Learn More About Plant City, Florida
Plant City, Florida
Plant City is a family- and business-friendly community in Hillsborough County in Central Florida. It sits on a total area of about 23 square miles virtually made up entirely of land. The city is located roughly at equal distance between Lakeland and Brandon along Interstate 4.
This area was originally known as Ichepucksassa after a village of local Indians at the same location. But most settlers experienced significant difficulty with the pronunciation and spelling of the community's name. This made its Irish postmaster to change the name of the town to Cork after his home city. The South Florida Railroad was extended to the community in 1884 and it was incorporated the following year.
Some people assume that Plant City was named for the local flora. Many types of plants, including vegetables and fruits, were grown at plant nurseries in the area due to its almost tropical climate. However, the name is officially believed to be in honor of railroad developer Henry B. Plant, who brought the railroad there, boosting commerce in the area.
Plant City has a humid subtropical climate, as is common with many areas in the state of Florida. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are warm and dry. The climate is not completely tropical in that the mean temperature for the coolest month is about 61 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant City falls into the Southern Flatwoods ecological zone, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But most of soils around here are more fertile than average flatwoods.
Dubbed the "Winter Strawberry Capital of the World," Plant City has a reputation of being a major producer of strawberries both in the state and country. The fruit drove the transition of the city from its prior status as a major cotton hub. It is said that more than three quarters of midwinter strawberries produced in the United States come from here. Wishnatzki Farms, Florida's biggest strawberry producer, maintains significant presence in the city.
The proximity of Plant City to several major highways, including Interstate 4, has helped ensure that it is not entirely reliant on agriculture. In addition to Plant City Airport, this community of over 37,000 people is also not far from Tampa and Orlando International airports. It has become a major distribution center in the region as a result. Plant City also plays host to a sizeable manufacturing sector.
Owing to its reputation of producing high amounts of strawberries, Plant City hosts the yearly Florida Strawberry Festival, which is attended by more than 500,000 visitors. You have an opportunity to taste awesome products made from fresh strawberries, including pies, shortcakes and cobblers at the late winter festival.
Public education is Plant City is managed by the Hillsborough County School District. The city is home to the Hillsborough Community College, considered one of the best community colleges in the country.
In spite of its many big-town amenities, Plant City has also been working to preserve its small town charm. It is just the ideal place for people who desire a community with good transportation and educational systems in addition to other great amenities without sacrificing serenity.
