352 Area Code: The Gateway to Gainesville, Florida
Table of Contents
- 352 Area Code: The Gateway to Gainesville, Florida
- History and Implementation of the 352 Area Code
- Geographic Coverage and Major Cities Served
- Economic Impact of the 352 Area Code
- Educational Institutions and Research Centers
- Healthcare and Medical Facilities
- Transportation and Infrastructure
- Local Government and Public Services
- Media and Entertainment in the 352 Area Code
- Demographic Profile and Population Statistics
- FAQs
The 352 area code is a North American Numbering Plan (NANP) code that serves the Gainesville metropolitan area in north-central Florida. It was created in 1999 as a split from the 904 area code. The 352 area code encompasses Alachua, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union counties, providing service to a population of over 300,000 residents.
History and Implementation of the 352 Area Code
In the late 1990s, the 904 area code, which previously covered the entire northern half of Florida, reached its capacity. To accommodate the growing population and demand for telephone numbers, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) approved the creation of a new area code for the Gainesville region. On October 23, 1999, the 352 area code was activated, becoming the second area code assigned to Florida.
Geographic Coverage and Major Cities Served
The 352 area code encompasses a geographic area of approximately 5,500 square miles. It includes the following major cities and towns:
- Gainesville
- Alachua
- Melrose
- Starke
- Waldo
- Archer
- Bronson
- Trenton
Economic Impact of the 352 Area Code
The 352 area code has played a significant role in the economic development of the Gainesville area. It has facilitated the growth of businesses, industries, and educational institutions, creating a vibrant and diversified economy. Key economic sectors include:
- Education and healthcare
- Agriculture and agribusiness
- Tourism and hospitality
- Manufacturing and technology
Educational Institutions and Research Centers
The 352 area code is home to a number of renowned educational institutions and research centers. The University of Florida, a top-ranked public research university, is located in Gainesville. Other notable institutions include:
- Santa Fe College
- Alachua County Public Schools
- UF Health Shands Hospital and Clinics
- C.A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
The 352 area code provides access to a comprehensive healthcare system. UF Health Shands Hospital and Clinics is a major teaching hospital and referral center for the region. Other healthcare providers include:
- North Florida Regional Medical Center
- Alachua General Hospital
- Haven Hospice
- LifeSouth Community Blood Centers
Transportation and Infrastructure
The 352 area code is well-connected by transportation infrastructure. Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) serves the area with daily flights to major cities. Interstate 75 and US Highway 441 provide easy access to the region by road. The SunRail commuter rail line offers passenger service between Gainesville and Orlando.
Local Government and Public Services
The 352 area code is served by a variety of local government agencies and public services. Alachua County Government provides a range of essential services, including law enforcement, fire protection, and healthcare. Other important public entities include:
- City of Gainesville
- City of Alachua
- Bradford County Sheriff’s Office
- Levy County School District
Media and Entertainment in the 352 Area Code
The 352 area code is home to a diverse array of media and entertainment options. The Gainesville Sun is the local newspaper, while WUFT-TV and WRUF-FM are the public broadcasting stations. The area also boasts a thriving music and arts scene, with venues such as the Hippodrome Theatre and the Bo Diddley Plaza.
Demographic Profile and Population Statistics
The 352 area code has a population of over 300,000 residents, with a diverse demographic profile. The majority of the population is White, followed by African American, Hispanic, and Asian. The area has a relatively young population, with a median age of 27.8 years.
FAQs
Q: Why was the 352 area code created?
A: The 352 area code was created in 1999 to relieve the demand for telephone numbers in the Gainesville area, as the 904 area code had reached capacity.
Q: What counties are served by the 352 area code?
A: The 352 area code serves Alachua, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union counties.
Q: What is the largest city in the 352 area code?
A: Gainesville is the largest city in the 352 area code, with a population of over 133,000 residents.
Q: What is the economic base of the 352 area code?
A: The economic base of the 352 area code includes education, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.
Q: What major educational institutions are located in the 352 area code?
A: The University of Florida, Santa Fe College, and Alachua County Public Schools are among the major educational institutions located in the 352 area code.
