Seminole County

County SeatSanford

Population478,772

Seminole County boasts a rich history dating back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests indigenous people, likely the Seminole tribe, inhabited the region for millennia. European exploration commenced in the 16th century, with Spanish conquistadors leaving their mark.

Seminole County wasn’t officially established until 1913, carved out of Orange County. The area experienced significant growth throughout the 20th century, fueled by tourism and agricultural endeavors. Today, Seminole County flourishes as a vibrant hub, blending historic charm and modern conveniences.

Mayaca-Jororo, the native people of Orlando

If you ask most residents who lived in Central Florida when the Spanish arrived, they’d probably tell you the Seminoles. However, the Seminoles didn't even exist when the Spanish arrived. Instead, they were bands of refugees fleeing to Florida long...

Osceola Ghost Town

The company town of Osceola was a bustling and modern city from 1916-1940. When the company relocated to south Florida, it literally dismantled the town board by board.

Petty’s Market of Longwood

Siblings Jay and Mary Alysson Pettigrew were twenty-something entrepreneurs passionate about food. Their first venture was running a typical high-volume supermarket owned by their parents (Jerry and Rosemary) in St. Cloud. They sold that market around 1976 when a buyer...

Lord family founded Ebenezer Methodist Church in Elder Springs (Sanford)

John Minton Lord (1839-1924) served with his brother, Jeremiah, for the 3rd Georgia Regiment of the Confederate Army during the Civil War. He was wounded and left for dead at Gettysburg. He lay for nine days under an apple tree,...

Jasmine Theater of Altamonte Springs

You'd never guess it today, but this modest residence was once the hub of social activity in early Altamonte Springs.

LuRae Hotel in Casselberry

The Lurae Tourist Court, known today as the Lu-Rae Motel, dates back to 1951. It is located at 3400 S US Hwy 17 92 in Casselberry, Florida. A 1953 postcard boasts the motel's amenities, which included a private beach on...

Death metal started in Altamonte Springs

Death was born in Altamonte Springs. No, that's not some sort of poetic oxymoron. "Death" is the name of a band founded in 1983 by three students: Chuck Schuldiner, Kam Lee, and Rick Rozz. Schuldiner attended Lyman, while Lee and...

Eyesore on I-4: Origin of the Majesty Building

Majesty Building

It started as a building; it became a meme. Central Floridians never get tired of a good "Eyesore on I-4" joke. The never-ending construction project started in 2001 and (as of 2024) shows no signs of being completed... like ever....

Elder Springs

The area behind the former Flea World at the corner of 17-92 and 427 was long known as Elder Springs. It was named for Captain Philip Mahlon Elder, who moved to Sanford in 1884 and served as postmaster for many...

Evans Block in Lake Mary

Frank Evans built this two-story building in 1926 at the southeast corner of Country Club Rd and Crystal Lake Ave in Lake Mary. The bricks were salvaged from the general store of Axel E. Sjoblom, which previously stood at this...