Learn More About Eustis, Florida
Eustis, Florida
Located west of the City of Deltona, Eustis is a city of about 20,000 in Lake County, Florida. Its limits are defined by County Route 44 to the north, Eudora and Abrams to the east, U.S. Highway 441 to the south, and Lake Eustis to the west. The community, which covers a total area of almost 10 square miles, is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is the center for several small communities east of the county, including Cassia and Pine Lakes.
Settlement started in Eustis after the survey of the area was completed in 1875. This had been delayed by the American Civil War as the area had been opened up for homesteading since the 1850s. The community was already a busy port for steamers before the arrival of railroad in the 1880s. Eustis hasn’t always been the name of this city. It was first known as Highlands and then Pendryville before being named Lake Eustis after General Abraham Eustis, a Seminole Wars hero. “Lake” was dropped from the name in 1883, when the city was incorporated.
Eustis was home to 18,558 people as of 2010 census. The population had risen to an estimated 19,986 by 2015. The count of people living around here is higher when the smaller communities for which this city serve as center are included. The population of Eustis stood in excess of 50,000 in 2000, if residents of these neighboring rural Lake County areas are included in the count. The average age of resident, as of 2000, was 42 years. Notable people from around here include Nobel Prize in Physics winner John Robert Schrieffer, astronaut David Walker and former Florida State Senator Carey Baker. A popular community in Eustis is the Royal Trails Unit 01.
The city is served by numerous educational institutions. Among these are Eustis Elementary School, Eustis Heights Elementary School, Eustis Middle School and Eustis High School. Stetson University in DeLand provides higher education to those living around here.
Eustis has a very rich historical heritage. Many places in the city are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Clifford House, Eustis Commercial Historic District, Purdy Villa, William Kimbrough Pendleton House, and Ferran Park and the Alice McClelland Memorial Bandshell. Nearby attractions also include The Citrus Museum and Black Bear Golf Club.
This city offers numerous options for enjoyable relaxation periods. It hosts several lovely parks, museums, art galleries and theaters. Eustis also hosts many events and festivals. Notable among the local festivals is GeorgeFest, which is held in the last weekend (Friday through Sunday) of every February. Started in 1902, Eustis' GeorgeFest is described as the second-longest running annual event in honor of America's first president, George Washington. The numerous other local festivals held year-round include the Antique Boat Convention and sailing regattas.
Eustis is one lovely and peaceful community with a rich heritage. The city boasts several parks, impressive recreational facilities and events to help you make the most of your leisure time. The Downtown Waterfront Entertainment District offers superb shopping, fine dining and lively entertainment.
