Maitland
Florida
City Of Maitland
History:
Maitland, one of the oldest incorporated municipalities in Central Florida, is a city rich in history. The area was once called Fumecheliga (Musk Mellon Place) by the Seminole Indians before it was established as Fort Maitland in 1838 by the U.S. Army. The fort was named after captain William Seton Maitland, a hero of the Seminole Wars who, ironically, was never in this area, having died in a battle near Tampa. At that time, the only way of getting to Central Florida was by boat from Jacksonville down the St. Johns River to Fort Mellon (Sanford), then by horse or foot. Fort Maitland was a small fort built on the west shore of Lake Maitland as a rest stop between Fort Mellon and Fort Gatlin (Orlando). What is now Maitland Avenue was part of the Old Black Bear Trail which ran from Montreal, Canada to St. Petersburg, Florida, and passed by the fort.
When the Indian wars ceased and the fort had been torn down, people began settling in this area because of the natural spring water and extensive pine forests. At the close of the Civil War, settlers came buying large tracts of land, clearing them and planting citrus groves. The first deed for property in the city was written in 1873 to George H. Packwood who built a large hall for town meetings and social gatherings. Packwood Hall, since burned down, was located where City Hall now is. There was a large hotel, Park House, built between Park Lake and Lake Catherine, which became the winter resort for famous people of the time, including two presidents, Grover Cleveland and Chester Arthur.
By 1876 the orange trees were coming into production and difficulty in marketing the fruit caused Dr. Haskell, of the Boston Herald newspaper, to form a syndicate and construct a railroad from Jacksonville to Maitland. This was completed to Maitland in 1880 and for several years, Maitland had an ice factory, two livery stables, and besides the citrus groves, a large packing house in the center of town. As many as 300,000 boxes of fruit were to be shipped each season. The city was incorporated as the Town of Lake Maitland in 1885. After two years of devastating, tree killing freezes in 1894 and 1895, many of the grove owners were so financially affected that they left Florida. The town survived, however, and wealthy visitors kept coming to enjoy the climate. By 1926, Maitland had its largest year in citrus.
In the 1950’s the space age had the eyes of the nation on Central Florida. The Martin Marietta Corporation, as we know it today, moved from Baltimore to Orlando. Families were moved down in contingents of two or three hundred at a time. Due to its proximity to the plant, Maitland became a natural place for them to come. In 1959 a new city charter changed the name from Lake Maitland to Maitland.
In the 1960’s, Maitland Avenue and Orlando Avenue (U.S. Highway 17-92) came alive with building construction. Supermarkets opened, as did restaurants, service stations, condominiums, garden apartments and churches. Even though the nation was in a recession, the arrival of Disney World, in 1971, to the Orlando area, had a strong impact on the continuous growth of Maitland. New buildings were sorely needed and numerous older buildings were demolished, including those on the site of the new City Hall, Fire and Police Departments. This complex was completed in 1975.
The growth of the city continued to spiral during the 1970’s. Between 1972 and 1979, five branch banking establishments moved to Maitland, and twelve new residential subdivisions were developed. Late in the 1970’s, 226 acres of land were purchased by an Atlanta, Georgia firm and developed into Maitland Center west of Interstate 4. Maitland Center is within the city limits and continues to grow.
While growth continues, residents of the city are proud of the city’s past and actively pursue preservation of historical residences. A “historical corridor” has been established. This corridor encompasses old residences still standing and occupied in the Lake Lily-Lake Catherine area and extending through the Central portion of the city. Examples of these homes are: the Arthur O’Heir House (1885), Chadburne Hall or High Oaks (1890), the James Arch House (1885), the Robert L. Wagner House (1881) and the Hill-Stone House (1908). Also, the Florida Audubon Society was founded in Maitland and continues in its protection of wild birds on Lake Sybelia.
The City of Maitland has a history of strong residential identity, sustained by the beauty of the area and the diverse economy in the region. This history continues today, and the City will maintain and advance this tradition well into the future.
Recent News
City Of Maitland News - Getdown Downtown
Getdown Downtown Maitland's next Getdown Downtown street party will feature music from Blue Stone Circle - one of Central Florida's most established special event bands - along with great food, vendors and family fun from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March…
Read More »City Of Maitland News Maitland Movies in the Park - Ghostbusters
Maitland's next Movies in the Park will feature the original "Ghostbusters" starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Sigourney Weaver at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, in Independence Square next to City Hall. Free admission and popcorn. Bring chairs and…
Read More »City Of Maitland News Election Qualifying
Qualifying for the March 14 municipal elections of City Council Seat #2 and Seat #4 will be from 12 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, to 12 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27. The City Clerk's Office will open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, for only candidate…
Read More »City Of Maitland News : Farmer's Market
The Maitland Farmer's Market is held every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Independence Lane next to City Hall. Shop plants and flowers, crafts, food, and more. Live acoustic music is provided courtesy of Performing Arts Matters. Relax in the…
Read More »City Of Maitland News : Movies in the Park - Elf
Maitland's Movies in the Park will feature the holiday classic "Elf" at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, in Independence Square next to City Hall, 1776 Independence Lane. Enjoy a movie under the stars, free popcorn, games for kids and more. Admission is…
Read More »City Of Maitland News - New Hours
New Hours The City of Maitland will have new hours of operation beginning January 1. City Hall and administrative offices (including utility billing, community development and human resources) will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through…
Read More »City Of Maitland - News Yard Debris
Residential yard debris following Tropical Storm Nicole is collected by WastePro each Wednesday in the City of Maitland. Yard debris must be placed in bags or containers weighing no more than 50 pounds each or tied together in bundles measuring…
Read More »City Of Maitland : Toy Drive
The Maitland Police Department is collecting toys to benefit the New Hope For Kids’ Bag of Hope annual toy drive. New Hope for Kids supports children and families grieving the death of a loved one and to grant wishes to children with…
Read More »City Of Maitland News : Getdown Downtown
Dance in the holidays with Maitland's Getdown Downtown street party from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, on Independence Lane with food and drinks, kids activities, vendors and live music from the John Sparling Band. Admission is…
Read More »City Of Maitland News Holiday Food Drive
The Maitland Police Department and the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd are collecting unexpired, non-perishable food items to support families in need during the holidays. Donate food at the Police Department, City Hall or the Venue on the…
Read More »City Of Maitland News Don't Drink And Drive
Each day about 32 people die from drunk-driving crashes in the United States. Driving while impaired puts you, your passengers, pedestrians and other drivers in danger. Even a small amount of alcohol can impact driving. A blood alcohol…
Read More »City Of Maitland News : Sign Up for Emergency Notifications
Stay informed about emergency information from the City of Maitland. Sign up to receive emergency notifications at www.itsmymaitland.com/notifyme . Creating an account is quick and easy. Choose to receive text messages and/or e-mail alerts from…
Read More »City Of Maitland News : Sandbags Available to City Residents
Self-fill sandbags are available to city residents today, Wednesday, while supplies last at Maitland Community Park, 1400 Mayo Ave. A limit of ten bags is available per household. The entrance to the park can be accessed from Mayo Avenue at…
Read More »City Of Maitland News Season of Light
Maitland's annual Season of Light celebration will be from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Lake Lily Park. Bring the family for snow sledding, carnival games, fireworks, vendors, a tree lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa. Music and…
Read More »City Of Maitland : Hurricane Debris Collection
Debris collection from Hurricane Ian will continue through this week in some residential areas of Maitland. Contracted companies have worked for more than three weeks, hauling away more than 12,000 cubic yards of debris so far, to complete most of…
Read More »Maitland Police Department News - Food Drive
The Maitland Police Department is collecting unexpired, non-perishable food items through Nov. 17 to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Drop off food inside collections located at the Police Department, 1837 Fennell St., City…
Read More »City Of Maitland Hurricane Debris Update - October 14, 2022
Hurricane Debris Update Debris collection is proceeding in Maitland, slowed by long wait times at regional waste drop-off locations. While much of Maitland has been collected - a total of 9,000 cubic yards so far - various areas are still targeted…
Read More »City Of Maitland News : Safety with Emergency Generators
Always use extra caution when using an emergency generator. Here are some very important tips, courtesy of the American Red Cross: The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine…
Read More »City Of Maitland News : Garbage And Recycling Collections
WastePro will conduct all regularly scheduled residential curbside pickups on Wednesday, Sept. 28. Updates for Thursday and Friday collections (Sept. 29-30) will be announced with pending weather updates associated with Hurricane Ian. If possible,…
Read More »City Of Maitland News Orange County Emergency Shelters
Orange County Government will open emergency shelters Wednesday, Sept. 28 for residents needing to evacuate or seek shelter from Hurricane Ian. ID cards are not required to enter shelters. Apopka High School, 8 a.m. (pet friendly) Dr. Phillips…
Read More »City Of Maitland News - Open House
Open House The Maitland Police Department will host an open house for the community from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, at 1837 Fennell St. Bring the family for station tours, police vehicles and displays. For more information, please call (407)…
Read More »City Of Maitland News - Movies in the Park
Maitland’s Movie in the Park series will present the animated Disney-Pixar hit flick “UP” at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, in Independence Square next to City Hall, 1776 Independence Lane. Enjoy free admission, free popcorn and games…
Read More »City Of Maitland News - Getdown Downtown
Maitland's Getdown Downtown street party presented by Orlando Health will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, on Independence Lane with food, vendors, kids play area and live music from Bangers and Mash. Admission is free. Parking is available on…
Read More »City Of Maitland News - Night of Hoops
Hey parents. Give the kids a break from school at the Night of Hoops from 6:30 to 9 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Maitland Middle School Gym. The event will feature basketball, dodgeball, pizza and more for kids in K-8th grades. Cost is…
Read More »City Of Maitland News : School Supply Drive
The Maitland Police Department's annual school supply drive wraps up this Wednesday, Aug. 3, with a big Stuff the Truck event from 2 to 4 p.m. at Blackbird Comics and Coffeehouse, 500 E. Horatio Ave. in downtown Maitland. Donate needed school…
Read More »City Of Maitland News : Farmer's Market
The Maitland Farmer's Market has new summer hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays on Independence Lane. The change closes the market 30 minutes early due to the seasonal heat and frequent rain showers. Come early to shop dozens of vendors with fresh…
Read More »City Of Maitland News : Tree City
Maitland is proud to celebrate its 12th year as part of the national Tree City USA program. The city is among more than 3,600 Tree City USA communities, with a combined population of 155 million people. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by…
Read More »City Of Maitland News : School Resource Officers
Maitland Middle School_OCPS Resource Officer Washington (left) and Lake Sybelia Elementary Resource Officer Reardon are attending the Florida Association of School Resource Officers’ 43rd Annual School Safety Training Conference this week in…
Read More »City Of Maitland - School Supply Drive
The Maitland Police Department has started its annual Back to School Supply Drive. Donation boxes are placed at locations around the city to accept contributions of paper, pencils, notebooks, crayons, rulers, glue, erasers, backpacks and other…
Read More »City Of Maitland - Funeral for Sharon Anselmo
A funeral mass to remember late City Manager Sharon Anselmo will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 10, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 526 N. Park St. in Winter Park. A reception will follow. DeGusipe Funeral Home is managing arrangements. In lieu…
Read More »City Of Maitland - Fertilizer Restrictions
Maintaining a nice yard can require a lot of work - not a lot of fertilizer. Most fertilizers contain nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. When used in excess, these nutrients can wash away during rain storms and flow into public stormwater…
Read More »City Of Maitland News City Manager Sharon Anselmo
The City of Maitland is saddened to announce the passing of City Manager Sharon Anselmo Monday evening following an unfortunate series of illnesses. Sharon served the city for 24 years, beginning as senior accountant and advancing through several…
Read More »