Tangelo Park, FL
County: Orange
History
Tangelo Park is a small residential community located in Orange County, Florida, near the city of Orlando. The history of Tangelo Park dates back to the mid-20th century when it was initially established as a housing development for workers in the nearby Lockheed Martin plant.
The community gets its name from the tangelo fruit, which is a hybrid of a tangerine and a grapefruit. The name was given to the area due to the large number of citrus groves that once dominated this region.
Tangelo Park primarily developed during the 1950s and 1960s when Orlando experienced significant growth due to an expanding aviation and aerospace industry. Many workers from the Lockheed Martin plant sought affordable housing options close to their workplace, leading to the development of Tangelo Park as a residential area.
Over the years, Tangelo Park has gone through various changes and developments. The community has struggled with certain socioeconomic challenges, including poverty and crime rates. However, in the mid-1990s, a unique and transformative initiative was launched in Tangelo Park that aimed to uplift the community.
Harris Rosen, a successful hotel entrepreneur, initiated a program called the Tangelo Park Program. The program sought to improve educational opportunities for children in the community and break the cycle of poverty. The program provided scholarships for local high school graduates to attend college, as well as support services such as tutoring, mentoring, and job placement assistance.
The Tangelo Park Program had a significant impact on the community, leading to improved graduation rates and college enrollments. It also helped spur economic growth and community development in Tangelo Park.
Since the inception of the program, it has been replicated in other communities, and its success has been widely recognized. Tangelo Park has become a symbol of community-driven initiatives and collaboration to improve education and create a brighter future for its residents.
Today, Tangelo Park continues to flourish, with new developments and initiatives focused on community growth, education, and economic stability. It stands as a testament to the power of community engagement and targeted initiatives to uplift and transform neighborhoods.
In conclusion, Tangelo Park's history is one of a residential community initially established to provide affordable housing for workers in the nearby Lockheed Martin plant. Over time, it faced socioeconomic challenges but experienced a remarkable transformation with the implementation of the Tangelo Park Program, a community-driven initiative focused on improving education and breaking the cycle of poverty. Tangelo Park now serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through community engagement and targeted intervention.
Attractions
Tangelo Park, Florida is a small and primarily residential neighborhood located near Orlando. While it may not have as many tourist attractions as the nearby attractions in Orlando, there are still some interesting places to visit in and around Tangelo Park. Here are a few:
Universal Orlando Resort
Located just a few miles away, Universal Orlando Resort is a major tourist attraction with two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, as well as the entertainment complex Universal CityWalk.
Walt Disney World Resort
This world-famous resort is also nearby, offering four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom), two water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), and the shopping and dining district Disney Springs.
The Holy Land Experience
A Christian theme park and museum located in Orlando, The Holy Land Experience offers exhibits, live shows, and reenactments of biblical stories.
International Drive
Known as I-Drive, this major road is lined with thrill rides, resorts, restaurants, shopping outlets, and entertainment venues. It is home to attractions like the Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds Orlando, and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Located in downtown Orlando, this modern performing arts center hosts a variety of Broadway shows, concerts, ballets, and other cultural performances.
Orlando Premium Outlets
Shopaholics can enjoy discounted shopping at this outlet mall, which features a wide range of designer and brand-name stores.
Gatorland
Located about 20 minutes away from Tangelo Park, Gatorland offers visitors a chance to see and learn about alligators, crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife while enjoying various shows and exhibits.
Fun Spot America
For thrill-seekers, Fun Spot America is a small amusement park with go-kart tracks, roller coasters, bumper cars, and other rides.
It's worth noting that the attractions mentioned above are not technically in Tangelo Park itself but are located within a relatively short driving distance.
Climate
Tangelo Park, Florida, has a subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The area experiences a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year.
Summers in Tangelo Park are long, hot, and humid, starting in May and lasting until September. During this time, temperatures typically range from the mid-80s to mid-90s Fahrenheit (29-35 degrees Celsius), occasionally exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). High humidity levels can make the air feel even hotter. Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are common during the summer months, particularly in the afternoons.
Winters in Tangelo Park are generally mild with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (17-22 degrees Celsius). Frost and freezing temperatures are rare, but they can occur during cold snaps. While winters are generally pleasant, occasional cold fronts from the north can bring cooler temperatures for a few days.
Spring and autumn in Tangelo Park are transitions between the extremes of summer and winter. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures, with highs usually in the 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (around 25 degrees Celsius). Rainfall is still common during these seasons but is typically less frequent than in summer.
Overall, Tangelo Park experiences a warm climate with high humidity and consistent rainfall throughout the year. It is important to note that these climate patterns can vary from year to year, as weather patterns can be influenced by various factors such as El Niño or La Niña events.
Neighborhoods
Tangelo Park is a small community located in Orange County, Florida. The neighborhood is known for its peaceful residential atmosphere and relatively affordable housing options. While Tangelo Park is primarily residential, it is close to various amenities and attractions in the surrounding areas. Here are some of the different neighborhoods within Tangelo Park:
Tangelo Park
This neighborhood forms the heart of the community. It features a mixture of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The area is known for its tree-lined streets and well-maintained properties.
Tangelo Ridge
Located on the western side of Tangelo Park, Tangelo Ridge is a residential neighborhood featuring newer homes and more modern designs. Many of the houses here have spacious yards, making it an attractive choice for families.
Tangelo Woods
Situated in the southern part of Tangelo Park, Tangelo Woods is a peaceful and well-established neighborhood. It predominantly consists of single-family homes, typically with larger lot sizes.
Tangelo Park Estates
This neighborhood is located in the northeastern corner of Tangelo Park. It offers larger, more upscale homes and is known for its beautiful landscaping. Tangelo Park Estates benefits from its close proximity to attractions such as Universal Orlando Resort and the Mall at Millenia.
Tangelo Park North
Found in the northwest section of Tangelo Park, this neighborhood offers a mix of residential properties and local businesses. It is home to several shops, restaurants, and small offices along South Kirkman Road.
Overall, Tangelo Park's various neighborhoods provide a range of housing options, from affordable homes to more upscale residences. Residents enjoy the community's tranquility and access to nearby amenities, making it an attractive place to live in the Orlando metropolitan area.