydiver and , addressing risks in student training through dual-canopy designs tested extensively in the 1970s.

Sports and Athletics Personalities

, born Larry Wayne Jones Jr. on April 24, 1972, in DeLand, Florida, played his entire 19-season career as a and for the from 1993 to 2012, amassing 468 home runs, 2,267 hits, and a .303 batting average. He earned the National League MVP award in 1999 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018 with 97.2% of the vote. Jones attended high school in Jacksonville but maintained ties to the region through his early life in Volusia County. Jacob deGrom, born June 19, 1988, in DeLand, Florida, is a professional pitcher who began his MLB career with the in 2014, winning two Awards (2018, 2019) and posting a career 2.53 ERA over 1,002.1 innings through 2023. A alumnus from DeLand, where he transitioned from shortstop to pitcher, deGrom signed with the Texas Rangers in 2022 on a five-year, $185 million contract despite injury challenges. His dominance includes leading the league in strikeouts multiple times and earning four selections. Mike Gillislee, born November 1, 1990, in DeLand, Florida, was a who starred at DeLand High School, rushing for 1,149 yards as a senior before playing at the , where he led the Gators with 1,206 rushing yards in 2012. Drafted by the in the fifth round of the , Gillislee appeared in 41 games across five seasons with the Dolphins, , and , scoring 13 rushing touchdowns, including a appearance with the Patriots in 2018. Colin Castleton, a native of DeLand, Florida, emerged as a standout center for the men's team from 2021 to 2023, averaging 14.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game in SEC play while earning three All-SEC honors. At 6'11", he previously played at the before transferring, and after going undrafted in 2023, he signed with the , appearing in 41 NBA games with averages of 3.3 points and 3.2 rebounds. Castleton later joined the NBA G League's , providing a near his DeLand roots.

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  227. https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/colin-castleton/14463
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