Chiefland, Florida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chiefland, Florida
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| City of Chiefland | |
Chiefland City Hall
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| Motto(s):
"The Gem of the Suwanee Valley"
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Location in Levy County and the state of Florida
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 Chiefland, Florida
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Florida |
| County | Levy |
| Platted (Charlie Emathla’s Town) | 1843 |
| Settled (Charlie Emathla’s Town) | 1845 |
| Settled (Hardeetown) | 1860 |
| Incorporated (City of Chiefland) |
1913 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Commission–Manager |
| Area | |
| • Total | 6.75 sq mi (17.50 km2) |
| • Land | 6.75 sq mi (17.50 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 33 ft (10 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,316 |
| • Density | 342.86/sq mi (132.37/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
32626, 32644
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| Area code(s) | 352 |
| FIPS code | 12-11925 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0307630 |
Chiefland is a city in Levy County, Florida, United States. In 2020, about 2,316 people lived there. This was a small increase from 2,245 people in 2010. Chiefland is part of the larger Gainesville area.
Contents
Discovering Chiefland: A Florida City
A Look Back in Time: Chiefland's History
Long ago, a village of the Timucua people was located near where Chiefland is today. This was south of the city and at Manatee Springs. For many years, the area's economy was based on farming. People grew crops like peanuts, watermelons, and hay. They also raised animals like cattle and hogs. Other important activities included getting wood for pulpwood and lumber, and fishing for oysters and crabs.
Where is Chiefland? (Geography)
Chiefland is located in Florida at coordinates 29.481801 degrees North and 82.862097 degrees West. The city covers about 16.1 square miles (41.7 square kilometers) of land. There is no water within the city limits.
Chiefland is an important meeting point for several major roads. These include U.S. Highways Alternate 27, 19, and 98. In the early 2000s, US 129 also became a separate junction here. The city is about 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Gainesville.
Chiefland's Weather: A Humid Subtropical Climate
The weather in Chiefland is known for its hot, humid summers. Winters are generally mild. This type of weather is called a humid subtropical climate.
Who Lives in Chiefland? (Demographics)
Chiefland's population has grown over the years.
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1930 | 421 | — | |
| 1940 | 572 | 35.9% | |
| 1950 | 843 | 47.4% | |
| 1960 | 1,459 | 73.1% | |
| 1970 | 1,965 | 34.7% | |
| 1980 | 1,986 | 1.1% | |
| 1990 | 1,917 | −3.5% | |
| 2000 | 1,993 | 4.0% | |
| 2010 | 2,245 | 12.6% | |
| 2020 | 2,316 | 3.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2020, there were 2,316 people living in Chiefland. There were 905 households and 564 families. In 2010, there were 2,245 people, 948 households, and 598 families.
Fun Things to Do in Chiefland: Attractions
Chiefland offers several interesting places to visit and events to enjoy.
Manatee Springs State Park
Manatee Springs State Park is located about 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Chiefland. It has a beautiful "first-magnitude" spring with clear water. This spring flows directly into the Suwannee River. The park is a great place for camping and other outdoor activities. You can see Manatees in the spring all year, but especially in late fall and winter. This is because the spring water stays at a warm 72°F (22°C), which is much warmer than the river water.
Annual Watermelon Festival
The Annual Watermelon Festival is the biggest event of the year in Chiefland. It started in 1954 and is held every year on the first Saturday of June. The Chiefland Women's Club helps organize this fun festival.
Levy County Quilt Museum
The Levy County Quilt Museum is the only registered quilting museum in Florida. It was started by the Log Cabin Quilters club. Twice a year, quilters hold a Quilt Show at the museum to display their amazing work. The museum is open throughout the year and has unique items. For example, it has a quilt made from ties that belonged to two former Presidents, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford. The museum is free to enter and is open Tuesday through Saturday. You can find it just off Highway Alt 27 on CR 134.
Chief Theatre: Home of the Suwannee Valley Players
The Chief Theatre is located downtown, near Main Street and E. Park Avenue. It is home to the Suwannee Valley Players, a local theater group. The building was first built in 1948 as a movie theater and showed movies until 1984. In 1998, it was bought and reopened as a playhouse thanks to a grant to preserve historic places. The Suwannee Valley Players have performed here for over 37 years. They are the oldest community theater group in Levy and nearby counties. They put on a new play about every three months. These plays include famous titles like The Importance of Being Earnest and Into the Woods, as well as original plays by local writers.
Chiefland's Economy and Community
Shopping and Jobs in the Tri-County Area
Chiefland is in the northwest part of Levy County, where it meets Dixie and Gilchrist counties. This area is known as the "Tri-County area." As north Florida grew, Chiefland became a local shopping hub. A large Walmart Supercenter opened in 1995, which brought more traffic. Now, there are many national fast food restaurants and motels like Best Western and Days Inn.
While farming is still important, the economy has shifted more towards services. There are also three correctional facilities nearby: Cross City Correctional Institution & Work Camp, Lancaster Correctional Institution & Work Camp, and Levy Forestry Camp. These facilities provide over 800 jobs in the area.
Learning in Chiefland: Education
Chiefland has two public schools: Chiefland Middle High School and Chiefland Elementary. The School Board of Levy County manages these schools. They also oversee two charter schools: Nature Coast Middle School and Whispering Winds. The school board also manages schools in other towns like Bronson, Williston, Cedar Key, and Yankeetown.
The College of Central Florida plans to build a new $12 million facility. It will be on 35 acres (14 hectares) of land donated by the Mann family, about 5 miles (8 km) north of the city. The college currently has a center in downtown Chiefland. The new campus will be named the Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus. This is to honor a former high school math teacher who donated $2.5 million to the campus.
Chiefland's Library: Luther Callaway Public Library
Levy County provides Chiefland with a public library called the Luther Callaway Public Library. This library receives publications from the State of Florida for public use. It was named in 1985 after Luther Callaway, who was a postmaster for almost 30 years and a school teacher. In 2019, his family donated more land to help the library expand. The "Friends of the Luther Callaway Public Library (FLCPL) Board of Directors" also supports the library. They raise money to help with library programs and resources.
Staying Healthy: Healthcare in Chiefland
The State of Florida has approved a new 28-bed hospital for Chiefland. This hospital will help people in western Levy County, Dixie County, and Gilchrist County. The Suwannee Valley Community Hospital is expected to cost $27 million. Ameris Health Systems is leading this project. The first plans for the hospital were drawn in March 2008.
See also
In Spanish: Chiefland (Florida) para niños
