Volusia

Volusia is a county located in east-central Florida, United States. It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the east and is part of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area. The county seat is DeLand, and the largest city by population is Deltona. Other notable communities include Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Port Orange, Ponce Inlet, and Edgewater.

Volusia was established in 1854 from parts of St. Johns and Orange counties. The origin of the name Volusia is not definitively known; it may derive from a historic Native American term used in the region.

Geography and economy: The county features coastal beaches, river systems such as the Halifax River and Tomoka River, and numerous state parks including Blue Spring and Tomoka. Tourism is a major economic driver, centered on beach recreation, motorsports at Daytona International Speedway, and ecotourism. The county is also a center for higher education and research, hosting Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Daytona State College, Stetson University in DeLand, and Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach.

Demographics and government: As of the 2020 census, Volusia County had a population of about 553,000. The area is served by Volusia County Schools and a number of private institutions. The county government oversees services across numerous municipalities and unincorporated areas.