| Daphne | |
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| — City — | |
| Daphne Alabama City Hall | |
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Daphne
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Baldwin |
| Area | |
| • Total | 14.1 sq mi (36.5 km2) |
| • Land | 13.5 sq mi (34.9 km2) |
| • Water | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km2) |
| Elevation | 157 ft (48 m) |
| Population (2000) | |
| • Total | 19,542 |
| • Density | 1,176/sq mi (454.3/km2) |
| Time zone | Central (CST) (UTC-6) |
| • Summer (DST) | CDT (UTC-5) |
| ZIP code | 36526 |
| Area code(s) | 251 |
| FIPS code | 01-19648 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0157933 |
| Website | http://www.daphneal.com/ |
Daphne is a city in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States, on the eastern shoreline of Mobile Bay. The city is located along I-10, 11 miles east of Mobile and 150 miles southwest of the state capital of Montgomery. The United States Census 2000 lists the population of the city as 16,581[1] making Daphne the most populous city in Baldwin County.[2] The U.S. Census estimated its population at approximately 19,542 in 2009.[3] It is a principal city of the Daphne-Fairhope-Foley micropolitan area, which includes all of Baldwin County.
The inhabited history of what is now called Daphne dates at least to the Paleo-Indian period and Native American tribes around 9000 BC.[4] Modern day Daphne is a thriving suburb of nearby Mobile with all the expected amenities of 21st century life.
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Daphne is located at 30°37'52.640" North, 87°53'11.184" West (30.631289, -87.886440)[5]. It is one of three cities that are collectively known as Eastern Shore by locals.[6] They are Spanish Fort to the north, Daphne in the center and Fairhope to the south.
The topography of Daphne is generally consistent from a gently sloping sea level on the west to low rolling hills further east. Generally, the entire city lies no more than 150 feet above sea level.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.1 square miles (37 km2), of which 13.5 square miles (35 km2) are land and 0.6-square-mile (1.6 km2) (4.47%) is water.
Nearby communities include: Fairhope, Loxley, Mobile, Point Clear, Robertsdale, Silverhill, Summerdale, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Bay Minette, Foley, Magnolia Springs, Elberta, Belforest, and Malbis.
| Historical populations | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1970 | 2,382 |
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| 1980 | 3,406 | 43.0% | |
| 1990 | 11,290 | 231.5% | |
| 2000 | 16,581 | 46.9% | |
| Est. 2009 | 19,542 | 17.9% | |
As of the census of 2000, there were 16,581 people, 6,563 households, and 4,670 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,230.5 people per square mile (475.3/km2). There were 7,222 housing units at an average density of 536.0 per square mile (207.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 85.33% White, 12.35% Black or African American, 0.30% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.43% from other races, and 0.97% from two or more races. 1.53% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 6,563 households out of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.6% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.8% were non-families. 24.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.6% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $52,603, and the median income for a family was $61,563. Males had a median income of $46,576 versus $29,052 for females. The per capita income for the city was $25,597. About 2.6% of families and 4.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.[7]
The history of Daphne predates recorded history and shares much in common with other southeastern towns and cities. From Native American, to the Spanish, French and British, the city has seen a lengthy parade of historic influences which gives Daphne its present character.
Daphne is also known as the “Jubilee City.” A Jubilee in Mobile Bay occurs when crab, shrimp, and other sea life from the waters of Mobile Bay are suddenly found washed ashore along the coastline. Biologists believe the phenomenon is due to a possible decrease in water oxygen levels which force the fish to the surface.[8]
Early settlers to the region were hunter-gather tribes similar to those in North Alabama. Small clans worked together to acquire food and to provide for their families. Initially, these groups enjoyed an economy based upon hunting and scavenging but as time passed production of weapons and pottery became more advanced. During the late Woodland stage Native Americans began to practice more elaborate ritual services. Although no burial grounds are known in Daphne, they are scattered throughout nearby Baldwin County. By 1500, the zenith of Native American culture in South Alabama, it is estimated that a community of about 5,000 lived within 50 miles of the seacoast. These peoples were among the first who met Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in 1540. From this meeting forward, the original settlers faced a disaster from which they did not recover.[4]
The first European settlers to the area of Daphne came in 1540 and the period of Spanish Exploration. Prior to that time the region was populated by a variety of Native American tribes. In 1763, the community of Daphne was established and was known simply as “the Village.” The town of Daphne was officially established, although unincorporated, in April 1874 when the Post Office for Daphne was opened. The town was named the county seat of Baldwin County, Alabama, in 1868 after the previous county seat, Blakely, was destroyed in the Civil War.
Daphne remained the county seat until a legislative act of 1900, when the county seat was moved to Bay Minette. Daphne residents resisted the change and would not allow the county records to be removed. Those records were stolen in a late night raid and moved to Bay Minette.[9]
On July 8, 1927, Daphne was incorporated with a request for incorporation signed by 41 landowners. On September 19, 1927, the town held its first election. The first Mayor was James M. Voltz. An attempt in 1946 to revoke incorporation by unhappy residents failed.[10]
In February, 2008, Daphne became the last of the large cities in Baldwin County to enact a public smoking ban. After contentious council meetings,[2] the ban was passed while exempting bars, private clubs and up to 30% of rooms in a hotel.[11]
In November 2010, Daphne City Council was persuaded by a single student from Bayside Academy to enact a ban against texting while driving.[12]
Daphne is incorporated in Baldwin County, Alabama. It is governed by a mayor and city council, both of which are elected by popular vote every four years. A semi-autonomous Utilities Board and Zoning Commission support the governance of the city.[13] Daphne’s current mayor is Bailey Yelding Jr. A seven member city council serves the city of Daphne. Council Members are selected within districts. The council is presently composed of the following:
Tommie Conaway, District One
Cathy Barnette, District Two
John L. Lake, District Three
Kelly D. Reese, District Four
Ron Scott, District Five
Derek Boulware, District Six
August Palumbo, District Seven
Public schools in Daphne are part of the Baldwin County Public Schools system. Three elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school serve the Daphne area.
Daphne has six public parks, which include the following:
The Daphne Civic Center is a city-owned facility used to host a variety of recurring and specials events for the community. Constructed at a cost of $6 million, it opened to the public in December 1999.[14]
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