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South Daytona, Florida facts for kids

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South Daytona, Florida
South Daytona City Hall in 2019.
South Daytona City Hall in 2019.
Location in Volusia County and the state of Florida
Location in Volusia County and the state of Florida
Country  United States
State  Florida
County  Volusia
Area
 • Total 5.05 sq mi (13.09 km2)
 • Land 3.70 sq mi (9.59 km2)
 • Water 1.35 sq mi (3.50 km2)
Elevation
10 ft (3 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 12,865
 • Density 3,476.09/sq mi (1,342.07/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes
32119, 32121
Area code(s) 386
FIPS code 12-67325
GNIS feature ID 0291367

South Daytona is a city located in Volusia County, Florida, in the United States. It is a vibrant community where many people live and work. In 2020, about 12,865 people called South Daytona home.

History of South Daytona

From Blake to South Daytona

Long ago, South Daytona was known as a town called Blake. It was named after Alpheus P. Blake, a rich businessman from Boston. Around 1878, Blake had its very first post office. This helped people send and receive letters.

The Arrival of the Train

Trains started coming to the area around 1886. Ten years later, the train line reached all the way to Miami. A train station was built at a place called Big Tree Crossing. This made it easier for people and goods to travel.

Becoming a City

In 1926, several towns like Daytona, Daytona Beach, and Seabreeze joined together. They formed the larger city of Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach then tried to include Blake, which meant new taxes for Blake residents.

The people of Blake did not like this. They worked hard to become separate again. Around 1938, they succeeded! Blake officially became its own town, named South Daytona.

Growth and Development

After World War II, South Daytona started to grow quickly. The town created a Building Department and a Planning and Zoning Board. These groups helped organize new construction. Soon, many builders and developers became interested in the area.

South Daytona was able to get money from the government to improve its services. It was one of the first towns in the area to install a modern sewer system. The town continued to get bigger and better. In 1951, it officially became the City of South Daytona.

City Government Today

Since 1980, South Daytona has been run by a City Manager and a City Council. The Mayor and four council members are elected by the people. They serve four-year terms, helping to make important decisions for the city.

Geography of South Daytona

Where is South Daytona Located?

South Daytona is found at 29°9′55″N 81°0′33″W / 29.16528°N 81.00917°W / 29.16528; -81.00917. It sits right on the Halifax River, just south of the city of Daytona Beach. The Halifax River is a beautiful waterway that adds to the city's charm.

Size and Features

The city covers a total area of about 5.0 square miles (13.0 km2). Most of this area, about 3.7 square miles (9.6 km2), is land. The rest, about 1.3 square miles (3.4 km2) (which is 26.29%), is water.

South Daytona has many roads, about 44.5 miles (71.6 km) of them. It also has long lines for sewer services (40 miles (64 km)) and water (55 miles (89 km)). The city's average height above sea level is about 6.5 feet (2.0 m).

Population of South Daytona

Historical population
Census Pop.
1940 571
1950 692 21.2%
1960 1,954 182.4%
1970 4,979 154.8%
1980 11,252 126.0%
1990 12,482 10.9%
2000 13,177 5.6%
2010 12,252 −7.0%
2020 12,865 5.0%
U.S. Decennial Census

Understanding the Population

The United States Census Bureau counts how many people live in cities every ten years. In 2020, South Daytona had 12,865 people. These people lived in 5,587 households, and 3,177 of these were families.

Diversity in South Daytona

The city is home to people from many different backgrounds. Here's a look at the racial makeup of South Daytona, based on the 2010 and 2020 censuses:

South Daytona racial composition
(Hispanics excluded from racial categories)
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
Race Pop 2010 Pop 2020 % 2010 % 2020
White (NH) 9,862 9,666 80.49% 75.13%
Black or African American (NH) 1,315 1,432 10.73% 11.13%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH) 31 36 0.25% 0.28%
Asian (NH) 133 162 1.09% 1.26%
Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian (NH) 7 12 0.06% 0.09%
Some other race (NH) 18 47 0.15% 0.37%
Two or more races/Multiracial (NH) 214 559 1.75% 4.35%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 672 951 5.48% 7.39%
Total 12,252 12,865 100.00% 100.00%

Economy and Businesses

Local Businesses and Partners

South Daytona is home to many different companies and organizations. These businesses help the city's economy grow and provide jobs for residents. Some of these partners include:

  • CSR Rinker (a company that makes concrete products)
  • Premier Bathrooms Corporate headquarters (a company that sells special bathtubs)
  • International Academy (a school for cosmetology, which is about hair and beauty)
  • National Association for Public Safety Communications Officers (an organization for people who work in public safety communication)
  • Coastal Designs (a business that creates resin coatings)
  • John's Appliance City (a store that sells home appliances)
  • Giles Electric (an electrical contractor)
  • Volusia Construction (a construction company)
  • Votran (the public transportation system for Volusia County)

Shopping Centers

For shopping, residents and visitors can go to:

  • Big Tree Plaza
  • Sunshine Park Mall
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