Minneola, Florida: A Growing City in Lake County

Minneola, Florida, is a city located in Lake County, part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,843. The city’s name, derived from the Dakota language, means “much water.”

History

Prior to European colonization, the area now known as Minneola was inhabited by the Timucua people. Epidemics and conflicts led to a decline in the Timucua population, and the region was later inhabited by the Seminole people. Following the Adams–Onís Treaty of 1819, Florida became a territory of the United States.

Etymology

The name “Minneola” originates from the Dakota language, meaning “much water,” composed of the words “mni” (water) and “ota” (much/many). George W. Hull’s wife chose the name for the city.

Geography and Demographics

Minneola covers a total area of 11.47 square miles (29.70 km²), with 11.13 square miles (28.83 km²) being land and 0.33 square miles (0.86 km²) being water. The city’s elevation is 138 feet (42 m). The population density is 1,243.4 people per square mile (480.09/km²).

Government and Infrastructure

Minneola operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The city’s ZIP code is 34715, and it is served by area code 352.

Local Attractions and Community

Minneola is home to several homeowners associations, including Park Ridge on Lake Minneola HOA, Pine Bluff of Minneola HOA, and Quail Valley. The city is too known for the Minneola tangelo, a citrus fruit named after the city.

Key Takeaways

• Minneola is a growing city in Lake County, Florida, with a population of 13,843 as of 2020.
• The city’s name comes from the Dakota language and means “much water.”
• Minneola has a rich history, originally inhabited by the Timucua and Seminole people.
• The city is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area.