Welcome to Oviedo — a small town with big stories, quirky charm, and deep Florida roots. We are ReMax Realtors Scott Garrison and Diana Sacoto, we don’t just work here — we live, breathe, and celebrate everything Oviedo. So today, we’re diving into the rich and sometimes wild history that shaped our beloved city.
A Humble Start… with Steamboats and Seminoles
Long before Oviedo became a buzzing Central Florida suburb, it was a true frontier. After the Civil War (around the 1860s), settlers began making their way to the Lake Jesup area, drawn by its lush lands and easy access via paddle steamers cruising down from Jacksonville to Sanford. From there, Solaris Wharf and White’s Wharf served as the final stops on the St. Johns River — and the gateway to what would become Oviedo.
The Seminole Indians originally called this region home, setting the stage for a rich cultural legacy. The land was wild, the people were tough, and opportunity was everywhere.
Where Did the Name “Oviedo” Come From?
Surprise: it wasn’t Spanish settlers who gave Oviedo its name. In 1879, a Swedish postmaster named Andrew Aulin thought the name “Oviedo” (pronounced “O-vee-ye-do” in Spain) sounded exotic and classy. So he named the post office after the Spanish city of Oviedo — and the name stuck!
George Powell and the Town’s Unlikely Founder
One of Oviedo’s earliest influencers was George Powell, a Civil War veteran who quietly relocated here to escape rumors tying his family to the Lincoln assassination. He bought 160 acres, sold off plots, and helped establish the community. If that’s not a Florida backstory, we don’t know what is!
From Citrus to Celery Capital of the World
In the early 1900s, Oviedo thrived as an agricultural hub. Citrus was king, thanks to legends like John H. Lake and William B. Nelson. In fact, Florida’s very first orange juice plant opened here in 1916!
But when a brutal freeze hit the orange groves in the 1890s, farmers had to pivot. That pivot led to celery — yes, celery — and the rest is history. Oviedo’s dark, mucky soil was perfect for the crunchy veggie, and soon we were shipping more celery than anywhere else in the U.S. Along with Sanford, Oviedo became known as the Celery Capital of the World.
Historic Landmarks & Chicken Parades
You can’t talk about Oviedo without mentioning our famous free-range chickens. Since the 1990s, they’ve roamed the downtown streets like they own the place — and honestly, they kind of do. It’s a local tradition, and residents wouldn’t have it any other way.
Architecture buffs will love Oviedo’s Historic District, filled with charming Victorian and Craftsman-style homes. Landmarks like Oviedo City Hall, the Masonic Temple, and the public library help preserve the city’s small-town spirit while the community continues to grow.
From Farmland to Family Homes
By the 1980s, another devastating freeze hit — and this time, citrus farms never fully recovered. Much of the farmland was eventually developed into the neighborhoods and communities that make up Oviedo today. But the past still echoes through the city — from its festivals to its architecture to those fearless chickens.
Why We Love It Here — And You Will Too
Today, Oviedo is a vibrant, diverse city that balances tradition with innovation. We’ve got booming businesses in healthcare, tech, and education, plus family-friendly parks, top-rated schools, and events nearly every weekend.
And yes — we’re part of it all. Scott has been selling homes here for over 35 years. Diana is not only a top local Realtor but also deeply involved in the community. We’re proud to be official sponsors of Oviedo’s outdoor festivals and events all year long.
Ready to Make Oviedo Home?
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Oviedo, reach out to Realtors Scott Garrison and Diana Sacoto — your local experts with the experience, heart, and hometown pride to guide you every step of the way.
Stay tuned for more Oviedo stories — the past, the present, and everything in between.
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