Topography
Fluvanna County is located in the Piedmont Plateau Physiographic Province and is characterized by gently rolling hills. Covering 282 square miles, two-thirds of the county's land is forested, with most open land devoted to farming and grazing. Elevations above sea level range from around 200 feet at the Town of Columbia to about 550 feet at Zion Crossroads.
Climate
A moderate climate prevails with winds from the south. The average January temperature is 37.5 degrees and the average July temperature is 77.9 degrees. The typical annual rainfall is 42.59 inches with annual snowfall around 14.40 inches.
Population
Fluvanna County's population, estimated at 19,600, is growing more than four times faster than that of the state and is the second fastest growing county in Virginia. While the county is still mostly rural, larger concentrations of residents may be found at Lake Monticello, Palmyra and Fork Union.
Health Care
Numerous health care professionals operate within the county covering a wide range of specialties including Pediatric, Family, and Internal Medicine. Dental, eye, physical therapy, counseling, pharmacy and veterinary services are also available. Fluvanna County is fortunate to be conveniently located to the world-renowned University of Virginia Medical Center, a Level I trauma center and, the community based not-for-profit Martha Jefferson Hospital, both is Charlottesville. Pegasus Flight Operations also covers the county providing helicopter transport in emergency medical situations.
Education
Fluvanna County operates three elementary, one middle and one high school. Three private schools are also located within the county. The University of Virginia in Charlottesville is composed of nine graduate and professional schools in addition to the undergraduate college. Piedmont Virginia Community College, approximately 20 miles from the county, offers a wide variety of classes and degrees on its campus and at satellite locations within the county. Other institutions of higher education within easy commute of Fluvanna County include J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College in Goochland County, the University of Richmond, and Mary Baldwin College in Staunton.
Leisure Activities
Fluvanna County has abundant natural resources, including the James, Hardware and Rivanna Rivers. These waterways, along with other natural areas, provide ample opportunity for hunting, fishing, boating, hiking and other outdoor activities. The State operated Hardware Wildlife Management Area, encompassing 1,034 acres and the 50 acre Fluvanna - Ruritan Lake are particular favorites of outdoor enthusiasts.
The County Recreation Department operates a gymnasium and community center and sponsors over 33 programs and 5 athletic leagues. There are 9 ball fields and two tennis courts. The county also owns a 969 acre property, with two miles of riverfront, with park and recreation, educational and local government development potential near Palmyra.
Activities open to residents and property owners of the Lake Monticello community center around a 352 acre man-made lake. The main lake is open for swimming, boating, water skiing, diving and fishing. There are five beaches for access to the water and a marina with a boat ramp for trailer accessibility. Along with the water activities, there is a par 72, PGA championship golf course, basketball courts, baseball field, soccer field and two playgrounds with cook-out facilities.
Laurel Ridge Golf Club, located one mile north of Palmyra on Route 15, opened for play in October 1997. The 18 hole public course has a pro shop, restaurant and driving range. The par 72 6,600 yard course features two small lakes and a 12 acre irrigation lake to provide water hazards.
Local Economy
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of new businesses in Fluvanna County is rising faster than anywhere else in Central Virginia. While forestry and agriculture are still the backbone of Fluvanna County's economy, a growing retail and service business sector is emerging. Commercial activity within the county is centered around Fork Union, Lake Monticello, Palmyra and Zion Crossroads.
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