Whats Up Lakeland.com - History of Lakeland

Polk County is part of the thriving I-4 corridor in central Florida. The county's growth is spurred on by the area's central location and diverse economy: manufacturing, distribution, health care, tourist attractions and a new emphasis on high-technology industry. Polk County is 25 miles east of Tampa and 35 miles west of Orlando. To businesses, that means an accessible market of more than 7.5 million within 100 miles.

Polk is the 8th largest county in Florida, with an estimated 484,000 residents mostly in the Lakeland-Winter Haven urban area. The county's population continues to grow at a steady pace and is projected to reach over 543,000 by 2010. Two major international airports are located within one hour of the Lakeland and Winter Haven campuses. The beautiful beaches of both the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico are within 60 miles.

The Lakeland-Winter Haven urban area hosts the corporate headquarters of Publix Super Markets, W. S. Badcock, Colorado Boxed Beef, Comcar, Discount Auto Parts, Florida Natural Growers, and Scotty's in addition to the regional headquarters of State Farm and GEICO. Nine institutions of higher education are located here. Outstanding hospitals and medical clinics make Lakeland-Winter Haven one of the state's leading medical centers.

Many high-technology industries are locating along the I-4 corridor. PCC is part of a regional consortium of community colleges and universities mobilized to train workers for high-skill computer jobs.

The favorable climate of the Lakeland-Winter Haven urban area coupled with the more than 500 lakes and numerous parks and trails provide an appealing quality of life. The Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians train and play their Spring Training games here. The eastern part of the county is located on the "Florida ridge" that has rolling hills. With a median home price of $84,000, the area ranks 17th in affordability among the nation's 125 largest urban areas. Florida has no state income tax.