Oak Hill

The unspoiled beauty of rural southeast Florida surrounds you in Oak Hill. This small community borders the Canaveral National Seashore Park, neighbors the Indian River Lagoon and is the second highest elevation in Florida. Over 4,000 plants and animals inhabit the Lagoon with much of the bird life and subtropical flora spilling onto Oak Hill’s shores. Oak Hill holds the smallest population of the three communities with 1,830 residents who enjoy its secluded lifestyle. The town was appropriately named for its many grand Oak trees draped in Spanish moss that give it a unique charm all its own. Very little commercial activity transpires in Oak Hill as it serves predominately as a bedroom community for those headed north or south. In town you’ll find four community parks, several fishing camps, a fishing pier and a bird look-out over the wetlands. As well, a recreation program, civic organizations, local churches and an active Boys & Girls Club offer opportunities to stay out and active. Beautiful 19th century homes add to Oak Hill’s history-rich surroundings. A section of the National Canaveral Seashore Park extends into an Oak Hill historic site called “Seminole Rest”. A visit here will uncover two turn-of-the-century homes and several Timucuan Mounds that are evidence of past generations who lived here.

About the Area

The City of Oak Hill is the southernmost city in Southeast Volusia County. The location is rich in early Florida history. It was the site of an Indian village called Surruque el Viejo near el Baradero de Suroc, which was seen on French cartographer Jacque Lemoyne’s map of 1564.

Several English settlers were in the area during the later 1700’s. Seminole Wars chased away northern timber cutters who named their camp Oak Hill. Arad Sheldon, a resident of that time 1856, took the four bodies massacred just to the north by wagon to New Smyrna Beach.

Following the Territorial Days of Florida, permanent settlers began moving into the area. Statehood seemed to provide stability for organized communities. By the Civil War years, Oak Hill was changing: a salt works was operating, part-time stores were open, and a man named Mitchell had planted the first orange grove.

The City of Oak Hill was first chartered in 1927. Local government was based on a Mayor/Commission with each commissioner functioning as head of a municipal department. The city was later disbanded in 1930. The country was in a depression and the city petitioned the government to inactivate the charter, which was granted. The city later petitioned the government in 1962 to reactivate the charter. Clarence Goodrich was the city's mayor from 1963 to 1989, spanning 26 year

The Beaches

New Smyrna Beach Named One of World’s Top Surf Towns

New Smyrna Beach may add another mention to its long list of accolades. In November 2013, “Travel & Leisure Magazine” placed our city on its list of the top 15 “World’s Coolest Surf Towns.” In fact, New Smyrna Beach was the only city on the east coast of the United States to make the top 15 list.

New Smyrna Beach Named a “10 Best Beach Town in Florida

For more than 22 years, Dr. Beach has reviewed, evaluated and rated beaches and coastal areas throughout the world. The Florida International University professor's annual rankings of "Best Beaches" are based upon 50 criteria ranging from water temps, to sand and water qualities, to safety and amenities. For the full story, visit the Press Release Distribution website.

Tides, Daily Forecasts & Beach Safety Tips

For more beach information including tides, daily forecasts, beachcams and beach safety tips, please visit the Volusia County website.

Quality of Life

A new series of public service announcements, developed by the Florida League of Cities for use by Florida cities, illustrates how cities are vital to our state's quality of life. This series of video messages is intended to remind Floridians of all the ways cities, and the public services they provide, enrich their lives daily.

"Most people focus their political energies on what's happening in Washington, D.C. or in Tallahassee, but in fact it is our cities that have the most direct impact on our daily lives," said Joy Cooper, president, Florida League of Cities and Mayor of Hallandale Beach. "Service delivery sometimes goes unnoticed by the general public. Everything from effective police and fire safety and efficient garbage collection to well-maintained roads designed with well-timed traffic lights are among the most important City services provided to citizens.