Nestled between Orlando and Daytona Beach, DeLand, Florida shines as a vibrant hub of history and culture within the sunshine state. Known as the "Athens of Florida," this enchanting town beautifully balances the richness of its heritage with a forward-looking spirit that embraces the future.
DeLand delights residents and visitors alike with its stunning architecture and lively art scene. The historic downtown area, with its lovingly restored buildings and
tree-lined streets, serves as the perfect backdrop for the numerous festivals and events held throughout the year. Stetson University, Florida's first private college, not only contributes to the educational landscape but also lends an invigorating youthful energy to the town.
Surrounded by scenic parks and natural reserves, DeLand is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby Blue Spring State Park, known for its warm springs and year-round manatee populations, offers
Discover the Charm and Vibrancy of DeLand,
4 | HelloDeLand, Florida • Winter Issue
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kayaking, hiking, and bird-watching opportunities that are sure to satisfy nature lovers.
Moreover, DeLand's community spirit, felt through friendly neighbors and welcoming local businesses, ensures everyone feels at home. Whether exploring cultural treasures, enjoying outdoor adventures, or simply relishing the warmth of its people, DeLand provides a living experience as sunny and heartwarming as a...
Discover the Charm and Vibrancy of DeLand,
Discover the Charm and Vibrancy of DeLand, Florida
Nestled between Orlando and Daytona Beach, DeLand, Florida shines as a vibrant hub of history and culture within the sunshine state. Known as the "Athens of Florida," this enchanting town beautifully balances the richness of its heritage with a forward-looking spirit that embraces the future.
DeLand delights residents and visitors alike with its stunning architecture and lively art scene. The historic downtown area, with its lovingly restored buildings and tree-lined streets, serves as the perfect backdrop for the numerous festivals and events held throughout the year. Stetson University, Florida's first private college, not only contributes to the educational landscape but also lends an invigorating youthful energy to the town.
Surrounded by scenic parks and natural reserves, DeLand is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby Blue Spring State Park, known for its warm springs and year-round manatee populations, offers kayaking, hiking, and bird-watching opportunities that are sure to satisfy nature lovers.
Moreover, DeLand's community spirit, felt through friendly neighbors and welcoming local businesses, ensures everyone feels at home. Whether exploring cultural treasures, enjoying outdoor adventures, or simply relishing the warmth of its people, DeLand provides a living experience as sunny and heartwarming as a Floridian day.
FEATURED STORY
DeLand’s Downtown Model Sets the Standard for Florida Main Streets
by HelloNation Staff Writer
DeLand’s historic downtown has been a point of pride for decades, frequently recognized as one of Florida’s strongest and most successful Main Street districts. Unlike fast-growing Florida communities that rely on large developments to spark renewal, DeLand has excelled through consistent stewardship, incremental improvements, and community partnerships that strengthen the city year after year.A key driver of this success is the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), which provides targeted grants to enhance buildings, activate upper
6 | HelloDeLand, Florida • Winter Issue
HelloNation Staff Writer
ABOUT THE AUTHOR HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.
floors, improve lighting, renovate façades, and bring underutilized structures back into productive use. In the 2023–24 cycle, the CRA budgeted $60,000 across six improvement categories, including residential renovation, retail upgrades, and building modernization. Applications are carefully reviewed through MainStreet DeLand’s Design & Grant Review Committee before advancing for final CRA approval — a process that underscores the city’s deliberate and collaborative approach to revitalization.One of the most notable recent projects is the adaptive reuse of the former
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DeLand’s Downtown Model Sets the Standard for Florida Main Streets
DeLand’s historic downtown has been a point of pride for decades, frequently recognized as one of Florida’s strongest and most successful Main Street districts. Unlike fast-growing Florida communities that rely on large developments to spark renewal, DeLand has excelled through consistent stewardship, incremental improvements, and community partnerships that strengthen the city year after year. A key driver of this success is the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), which provides targeted grants to enhance buildings, activate upper floors, improve lighting, renovate façades, and bring underutilized structures back into productive use. In the 2023–24 cycle, the CRA budgeted $60,000 across six improvement categories, including residential renovation, retail upgrades, and building modernization. Applications are carefully reviewed through MainStreet DeLand’s Design & Grant Review Committee before advancing for final CRA approval — a process that underscores the city’s deliberate and collaborative approach to revitalization. One of the most notable recent projects is the adaptive reuse of the former Trinity United Methodist Church. The historic structure, purchased for redevelopment, is being transformed into a community marketplace and event venue, preserving its architectural significance while introducing new activity that will draw locals and visitors into the heart of downtown. This project embodies the strategy that has long guided DeLand: protect what matters, adapt where possible, and bring new energy to existing assets. Other improvements reflect the same philosophy. Upgrades to the Howry Avenue parking lot, strategic façade enhancements, and support for upper-floor redevelopment are helping maintain the economic health of downtown’s retail and service core. Rather than relying on a single large development to define the district, DeLand invests in dozens of smaller projects that collectively reinforce the district’s vitality. Stetson University continues to bolster the downtown ecosystem. Students, faculty, and staff contribute to foot traffic, cultural activity, and ongoing demand for restaurants, cafés, entertainment venues, and housing. The symbiotic relationship between the university and downtown has long been one of DeLand’s greatest strengths, and it remains central to the city’s identity. For individuals looking for communities with strong character, walkability, and civic cohesion, DeLand stands out. The city demonstrates how historic preservation, incremental reinvestment, and public-private partnerships can maintain a thriving downtown even as surrounding regions experience rapid, less structured growth. DeLand’s story is not one of sudden transformation, but of sustained commitment. By investing in the details — the storefronts, the public spaces, the historic structures, and the people who care about them — the city has built a downtown that feels both timeless and forward-looking. It is a model of how steady stewardship can create lasting success.
The citydemonstrates how historicpreservation, incremental reinvestment,and public-private partnerships canmaintain a thrivingdowntown
Trinity United Methodist Church. The historic structure, purchased for redevelopment, is being transformed into a community marketplace and event venue, preserving its architectural significance while introducing new activity that will draw locals and visitors into the heart of downtown. This project embodies the strategy that has long guided DeLand: protect what matters, adapt where possible, and bring new energy to existing assets.Other improvements reflect the same philosophy...
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A Vibrant Hub for Education and Innovation
In the heart of sunny Florida lies DeLand, a city distinguished by its dynamic commitment to education and learning. A cornerstone of this tile of opportunity is Stetson University, an institution that not only offers outstanding
academic programs but also nurtures a spirit of innovation and critical thinking. With its beautiful campus, Stetson attracts students from all over the nation, encouraging them to engage deeply in their chosen fields and in the local community.
Education in DeLand extends beyond the university, enriching the lives of its youngest residents through the Volusia County School District. These schools emphasize a personalized learning
DeLand, Florida
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experience, tailoring to individual student needs and encouraging a lifelong passion for knowledge. Innovative teaching methods and comprehensive resources are consistent hallmarks of the district, fostering an environment where creativity and critical thinking flourish.
Beyond traditional classrooms, the community itself acts as a lively learning landscape. Local libraries, cultural institutions, and community centers in
DeLand offer programs and workshops designed to involve residents of all ages in continuous learning. Altogether, DeLand stands as a beacon of educational excellence, weaving together diverse educational opportunities with community support to craft a brighter future for all its citizens.
DeLand, Florida
DeLand, Florida: A Vibrant Hub for Education and Innovation
In the heart of sunny Florida lies DeLand, a city distinguished by its dynamic commitment to education and learning. A cornerstone of this tile of opportunity is Stetson University, an institution that not only offers outstanding academic programs but also nurtures a spirit of innovation and critical thinking. With its beautiful campus, Stetson attracts students from all over the nation, encouraging them to engage deeply in their chosen fields and in the local community.
Education in DeLand extends beyond the university, enriching the lives of its youngest residents through the Volusia County School District. These schools emphasize a personalized learning experience, tailoring to individual student needs and encouraging a lifelong passion for knowledge. Innovative teaching methods and comprehensive resources are consistent hallmarks of the district, fostering an environment where creativity and critical thinking flourish.
Beyond traditional classrooms, the community itself acts as a lively learning landscape. Local libraries, cultural institutions, and community centers in DeLand offer programs and workshops designed to involve residents of all ages in continuous learning. Altogether, DeLand stands as a beacon of educational excellence, weaving together diverse educational opportunities with community support to craft a brighter future for all its citizens.
