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Oviedo
Size: 15.26 square miles
Population: 21,675 (estimated)
One of Central Florida's most rapidly growing communities, Oviedo offers a refreshing blend of new Florida with a deep respect for it's rural past. This blend is epitomized by the city's Chamber of Commerce home, the white frame Lawton House, built in the 1880s. The one and a half story house, with hard wood floors and hardwood walls was renovated in 1987 to become the Oviedo Chamber of Commerce's headquarters.
Oviedo originated as a tiny settlement and trading post on the south shore of Lake Jesup, known as Solarla's Wharf, which boasted two general stores and limited postal service circa 1865. By 1869 several houses and a hotel had been built along the shores of another small nearby lake. A New York physician, Dr. Henry Foster, opened a convalescent home here and encouraged many northerners to visit Lake Charm to recuperate from illnesses and enjoy the plentifully located artesian wells. By 1875 mail was being brought to Solarla's Wharf twice a week by rowboat from Sanford. European descended settlers had begun to settle in large numbers, attracted by the promise of a long growing season. In 1886 the railroad came to Oviedo and the area became important for the growth of citrus up until the disastrous freeze of December, 1894 and February, 1895, which discouraged many Florida citrus growers. After the devastating freeze, farmers experimented with other vegetable crops, notably celery and later, decorative ferns.
Since the 1960s, with the opening of the University of Central Florida (then Florida Technological University), a new high school, and new roads, Oviedo's growth has continued. More recently, the Oviedo Marketplace, a hybrid mall, has offered a host of new retail and entertainment options. The addition of the Central Florida Greeneway over the past decade has cemented Oviedo's future as a favorite bedroom community of the Orlando workforce.
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