Editing Altha, Florida

{{Redirect|Altha}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
<!-- Basic info  ---------------->
|name                     = Altha, Florida
|official_name            = Town of Altha
|other_name               = 
|native_name              = <!-- for cities whose native name is not in English -->
|nickname                 = 
|settlement_type          = [[Town (Florida)|Town]]
|motto                    = 
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|image_skyline            = 08-09 AlthaFLTownHall1.JPG
|imagesize                = 250x200px
|image_caption            = Altha Town Hall on September 25, 2008
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|image_map                = File:Calhoun County Florida Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Altha Highlighted 1201000.svg
|mapsize                  = 250x200px
|map_caption              = Location of Altha in Calhoun County, Florida.
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<!-- Location ------------------>
|subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name         = {{flag|United States}}
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = {{flag|Florida}}
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Florida|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = {{noflag|[[Calhoun County, Florida|Calhoun]]}}
|subdivision_type3        = 
|subdivision_name3        = 
|subdivision_type4        = 
|subdivision_name4        = 
<!-- Politics ----------------->
|government_footnotes     = 
|government_type          = [[Mayor-council government|Mayor-Council]]
|leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name              = Jeffery Waldroff
|leader_title1            = [[Chairman]]
|leader_name1             = Jonathan Connelly
|leader_title2            = [[Vice Chairman]]
|leader_name2             = Jamie Strickland
|leader_title3            = [[City Council|Councilmembers]]
|leader_name3             = Charlie McNew, and<br>Linda Barrentine
|leader_title4            = [[City Clerk|Town Clerk]]
|leader_name4             = Dustin Graham
|established_title        = [[Settler colonialism|Settled]]
|established_date         = 1902<ref name=settled>{{Cite web|title=Town of Altha|url=https://www.facebook.com/townofalthaflorida|website=[[Facebook]]}}</ref>
|established_title2       = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date2        = 1946<ref name=AltInc>{{Cite web|title=FLORIDA CITIES BY INCORPORATION YEAR WITH INCORPORATION & DISSOLUTION INFO|url=https://www.flcities.com/docs/default-source/research-institute-reports/2020citiesbyincorporationwithinfo.pdf?sfvrsn=5009d6d5_0|website=www.flcities.com}}</ref><ref name=AlthaInc>{{Cite web|title=MUNICIPAL DIRECTORY: Town of Altha|url=https://www.floridaleagueofcities.com/research-resources/municipal-directory|website=www.floridaleagueofcities.com}}</ref>
|established_title3       = <!-- Incorporated (city) -->
|established_date3        = 
<!-- Area    --------------------->
|area_magnitude           = 
|unit_pref                = Imperial
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_12.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 31, 2021}}</ref>
|area_total_km2           = 3.54
|area_land_km2            = 3.46
|area_water_km2           = 0.08
|area_total_sq_mi         = 1.37
|area_land_sq_mi          = 1.34
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.03
|area_water_percent       = 
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<!-- Population   ----------------------->
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_footnotes     = 
|population_note          = 
|population_total         = 496
|population_density_km2   = 143.20
|population_density_sq_mi = 370.98
|population_metro         = 
|population_density_metro_km2     = 
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<!-- General information  --------------->
|timezone                 = [[North American Central Time Zone|Central (CST)]]
|utc_offset               = -6
|timezone_DST             = CDT
|utc_offset_DST           = -5
|coordinates              = {{coord|30|34|18|N|85|7|39|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
|elevation_footnotes      = <!--for references: use <ref> </ref> tags-->
|elevation_m              = 62
|elevation_ft             = 203
<!-- Area/postal codes & others -------->
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP code]]
|postal_code              = 32421
|area_code                = [[Area code 850|850]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 12-01000<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |accessdate=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref>
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = 0277823<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|accessdate=January 31, 2008|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=October 25, 2007}}</ref>
|website                  = {{URL|https://www.townofaltha.org/}}
|footnotes                = 
|pop_est_as_of            = 
|pop_est_footnotes        = 
|population_est           = 
}}

'''Altha''' is a small town in [[Calhoun County, Florida|Calhoun County]], [[Florida]], United States. It is part of the [[Florida Panhandle]] in [[North Florida]]. The population was 496 at the 2020 census, a decrease from 536 at the 2010 census.

==History==
During [[Racial segregation in the United States|segregation]], the '''Town of Altha''' was known to have had "[[sundown town|Sunset Signs]]" that were posted at each corner of the city limits warning African Americans not to enter after dark.<ref name="Altha">{{cite web |last1=Leowen |first1=James |title=Altha |url=https://justice.tougaloo.edu/sundowntown/altha-fl/ |website=History and Social Justice |access-date=August 18, 2022}}</ref>

It was first settled in 1902,<ref name=settled/> and the town was officially incorporated as a municipality in 1946.<ref name=AltInc/><ref name=AlthaInc/>

==Geography==
[[File:Altha FL downtown.jpg|thumb|left|Downtown Altha]]
The exact coordinates for the Town of Altha is located at {{coord|30|34|18|N|85|7|39|W|type:city}} (30.571710, –85.127533).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref>

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|1.5|sqmi|km2}}, of which  {{convert|1.4|sqmi|km2}} is land and {{convert|0.04|sqmi|km2}} (2.72%) is water.

Altha is located in northwestern Florida, approximately 45 minutes from the [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] state line and one hour from the [[Alabama]] state line. Altha is in a rural county, with the primary industry being agriculture. [[Tomato]]es, [[watermelon]]s, green vegetables, [[cucumber]]s, [[peanut]]s, [[Maize|corn]], [[wheat]], and [[cotton]] are all major crops in this farming area. The [[Lumber|timber]] industry also thrives in the area, with many farmers electing to plant [[List of Pinus species|pine]] trees.

==Climate==
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the [[Köppen climate classification]], the Town of Altha has a [[humid subtropical climate]] zone (''Cfa'').

Altha has an average high temperature of 76 degrees [[Fahrenheit]], with an average low of 51 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers in this area are quite hot and humid, with afternoon showers frequently occurring during the summer months. Altha is located about 35 miles from the [[Gulf of Mexico]], so when [[tropical storms]] or [[hurricane]]s approach the coastline, weather can become severe.

The coldest part of the winter occurs during late January and early February. Temperatures at night can dip as low as the lower 30s, and in some isolated instances, even striking the low to mid 20s. The last measurable snowfall occurred on December 23, 1989, where 2 inches of snow fell. January and February can be cool months, with temperatures occasionally struggling to reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

In 2004, during [[Hurricane Ivan]], dozens of homes were destroyed and four people were killed because of a severe tornado striking near the town.

In October 2018, Altha and the surrounding areas were hit by [[Hurricane Michael]], which was listed as a [[category 5 hurricane]], and the strongest to ever hit [[Northwest Florida]], caused extensive damage to the town. The old high school building, known as the white building, and many homes were damaged and/or destroyed as a result.

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1950= 434
|1960= 413
|1970= 423
|1980= 478
|1990= 497
|2000= 506
|2010= 536
|2020= 496
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}

===2010 and 2020 census===
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''Altha racial composition'''<br> (Hispanics excluded from racial categories)<br> (''NH = Non-Hispanic'')<br>
!Race
!Pop 2010<ref>{{Cite web|title=P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Altha town, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Altha+town;+Florida+&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!Pop 2020<ref>{{Cite web|title=P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Altha town, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Altha+town;+Florida+&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!% 2010
!% 2020
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] (NH)
|495
|441
|92.35%
|88.91%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] (NH)
|7
|4
|1.31%
|0.81%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] (NH)
|0
|1
|0.00%
|0.20%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] (NH)
|1
|0
|0.19%
|0.00%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] or [[Native Hawaiian]] (NH)
|0
|0
|0.00%
|0.00%
|-
|[[Other races (U.S. Census)|Some other race]] (NH)
|1
|0
|0.19%
|0.00%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Two or more races/Multiracial]] (NH)
|6
|19
|1.12%
|3.83%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race)
|26
|31
|4.85%
|6.25%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''536'''
|'''496'''
|
|
|-
|}

As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 496 people, 187 households, and 116 families residing in the town.<ref>{{Cite web|title=S1101 HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES - 2020: Altha town, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Altha+town;+Florida+&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S1101|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>

As of the [[2010 United States census]], there were 536 people, 198 households, and 144 families residing in the town.<ref>{{Cite web|title=S1101 HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES - 2010: Altha town, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Altha+town;+Florida+&tid=ACSST5Y2010.S1101|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>

In 2010, the population was 47% male and 53% female. 33% of the population was under 18 and 15.5% was 65 or over.<ref name="Altha"/>

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]] of 2000, there are 506 people, 204 households, and 128 families residing in the town. The [[population density]] is {{convert|136.6|/km2|/mi2|disp=preunit|people|people|abbr=on}}. There are 226 housing units at an average density of {{convert|61.0|/km2|/mi2|disp=preunit|units|units|abbr=on}}. The racial makeup of the town is 95.85% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.20% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.40% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.20% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.00% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 2.57% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 0.79% from two or more races. 5.93% of the population are [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race.

In 2000, there are 204 households out of which 30.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.6% are [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 13.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 36.8% are non-families. 31.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 16.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.48 and the average family size is 3.04.

In 2000, in the town, the age distribution is 25.5% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 94.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.3 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town is $27,917, and the median income for a family is $40,156. Males have a median income of $26,389 versus $22,000 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town is $12,677. 17.3% of the population and 8.5% of families are below the [[poverty line]]. Out of the total population, 7.2% of those under the age of 18 and 29.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

==Education==
[[File:Altha FL old school05.JPG|thumb|[[Altha School]] on February 12, 2011, before it was destroyed by [[Hurricane Michael]] and demolished soon after, in October 2018.]]
Altha, served by the [[Calhoun County School District (Florida)|Calhoun County School District]] is home to the K–12 [[Altha Public School]], established early after the turn of the twentieth century.

The "white building", as it was known as, has since been demolished due to Hurricane Michael. The school has since been rebuilt on the previous school's site, retaining its same name, and currently serves as the town's only public school.

===School sports===
The girls' volleyball team has won numerous district, region, and state semi-finals playoffs as well. Altha School runs boys' basketball, volleyball, softball, baseball, weightlifting, and a cross-country team. The girls' and boys' weightlifting teams have won several state championships.

== Businesses and attractions ==
The largest employer in Altha is [[Oglesby Plants International]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oglesbytc.com/contact/|title=Contact}}</ref> The [[Chipola River]], about three miles west of Altha, offers swimming, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.

==References==
{{Commons category|Altha, Florida}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.townofaltha.org/ Official Website for the Town of Altha]

{{Calhoun County, Florida}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Towns in Calhoun County, Florida]]
[[Category:Towns in Florida]]