Port Orange, Florida


Port Orange is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. The city is part of the larger Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area. Port Orange is a principal city in the Fun Coast region of the state of Florida. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 62,596.
Port Orange was settled by John Milton Hawks, who brought freed African Americans to work at his sawmill after the U.S. Civil War. Esther Hawks established an integrated school in the area. The colony struggled soon after its creation and most colonists left. The area that became known as Freemanville is a legacy of the settlers who stayed in the area.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of, of which is land and is water.

Climate

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

Demographics

RacePop 2010Pop 2020% 2010% 2020
White 49,39250,70988.12%81.01%
Black or African American 1,7902,4123.19%3.85%
Native American or Alaska Native 1471520.26%0.24%
Asian 1,2501,9912.23%3.18%
Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian 21400.04%0.06%
Some other race 882660.16%0.42%
Two or more races/Multiracial 8252,4721.47%3.95%
Hispanic or Latino 2,5354,5544.52%7.28%
Total56,04862,596

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 62,596 people, 26,547 households, and 16,244 families residing in the city.
As of the 2010 United States census, there were 56,048 people, 23,447 households, and 14,977 families residing in the city.

Economy

One of the larger businesses in Port Orange is Thompson Pump and Manufacturing.

Education

Public primary and secondary education is handled by Volusia County Schools. Port Orange schools are A-rated by the state, and one of the high schools, Spruce Creek High School, has made the list of one of the top 100 high schools in the nation for several years in a row, as well as offering students the International Baccalaureate program.

Elementary schools

Port Orange is the home of the Florida campus of Palmer College of Chiropractic. The campus in Port Orange was founded in 2002 by James E. Hether, D. C.

Culture

The Kenneth W. Parker Amphitheater hosts events such as the annual Lakeside Jazz Festival.

Government

The City of Port Orange operates under a council–manager government. The mayor is independently elected citywide in non-partisan elections every four years. The city council consists of four members, representing specific districts, elected to four-year terms in non-partisan elections.

Elected officials

Notable people

Airports

  • The Daytona Beach International Airport is the nearest major airport.
  • New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport is the closest airport to Port Orange.
  • Spruce Creek Airport is a private community airport.

    Major Roads

  • is the main north–south interstate highway along the east coast of the state. The sole interchange for Port Orange is at Exit 256, also known as Florida State Road 421.
  • is the main local road through Port Orange, running north–south. It served as the main north–south highway in the state and the eastern half of the county until I-95 was built. The route enters the city from the south at Spruce Creek Park near New Smyrna Beach and leaves at the border with South Daytona.

  • Railroad

The main railroad line through Port Orange is the Florida East Coast Railway. Port Orange contained a separate passenger and freight station along Dunlawton Avenue which were merged together, in 1924. Passenger service ended in Port Orange in 1932, though it continued as a flag stop until the long strike of 1963. Freight service ended in 1964 when railroads shifted freight operations more within yards rather than freight stations.
Freight service continues to operate along the Florida East Coast Railway, but makes no stops within Port Orange.

Public transportation

Port Orange is served by several bus routes operated by VOTRAN. The #4 & #17 offer Sunday and night service.