Minneola Water Department

Minneola Water Department Municipal Water Report Information

About Our City - The beautiful Indian name "Minneola" proudly reflects its meaning of "much water." The area's first pioneer, Captain William G. Smith, settled here shortly after the Civil War. As word spread about this picturesque region, a steady flow of settlers began establishing homesteads throughout the area.

Henry Wilson arrived in 1881 and planted a thriving citrus grove, which eventually became Minneola's most famous agricultural product. In 1882, Mr. George W. Frame from Duluth, Minnesota, selected approximately 200 acres bordering what was then called "Cows House Lake." The following year, he established the first post office and served as its first postmaster.

Mr. Frame is credited with founding Minneola, as he planned to create a townsite overlooking the lake shores. In 1884, he obtained the survey and map of Minneola town. Both the town and lake were named Minneola, a name chosen by Mr. Frame's wife. The town plat was filed in Sumterville, as Minneola was then part of Sumter County.

In 1886, Clarence Marsh, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Marsh, became the first child born in Minneola. The town experienced steady growth, attracting new residents and winter visitors. Minneola was incorporated in 1926, with Archibald A. Pitt serving as the first mayor. As the community grew, new businesses and industries were established, including a sawmill, brickyard, drugstore, church, grocery store, hospital, and railroad.

For the next 50 years, growth remained relatively slow. Minneola became known for its flourishing citrus groves, but the harsh winter freezes of the late 1980s devastated that industry. The 1990s proved challenging as the town sought a new focus. Today's emphasis is on sustainable growth and development, with substantial residential and commercial projects contributing to population growth.

Central Florida's mild winters enhance Minneola's appeal. Highway 27 crosses our city, providing a major corridor and convenient access to neighboring communities. With a major metropolitan area, international airport, and popular attractions just a short distance away, Minneola offers rural charm with big-city convenience—truly a great place to live!