Waldo, Florida, is struggling to keep up with those who drive through. But as small towns erode across the United States, the 751 people who live here are still hoping to figure out what could keep Waldo alive.
The county shut down the only community school. Churches have closed and stand abandoned. Historic buildings are under lock and key. There is no police department or grocery store. The train passes through but doesn’t stop. And the people sometimes walk away.
The county shut down the only community school. Churches have closed and stand abandoned. Historic buildings are under lock and key. There is no police department or grocery store. The train passes through but doesn’t stop. And the people sometimes walk away.
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The graphs above show population decline in Waldo and the growth in surrounding Alachua County, as estimated by the American Community Survey.
Why Waldo?
Twenty-two trains go by every day without picking anyone up in Waldo. The only grade school closed. People have no grocery store to shop at and no police department to feel protected by. Homes and downtown shops are empty. Tourism dollars can’t generate money for the city like it used to. And, the city no longer brings in revenue from its notorious speed trap, which left a bad reputation on the city.
The farmers market and Waldo Motorsports are a few local attractions that have lured people into the town for over 40 years. Though these locations are what Waldo has come to be best known for, they don’t address the problems the dwindling community faces.
Still, nearly 1,000 people find a reason to stay. Through all its recent struggles, Waldo maintains a strong group of believers who won’t let the town die. Though the city will continue to search for its unique attraction, repurposing the old school has given residents hope for the future of Waldo.
The farmers market and Waldo Motorsports are a few local attractions that have lured people into the town for over 40 years. Though these locations are what Waldo has come to be best known for, they don’t address the problems the dwindling community faces.
Still, nearly 1,000 people find a reason to stay. Through all its recent struggles, Waldo maintains a strong group of believers who won’t let the town die. Though the city will continue to search for its unique attraction, repurposing the old school has given residents hope for the future of Waldo.
Produced by Joshua Baker (Web Designer), McKenna Beery, Christopher Day, Melissa De La Paz, Angie DiMichele, Emily Felts, John Lievonen, Aaron Ritter, Victoria Vargas and John Freeman (Faculty Adviser)
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