Clermont, Florida

Clermont is at 28°32′51″N 81°44′58″W (28.547584, -81.749519).[8]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.5 square miles (30 km²), of which 10.5 square miles (27 km²) is land and 1.0 square mile (2.6 km²) (8.54%) is water.

Lake Sunnyside as seen from high above eastbound SR 50, one of many lakes in Clermont.

The Clermont area lies on the northern part of the Lake Wales Ridge. There are rolling hills atypical of the Florida peninsula. Nearby are the Clermont Chain of lakes[9] and Lake Apopka.

Clermont was founded in 1884 and named for the French birthplace of A.F. Wrotniski, manager of the Clermont Improvement Company, formed for land development.[11] The city was incorporated in 1916. Much of the county initiallly was developed as orange and other citrus groves, which was the basis of the economy through the mid-20th century. For instance, Apshawa Groves owned and worked large expanses of land in the county. It later became a major real estate company. Tourism also became increasingly important.

The appearance of the historic downtown district has not changed much since 1962.[12]

The population grew 207% from 2000 to 2010, with commensurate economic growth, attracting big box retail stores. In Spring 2010, the Clermont Landings shopping center opened, featuring 20 shops and restaurants and the city's first cinema. Increased pollution from runoff and residential development has hurt the city's lakes and other natural resources.[13]

As of the census[5] of 2010, there were 28,742 people living in the city in 11,216 households. The population density in 2000 was 812/mi² (314/km²). There were 12,730 housing units. In 2000 the average density of Clermont 380/mi² (147/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 71.69% White, 14.41% African American, 0.42% Native American, 4.19% Asian, 5.37% from other races, and 3.83% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.75% of the population.

21.28% of households had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.73.

In the city, the population was distributed with 20.1% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 24.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $39,290, and the median income for a family was $48,216. Males had a median income of $36,240 versus $26,571 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,099. About 6.3% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.0% of those under age 18 and 4.5% of those age 65 or over.

The income per capita is $24,952, which includes all adults and children. The median household income is $45,980.

The median home value in town is $227,510. Home appreciation was -21.40% during 2009. Renters made up 23.21% of the population. 8.33% of houses and apartments were unoccupied (vacancy rate).

Local schools include Minneola Elementary School, South Lake Charter Elementary (also known as Imagine Schools at South Lake), Cypress Ridge Elementary School, Lost Lake Elementary, Clermont Elementary School, Clermont Middle School, Windy Hill Middle School, East Ridge Middle School, Lake Minneola High School, East Ridge High School, South Lake High School, Sawgrass Bay Elementary, Pine Ridge Elementary, Real life Christian Academy, Grassy Lake Elementary and Pinecrest Lakes Academy.

Lake-Sumter State College and the University of Central Florida have a joint-use campus in Clermont.

The Cooper Memorial Library in Clermont is a joint-use Library staffed by the Lake-Sumter State College and the Lake County Library System.

Downtown Clermont has restaurants, shops, the local Art League, Clermont City Center, and City Hall.[15] The downtown's western area, known as Historic Village, includes sites such as the Townsend House, home to James and Sallie Townsend, the first African-American couple in Clermont. The Historic Village is maintained by the South Lake County Historical Society and the City of Clermont.[16]

South Lake Hospital is the regional hospital of south Lake County.

The United States Triathlon National Training Center is located in Clermont. Duathlons, Triathlons and cross country races are held at the facility.

Waterfront Park is located along Lake Minneola, The park includes picnic areas, a swimming area, fishing piers and a playground. There are rentals of paddleboards, kayaks and bicycles. A fitness trail that is part of a 30-mile system runs through the park.

• Dale Barnstable, retired professional basketball player
• Jason Couch, professional bowler, member of the PBA Hall of Fame
• Kate DiCamillo, author of children's books.[17]
• Ryan Dungey, professional motocross racer
• Shane Greene, professional baseball player
• Peter Hooten, actor
• Marvin Musquin (born December 30, 1989 in La Reole, France), professional motocross racer
• Randy Pedersen, professional bowler on the PBA Tour, PBA Hall of Famer and bowling announcer
• Norm Duke, professional bowler on the PBA Tour, PBA Hall of Famer
• Brandon Larracuente, actor
• Tyson Gay, sprinter
• Julie Doe, an unidentified murder victim discovered in Clermont on September 25, 1988

The main roads through Clermont consist of State Road 50 and U.S. Route 27.

• Official website
• http://www.city-data.com/city/Clermont-Florida.html
• http://www.cityofclermontfl.com

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