Belle Isle (Florida)

Belle Isle is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. The population was 5,988 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area.HistoryThe Belle Isle area was first inhabited by the Timucua people circa the 9th century. The first organized government of Belle Isle was established in 1924, with C. H. Hoffner as the community's first mayor. This government lasted until 1938, when it was deactivated. Belle Isle was re-established in 1954, and has been running continuously since.Since 2003, Belle Isle has run under a council-manager government, with the mayor being a strictly ceremonial position. Seven commissioners are elected to represent their respective districts on the city council. All elected officials serve three year terms without compensation.In 2009, the City of Belle Isle established its own police department, which would take over the area's jurisdiction from the Orange County Sheriff. The incorporation of the department has almost doubled the total number of city employees, increasing the number from 11 to 20.GeographyBelle Isle is located at.According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.2km2, of which 6.0km2 is land and 7.2km2 (54.42%) is water.The city of Belle Isle is close to Orlando International Airport, being only three miles northwest of it; Orlando itself is only five miles north. Belle Isle is the location of Lake Conway, one of Greater Orlando's largest lakes. The southern portion of Little Lake Conway, another large lake, is also in Belle Isle.