Wellington, Florida
Wellington is a village just west of West Palm Beach in Palm Beach County and 66 mi (106 km) north of Miami. As of 2019, the city had a population of 65,398 according to U.S. Census Bureau[12] estimates, making it the most populous village in the state. It is the fifth largest municipality in Palm Beach County by population. Wellington is part of the Miami metropolitan area.
Wellington, Florida | |
|---|---|
| Village of Wellington | |
| Nickname: | |
| Motto(s): | |
Location of Wellington in Palm Beach County, Florida | |
| Coordinates: 26°39′18″N 80°15′15″W / 26.65500°N 80.25417°WCoordinates: 26°39′18″N 80°15′15″W / 26.65500°N 80.25417°W | |
| Country | United States of America |
| State | Florida |
| County | Palm Beach |
| Incorporated | December 31, 1995 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council-Manager |
| • Mayor | Anne Gerwig [6] |
| • Vice Mayor | John T. McGovern |
| • Councilmembers | Michael Drahos, Michael J. Napoleone & Tanya Siskind |
| • Village Manager | Paul Schofield |
| • Village Clerk | Chevelle D. Nubin |
| Area | |
| • Village | 45.41 sq mi (117.62 km2) |
| • Land | 44.97 sq mi (116.46 km2) |
| • Water | 0.45 sq mi (1.16 km2) .99% |
| Elevation | 13 ft (5 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Village | 61,637 |
| • Density | 1,370.72/sq mi (529.24/km2) |
| • Metro | 5,463,857 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes | 33411, 33414, 33449, 33467 |
| Area code | 561 |
| FIPS code | 12-75812[9] |
| GNIS feature ID | 1759737[10] |
| Website | http://wellingtonfl.gov/ |
History
In the 1950s, Charles Oliver Wellington, an accountant from Massachusetts, purchased about 18,000 acres (73 km2) of central Palm Beach County swampland located south of Florida State Road 80 (locally known as Southern Boulevard) and west of U.S. Route 441. Wellington named the property Flying Cow Ranch, due to his other occupation as an aviator and his initials spelling the word "cow". The ranch became protected against floodwaters from the Everglades after the United States Army Corps of Engineers constructed a levee to south of the property between 1952 and 1953. Following his death in 1959, his son Roger inherited the property. The family sold 1,200 acres (4.9 km2) at $300 per acre to Arthur William "Bink" Glisson, Charles' agent. Glisson sold the land for $1,000 per acre within the following several months. Many other farmers began purchasing or leasing portions of the Flying Cow Ranch in the 1960s. About 2,000 acres (8.1 km2) were used for growing strawberries at one point, which was claimed to be the largest strawberry patch in the world.[13]
After Roger Wellington sold 7,200 acres (29 km2) of land to developer Jim Nall of Fort Lauderdale in 1972, the Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a proposal by the Acme Drainage District for the area to become a planned unit development. Among the first projects included the development of 150 acre (0.61 km2) Lake Wellington and the construction of a golf course, a country club, and residential neighborhoods. Following acquisition of the project in the late 1970s by Gould Florida Inc., the company built the International Polo Club Palm Beach and the Aero Club, a neighborhood with a private airpark.[13] The area's first official population count occurred during the 1980 Census, when Wellington was defined as a Census-designated place. A total of 4,622 people lived there at the time.[14] Wellington functioned as a sprawling bedroom community with few shopping centers or restaurants until the 1990s.[13]
A vote for incorporation of the village of Wellington was held on November 7, 1995, with 3,851 votes in support and 3,713 votes in opposition, a margin of just 138 votes.[15] Wellington officially became a village on December 31, 1995, as a state revenue sharing program required it to exist in 1995 in order to be eligible for funding in 1996. The village became Palm Beach County's 38th municipality and the ninth most populous city in the county at the time, with approximately 28,000 residents.[16] The first village council elections were held on March 12, 1996. None of the candidates for any of the five seats secured a majority of the votes, forcing runoffs to be held on March 26.[17] The first elected village council members were Paul Adams, Michael McDonough, Tom Wenham, Carmine Priore, and Kathy Foster.[18] Two days later, the council held its first meeting and selected Foster for mayor, Priore for vice mayor, and Colin Baenziger for village manager.[19]
It has now become known as an international center for equestrian sports.[20]
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 31.4 square miles (81 km2), of which 31.0 square miles (80 km2) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.78 km2) is water (0.99%).
Climate
As typical in Palm Beach County and South Florida, Wellington has a tropical climate, with two main seasons: warm and dry and hot and wet.
Winters are mild to warm and humidity levels are relatively low. During the coolest month, January, average high temperatures are around 75 °F (24 °C) and lows around 55 °F (13 °C). It is not unusual though for winter temperatures to reach 83 °F (28 °C).
Summertime is rainy season in South Florida and humidity levels increase dramatically. During the hottest month, July, high temperatures are around 92 °F (33 °C) with lows around 75 °F (24 °C). South Florida is vulnerable to hurricanes at this time of year.
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1980 | 4,622 | — | |
| 1990 | 20,670 | 347.2% | |
| 2000 | 38,216 | 84.9% | |
| 2010 | 56,508 | 47.9% | |
| 2020 | 61,637 | 9.1% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[11] | |||
2020 census
| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 34,308 | 55.66% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 6,500 | 10.55% |
| Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 55 | 0.09% |
| Asian (NH) | 3,195 | 5.18% |
| Pacific Islander (NH) | 15 | 0.02% |
| Some Other Race (NH) | 417 | 0.68% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 2,235 | 3.63% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 14,912 | 24.19% |
| Total | 61,637 |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 61,637 people, 22,506 households, and 17,104 families residing in the village.
2010 census
| Wellington Demographics | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Census | Wellington | Palm Beach County | Florida |
| Total population | 56,508 | 1,320,134 | 18,801,310 |
| Population, percent change, 2000 to 2010 | +47.9% | +16.7% | +17.6% |
| Population density | 1,258.9/sq mi | 670.2/sq mi | 350.6/sq mi |
| White or Caucasian (including White Hispanic) | 80.0% | 73.5% | 75.0% |
| (Non-Hispanic White or Caucasian) | 64.8% | 60.1% | 57.9% |
| Black or African-American | 10.4% | 17.3% | 16.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (of any race) | 19.4% | 19.0% | 22.5% |
| Asian | 3.8% | 2.4% | 2.4% |
| Native American or Native Alaskan | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.4% |
| Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| Two or more races (Multiracial) | 2.5% | 2.3% | 2.5% |
| Some Other Race | 3.1% | 3.9% | 3.6% |
As of 2010, there were 22,685 households, with 13.3% being vacant. In 2000, there were 12,938 households, out of which 69.7% were married couples, 47.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.4% were non-families. 13.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.95 and the average family size was 3.25.
2000 census
In 2000, the village the population was spread out, with 31.0% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males.
As of 2015, the median income for a household in the village was $77,233. The per capita income for the village was $40,726. About 2.9% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.2% of those under age 18 and 3.8% of those age 65 or over.
As of 2000, 83.52% of residents spoke English as a first language, while 12.18% spoke Spanish, French accounted for 0.98%, French Creole for 0.79%, Italian made up 0.61%, and Vietnamese was the mother tongue of 0.47% of the population.[22]
As of 2000, Wellington had the eighty-fifth highest percentage of Cuban residents in the US, with 3.27% of the village's population.[23]
Arts and culture
The Wellington Amphitheater hosts movie nights, musical and comedy performances, and the Food Truck Invasion.[24]
The Mall at Wellington Green, and the Old Wellington Mall, are located in Wellington.
The Palm Beach County Library System operates the Wellington Branch.[25] It hosts seasonal events such as the annual Top Gun model aircraft show, the Barett-Jackson Auto auction, art and antique shows and holiday parades.[26]
Parks and recreation
Equestrian sporting events
Wellington is known for its equestrian community and hosting equestrian events, notably show jumping, hunting, dressage and polo.[27]
Wellington is host to the Winter Equestrian Festival, the largest and longest running horse show in the world from January to April.[28] It holds more than forty weeks of equestrian competitions per year. A new expansion includes the Global Dressage Festival, begun in 2011. International competitors attend the equestrian events and social event held in the community.[29]
Each year Wellington hosts several high-goal polo tournaments including the USPA Gold Cup and the U.S. Open Polo Championship at the Palm Beach International Polo Club.[30] The International Polo Club was an idea created by players to build a facility to showcase the skills of the ponies and players. The arenas of play include three state-of-the-art playing fields and a stick and ball field. Brunches, charities, corporate events and more are hosted at the International Polo Club in Wellington.
Wellington is also home to The Palm Beach Masters series. A trio of unique events hosted at Deeridge Farms — a stunning location at the heart of equestrian sport in Wellington, Florida. These premium events offers riders, spectators, and sponsors unforgettable hospitality, unrivaled facilities, and world-class showgrounds.[31]
Education
Primary and secondary schools
The School District of Palm Beach County serves Wellington. Public schools in Wellington and schools serving Wellington include:
Public Elementary Schools
- Wellington Elementary School
- New Horizons Elementary School
- Discovery Key Elementary School
- Binks Forest Elementary School
- Elbridge Gale Elementary School
- Equestrian Trails Elementary School
- Panther Run Elementary School
Public Middle Schools
- Wellington Landings Middle
- Emerald Cove Middle School
- Polo Park Middle School
Public High Schools
Media
Wellington is serviced by a few different mainstream news publications.[32]
- The Town-Crier Newspaper: First and longest operating local newspaper serving Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee Groves, and surrounding areas.
- Live Wellington: Owned and operated by the Sun Sentinel. Live focuses on news in Wellington.
Infrastructure
Transportation
Wellington's public transportation consists of Palm Tran. It is also served by Palm Beach International Airport. Several highways pass through or near Wellington. U.S. Route 441 and State Road 7 jointly cross north-to-south in the eastern side of the village. Lake Worth Road, which is designated as State Road 802 to the east of Route 441/State Road 7, continues westward into Wellington. State Road 882 (locally known as Forest Hill Boulevard) also moves east-west partially through the village, before continuing westward and then northwestward to Southern Boulevard without the designation to the west of Route 441/State Road 7. Southern Boulevard (designated as both U.S. Route 98 and State Road 80), an east-to-west highway, lies just north of the village's northern boundary. Florida's Turnpike passes along the far eastern edge of Wellington, though the nearest entry and exit ramps are located at U.S. Route 98/State Road 80 and State Road 802, outside the municipal limits.
Public safety
The Village of Wellington receives both fire and police services on a contractual basis from Palm Beach County.
Fire and Emergency Medical Services
Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue provides fire protection and emergency medical services. There are 4 fire stations assigned to the village:
- Station 20 – Engine 20, Rescue 20, Brush 20;
- Station 25 – Engine 25, Rescue 25, Brush 625;
- Station 27 – Engine 27, Rescue 27, Brush 27;
- Station 30 – Engine 30, Rescue 30. [33]
Law Enforcement
Police protection for Wellington is provided by District 8 of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. District 8 operates from a sub-station located in the village, and is staffed by 68 sworn deputies and 6 civilian employees. [34]
Notable people
- Stephanie Abrams, meteorologist for The Weather Channel in Atlanta, Georgia
- Daniel Bluman (born 1990), Colombian-born Israeli Olympic show jumping rider
- Jon Bostic, NFL linebacker
- Sean Burnett, MLB relief pitcher
- Ian Carey, recording artist and music producer
- Glenn Close, actress
- Fred Couples, golfer (former resident)
- Keith Creel, CEO of Canadian Pacific Railway
- Nacho Figueras, polo player and model
- Amy Fisher, the "Long Island Lolita"[35]
- Bill Gates, Microsoft founder (seasonal resident)[36]
- Margie Goldstein-Engle, equestrian
- Arin Hanson, Online internet personality [37]
- E. Hunter Harrison, Former CEO of Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific Railway and CSX
- Angel Hernandez, MLB umpire
- Tyler Herron (1986-2021), baseball pitcher
- Jessie Hester, former NFL wide receiver, uncle of Devin Hester
- Neil Hirsch, founder of Telerate
- Jeremy Jacobs, owner of NHL's Boston Bruins, Chairman and CEO of Delaware North Companies
- Tommy Lee Jones, actor
- Raymond Kassar, former Chairman and CEO of Atari
- Erin Krakow, actress
- Joan Lunden, broadcaster
- Madonna, singer, actress
- Dave O'Brien, sports broadcaster
- Lou Pai, former CEO of Enron Energy Services[38][39]
- Cassadee Pope, musician
- Curtis Pride, former Major League Baseball outfielder
- J. B. Pritzker, Governor of Illinois
- Rommy Revson, inventor of Scrunchie
- Vanessa Rousso, professional poker player
- Jarrod Saltalamacchia, baseball player
- Patti Scialfa, musician
- Chrystine Tauber, former President of U.S. Equestrian Federation[40]
- Fred Taylor, retired running back for Jacksonville Jaguars
- Vanilla Ice, rapper
- Nick Zano, actor
See also
References
- ^ "Welcome to horse town U.S.A, where Wellington, Fla. is the equestrian capital of the world". The Washington Post by Nicole Crowder (January 6, 2015). Retrieved August 1, 2015.
- ^ "Palm Beach Polo: Equestrian". palmbeachpolo.com. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
- ^ Gamerman, Amy (June 23, 2013). "In a Florida Town, Horses Upstage the Celebrities". Wall Street Journal. The Wall Street Journal by Amy Gamerman on June 23, 2013 4:13 p.m. ET. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
- ^ . Archived from the original on February 5, 2007. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
- ^ . Archived from the original on May 19, 2015. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
- ^ "Village Council". Village of Wellington. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
- ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
- ^ "Wellington, United States Page". Falling Rain Genomics. Retrieved August 9, 2007.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ a b "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
- ^ "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved May 21, 2020.
- ^ a b c "Palm Beach County History Online: Wellington". pbchistoryonline.org. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
- ^ Characteristics of the Population: Number of inhabitants – Florida (PDF) (Report). United States Census Bureau. February 1982. p. 14. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
- ^ Angie Francalancia (November 8, 1995). "Village of Wellington squeaks into being". The Palm Beach Post. p. 96. Retrieved July 7, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Scott Hiaasen (January 1, 1996). "Flag raises on county's newest city: Wellington". The Palm Beach Post. p. 25. Retrieved July 7, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Angie Francalancia (March 13, 1996). "Wellington voters will pick again". The Palm Beach Post. p. 95. Retrieved July 7, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Angie Francalancia (March 27, 1996). "Acme slate rolls in Wellington". The Palm Beach Post. p. 69. Retrieved July 7, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Angie Francalancia (March 29, 1996). "Foster named mayor, Baenziger manager". The Palm Beach Post. p. 171. Retrieved July 7, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "108th US Open Polo Championships 2012". Wellingtonpolo.net. Retrieved July 7, 2012.
- ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved February 11, 2022.
- ^ "MLA Data Center Results for Wellington, Florida". Modern Language Association. Retrieved November 19, 2007.
- ^ "Ancestry Map of Cuban Communities". Epodunk.com. Retrieved November 19, 2007.
- ^ "The Wellington Amphitheater".
- ^ "Wellington Branch (Wellington)." Palm Beach County Library System. Retrieved July 13, 2010.
- ^ "Events & Festivals | Discover The Palm Beaches Florida". The Palm Beaches Florida. March 14, 2016.
- ^ "Equestrian Community | Wellington, FL". www.wellingtonfl.gov. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
- ^ "Equestrian Sport Productions". Equestrian Sport Productions.
- ^ Minnick, Andrew,U.S. Teams Finish 1-2 at Wellington Dressage Nations Cup presented by Stillpoint Farm, USEF Network, April 13, 2013
- ^ "International Polo Club". International Polo Club.
- ^ "Palm Beach Masters Series". Retrieved January 16, 2019.
- ^ Wellington Newspapers, Walkabout Wellington
- ^ "Welcome to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue". Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.
- ^ "District 8 - Wellington". Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
- ^ "Amy Fisher Article on WalkAboutWellington". WalkAboutWellington.com. June 25, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ "Bill Gates Buys Home in Wellington Florida". Wellington Florida. July 26, 2013.
- ^ "Grump's Dream Course: Quickie - PART 53 - Game Grumps VS". Game Grumps. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
- ^ [1] [2] [3]
- ^ some more information on Canaan Ranch: [4] [5] [6] 2015-01-09 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Committee Details". United States Equestrian Foundation. Retrieved May 12, 2013.
External links
- Official website