Deltona's commercially oriented neighbor to the west lies between the meanderings of the St. Johns River and north / south I-4. A business group from Wisconsin marketed 5-acre lots for $100 each in 1876 and Orange City became its chosen name. Its vibrant business belt along 17-92 and Enterprise Road belies its clusters of quiet neighborhoods just a block off the business track. The jewel in Orange City's crown is Blue Springs State Park located at the westerly end of French Avenue. A bucolic woodsy setting of campgrounds and picnic areas surrounding the restored "Steamboat Hotel Thursby House." Located along the crystal clear run from the multimillion gallon Blue Spring to the St. Johns River, the visitor can view at close hand the magnificent endangered manatee. From November through March, they escape the chilly river waters for Blue Springs year-round 72 degrees. Observation platforms put the visitor within a few feet of the Manatees and teeming gar and Tilapia (not to mention an occasional basking alligator). Thursby House is built on an ancient shell heap (mostly snails eaten by the Timucuan Indians). The House served the passengers of the frequent steamboat traffic. An elevated walkway through jungle-like growth provides access to the spring itself and bathing is permitted away from the manatee. A park directional sign has been placed on highway 17/92.
Greater Orange City Area |
