Williston, Florida

Williston, Florida
City
City of Williston
Welcome sign for Williston, Florida, March 2019
Motto:  "Gateway to the Nature Coast" [1]
Location in Levy County and the state of Florida
Coordinates: 29°23′13″N82°26′48″W / 29.38694°N 82.44667°W / 29.38694; -82.44667
Country	United States
State	Florida
County	Levy
Government
• Type	Council-Manager
•  Mayor	Charles Goodman
•  Council Members	Debra Jones, Jerry Robinson, Michael Cox, Zach Bullock, and Darfeness Hinds
•  City Manager	Terry Bovaird
•  City Clerk	Latricia Wright
Area [2]
• Total	6.84 sq mi (17.73 km2)
• Land	6.83 sq mi (17.68 km2)
• Water	0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2)
Elevation	75 ft (23 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	2,976
• Density	435.98/sq mi (168.32/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code	32696
Area code	352
FIPS code	12-77825 [3]
GNIS feature ID	0293351 [4]
Website	www.willistonfl.org

Williston is a city in Levy County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Nature Coast. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 2,976, up from 2,768 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Gainesville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

The city was established before 1885 by J. M. Willis, who named it after himself. ^[5]

On May 7th, 2016, the first known fatal accident involving a self-driving vehicle occurred at the intersection of U.S. 27 and Northeast 140th Court in Williston. ^[6] A 2015 Tesla Model S driven by 40 year old Joshua D. Brown of Canton, Ohio struck the side of a tractor-trailer turning left in front of Brown when the car's autonomous features failed to distinguish the white side of the truck against a bright sky. Brown was pronounced dead by Levy County Fire Rescue at the scene.

Geography

Williston is located at 29°23′13″N82°26′48″W / 29.38694°N 82.44667°W / 29.38694; -82.44667 (29.386811, –82.446706). ^[7]

Climate

The climate in the area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Williston has a humid subtropical climate zone, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. ^[8]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1900	184		—
1910	371		101.6%
1920	823		121.8%
1930	940		14.2%
1940	890		−5.3%
1950	1,323		48.7%
1960	1,582		19.6%
1970	1,939		22.6%
1980	2,240		15.5%
1990	2,179		−2.7%
2000	2,297		5.4%
2010	2,768		20.5%
2020	2,976		7.5%
U.S. Decennial Census [9]

2010 and 2020 census

Williston racial composition
(Hispanics excluded from racial categories)
(NH = Non-Hispanic)

Race	Pop 2010 [10]	Pop 2020 [11]	% 2010	% 2020
White (NH)	1,729	1,754	62.46%	58.94%
Black or African American (NH)	637	616	23.01%	20.70%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH)	3	0	0.11%	0.00%
Asian (NH)	44	62	1.59%	2.08%
Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian (NH)	0	1	0.00%	0.03%
Some other race (NH)	7	8	0.25%	0.27%
Two or more races/Multiracial (NH)	35	104	1.26%	3.49%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)	313	431	11.31%	14.48%
Total	2,768	2,976

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,976 people, 937 households, and 590 families residing in the city. ^[12]

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 2,768 people, 1,184 households, and 763 families residing in the city. ^[13]

2000 census

As of the census ^[3] of 2000, there were 2,297 people, 836 households, and 580 families residing in the city. The population density was 379.0 inhabitants per square mile (146.3/km²). There were 915 housing units at an average density of 151.0 per square mile (58.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 73.44% White, 22.81% African American, 0.78% Native American, 0.74% Asian, 0.44% Pacific Islander, 1.09% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.57% of the population.

In 2000, there were 836 households, out of which 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.9% were married couples living together, 22.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.6% were non-families. 25.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.03.

In 2000, in the city the population was spread out, with 26.2% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.9 males. In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $25,795, and the median income for a family was $26,918. Males had a median income of $22,331 versus $20,634 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,628. About 22.4% of families and 22.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.1% of those under age 18 and 22.5% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

Williston hosts the Central Florida Harvest and Peanut Festival every October.

Sports

Devil's Den and Blue Grotto

Williston is home to Devil's Den and Blue Grotto, popular diving spots and part of the extensive underground spring system present in the area. ^{[14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19]}

Kentucky Derby

Williston is the birthplace of Foolish Pleasure, winner of the 1975 Kentucky Derby. ^[20]

Infrastructure

Major roads

Before southbound US 27-41 and SR 121 splits in Williston, April 2009

See also: List of county roads in Levy County, Florida

• US 27
• 
  US 27 Alt.
• US 41
• SR 121

Railroads

Passenger rail service was available at the Williston Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot as well as the Seaboard Air Line Railroad depot. Since 2004, the depot is only served by Amtrak's Thruway Motorcoach service to Jacksonville and Lakeland.

Florida Northern Railroad's West Coast Subdivision provides freight rail service through Williston.

Aviation

The area includes Williston Municipal Airport (X60), a city-owned, public-use airport located two  nautical miles (4  km) southwest of the central business district of Williston.

Education

The School Board of Levy County operates these public schools:

• Williston High School (6–12)
• Williston Elementary School (3–5)
• Joyce Bullock Elementary School (PK–2)

Library

Levy County provides Williston with a local library branch. The Williston Public Library is located in the former, historic Perkins State Bank; one of Florida's oldest banks. ^[21]

References

1. "City of Williston, Florida". City of Williston, Florida. Archived from the original on July 16, 2012. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
2. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
3. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
4. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
5. Morris, Allen (1995). Florida Place Names. Pineapple Press, Incorporated. p. 256. ISBN   9781561645060.
6. "Tesla Driver Involved in Fatal Crash While Using "Autopilot" Mode – News – Car and Driver".
7. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
8. Climate Summary for Williston, Florida
9. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
10. "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Williston city, Florida". United States Census Bureau .
11. "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Williston city, Florida". United States Census Bureau .
12. "S1101 HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES - 2020: Williston city, Florida". United States Census Bureau .
13. "S1101 HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES - 2010: Williston city, Florida". United States Census Bureau .
14. Blue Grotto dive resort owner rejects $2 million purchase offer
15. On the auction block - Diving paradise could become new source for bottled water, Ocala Star Banner
16. Blue Grotto, Underwater Florida
17. Blue Grotto, Florida Caves
18. Devil's Den: Underground and Open Air, Dive Training Magazine
19. Dive right in -- the view's fine at Devil's Den, Orlando Sentinel
20. A renaissance for Williston?, Gainesville Sun
21. Taylor, George (April 18, 2010). "University of North Florida Digital Commons". George Lansing Taylor Collection Main Gallery. Retrieved April 22, 2016.

External links

• City of Williston official website
• Williston Chamber of Commerce
• Williston, Florida, at City-Data.com