Community Description
Short Description: Belleview, “the city with small town charm,” developed around Lake Lillian is 46 miles south of Gainesville and 80 miles north of Tampa. The community was incorporated on May 4, 1885 by special act of the Legislature. In 1886, a library was established in a stone structure and it still houses the library making it one of the oldest libraries in Florida. By 1911, Belleview boasted two hotels, two churches, two halls, a Masonic Temple, a railway depot, a post office, two sawmills, an ice and gristmill, a fence factory and a moss-ginning mill.
An early settler, John P. Pelot, founded Belleview in the spring of 1884. The village was originally known as Longswamp to some and Roach Pond to others. Belleview, meaning "beautiful view," was named for Mr. Pelot's daughter Belle.
Belleview has six main roadways and highways. US-441/301/27 run north and south together through the center of town, Highway 484 runs west toward Interstate I-75, CR-25 runs east toward Ocklawaha and Baseline Road (CR-35) runs north and south on the east side of town.
Community events include the annual founders day, nine-mile pond historical weekend (with historical clothing), Easter egg hunt, Light Up Lake Lillian and the Christmas parade.
Belleview's annual operating budget is $4.7 million with 54 regular employees.
Local attractions include a historical City Hall and the Lake Lillian Historical District. Built
Community events include the annual Founders Day festival held each May.
Nearby communities include Silver Springs Shores (4 miles), Ocala (10 miles), The Villages (10.5 miles), Lady Lake (12.5 miles), Wildwood (14 miles), Fruitland Park (17 miles), Coleman (18 miles) and Lake Panasoffkee (19.5 miles).
Population: 3,692
Year of Incorporation: 1885
Location: Central Florida
Median Home Price: $126,900
Tax Rate: 4.366
Taxes Levied (per capita): $126.22
Total Area: 1.33 square miles
City Hall: City of Belleview 5343 S E Abshier Blvd, Belleview, FL 34420 352.245.7021; 352.245.6532 Fax Email Contact
Chamber of Commerce: Belleview-South Marion Chamber 5301 S E Abshier Blvd, Belleview, FL 34420 352.245.2178; 352.245.7673 Fax Email Contact
Library: Belleview Public Library 6007 SE Earp Rd, Belleview, FL 34421 352.245.5552
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