The city of Ocoee is a shining example of the notion that growth and history can be successfully blended. The Ocoee Christian Church and the Withers-Maguire House and Museum are locations where Ocoee's history is faithfully preserved for future generations. The city's past culture is observed in the gorgeous parks, brick roads and historic buildings. This past intertwined with the growth and expansion of businesses including the Florida Auto Auction, Health Central Hospital, West Oaks Mall and Sysco Foods make Ocoee the "Center of Good Living."

Ocoee has come a long way since 1881 when Civil War Captain Bluford M. Sims acquired a 74 acre parcel of land in what is now considered downtown Ocoee. Ocoee's population then totaled only 115 residents. Since then Ocoee has been inviting people to share in its beauty and good fortune and now is home to over 26,000 people.

Folklore has it that Ocoee's pioneers got the name Ocoee from an Indian word meaning "no cold." The many newcomers to the area would probably say a more appropriate meaning would be "all roads lead here." With the Florida Turnpike, the East/West Expressway, State Road 50, and the new Western Beltway all leading to or passing through Ocoee, it gives the residents only a 15-20 minute drive from downtown Orlando, the attractions and the airport. With Ocoee averaging more than one new home a day over the past seven years, "all roads do lead here" to the "Center of Good Living."

14th Annual Founders Day Festival 10/19-/10/20 www.OcoeefoundersFestival.org