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Eustis is a city in
Lake County, Florida Lake County is a county in the central portion of the U.S. state of Florida. As of the 2020 census, the population was 383,956. Its county seat is Tavares, and its largest city is Clermont. Lake County is included in the Orlando–Kissimme ...
, United States. It lies about 35 miles northwest of
Orlando, Florida Orlando ( ) is a city in and the county seat of Orange County, Florida, United States. The city proper had a population of 307,573 at the 2020 census, making it the fourth-most populous city in Florida behind Jacksonville, Florida, Jacksonville ...
and is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population in the
city proper A city proper is the geographical area contained within city limits. The term ''proper'' is not exclusive to city, cities; it can describe the geographical area within the boundaries of any given locality. The United Nations defines the term as " ...
was 23,189 at the 2020 census. Eustis is often referred to by its motto "America’s Hometown" and is known for its small-town charm. The City of Eustis holds a festival every year which begins on the last Friday of February and runs through Sunday and has been held since 1902. This annual festival, referred to as GeorgeFest, is recognized as the longest consecutive running event held in honor of
George Washington George Washington (, 1799) was a Founding Fathers of the United States, Founding Father and the first president of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. As commander of the Continental Army, Washington led Patriot (American Revoluti ...
, first President of the United States.


History

Eustis is one of several towns in Lake County that trace their origins to the 1870s, a post-
Civil War A civil war is a war between organized groups within the same Sovereign state, state (or country). The aim of one side may be to take control of the country or a region, to achieve independence for a region, or to change government policies.J ...
era when settlers moved southward into the Florida frontier. The city is named after then Colonel Abraham Eustis, a U.S. Army officer who served during the
Seminole Wars The Seminole Wars (also known as the Florida Wars) were a series of three military conflicts between the United States and the Seminoles that took place in Florida between about 1816 and 1858. The Seminoles are a Native American nation which co ...
and skirmished along the south shore of what is now Lake Eustis, near Tavares.


Early Settlement and Founding (1825–1880)

The U.S. government opened the region for homesteading in the 1850s, though settlement was delayed by the Civil War. Surveying was completed in 1875, and by 1876, A.S. Pendry had homesteaded on the eastern shore of Lake Eustis and planted a citrus grove. In 1877, he opened the Ocklawaha Hotel and operated a post office from its lobby under the name “Pendryville.” By 1879, Pendry platted 80 acres of his land as Pendryville, but the settlement’s name changed shortly thereafter to Lake Eustis, and then simply “Eustis.” G.D. Clifford, another early settler, opened a general store and launched the area’s first mail service. The second floor of his store was used to organize Eustis’s first churches, including Episcopal,
Methodist Methodism, also called the Methodist movement, is a Protestant Christianity, Christian Christian tradition, tradition whose origins, doctrine and practice derive from the life and teachings of John Wesley. George Whitefield and John's brother ...
, and
Presbyterian Presbyterianism is a historically Reformed Protestant tradition named for its form of church government by representative assemblies of elders, known as "presbyters". Though other Reformed churches are structurally similar, the word ''Pr ...
congregations. In 1878, Eustis was connected to
Leesburg, Florida Leesburg is a city in Lake County, Florida, Lake County, Florida, United States. As of 2020, the population had exactly 27,000 residents. Leesburg is in central Florida, between Lake Harris (Florida), Lake Harris and Lake Griffin, at the head o ...
and Mellonville, (now Sanford) via telegraph. Before the arrival of railroads, steamboats served as the main means of travel and shipping. Eustis was connected by steamer to Mellonville and
Jacksonville Jacksonville ( ) is the most populous city proper in the U.S. state of Florida, located on the Atlantic coast of North Florida, northeastern Florida. It is the county seat of Duval County, Florida, Duval County, with which the City of Jacksonv ...
via the
St. Johns River The St. Johns River () is the longest river in the U.S. state of Florida and is the most significant one for commercial and recreational use. At long, it flows north and winds through or borders 12 counties. The drop in elevation from River s ...
. A key boat landing was located at the foot of Macdonald Avenue, which became a commercial corridor.


Railroad and Incorporation (1880–1890s)

In 1880, the St. Johns and Lake Eustis Railway reached Fort Mason, north of Eustis, transforming travel and commerce. The first train coming from Astor to Fort Mason, where passengers and freight made lake steamer connections to Leesburg, Helena, Yalaha, Bloomfield, Lane Park, and Tavares. The town grew rapidly with new stores, schools, a bank, and churches. In 1881, Clifford and Smith built the town’s first general store building. By 1883, residents voted to drop “Lake” from the name and incorporated the City of Eustis. D.W. Herrick was elected the first mayor. Bertie Clifford was the first baby born before Eustis was incorporated in 1883, and Edith Hutchins the first baby of the newly incorporated town. In 1886, Dr. J.H. Potter and Professor Byron F. Marsh established the Eustis Seminary, a school serving grades 1–12 near today’s Eustis High School. The school closed in 1895 due to financial constraints. An 1887 business directory listed the Clifford Store as a regional commercial hub, selling goods from groceries to hardware. Its upstairs opera house served as a cultural venue for
Central Florida Central Florida is a Regions of the United States#Florida, region of the U.S. state of Florida. Different sources give different definitions for the region, but as its name implies it is usually said to comprise the central part of the state, in ...
. On January 1, 1888,
Elias Disney Elias Charles Disney (February 6, 1859September 13, 1941) was a Canadian-American construction worker and entrepreneur. He was best known as the father of Roy and Walt Disney, co-founders of The Walt Disney Company. Elias was a strict and hard ...
and Flora Call—parents of
Walt Disney Walter Elias Disney ( ; December 5, 1901December 15, 1966) was an American animator, film producer, voice actor, and entrepreneur. A pioneer of the Golden age of American animation, American animation industry, he introduced several develop ...
—were married in Kismet, a now-defunct settlement near the
Ocala National Forest The Ocala National Forest is the second largest nationally protected forest in the U.S. State of Florida. It covers of North Central Florida. It is located east of Ocala, Florida, Ocala and southeast of Gainesville, Florida, Gainesville. The ...
. They honeymooned at the Kismet Hotel. In 1909, that hotel was dismantled and reassembled in Eustis as the Grand View Hotel, which operated until 1955.


Citrus Boom and the

Great Freeze The Great Freeze was a period of back-to-back freezes during the winter of 1894–95 in the Southern United States, particularly notable for destroying much of the citrus crop in Northern Florida. Entire communities, such as Earnestville, fa ...
(1890s)

Citrus farming became a cornerstone of the Eustis economy in the late 19th century. The area was surrounded by orange groves, and packing houses shipped produce to northern markets. However, the
Great Freeze The Great Freeze was a period of back-to-back freezes during the winter of 1894–95 in the Southern United States, particularly notable for destroying much of the citrus crop in Northern Florida. Entire communities, such as Earnestville, fa ...
of 1894–1895, followed by another in 1898–1899, devastated crops and crippled the local economy. Despite this, Eustis rebounded and became known as the “Orange Capital of the World.” The
United States Department of Agriculture The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an executive department of the United States federal government that aims to meet the needs of commercial farming and livestock food production, promotes agricultural trade and producti ...
established a research station and lab in Eustis, pioneering the study of citrus plant diseases and hybridization. G.D. Clifford’s Victorian home, designed in 1894, was delayed due to the freeze and completed in 1911. It now houses the Eustis Historical Museum and Preservation Society (also known as The Clifford House). Says Eustis historian Louise Carter, "Even though the freeze brought the town's economy to a standstill, Mr. Clifford kept his lakefront general store open and extended credit until people could recover." According to an 1887 business directory, the Clifford Store on Lake Eustis sold groceries, hardware, building material, fertilizers, stoves, crockery, glassware, hay, and grain. The opera house, on the second floor, was a cultural center of Eustis and a wide swath of Central Florida. The eighteen-room house at the corner of Bay Street and Bates Avenue today houses the Eustis Historical Museum and Preservation Society, and takes visitors back to the gracious Lake County lifestyle of one hundred-odd years ago. Dr. J. H. Potter, the founding pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, encouraged the development of Eustis Seminary in 1886, under the direction of Professor Byron F. Marsh (for whom Marsh Memorial Park is named). The seminary served students from first through twelfth grades. Its buildings were located near the present site of Eustis High School on Washington Avenue. Struggling financially, the school closed around 1895 (reference has been removed - "The First One Hundred Years", First Presbyterian Church website, January 8, 2011 - https://www.fpceustis.com/)


Early 1900s–Great Depression (1900–1930s)

By the early 1900s, Eustis had become a popular winter resort, with the Ocklawaha Hotel catering to wealthy visitors. In 1902, the city began an annual George Washington's Birthday celebration, now called GeorgeFest—the longest consecutively running annual festival in the United States honoring Washington. The
Dixie Highway Dixie Highway was a United States auto trail first planned in 1914 to connect the Midwest with the South. It was part of a system and was expanded from an earlier Miami to Montreal highway. The final system is better understood as a network o ...
and growing use of automobiles brought increased tourism. In 1910s, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot on Magnolia Avenue served train travelers. 1913: The city established Ferran Park , named for local businessman Edgar L. Ferran. A bulkhead and land reclamation project created public green space along Lake Eustis. 1922: The Woman's Club of Eustis opened, now a historic landmark. 1923–1927: Eustis City Hall was constructed in Neoclassical style during the Florida land boom. It now houses municipal offices and is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the Federal government of the United States, United States federal government's official United States National Register of Historic Places listings, list of sites, buildings, structures, Hist ...
. 1923: Frank D. Waterman built the Fountain Inn, which served tourists until it closed in 1936. In 1937, it was converted to Waterman Memorial Hospital.


Mid–Late 20th Century

1955: The Grand View Hotel (formerly the Kismet Hotel) was demolished. 1983: Eustis celebrated its centennial of incorporation. Eustis remained a center for agriculture, including citrus, timber, and vegetables, before transitioning into a residential and commercial hub. Many Victorian homes and early 20th-century buildings survive today and are part of the historic downtown district. Motorboating was—and remains—a popular activity on Lake Eustis, praised in period newspapers as unmatched in Florida.


21st Century

2004: Florida Hospital Waterman (Now AdventHealth Waterman Hospital relocated from downtown to its current site on U.S. 441. 2013: The city completed a major downtown streetscape project as part of its revitalization efforts. 2025: Today, Eustis continues to embrace its motto of “Culture, Opportunity, Vitality” while preserving its rich heritage. The Clifford House serves as a museum showcasing local artifacts and stories from Eustis’s past.


Historic Sites in Eustis, Florida

Eustis, Florida, features a rich collection of historic landmarks that reflect the city’s cultural, civic, and architectural heritage. Several of these properties are listed on the
National Register of Historic Places The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the Federal government of the United States, United States federal government's official United States National Register of Historic Places listings, list of sites, buildings, structures, Hist ...
, highlighting their local and national significance. For a complete listing of registered historic places in the region, see National Register of Historic Places listings in Lake County, Florida. A special thanks is extended to th
City of Eustis
for providing detailed historical information and for their continued efforts in preserving the city's historic identity.


Eustis City Hall

10 N. Grove Street (c. 1923 and 1927): Constructed in two phases completed circa 1923 and 1927, Eustis City Hall was designed by architect Alan J. MacDonough in the Classical Revival style. The building has served various municipal functions, including housing the library, fire department, police department, jail, and civic organization rooms. It continues to function as the center of local government and is a contributing building in the Eustis Commercial Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRIS #05000654).


Clifford House (Eustis Historical Museum)

536 N. Bay Street (c. 1910): Named after G.D. Clifford, an early settler and local merchant who arrived in Eustis in 1875, this Neo-Classical style house was completed in 1911. It served as a private residence until 1983, when it became home to the Eustis Historical Museum & Preservation Society. The Clifford House was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on April 4, 1975.


Alice McClelland Memorial Bandshell

200 Ferran Park Drive (c. 1926): Financed by local banker and civic leader William S. McClelland in honor of his wife, Alice, this bandshell was originally built in 1926 and relocated within Ferran Park in 1936. Designed by Alan J. MacDonough in the Mediterranean Revival style, it is noted for its parabolic acoustical design and is one of the two remaining historic bandshells in Florida. The structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 (NRIS #94000625).


Woman's Club of Eustis

227 N. Center Street (c. 1930): This Neo-Classical style building, designed by Alan J. MacDonough, has been home to the Eustis Woman's Club since its construction in 1931. The club, active since 1902, continues to meet at this location. The building was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on August 5, 1991 (NRIS #91001006).


Grand Magnolia Inn

108 N. Bay Street (c. 1912): Originally opened as the First State Bank in 1913 and known as the "McClelland Building," this Italianate style structure features ornate brickwork and is considered one of the most decorative buildings in downtown Eustis. It is a contributing structure in the Eustis Commercial Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRIS #05000654).


Gethsemane Baptist Church

535 S. Bay Street (c. 1914): Founded in 1884, the current masonry vernacular structure of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church was built in 1914. It features Gothic-style stained glass windows and a notable corner tower with battlements. The church holds significant cultural history as one of the early African American churches in Eustis. It was designated a local landmark in 2000.


Iron Block Building

113–119 N. Bay Street and 112 McCulloch’s Alley (c. 1881): As the oldest commercial building still standing in Eustis, the Iron Block Building showcases traditional downtown development with commercial space on the ground floor and residential units above. It is a contributing structure in the Eustis Commercial Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building was granted local landmark status in 1998.


Crazy Gator’s Restaurant

402 N. Bay Street (c. 1928): Originally the Eustis Feed, Seed, and Supply Co., this masonry vernacular structure has housed various businesses over the years, including a motorcycle shop in the 1970s. It currently operates as a restaurant and continues to contribute to the economic vitality of downtown Eustis. The building was granted local landmark status in 2000.


Ace Theater

1609 E. Bates Avenue (c. 1945): Built as the only theater for African-American moviegoers in Eustis, the Ace Theater served as a significant cultural venue during segregation. The building collapsed in 2010 and was subsequently demolished. It was granted local landmark status in 2001.


The Ferran House

310 East Orange Avenue (c. 1908): Once home to E.L. Ferran, known as the "Grand Old Man of Eustis" and namesake of Ferran Park, this residence was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 16, 2019.


Mt. Olive Cemetery

Huffstetler Road (c. 1909): Established in 1909, Mt. Olive Cemetery holds significant cultural heritage as an African-American cemetery. The original 5-acre site was purchased for $50 and has since expanded to approximately 10 acres. It was incorporated into the city limits in 1991 and was granted local landmark status in 2004.


Geography

According to the
United States Census Bureau The United States Census Bureau, officially the Bureau of the Census, is a principal agency of the Federal statistical system, U.S. federal statistical system, responsible for producing data about the American people and American economy, econ ...
, the city has a total area of , of which is land and (13.28%) is water. Eustis is located in central Florida on the eastern shore of Lake Eustis, one of the Harris Chain of Lakes Harris Chain of Lakes . The city’s terrain is relatively flat, approximately 79 feet (24 meters, with numerous lakes in the surrounding area. Eustis’s climate and geography make outdoor activities like hiking, boating and fishing popular for residents and visitors. The city limits are defined by Eudora, Abrams, and CR 44 (bypass) on the east, CR44 to the north, US Hwy 441 to the south and Lake Eustis and Florida Hospital Waterman to the west.


Zip Codes

Eustis is served by multiple ZIP codes:
32726: This ZIP code encompasses the central urban area of Eustis, including the downtown district, residential neighborhoods, and key civic institutions. It is governed by the City of Eustis.
32736: This ZIP code covers areas within Lake County Florida that are associated with Eustis but fall outside the city limits. It includes rural and suburban regions which are unincorporated communities within Lake County.
32727: This ZIP code is primarily a residential area located to the east of Eustis, covering portions of the city’s outskirts. It includes neighborhoods and suburban areas that are close to Lake Eustis and the surrounding countryside. This area is also governed by the City of Eustis. The distinction between these ZIP codes reflects the division between the city jurisdiction (32726 and 32727) and the county jurisdiction (32736), with the latter encompassing areas that are administratively managed by Lake County rather than the City of Eustis.


Neighboring Municipalities

Tavares, Florida Tavares (, ) is a city and the county seat of Lake County, Florida. The population at the 2020 census was 19,003, and in 2019 the population was estimated to be 17,749. It is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford Metropolitan Statist ...
– Located to the south of Eustis, Tavares is the county seat of Lake County and is known for its seaplane base and waterfront parks.
Mount Dora, Florida – Situated to the east of Eustis, Mount Dora is a popular tourist destination known for its historic district, arts, and antiques.
Leesburg, Florida Leesburg is a city in Lake County, Florida, Lake County, Florida, United States. As of 2020, the population had exactly 27,000 residents. Leesburg is in central Florida, between Lake Harris (Florida), Lake Harris and Lake Griffin, at the head o ...
– Located to the northwest, Leesburg is a larger city in Lake County and serves as a regional hub for retail, dining, and cultural activities.
Umatilla, Florida Umatilla is a city in Lake County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,685 at the 2020 census. Umatilla is known as the Gateway to the Ocala National Forest, located in northern Lake County. History The city was named after Umatilla, ...
– To the north of Eustis, Umatilla is a small city located near the Ocala National Forest, known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida – Situated to the south of Eustis, this small town is known for its charming atmosphere, world class golf courses, and proximity to Lake Harris.
Clermont, Florida Clermont is the most populous city in Lake County, Florida, Lake County, within the U.S. state of Florida. The population was 43,021 in 2020. It is about west of Orlando, Florida, Orlando and southeast of Leesburg, Florida, Leesburg. The cit ...
– Located to the south-southwest of Eustis, Clermont is known for its rolling hills, chain of lakes, and rapidly growing residential communities, as well as being home to sports training facilities and scenic outdoor attractions.The city also boasts a vibrant equestrian scene, featuring facilities such as
Lake Louisa State Park Lake Louisa State Park is a Florida State Park located south of Clermont, in the northeast corner of the Green Swamp and the southwestern shore of Lake Louisa. It is made up of bald cypress, live oak, and saw palmettos. In addition to La ...
These neighboring municipalities form the broader region of the Golden Triangle, which is a local term for the triangle-shaped area formed by Eustis, Tavares, and Mount Dora.


Climate

Eustis has a humid subtropical climate (
Köppen climate classification The Köppen climate classification divides Earth climates into five main climate groups, with each group being divided based on patterns of seasonal precipitation and temperature. The five main groups are ''A'' (tropical), ''B'' (arid), ''C'' (te ...
C-fa), characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, drier winters . Average high temperatures in summer reach the lower 90s °F (~33 °C), and winter low temperatures typically drop into the mid-40s °F (7–10 °C) . Rainfall is plentiful: the city receives approximately 51 inches (1300 mm) of precipitation per year . The summer months (June through September) are the wettest, featuring frequent afternoon thunderstorms and downpours, while the winter and early spring are relatively drier. Snowfall is extremely rare – Eustis averages 0 inches of snow annually. The area is occasionally affected by tropical storms or hurricanes (mainly in the June–November Atlantic hurricane season), but most days feature the sunshine and warm temperatures for which Florida is known. Overall, Eustis’s climate is warm and humid for much of the year, with a long growing season and lush vegetation.


Plant Hardiness (Agricultural Climate)

Eustis, Florida, falls within
USDA Hardiness Zone A hardiness zone is a geographic area defined as having a certain average annual minimum temperature, a factor relevant to the survival of many plants. In some systems other statistics are included in the calculations. The original and most widely ...
9b. This zone offers a long growing season and is conducive to a diverse range of plants, making it ideal for both ornamental and edible gardening. A wide variety of plants thrive in Zone 9b. Citrus trees such as oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines are especially well-suited to the climate, providing both aesthetic appeal and fruit production. Additionally, many vegetables, herbs, and flowering plants flourish in this zone. When selecting plants, gardeners should consider factors such as sunlight exposure, water needs, and pest management to ensure success. Even within Zone 9b, microclimates may occur due to changes in elevation, proximity to water bodies, and urban development. These microclimates can influence temperature and humidity levels, thereby impacting plant performance. Gardeners are encouraged to observe their specific site conditions and adapt their plant choices and cultivation methods accordingly.


Native Plant Species for Eustis (Zone 9b)

Incorporating native plants into gardens and landscapes supports local ecosystems and biodiversity. Below is a selection of native species well-suited for Eustis and the surrounding Lake County area: Eustis Lake Beardtongue (''Penstemon australis'') – A perennial herb with pink to violet tubular flowers, attracting pollinators in spring. American Beautyberry (''Callicarpa americana'') – A deciduous shrub known for its vibrant purple berries that attract birds. Scarlet Hibiscus (''Hibiscus coccineus'') – Also known as swamp hibiscus, this plant features striking red flowers and thrives in moist soils. Muhly Grass (''Muhlenbergia capillaris'') – An ornamental grass with airy pink-purple inflorescences, tolerant of drought and poor soils. Coral Honeysuckle (''Lonicera sempervirens'') – A vine with tubular red flowers that attract hummingbirds, suitable for trellises and fences. Butterfly Milkweed (''Asclepias tuberosa'') – A host plant for monarch butterflies, featuring bright orange flowers. Southern Live Oak (''Quercus virginiana'') – A majestic, long-lived tree providing habitat and food for various wildlife species. Coontie (''Zamia integrifolia'') – Florida's only native cycad, serving as a larval host for the atala butterfly. Tickseed (''Coreopsis spp.'') – Florida's state wildflower, known for its bright yellow blooms and adaptability. Blue-eyed Grass (''Sisyrinchium angustifolium'') – A grass-like perennial with star-shaped blue flowers, suitable for borders and meadows. These native species are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, often requiring less maintenance and water than non-native plants. Incorporating them into landscapes supports local wildlife and promotes ecological balance.


Demographics


Population

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, there were 23,189 people residing in Eustis (32726), a significant increase from 18,558 in 2010. The city had 8,106 households and 5,485 families. The 2023 U.S Census American Community Survey 5-Year estimates ZIP Code 32726 and 32736, which cover Eustis and surrounding communities in Lake County, Florida, have a combined population of approximately 35,467 residents. There was no data for zip code 32727. 32726 accounts for 23,885 people, while 32736 includes 11,582. The population is relatively evenly distributed by gender, with 32726 slightly skewed toward females (52.4%) and 32736 exhibiting near parity. 2025 population estimate is 25,300 people residing in the city of Eustis. These population numbers do not account for people living in the county area of Eustis (zip code 32736), which is estimated to include an additional 12,000 people. ''Population Note:Eustis also serves as the center for many small communities of Rural East Lake County including Cassia and Pine Lakes. These communities are not reflected in the Census Bureau's city statistics but make up for the vast discrepancy in county to city statistics. When the rural statistics are compiled into the city stats, the total population of Eustis topped 50,000 in 2000 according the
US Census The United States census (plural censuses or census) is a census that is legally mandated by the Constitution of the United States. It takes place every ten years. The first census after the American Revolution was taken in 1790 under Secretar ...
. ''


Population by Decade


Age Distribution

Age distribution trends show that about 21% of residents in both ZCTAs are under the age of 18, and adults aged 65 and over comprise approximately 21% in 32726 and 20.9% in 32736. The median age in ZCTA 32726 is 40.6 years, compared to 49.5 years in ZCTA 32736, indicating an older population in the latter area. Dependency ratios also reflect this demographic trend, with 32726 reporting a child dependency ratio of 35.6 and an old-age dependency ratio of 36.1. In contrast, 32736 has slightly lower child and old-age dependency ratios, at 31.4 and 34.7 respectively.


Racial Demographics


Other Census Distribution Data

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 23,189 people, 8,106 households, and 5,485 families residing in the city. In 2020, there were 1,762 veterans living in the city and 12.2% were foreign born persons. There were 2.55 persons per household. 92.8% of the households had a computer and 87.1% of households had a broadband internet subscription. Of the population older than 25 years in 2020, 86.9% had a high school degree or higher and 19.0% of that same population had a Bachelor’s degree or higher.11.7% of the population 65 years and older lived with a disability and 19.1% of that same population did not have health insurance. 6.0% were under 5 years old, 20.7% were 18 years old, 21.0%. 51.9% of the population were female. In 2020, the median household income was $52,074 and the per capita income was $26,974. 16.0% of the population lived below the
poverty threshold The poverty threshold, poverty limit, poverty line, or breadline is the minimum level of income deemed adequate in a particular country. The poverty line is usually calculated by estimating the total cost of one year's worth of necessities for ...
. The population per square mile 2,123.7. As of the 2010 United States census, there were 18,558 people, 7,491 households, and 4,695 families residing in the city.


Education

Overall, the city places an emphasis on education and lifelong learning, with community support for its schools exemplified by events like high school homecoming parades, band concerts in Ferran Park, and active school alumni associations.


Primary and Secondary Education

Public education in Eustis is overseen by Lake County Schools, the county-wide public school district. Eustis has two elementary schools: Eustis Elementary School (established in 1925) and Eustis Heights Elementary. The city also has one middle school, Eustis Middle School, serving grades 6–8. Eustis High School Curtright Campus, established in 1925, is dedicated solely to 9th grade students. Eustis High School (established in 1886) serves the city’s high school students and is known for its award-winning athletics and band programs. Eustis is also home to a public charter school, Alee Academy, which provides alternative and vocational-focused high school education.


Post-Secondary Education

Eustis hosts the main campus of Lake Technical College (Lake Tech), a public vocational and technical school offering programs in healthcare, automotive technology, welding, culinary arts, and emergency services. It is a key resource for workforce development in the area. Nearby Lake-Sumter State College offers two-year degrees and transfer programs. The
University of Central Florida The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a public university, public research university with its main campus in unincorporated area, unincorporated Orange County, Florida, United States. It is part of the State University System of Florida. ...
(UCF) is located approximately 43 miles from Eustis, and the
University of Florida The University of Florida (Florida or UF) is a public university, public land-grant university, land-grant research university in Gainesville, Florida, United States. It is a senior member of the State University System of Florida and a preem ...
is about 80 miles away. Several other universities in the Central Florida region are also within driving distance, providing residents with access to a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.


Public Library and Lifelong Learning

Eustis is served by the Eustis Memorial Library , which is part of the Lake County Library System. The library offers books, digital resources, educational programs, and community meeting spaces. Educational exhibits, workshops, and cultural programs are also provided by local organizations such as the Clifford House Museum and Arching Oaks Art and Culture Center (a traditional Japanese cultural center).


Educational Institutions in Eustis, Florida


Transportation

Eustis, Florida, is primarily served by U.S. Highway 441 (US 441), which connects the city to neighboring communities such as Tavares, Mount Dora, Umatilla, and Leesburg. Several expressways and major roads are within a reasonable distance, providing regional connectivity.


Expressway Access

Interstate 75 (I-75): Approximately 35 miles northwest of Eustis, accessible via State Road 44 (SR 44) west to Interstate 75 in Wildwood. I-75 is a major north-south interstate running from Miami to the Michigan–Canada border. Florida's Turnpike: Intersects with I-75 at Exit 307 in Wildwood, about 20 miles north of Eustis. This toll road runs from Miami to Wildwood, facilitating long-distance travel. State Road 429 (Western Beltway): Located approximately 25 miles southeast of Eustis, SR 429 provides an alternative north-south route, enhancing access to the Florida Turnpike and area attractions.


Public Transportation

Public transportation in Eustis is available through the
LakeXpress LakeXpress (officially the Lake County Office of Transit Services) is a public transportation agency in Lake County, Florida. The agency operates fixed-route service throughout the county, and it also provides paratransit under the name Lake Cou ...
bus system, operated by
Lake County, Florida Lake County is a county in the central portion of the U.S. state of Florida. As of the 2020 census, the population was 383,956. Its county seat is Tavares, and its largest city is Clermont. Lake County is included in the Orlando–Kissimme ...
. LakeXpress Route 1 runs through Eustis, connecting it with Mount Dora and Tavares, providing residents with a public transit option along the US 441 corridor.


Airports

Orlando Sanford International Airport Orlando Sanford International Airport is a commercial, public use airport in Sanford, Florida, United States, near Orlando. It was built as Naval Air Station Sanford, a Master Jet Base for carrier-based attack and reconnaissance aircraft, ...
: Approximately a 45-minute drive east of Eustis, offering commercial flights.
Orlando International Airport Orlando International Airport is the primary international airport located southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. In 2024, it had 57,211,628 passengers, making it the busiest airport in the state and ninth busiest airport in the United St ...
: Roughly an hour’s drive to the southeast, providing a wide range of domestic and international flights.


Rail Service

Eustis currently lacks passenger rail service. The nearest
SunRail SunRail is a commuter rail system in the Greater Orlando, Florida, area. Services began on May 1, 2014. The system comprises 17 stations along a former CSX Transportation line connecting Volusia County and Osceola County through Downtown Orla ...
commuter rail stations are in DeBary and Sanford, both accessible by car. Historically, Eustis was served by the Orange Belt Railway and later the Atlantic Coast Line for freight; however, these rail lines are now inactive or used solely for freight purposes.


Local Transportation

Within the city, most residents depend on private automobiles for transportation. The street network includes a traditional downtown grid (with Bay Street and Magnolia Avenue as key thoroughfares) and more suburban-style roads in newer developments. The city has undertaken streetscape improvements downtown to enhance pedestrian access. A planned extension of the Wekiva Trail will eventually connect Eustis with other communities via a biking and walking path. Ferran Park’s walkway along Lake Eustis is a popular spot for pedestrians, and the city is adding sidewalks and bike lanes to improve local mobility.


Festivals and Events

Eustis is home to a variety of vibrant festivals and events that reflect the city’s heritage and community spirit: GeorgeFest: An annual celebration of George Washington's birthday, held since 1902. It features parades, a carnival, live music, food vendors, and fireworks over Lake Eustis. It is the longest continuously running George Washington Birthday festival in the United States. Independence Day Celebration: Held at Ferran Park, this event includes fireworks, live music, and family-friendly activities along the waterfront. Eustis Street Fest: A monthly event held on the first Friday of every month, featuring food trucks, live entertainment, and local vendors in downtown Eustis. Craft Fairs and Farmers Markets: Regular events offering local handmade goods, fresh produce, and opportunities for community gathering. Eustis Fall Festival: A celebration of the season with pumpkin carving, live entertainment, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.


Local Attractions and Parks


Attractions

Eustis Aquatic Center: Located at 250 Ferran Park Drive, this center features a heated outdoor pool, splash pad, and offers swimming lessons and fitness programs. Eustis Skate Park: Situated at 4001 W. Ward Avenue, this 10,000-square-foot facility includes a street plaza and a bowl designed to resemble a backyard pool. Trout Lake Nature Center: A 230-acre wildlife preserve offering hiking trails, educational programs, and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. Carla Gnann-Thompson Memorial Dog Park: Located at 601 Disston Avenue, the dog park offers separate play areas for small and large dogs, shaded seating, agility features, and water stations.


Parks

Ferran Park: The city's central park on the shores of Lake Eustis, featuring a lakefront promenade, fishing pier, playgrounds, picnic areas, and the historic Alice McClelland Memorial Bandshell. Sunset Island Park: Offers covered picnic areas, a skatepark, playground, and tennis courts. Bennett Park: Provides space for both passive and active recreational activities. Pendleton Park: Adjacent to the Eustis Community Center, this park overlooks Lake Eustis and provides access to the Eustis Lake Walk. Carver Park: Features a basketball court, picnic tables, playground, and sports pavilion. Palmetto Point Park: Includes a half-mile walking trail with exercise stations, a multipurpose field, and restrooms. Hidden Waters Preserve: A 90-acre nature reserve featuring a sinkhole lake, hardwood hammock, and sandhill habitats.


Notable people

* Keon Ellis,
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, diplomat, antiquarian, and novelist * Tzimon Barto, classical pianist *
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poet and artist * Rod Brewer,
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professional baseball player * Joe Burnett,
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professional football player * Kerry Carpenter,
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, MLB professional baseball player * Patricia Sullivan, political activist * David Walker, astronaut *
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References


External links


City of Eustis

Lake County Tourism
*
Florida State Parks
{{authority control Cities in Lake County, Florida Cities in the Greater Orlando Cities in Florida