Plant City

Plant City sits between Brandon and Lakeland along Interstate 4 and spreads across gently rolling countryside dotted with strawberry fields and citrus groves. Downtown features low brick buildings and wide streets with parking lots arranged around a small historic core.

A Native American village named Ichepuckesassa stood here long before European settlers arrived and named the place Cork in 1860. Railroad developer Henry B. Plant brought the rail line here in 1885, after which the community adopted his name and developed rapidly.

The annual strawberry festival in late winter draws thousands of visitors who come for concerts, rides, and stalls selling local strawberry products. The event transforms downtown into a lively gathering place for farmers and families from across the region for two weeks.

The Quintilla Geer Bruton public library offers free programs and internet access for all ages. Several parks along the Alafia River allow hiking and biking on unpaved trails with shade under old oaks.

The Cincinnati Reds held spring training here from 1988 to 1997 and played in a specially built baseball stadium. Visitors can still see the former training stadium today, now used by local teams and community events.

Location: Hillsborough County

Inception: 1885

Elevation above the sea: 39 m

Website: http://plantcitygov.com

GPS coordinates: 28.01667,-82.13333

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:11