Williston, Florida facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Williston, Florida
City
City of Williston
Welcome sign for Williston, Florida, March 2019
Motto(s):  "Gateway to the Nature Coast"
Location in Levy County and the state of Florida
Country	United States
State	Florida
County	Levy
Government
• Type	Council-Manager
Area
• Total	6.84 sq mi (17.73 km2)
• Land	6.83 sq mi (17.68 km2)
• Water	0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2)
Elevation	75 ft (23 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	2,976
• Density	435.98/sq mi (168.32/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code	32696
Area code(s)	352
FIPS code	12-77825
GNIS feature ID	0293351

Williston is a city located in Levy County, Florida, in the United States. It is known as the "Gateway to the Nature Coast", a beautiful area along Florida's Gulf Coast.

In 2020, about 2,976 people lived in Williston. This was a small increase from 2,768 people in 2010. Williston is also part of the larger Gainesville area.

History of Williston

The city of Williston was founded a long time ago, even before 1885. It was named by J. M. Willis, who established the city.

Geography and Climate

Williston is found at these coordinates: 29°23′13″N 82°26′48″W / 29.38694°N 82.44667°W / 29.38694; -82.44667. This helps us pinpoint its exact location on a map.

Weather in Williston

The weather in Williston is usually warm. Summers are hot and humid, meaning there's a lot of moisture in the air. Winters are generally mild, not too cold. This type of weather is called a humid subtropical climate.

Population and People

Williston has seen its population grow over the years. Here's how many people have lived in the city according to past census counts:

In 2020, there were 2,976 people living in Williston. These people made up 937 households and 590 families. In 2010, there were 2,768 people and 1,184 households.

Fun Things to Do

Williston offers some unique attractions and events.

Festivals and Events

Every October, Williston hosts the Central Florida Harvest and Peanut Festival. It's a fun event that celebrates the local harvest, especially peanuts!

Outdoor Adventures

Williston is home to two amazing spots for diving: Devil's Den and Blue Grotto. These are part of a huge system of underground springs in the area. They are very popular for people who love to explore underwater caves.

Sports History

Williston is famous for being the birthplace of a special horse named Foolish Pleasure. This horse won the 1975 Kentucky Derby, which is a very famous horse race!

Getting Around Williston

Williston has important roads, a railroad, and even an airport.

Main Roads

Several major roads pass through Williston, connecting it to other parts of Florida. These include:

• US 27
• 
  US 27 Alt.
• US 41
• SR 121

Before southbound US 27-41 and SR 121 splits in Williston, April 2009

Train Services

In the past, people could travel by train from the Williston Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot and the Seaboard Air Line Railroad depot. Today, the depot is used for bus service that connects to train routes in Jacksonville and Lakeland.

Trains still carry goods through Williston on the Florida Northern Railroad's tracks.

Williston Municipal Airport

Williston has its own airport called Williston Municipal Airport (X60). It's a public airport located a short distance southwest of the city center.

Education and Learning

The School Board of Levy County manages the public schools in Williston.

Local Schools

Children in Williston attend these public schools:

• Williston High School (for grades 6 through 12)
• Williston Elementary School (for grades 3 through 5)
• Joyce Bullock Elementary School (for Pre-Kindergarten through grade 2)

Williston Public Library

The city also has a local library branch provided by Levy County. The Williston Public Library is in a historic building that used to be the Perkins State Bank, one of Florida's oldest banks.

See also

In Spanish: Williston (Florida) para niños