Orange
County is a beautiful place to work and live!
Geographic Location. Orange County sits on real estate in the approximate center of the state, midway between Jacksonville and Miami. The St. Petersburg-Tampa area on the Gulf of Mexico and Daytona Beach on the Atlantic Coast are easy drives for beach-goers. Two of the state's major highways, Interstate 4 (east-west travel) and the Florida Turnpike (north-south travel), intersect just outside Orlando.
The County is home to Lake Buena Vista, world renowned as the most desirable fun location in the Orlando Florida area. Situated on the edge of Disney property, it is in the midst of the world's most popular attractions and right in the middle of all the magic including Cracker Jack Stadium, Atlanta Braves' spring training facility.
For your real estate needs in this or any County in the Metro Orlando area, contact John Hambrick and Angela Chapman, Realtors, for Lake County, Osceola County, Orange County, Seminole County, Polk County, Brevard County and Volusia County.
History. Immediately after the cession of Florida by Spain in 1821, the territory was divided into two counties: Escambia (which included the northern portion) and St. Johns (which included all the real estate lying to the south and east of the Suwannee River). Three years later, the Legislative Council separated the central portion of Florida to form Mosquito County. This vast region contained 466 residents according to the 1850 census. After Florida became a state in 1845, the county was renamed Orange County. Its territorial limits as they exist were defined in 1913 and today encompass an area of approximately 1,000 square miles, with a 2003 population of approximately 964,865 and a projected 2010 population of 1.167M. There are 13 municipalities within Orange County; Orlando is the county seat. And Orlando Realtor John Hambrick and Orange County Realtor Angela Chapman will be happy to help you find your perfect home, from charming condos, villas and townhouses to luxury estate homes. If you're interested in having John or Angela help you sell your Central Florida home, please visit our Sellers Page.
We're
A Charter County 
Orange County is a charter county, meaning it has its own constitution and is self-governing. Having a charter gives the county the ability to respond to a changing environment and meet local needs.
The first charter was adopted in November 1986 and went into effect on January 6, 1987. In
November 1988, voters approved the creation of a new form of government for Orange County: a chairman elected by the community at large and the creation of six single-member districts. The chairman and commissioners serve overlapping four-year terms. The chairman and commissioners for districts 2, 4, and 6 are elected during alternate years (1998, 2002, 2006); commissioners representing districts 1, 3, and 5 are elected in presidential election years (2000, 2004, 2008).
The Orange County Charter calls for the creation of a Charter Review Commission every four years. Meeting for 18 months, the 15 volunteers can study any and all phases of county government and pose questions directly to the voters on any special, primary, or general election ballot.
Orange County Cities
| Aloma | Doctor Phillips | Lockwood | Summerport Beach |
| Apopka | Eatonville | Maitland | Tangelo Park |
| Azalea Park | Edgewood | Minorville | Tangerine |
| Bay Lake | Fairview Shores | Morningside Park | Tildenville |
| Bay Ridge | Fairvilla | Oakland | Union Park |
| Belle Isle | Flamingo | Ocoee | University Park |
| Beulah | Fullers | Orlando | Vineland |
| Bithlo | Gotha | Orlovista | Windermere |
| Christmas | Harlem Heights | Piedmont | Winter Garden |
| Christmas Park | Killarney | Pine Castle | Winter Park |
| Clarcona | Lake Buena Vista | Pine Hills | Zellwood |
| Conway | Lake Cain Hills | Plymouth | |
| Crown Point | Lockhart | Sky Lake |
Officially known as the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (CFRTA), Lynx has been recognized as the fastest growing transportation system in the United States. Lynx provides regularly scheduled bus service with colorful, comfortable buses; shuttle service to special events; commuter assistance with van pools and car pools; special door-to-door transportation for customers who cannot use regular bus service; and special fares for students, physically and mentally challenged customers and for people aged 65 and older. And for special needs, including those who prefer retirement communities, John and Angela, Central Florida Realtors, can find real estate near a Lynx bus stop. The colorful Lynx fleet currently uses approximately 235 coaches and 60 vans to serve its customers. |
Last year, approximately seven million people visited Orange County parks. Today, the Parks and Recreation Department maintains, leases or owns over 12,000 acres and employs 268 permanent and 100 seasonal employees.
Orange County
Lakes
Conway Chain of Lakes
Windermere Chain (Butler Chain)
Winter Park Chain
Johns Lake
Lake Lawne
Lake Underhill
Clear Lake
Lake Apopka
Orlando Urban Lakes
TOSOHATCHEE
STATE RESERVE
3365 Taylor Creek Road; Christmas,
FL 32709
407-568-5893
Shaped by alternating cycles of fire and flood, the Tosohatchee State Reserve is a mosaic of freshwater marshes, swamps, pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks. Varied and unique plant communities support abundant wildlife, including rare and endangered species. The marshes are a major waypoint for migrating birds, allowing for unique birding and photography opportunities. The wooded uplands are home to gray foxes, fox squirrels and a number of bird species, including bald eagles, hawks and owls.
The 28,000 acres of Tosohatchee border 19 miles of the St. Johns River in east Orange County. Real estate was purchased in 1977 under Florida's Environmentally Endangered Lands program in order to preserve its aesthetic qualities and the extensive wetlands that are essential water cleansing and storage areas for the St. Johns River. Park Rangers offer special tours and programs on a rotating basis, so be sure to call for details.
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Orange
County Convention Center 2nd largest in the United States! 9800 International Dr Orlando, 32819 DIRECTIONS: Take I-4 to Exit 28 (Beeline Expressway (SR 528). Take Exit 1(International Drive). At end of exit ramp turn right. Convention Center will be on the left across from Peabody Hotel. |
Since opening its doors 15+ years ago with 1,103,538 square feet of contiguous exhibition space, this award winning facility has hosted almost 6 million convention delegates, generating in excess of 11 billion for the Orlando economy. And now with the new expansion the Center's total size is 2.1 million square feet making it the second largest in the U.S. and making Orlando a major player in the meetings industry.
| Walt
Disney World Business Line: Entertainment Number of Employees......................... 53,500 |
Orange
County Public Schools Business Line: Education Number of Employees........................... 22,807 |
| Adventist
Health Systems Business Line: Healthcare Number of Employees......................... 17,059 |
Universal
Orlando Business Line: Entertainment Number of Employees........................... 14,500 |
| Orlando
Regional Healthcare System Business Line: Healthcare Number of Employees......................... 12,000 |
Orange County Government Business Line: Government Number of Employees............................................... 6,577 |
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