Williston, Florida

Williston is a city in Levy County, Florida, United States. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 2,768.[6] The city was established before 1885 by J.M. Willis, who named it after himself.[7]

Williston, Florida
City
Southbound US 27-41 and SR 121 about to split in Williston, Florida
Motto(s): 
"Gateway to the Nature Coast"[1]
Location in Levy County and the state of Florida
Coordinates: 29°23′13″N 82°26′48″W
Country United States
State Florida
County Levy
Government
 • MayorJerry Robinson
Area
 • Total6.66 sq mi (17.26 km2)
 • Land6.65 sq mi (17.21 km2)
 • Water0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2)
Elevation
75 ft (23 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total2,768
 • Estimate 
(2019)[3]
2,735
 • Density411.53/sq mi (158.89/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
32696
Area code(s)352
FIPS code12-77825[4]
GNIS feature ID0293351[5]
Websitewww.willistonfl.org
Welcome sign for Williston, Florida, March 2019

Geography

Williston is located at 29°23′13″N 82°26′48″W (29.386811, -82.446706).[8]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.8 square miles (17.5 km2), of which 0.019 square miles (0.05 km2), or 0.27%, is water.[6]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
1900184—
1910371101.6%
1920823121.8%
193094014.2%
1940890−5.3%
19501,32348.7%
19601,58219.6%
19701,93922.6%
19802,24015.5%
19902,179−2.7%
20002,2975.4%
20102,76820.5%
2019 (est.)2,735[3]−1.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]

As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 2,297 people, 836 households, and 580 families residing in the city. The population density was 379.0 inhabitants per square mile (146.3/km2). There were 915 housing units at an average density of 151.0 per square mile (58.3/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 73.44% White, 22.81% African American, 0.78% Native American, 0.74% Asian, 0.44% Pacific Islander, 1.09% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.57% of the population.

There were 836 households, out of which 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.9% were married couples living together, 22.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.6% were non-families. 25.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the city the population was spread out, with 26.2% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,795, and the median income for a family was $26,918. Males had a median income of $22,331 versus $20,634 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,628. About 22.4% of families and 22.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.1% of those under age 18 and 22.5% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

The area includes Two Tails Ranch, an exotic animal refuge specializing in elephants. Kirby Family Farm, an educational farm open to the public, is also in the Williston area and features the Great America Railway, its own 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge[10] railroad for its guests to enjoy.

Williston hosts the Central Florida Harvest and Peanut Festival every October.

Sports

Devil's Den and Blue Grotto

Williston is home to Devil's Den and Blue Grotto, popular diving spots and part of the extensive underground spring system present in the area.[11][12][13][14][15][16]

Kentucky Derby

Williston is the birthplace of Foolish Pleasure, winner of the 1975 Kentucky Derby.[17]

Infrastructure

Transportation

The area includes Williston Municipal Airport (X60) and Foss Foam Products of Florida, a sailboat manufacturing company that produces more rudders than any other company in the United States.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Williston has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[18]

Education

School Board of Levy County operates public schools:

Library

Levy County provides Williston with a local library branch. The Williston Public Library is located in the former, historic Perkins State Bank; one of Florida's oldest banks.[19]

References
  1. "City of Williston, Florida". City of Williston, Florida. Archived from the original on July 16, 2012. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
  2. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  3. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  4. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  5. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  6. "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Williston city, Florida". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved December 4, 2012.
  7. Morris, Allen (1995). Florida Place Names. p. 256. ISBN 9781561645060.
  8. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  9. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  10. Surviving Steam Locomotives in Florida
  11. Blue Grotto dive resort owner rejects $2 million purchase offer
  12. On the auction block - Diving paradise could become new source for bottled water, Ocala Star Banner
  13. Blue Grotto, Underwater Florida
  14. Blue Grotto, Florida Caves
  15. Devil's Den: Underground and Open Air, Dive Training Magazine
  16. Dive right in -- the view's fine at Devil's Den, Orlando Sentinel
  17. A renaissance for Williston?, Gainesville Sun
  18. Climate Summary for Williston, Florida
  19. "University of North Florida Digital Commons". Retrieved 22 April 2016.
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