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[[Image:Map of Central Florida.jpg|300px|right|Central Florida]]'''Central Florida''' is a regional designation for the area surrounding [[Orlando]] in east central [[Florida]], [[United States]]. The area represents the third largest population concentration in Florida, after the [[South Florida]] and [[Tampa Bay]] regions, respectively.
[[Image:Map of Central Florida.jpg|300px|right|Central Florida]]'''Central Florida''' is a regional designation for the area surrounding [[Orlando]] in east central [[Florida]], [[United States]]. The area represents the third largest population concentration in Florida, after the [[South Florida]] and [[Tampa Bay]] regions, respectively.


Although agreement on the exact boundaries of 'Central Florida' can vary, the region is generally considered to be [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]] and it's surrounding suburbs, including [[Orange County, Florida|Orange]], [[Osceola County, Florida|Osceola]], [[Seminole County, Florida|Seminole]], [[Lake County, Florida|Lake]], [[Brevard County, Florida|Brevard]], and [[Volusia County, Florida|Volusia]] counties. In addition, [[Polk County, Florida|Polk]], [[Flagler County, Florida|Flagler]], and [[Sumter County, Florida|Sumter]] counties are often also included in Central Florida demographics and are primarily served by Orlando media outlets.
Although agreement on the exact boundaries of 'Central Florida' can vary, the region is generally considered to be [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]] and it's surrounding suburbs, including [[Orange County, Florida|Orange]], [[Osceola County, Florida|Osceola]], [[Seminole County, Florida|Seminole]], [[Lake County, Florida|Lake]], [[Brevard County, Florida|Brevard]], and [[Volusia County, Florida|Volusia]] counties. [[Polk County, Florida|Polk]], [[Flagler County, Florida|Flagler]], and [[Sumter County, Florida|Sumter]] counties are often included in Central Florida demographics and are primarily served by Orlando media outlets.


===I-4 Corridor===
===I-4 Corridor===
Counties west of this designated area are still geographically in Central Florida, however they are considered part of the [[Tampa Bay Area]] or the [[Florida Suncoast|Suncoast]]. This includes the city of [[Tampa]] and it's surrounding suburbs around Tampa Bay, including [[Hillsborough County, Florida|Hillsborough]], [[Pinellas County, Florida|Pinellas]], [[Pasco County, Florida|Pasco]], and [[Hernando County, Florida|Hernando]] counties.
Counties west of this designated area are geographically in Central Florida, however they are considered part of the [[Tampa Bay Area]] or the [[Florida Suncoast|Suncoast]]. This includes the city of [[Tampa]] and it's surrounding suburbs around Tampa Bay: [[Hillsborough County, Florida|Hillsborough]], [[Pinellas County, Florida|Pinellas]], [[Pasco County, Florida|Pasco]], and [[Hernando County, Florida|Hernando]] counties.


The central cities of both metropolitan areas ([[Orlando]] and [[Tampa]]) are in close proximity (85 miles), and as a result, their two metropolitan areas blend together in the area of [[Lakeland, Florida|Lakeland]] to make up a larger contiguous population center often referred to as the [[I-4 corridor]].<ref>http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jan/28/as-i-4-corridor-goes-so-goes-florida/</ref><ref>http://www.dot.state.fl.us/research-center/Completed_Proj/Summary_TE/FDOT_BD548_07_rpt.pdf</ref> This is a population concentration that stretches from [[Tampa Bay]] on the west coast to [[Daytona Beach]] and [[Cape Canaveral]] on the east coast of the state.
The central cities of both metropolitan areas ([[Orlando]] and [[Tampa]]) are in close proximity (85 miles), and as a result, their two metropolitan areas blend together in the area of [[Lakeland, Florida|Lakeland]] to make up a larger contiguous population center often referred to as the [[I-4 corridor]].<ref>http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jan/28/as-i-4-corridor-goes-so-goes-florida/</ref><ref>http://www.dot.state.fl.us/research-center/Completed_Proj/Summary_TE/FDOT_BD548_07_rpt.pdf</ref> This is a population concentration that stretches from [[Tampa Bay]] on the west coast to [[Daytona Beach]] and [[Cape Canaveral]] on the east coast of the state.


==Geography==
==Geography==
With the exception of hill terrain in Northern Lake County, Central Florida is mostly flatland's with significant amounts of open space and over 1,500 lakes and ponds. There is a diverse mixture of wetlands, Cypress forests, pastures, and 100's of miles of pristine coastline.<ref>http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr143</ref>
With the exception of hill terrain in Northern Lake County, Central Florida is mostly flatland's with significant amounts of open space and over 1,500 lakes and ponds. There is a diverse mixture of wetlands, Cypress forests, pastures, pristine coastline.<ref>http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr143</ref>


[[Hurricanes]] are a threat to the coastal cities and the 2004 Hurricane Season brought 3 major hurricanes to the Central Florida area; [[Hurricane Charley|Charley]], [[Hurricane Jeanne|Jeanne]], and [[Hurricane Francis|Francis]]. Major [[rivers]] include the [[St. Johns River]], the [[Ocklawaha River]], the [[Banana River]], the [[Halifax River]], and the [[Econlockhatchee River]]. Major [[lakes]] include [[Lake Apopka]], [[Lake Tohopekaliga]], [[East Lake Tohopekaliga]], [[Lake Louisa]], [[Lake Monroe]], [[Lake Jessup]], and the [[Butler Chain of Lakes]].
[[Hurricanes]] are a threat to the coastal cities as evident by the 2004 Hurricane Season, which brought 3 major hurricanes to the Central Florida area; [[Hurricane Charley|Charley]], [[Hurricane Jeanne|Jeanne]], and [[Hurricane Francis|Francis]]. Major [[rivers]] include the [[St. Johns River]], the [[Ocklawaha River]], the [[Banana River]], the [[Halifax River]], and the [[Econlockhatchee River]]. Major [[lakes]] include [[Lake Apopka]], [[Lake Tohopekaliga]], [[East Lake Tohopekaliga]], [[Lake Louisa]], [[Lake Monroe]], [[Lake Jessup]], and the [[Butler Chain of Lakes]].


There are over {{convert|100|mi}} of coastline in Central Florida along the Atlantic Coast.<ref>http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/html/floridafacts.html</ref> Major beaches include [[Canaveral National Seashore]], [[New Smyrna Beach]], Daytona Beach, [[Cocoa Beach, Florida]], and Indiatlantic Beach near Melbourne, FL.
There are over {{convert|100|mi}} of coastline in Central Florida along the Atlantic Coast.<ref>http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/html/floridafacts.html</ref> Major beaches include [[Canaveral National Seashore]], [[New Smyrna Beach]], Daytona Beach, [[Cocoa Beach, Florida]], and Indiatlantic Beach near Melbourne, FL.
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The combination of high temperatures, high humidity, and opposing sea breezes from both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, results in significant thunderstorm activity from July to September for the interior counties. Central Florida records more lightning strikes per area than any other region in Florida, and Florida records more lightning strikes than any other state in the USA. As a result, Florida, and more specifically, Central Florida, is often referred to as the "Thunderstorm capital of the USA".<ref>http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pub/ltg/crh_ltg_stats_usa.php</ref><ref>http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/lightning_map.htm</ref>
The combination of high temperatures, high humidity, and opposing sea breezes from both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, results in significant thunderstorm activity from July to September for the interior counties. Central Florida records more lightning strikes per area than any other region in Florida, and Florida records more lightning strikes than any other state in the USA. As a result, Florida, and more specifically, Central Florida, is often referred to as the "Thunderstorm capital of the USA".<ref>http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pub/ltg/crh_ltg_stats_usa.php</ref><ref>http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/lightning_map.htm</ref>


As a result of all these thunderstorms, Central Florida also gets many tornadoes. However, these tornado's are usually small, short lived, and almost always rated as [[Enhanced Fujita Scale|EF0]] or [[Enhanced Fujita Scale|EF1]] size storms.
These severe thunderstorms often make Central Florida prone to many tornados. However, they are usually small, short lived, and almost always rated as [[Enhanced Fujita Scale|EF0]] or [[Enhanced Fujita Scale|EF1]] size storms.


==Population==
==Population==
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* [[Universal Orlando Resort|Universal Studios Florida]]
* [[Universal Orlando Resort|Universal Studios Florida]]


Other major attractions include [[Kennedy Space Center]], [[Cypress Gardens]], [[Bok Tower Gardens]], [[Daytona International Speedway]], [[The Holy Land Experience]], and [[Gatorland]]. Central Florida also has a wide variety of natural attractions including the [[Wekiwa Springs State Park]], [[Blue Spring State Park]], [[Rock Springs Run State Reserve]], and [[Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge]]. The region also boasts an extensive network of [[List of Florida paved bike trails#Orlando area|recreational trails]] (jogging, biking, equestrian, etc.). While many connections are already in place, construction continues and will link all of the [[trails]] and [[Greenway (landscape)|greenways]]. Major trails include the [[Cady Way Trail|Cady Way]], [[Cross Seminole Trail|Cross Seminole]] and [[West Orange Trail]]s.
Other major attractions include [[Kennedy Space Center]], [[Cypress Gardens]], [[Bok Tower Gardens]], [[Daytona International Speedway]], [[The Holy Land Experience]], and [[Gatorland]]. Central Florida also has a wide variety of natural attractions including the [[Wekiwa Springs State Park]], [[Blue Spring State Park]], [[Rock Springs Run State Reserve]], [[Canaveral National Seashore]], and [[Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge]]. The region also boasts an extensive network of [[List of Florida paved bike trails#Orlando area|recreational trails]] (jogging, biking, equestrian, etc.). While many connections are already in place, construction continues and will link all of the [[trails]] and [[Greenway (landscape)|greenways]]. Major trails include the [[Cady Way Trail|Cady Way]], [[Cross Seminole Trail|Cross Seminole]] and [[West Orange Trail]]s.


===Zoos===
===Zoos===
Central Florida has two major [[zoo]], the [[Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens]], in [[Sanford]],<ref>[http://www.centralfloridazoo.org/ Welcome to the Central Florida Zoo] "Central Florida Zoo.com''</ref> and the [[Busch Gardens Tampa Bay]] animal park. There are minor zoos, including the [[Brevard Zoo]].
Central Florida has two major [[zoo]], the [[Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens]], in [[Sanford]],<ref>[http://www.centralfloridazoo.org/ Welcome to the Central Florida Zoo] "Central Florida Zoo.com''</ref> and the [[Busch Gardens Tampa Bay]] animal park. Minor zoos include the [[Brevard Zoo]].


There are two theme parks in Orlando featuring animals: [[Disney's Animal Kingdom]] and [[SeaWorld Orlando]].
There are also two theme parks in Orlando featuring animals: [[Disney's Animal Kingdom]] and [[SeaWorld Orlando]].


==Culture==
==Culture==
Central Florida is a culturally unique region. The traditional [[Southern United States|Southern]] feel found in states such as Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama is found primarily in the northern, rural sections of Central Florida; mainly [[Polk County]], [[Volusia County]], and [[Lake County]], and pockets of [[Orange County, Florida|Orange County]]. The perceived "typical Florida" culture dominated by urban living and national and international migration is primarily in Orlando. Visitors often notice a stark contrast between the tourist areas of Central Florida and North Florida.
Central Florida is a culturally unique region. The traditional [[Southern United States|Southern]] feel found in states such as Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama is found primarily in the northern, rural sections of Central Florida; mainly [[Polk County]], [[Volusia County]], [[Lake County]], and pockets of [[Orange County, Florida|Orange County]]. The perceived "typical Florida" culture dominated by urban living and national and international migration is primarily in Orlando. Visitors often notice a stark contrast between the tourist areas of Central Florida and North Florida.


Cultural attractions in Central Florida include The [[Orlando Museum of Art]], [[Orlando Science Center]], [[Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre]] and [[Orange County Regional History Center]]; all of which are located in [[downtown Orlando]]. The [[Cornell Fine Arts Museum]] and [[Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art]] are located in [[Winter Park]], just north of downtown Orlando. The [[Museum of Arts and Sciences]] and the [[Daytona International Speedway]], home to [[NASCAR]], are located in [[Daytona Beach]].
Cultural attractions in Central Florida include The [[Orlando Museum of Art]], [[Orlando Science Center]], [[Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre]] and [[Orange County Regional History Center]]; all of which are located in [[downtown Orlando]]. The [[Cornell Fine Arts Museum]] and [[Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art]] are located in [[Winter Park]], just north of downtown Orlando. The [[Museum of Arts and Sciences]] and the [[Daytona International Speedway]], home to [[NASCAR]], are located in [[Daytona Beach]].

Revision as of 02:10, 1 May 2011

For the university in Orlando, see University of Central Florida.
Central Florida
Central Florida

Central Florida is a regional designation for the area surrounding Orlando in east central Florida, United States. The area represents the third largest population concentration in Florida, after the South Florida and Tampa Bay regions, respectively.

Although agreement on the exact boundaries of 'Central Florida' can vary, the region is generally considered to be Orlando and it's surrounding suburbs, including Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Brevard, and Volusia counties. Polk, Flagler, and Sumter counties are often included in Central Florida demographics and are primarily served by Orlando media outlets.

I-4 Corridor

Counties west of this designated area are geographically in Central Florida, however they are considered part of the Tampa Bay Area or the Suncoast. This includes the city of Tampa and it's surrounding suburbs around Tampa Bay: Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando counties.

The central cities of both metropolitan areas (Orlando and Tampa) are in close proximity (85 miles), and as a result, their two metropolitan areas blend together in the area of Lakeland to make up a larger contiguous population center often referred to as the I-4 corridor.[1][2] This is a population concentration that stretches from Tampa Bay on the west coast to Daytona Beach and Cape Canaveral on the east coast of the state.

Geography

With the exception of hill terrain in Northern Lake County, Central Florida is mostly flatland's with significant amounts of open space and over 1,500 lakes and ponds. There is a diverse mixture of wetlands, Cypress forests, pastures, pristine coastline.[3]

Hurricanes are a threat to the coastal cities as evident by the 2004 Hurricane Season, which brought 3 major hurricanes to the Central Florida area; Charley, Jeanne, and Francis. Major rivers include the St. Johns River, the Ocklawaha River, the Banana River, the Halifax River, and the Econlockhatchee River. Major lakes include Lake Apopka, Lake Tohopekaliga, East Lake Tohopekaliga, Lake Louisa, Lake Monroe, Lake Jessup, and the Butler Chain of Lakes.

There are over 100 miles (160 km) of coastline in Central Florida along the Atlantic Coast.[4] Major beaches include Canaveral National Seashore, New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, Florida, and Indiatlantic Beach near Melbourne, FL.

Climate

Orlando and the entire Central Florida region are considered to be in a sub-tropical climate zone (Zone 9 on a scale of 1 to 11).[5][6]

Winters are dry and temperate with the average winter high temperature in Orlando being 72 °F (22 °C).[7][8] Summers are hot and humid with high temperatures averaging 92 °F (33 °C). Peak summer heat generally arrives in early June and continues to early October.

The combination of high temperatures, high humidity, and opposing sea breezes from both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, results in significant thunderstorm activity from July to September for the interior counties. Central Florida records more lightning strikes per area than any other region in Florida, and Florida records more lightning strikes than any other state in the USA. As a result, Florida, and more specifically, Central Florida, is often referred to as the "Thunderstorm capital of the USA".[9][10]

These severe thunderstorms often make Central Florida prone to many tornados. However, they are usually small, short lived, and almost always rated as EF0 or EF1 size storms.

Population

In 2009, the estimated total population of the Central Florida region was 3.3 million people.[11] This includes the populations of Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Volusia, and Lake Counties. If the populations of Polk, Flagler, and Sumter counties were included, the estimated population would be 3.969 million people. Explosive growth has fueled Central Florida for the past thirty years, but this trend plateaued in 2009.[12]

Below are the populations from the Orlando-Deltona-Daytona Beach, Florida, Combined Statistical Area (CSA), Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Volusia, Flagler, and The Villages.[13]

Population over 200,000

Population over 100,000

None in the CSA

Population 50,000 to 100,000

Population 25,000 to 50,000

Brevard County, which is considered by many locals to be part of Central Florida (although not included in the CSA) includes Titusville (between 25,000-50,000), Melbourne (between 50,000-100,000) and Palm Bay (over 100,000). Polk County, which is part of the television market (but not in the CSA), includes Winter Haven and Lakeland (50,000-100,000).

Infrastructure

Major Airports

Major international airports include:

Major Highways

Limited Access Freeways and Expressways:

Major Surface Arterials:

Rail

Amtrak serves Central Florida running on CSX Transportation's A line and stops at the Orlando Amtrak Station. The Auto Train stops in Sanford, Florida, north of downtown Orlando.

Seaports

Port Canaveral, located in Cape Canaveral 45 minutes east of Orlando, is a cruise, cargo, and naval port. It is one of the busiest ports in Florida and is economically tied to Orlando. Locally perceived to be Orlando's seaport, Port Canaveral is the closest port for tourists and Orlando residents alike to cruise on Disney Cruise Lines and Carnival Cruises. Future plans for the port include a rail and natural gas line running directly to Orlando International Airport.

Commuter & High Speed Rail

Central Florida is currently developing a regional commuter rail network. The first of these initiatives, SunRail, is a commuter rail line that will run from Deland south to Kissimmee. The first phase should be complete by 2013 with the full system in place by 2015.

A High Speed Rail line was in the planning stages at one point during the years of 2009-2011, however, that plan was eventually canceled by the Governer of Florida, Rick Scott, after a cost analysis of the project. The train line had been planned to run from the Orlando International Airport to downtown Tampa; with future lines eventually connecting to downtown Orlando, Jacksonville, and Miami. [14]

Attractions

Theme Parks

Other major attractions include Kennedy Space Center, Cypress Gardens, Bok Tower Gardens, Daytona International Speedway, The Holy Land Experience, and Gatorland. Central Florida also has a wide variety of natural attractions including the Wekiwa Springs State Park, Blue Spring State Park, Rock Springs Run State Reserve, Canaveral National Seashore, and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The region also boasts an extensive network of recreational trails (jogging, biking, equestrian, etc.). While many connections are already in place, construction continues and will link all of the trails and greenways. Major trails include the Cady Way, Cross Seminole and West Orange Trails.

Zoos

Central Florida has two major zoo, the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, in Sanford,[15] and the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay animal park. Minor zoos include the Brevard Zoo.

There are also two theme parks in Orlando featuring animals: Disney's Animal Kingdom and SeaWorld Orlando.

Culture

Central Florida is a culturally unique region. The traditional Southern feel found in states such as Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama is found primarily in the northern, rural sections of Central Florida; mainly Polk County, Volusia County, Lake County, and pockets of Orange County. The perceived "typical Florida" culture dominated by urban living and national and international migration is primarily in Orlando. Visitors often notice a stark contrast between the tourist areas of Central Florida and North Florida.

Cultural attractions in Central Florida include The Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Science Center, Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre and Orange County Regional History Center; all of which are located in downtown Orlando. The Cornell Fine Arts Museum and Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art are located in Winter Park, just north of downtown Orlando. The Museum of Arts and Sciences and the Daytona International Speedway, home to NASCAR, are located in Daytona Beach.

Orlando is a major entertainment center and is home to several recording studios and television and film production facilities.[citation needed] Numerous major motion pictures have been filmed in Orlando and the area is a major producer of independent films.[citation needed] Many recording artists and musical groups are from Orlando.[clarification needed]

Economy

Tourism is a large contributor to Central Florida's economy. However, the area has economically diversified in the past decade. As a high-tech industrial hub, Metro Orlando has the seventh largest research park in the U.S., Central Florida Research Park, the engineering and business school of the University of Central Florida.[citation needed] It has defense companies such as Lockheed Martin and Siemens. Orlando is now a medical research center with the University of Central Florida medical school, the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute biomedical research facility and a new Veterans Administration hospital all opening in 2010. These facilities will be located in the Lake Nona area and will collectively be referred to as Medical City.[citation needed]

Kennedy Space Center is a NASA facility. Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station are military installations in Central Florida.

Central Florida is also one of the largest retail markets in Florida.[citation needed] There are at least five large malls. Several fashion designers have opened shops in Orlando to capitalize on the area's wealth.[citation needed] The most prestigious[citation needed] can be found at the Mall at Millenia and includes Dior, Chanel, Cartier, and Tiffany & Co.[16]

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jan/28/as-i-4-corridor-goes-so-goes-florida/
  2. ^ http://www.dot.state.fl.us/research-center/Completed_Proj/Summary_TE/FDOT_BD548_07_rpt.pdf
  3. ^ http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr143
  4. ^ http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/html/floridafacts.html
  5. ^ http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/eh105
  6. ^ http://www.garden.bsewall.com/topics/hardiness/maps.htm
  7. ^ http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/6229:20
  8. ^ http://www.currentresults.com/Weather/Florida/average-temperatures-florida.php
  9. ^ http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pub/ltg/crh_ltg_stats_usa.php
  10. ^ http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/lightning_map.htm
  11. ^ http://www.slideshare.net/gwinters/the-incredible-orlando-market
  12. ^ http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aZOI02HF8V80
  13. ^ http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/files/SUB-EST2009_12.csv
  14. ^ http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-02-16/news/os-scott-rejects-rail-money-20110216_1_rick-scott-high-speed-rail-high-speed-train
  15. ^ Welcome to the Central Florida Zoo "Central Florida Zoo.com
  16. ^ http://www.orlando-villa-guide.com/shopping

External links

28°55′37″N 81°43′17″W / 28.92694°N 81.72139°W / 28.92694; -81.72139

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