Polk County

Polk County is an administrative region in central Florida that stretches between Tampa and Orlando. The landscape includes more than 500 lakes, sprawling citrus groves, and gentle hills spread across a wide area.

The county was formed in 1861 from the eastern part of Hillsborough County and named after President James K. Polk. Early settlers raised cattle and planted citrus, shaping the region's development over decades.

The region maintains strong agricultural traditions through citrus production, with numerous groves and processing facilities spread across the northern and eastern sections point.

Several towns in the county offer hotels, restaurants, and gas stations along Interstate 4, which cuts through the region. Visitors can explore the area by car, as communities are spread out and public transport is limited.

The Lake Wales Ridge in the eastern part reaches elevations uncommon for Florida and supports rare plant species. Sandy soils and ancient dunes shape this rise, left from a time when sea levels were lower.

Location: Florida

Inception: February 8, 1861

Capital city: Bartow

Shares border with: Hardee County, Highlands County, Okeechobee County, Osceola County, Orange County, Lake County, Sumter County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County

Website: http://polk-county.net

GPS coordinates: 27.96000,-81.70000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 22:19