Polk County, Florida | |
|---|---|
 The Polk County Courthouse in Bartow | |
 Flag  Seal  Logo | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofFlorida | |
 Florida's location within theU.S. | |
| Coordinates:27°58′N81°42′W / 27.96°N 81.7°W /27.96; -81.7 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Florida |
| Founded | February 8, 1861 |
| Named after | James K. Polk |
| Seat | Bartow |
| Largest city | Lakeland |
| Area | |
• Total | 2,011 sq mi (5,210 km2) |
| • Land | 1,798 sq mi (4,660 km2) |
| • Water | 213 sq mi (550 km2) 10.6% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 725,046 |
• Estimate (2023) | 818,330 |
| • Density | 403.3/sq mi (155.7/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Area code | 863 |
| Congressional districts | 11th,15th,18th |
| Website | www |
Polk County (/poʊk/) is located in thecentral portion of theU.S. state ofFlorida. The county population was 725,046 in the2020 census, and was estimated to be 818,330 in July 2023.[1] Itscounty seat isBartow,[2] and its largest city isLakeland. Polk County comprises the Lakeland–Winter Haven metropolitan statistical area (MSA).[3] This MSA is the77th-most populous one and the89th-most populousprimary statistical area of the United States as of July 1, 2012.[4][5]
The center of Florida's population is located in Polk County, near the city ofLake Wales.[6] Polk County is home to one public university, one state college, and four private universities.
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The first people to inhabit the area now called Polk County were thePaleoindians who arrived in Florida at least 12,000 years ago, late in thelast ice age. With large amounts of water locked up in continental ice caps, the sea level was more than 150 feet (46 m) lower than at present. The Florida peninsula was twice as wide as it is today, and Florida was cooler and much drier, with few, if any, flowing rivers. Both animals and humans were dependent on scattered water holes, such assinkholes, deep holes in otherwise dry river beds, and rain-fed lakes perched on impervious clay. Most Paleoindian campsites found in Florida have been found at water holes. The largest collection of late, more than 9,500 years ago, Paleoindianmicrolithic tools known from Florida were found inLake Weohyakapka, nearNalcrest in Polk County.[7]
As sea levels rose and Florida became warmer and wetter, the Paleoindian period was followed by theArchaic period, which ended 2,500 to 3,000 years ago, with the emergence of recognizablearchaeological cultures in Florida. In eastern Polk County, theKissimmee River valley was occupied by people of theBelle Glade culture, which persisted from about 3,000 years ago until the collapse of the Native American population in Florida after 1700. Native American people in western Polk County were part of, or influenced by, theManasota culture, which flourished from 2,500 years ago until around 800 AD, when it was replaced by theSafety Harbor culture, fromcirca 800 until after 1700. ThePeace River valley may have hosted a distinct culture during the Safety Harbor period.[8][9]
In 1539,Hernando de Soto sent a detachment of between 80 and 180 men of his expedition, from his landing place onTampa Bay across northern Polk County to visitUrriparacoxi, a powerful chief based in southernLake County or easternOrange County.[10]For the next 280 years, the Spanish, and, between 1763 and 1783, the British, ruled Florida, but did not venture into the interior of the Florida peninsula south of theOklawaha River valley,Acuera Province. The indigenous peoples of the Florida peninsula declined in numbers, and the people who became known as theSeminole moved into central Florida.
In 1821, Florida became a U.S. territory as a result of theAdams-Onis Treaty. In 1823, theTreaty of Moultrie Creek created a reservation in central Florida for the Seminoles and other Native Americans in Florida. What is now Polk County was within the boundaries of that reservation. An attempt to remove all Native Americans in Florida to west of the Mississippi River, starting in 1832, led to theSecond Seminole War. Most of the fighting in the early years of the war occurred north of Polk County.[11]
By 1837, the Seminoles were being pushed south. Late that year, ColonelZachary Taylor, as part of a coordinated push against the Seminoles, led a column east fromFort Brooke (today's Tampa) into what is now Polk County, and then south between the Kissimmee and Peace River valleys, culminating in theBattle of Lake Okeechobee.[12] By 1843 the few Seminoles remaining in Florida were confined to an informal reservation in southern Florida.[13]
While Florida gained statehood in 1845, Polk County was created a month after Florida had seceded from the Union. It was formed from the eastern part ofHillsborough County and named in honor of former US PresidentJames K. Polk,[14] who had been popular with Southerners for supporting the expansion of slavery[15] and whose 1845 inauguration was on the day after Florida became a state.[15][16]
Following the Civil War, the county commission established the county seat on 120 acres (0.49 km2) donated in the central part of the county. Bartow, the county seat, was named afterFrancis S. Bartow, a Confederate colonel from Georgia, who was the first Confederate brigade commander to die in battle. Colonel Bartow was buried inSavannah, Georgia, with military honors, and promoted posthumously to the rank of brigadier general. The original name of the town was Fort Blount.
Several other towns and counties in the South changed their names to Bartow to honor the brigade commander. The first courthouse built in Bartow was constructed in 1867.[citation needed] It was replaced twice, in 1884 and in 1908. As the third courthouse to stand on the site, the present structure houses the Polk County Historical Museum and Genealogical Library. After the Civil War, some 400 Confederate veterans settled here with families before the end of the century.[citation needed]
In 1883, in the post-Reconstruction period, black railway workers were among the first African Americans to settle in Polk County, south of Lake Wire. In 1884, they founded St. John's Baptist Church, which also served as the first school forfreedmen's children. Other workers arrived for jobs in the phosphate industry. This area became the center of a predominately African-American community later known as Moorehead, after Rev. H.K. Moorehead, called to St. John's in 1906. The community developed its own businesses, professional class, and cultural institutions. Its students had to go to other cities for high school until 1928, when the first upper school to serve blacks was established here.[17]
Fred Rochelle, 16, was burned alive in a public spectacle lynching before thousands in Polk County, Florida, in 1901.[18]
White violence rose against blacks in the late 19th century in a regionwide effort to establish and maintainwhite supremacy as Southern statesdisenfranchised most blacks and imposedJim Crow. Whiteslynched 20 African Americans in Polk County from 1895 to 1921.[19] Three black men, whose names were not recorded, were murdered in a mass lynching on May 25, 1895, accused ofrape. While others were killed for alleged crimes (never proven), one black man was lynched for supposedly insulting a white woman. The man, Henry Scott, was a porter on a train from Lakeland to Bartow. While he was preparing a berth for one woman on May 20, 1920, another white woman became angry that he made her wait. She sent a telegram to the next station where he was met by a sheriff, arrested, and then turned over to a mob that shot him 40-50 times.[20]Columbia County had 20 such lynching murders. These two counties had the second-highest total of lynchings of African Americans of any county in Florida.[citation needed]
In the first few decades of the 1900s, thousands of acres of land around Bartow were purchased by thephosphate industry. The county seat became the hub of the largest phosphate industry in the United States, attracting both immigrants and African-American and white workers from rural areas.[21]
Polk County was the leading citrus county in the United States for much of the 20th century. Even the county seat Bartow has had several large groves. In 1941, the city built an airport northeast of town in the county.[22] The airport was taken over by the federal government duringWorld War II and was the training location for manyArmy Air Corps pilots during the war. The airport was returned to the city in 1967 and renamed as Bartow Municipal Airport.[22]
In the 20th century, theKu Klux Klan revived and was active in Polk County, even after World War II. Klansmen were photographed in hoods and robes in 1958 in a church in Mulberry. During the 1960s, violence related to civil-rights movement was attributed to the Klan. In 1967, a white man shot and severely wounded a popular African-American high-school football player who was integrating Lake Ariana Beach.[19] A Klan group marched in Lakeland in full regalia in 1979, their last public march by the Confederate monument in Munn Park.[19]
Since the late 20th century, growth in Polk County has been driven by its proximity to both theTampa andOrlando metropolitan areas along the Interstate 4 corridor. Recent growth has been heaviest in Lakeland, closest to Tampa, and the northeast areas nearHaines City, nearest to Orlando. From 1990 to 2000, unincorporated areas grew 25%, while incorporated areas grew only 11%. In addition to cottage communities that have developed for commuters, Haines City hassuburban sprawl into unincorporated areas. Despite the impressive growth rate, the unemployment rate of Polk has typically been higher than that of Florida.[23] For example, in August 2010, the county had an unemployment rate of 13.4%, compared to 11.7% for Florida.[23]
During the2004 Atlantic hurricane season, three hurricanes,Charley,Frances, andJeanne, all tracked over Polk County, intersecting in a triangle that includes the city of Bartow.[24]
Winter Haven was best known as the home of theCypress Gardens theme park, which operated from 1936 to September 2009.[25]Legoland Florida has since been built on the site of former Cypress Gardens, and has preserved the botanical garden section. Winter Haven was the location of the firstPublix supermarketcirca 1930. Today, Publix's corporate offices are located in Lakeland.
In 2018, the Lakeland City Commission voted to move the Confederate monument from Munn Park, where it was installed in 1910, to Veterans Memorial Park. What is now Veterans Memorial Park was first settled in 1883 as the community of Moorehead, the original African-American community in the area. Owners were bought out in 1967 by eminent domain for county civic development of a conference center and the later Veterans Memorial Park. Some members of the black community have objected to the Confederate monument being relocated to the site of what had been their historic community in Lakeland, saying it would be more appropriate to be located in the cemetery with numerous Confederate graves.[17]
According to theU.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,011 square miles (5,210 km2), of which 213 square miles (550 km2) (10.6%) are covered by water.[26] It is the fourth-largest county in Florida by land area and fifth-largest by total area.
Polk County is within the Central Florida Highlands area of the Atlantic coastal plain, with flatland interspersed with gently rolling hills. Part of the Lake Wales Ridge runs through eastern Polk County, which is known for its rolling hills with unique wildlife and plants. The highest elevation in the county is Crooked Lake Sandhill at 305 feet. The second-highest is Iron Mountain. Bok Tower is 295 feet above sea level. Several artificial raised phosphate tailings ponds in the center of the county rise up to 375 feet.
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At its northeast corner, Polk County touchesOrange County at aquadripoint calledFour Corners, Florida. Lake and Osceola Counties lie between.
Polk County, like most of Florida, has ahumid subtropical climate (KöppenCfa). It lies in theUSDA plant hardiness zone9b, where the average annual minimum temperature is 25–30 °F (−4 – −1 °C).[27] The last measurable snow in the countyfell in 1977. Snow flurries and sleetfell on January 8, 2010, over the course of an hour on an exceptionally cold day.[28]
During the summerrainy season from June to September,sea breezes from both coasts move inland, where the moist air is heated and rises to form thunderstorms. On many days, the sea-breeze thunderstorms from both coasts move inland, colliding in Polk County to form especially strong thunderstorms.[29]: 589 Polk County is located in the middle of"lightning alley", which has more lightning annually than any region in the United States. Largely due to its size, the county receives the overall highest number of lightning strikes in the area.[29]: 590–591
The Green Swamp is prone to fog in winter. In the predawn hours of January 8, 2008, smoke from a prescribed burn contributed to especially dense fog on Interstate 4 that caused a major pileup, involving 70 vehicles in 10 separate crashes that resulted in five deaths.[30]
| Climate data for Lakeland (LAL), 1981–2010 normals, extremes 1948–present | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 87 (31) | 90 (32) | 92 (33) | 95 (35) | 103 (39) | 105 (41) | 102 (39) | 100 (38) | 98 (37) | 96 (36) | 93 (34) | 87 (31) | 105 (41) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 73.6 (23.1) | 76.9 (24.9) | 81.0 (27.2) | 85.7 (29.8) | 90.7 (32.6) | 93.2 (34.0) | 93.9 (34.4) | 94.2 (34.6) | 91.7 (33.2) | 86.6 (30.3) | 79.9 (26.6) | 74.5 (23.6) | 85.2 (29.6) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 50.2 (10.1) | 52.5 (11.4) | 56.2 (13.4) | 60.0 (15.6) | 66.5 (19.2) | 71.7 (22.1) | 72.8 (22.7) | 73.1 (22.8) | 72.1 (22.3) | 66.0 (18.9) | 58.5 (14.7) | 52.3 (11.3) | 62.7 (17.1) |
| Record low °F (°C) | 20 (−7) | 27 (−3) | 25 (−4) | 35 (2) | 47 (8) | 56 (13) | 64 (18) | 63 (17) | 62 (17) | 42 (6) | 28 (−2) | 20 (−7) | 20 (−7) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 2.59 (66) | 2.67 (68) | 3.68 (93) | 2.54 (65) | 3.19 (81) | 8.74 (222) | 7.88 (200) | 7.51 (191) | 6.10 (155) | 2.60 (66) | 1.79 (45) | 2.88 (73) | 52.17 (1,325) |
| Average rainy days(≥ 0.01 in) | 7.8 | 7.4 | 7.8 | 6.4 | 7.5 | 14.4 | 17.1 | 16.8 | 12.4 | 6.9 | 6.4 | 5.9 | 116.8 |
| Mean monthlysunshine hours | 203.2 | 209.4 | 258.2 | 302.1 | 306.7 | 255.8 | 255.4 | 248.9 | 226.5 | 239.9 | 213.4 | 203.5 | 2,923 |
| Source:[31] | |||||||||||||
The eyes of 12 hurricanes have passed through the county at hurricane strength in recorded history, includingHurricane Irma (2017, category 1),Hurricane Jeanne (2004, category 1),Hurricane Charley (2004, category 2),Hurricane Donna (1960, category 2),Hurricane King (1950, category 1), the1949 Florida hurricane (category 2), the1945 Homestead hurricane (category 1), the1933 Treasure Coast hurricane (category 1), the1928 Okeechobee hurricane (category 2),Hurricane Four of the 1894 season (category 1), andHurricane Three of the 1871 season, andHurricane Eight of the 1859 season (category 1). Additionally, four storms were downgraded from hurricane strength at a location outside the county to tropical storm force at some point within the county and, given the hours betweenNational Hurricane Center updates (modern era) or earlier estimates, it is not clear whether these brought hurricane-force sustained winds to Polk County:Hurricane Frances (2004),Hurricane Erin (1995)Hurricane Two of the 1939 season, and the1910 Cuba hurricane (category 1). Numerous tropical storms have passed through the county.[32]
Hurricane Charley in 2004—the first of three hurricanes to hit the county in six weeks—is the strongest storm in recent history to pass through the county, mainly impacting the eastern half of the county. The Lake Wales Fire Department recorded an unofficial maximum wind speed of 95 mph (153 km/h) sustained and a gust of 101 mph (163 km/h).[33] The hurricane entered the county south of Fort Meade, shortly after it passedWauchula (in Hardee County), where a maximum wind gust of 109 mph (175 km/h) was recorded by emergency management officials.[34] The hurricane-force wind field was relatively narrow, with the most intense wind damage being within 10 mi (16 km) of the center of the eye.[35] For example, maximum recorded winds were only 41 kn (76 km/h; 47 mph) sustained and a gust of 54 kn (100 km/h; 62 mph) atGilbert Airport on the northwest side of the city.[36]
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1870 | 3,169 | — | |
| 1880 | 3,181 | 0.4% | |
| 1890 | 7,905 | 148.5% | |
| 1900 | 12,472 | [37] | 57.8% |
| 1910 | 24,148 | [37] | 93.6% |
| 1920 | 38,661 | [37] | 60.1% |
| 1930 | 72,291 | [37] | 87.0% |
| 1940 | 86,665 | [37] | 19.9% |
| 1950 | 123,997 | [37] | 43.1% |
| 1960 | 195,139 | [37] | 57.4% |
| 1970 | 227,222 | [37] | 16.4% |
| 1980 | 321,652 | [37] | 41.6% |
| 1990 | 405,382 | [38][37] | 26.0% |
| 2000 | 483,924 | [38] | 19.4% |
| 2010 | 602,095 | [1] | 24.4% |
| 2020 | 725,048 | [39] | 20.4% |
| 2023 (est.) | 818,330 | [39] | 12.9% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[40][failed verification] 1790–1960[41] 1900–1990 | |||
| Race / Ethnicity(NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 1980 | Pop 1990 | Pop 2000[42] | Pop 2010[43] | Pop 2020[44] | % 1980 | % 1990 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 262,087 | 331,732 | 361,366 | 388,769 | 392,621 | 81.48% | 81.83% | 74.67% | 64.57% | 54.15% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 47,870 | 53,500 | 64,544 | 85,336 | 100,950 | 14.88% | 13.20% | 13.34% | 14.17% | 13.92% |
| Native American orAlaska Native alone (NH) | 607 | 1,079 | 1,411 | 1,658 | 1,623 | 0.19% | 0.27% | 0.29% | 0.28% | 0.22% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 1,054 | 2,338 | 4,448 | 9,567 | 13,181 | 0.33% | 0.58% | 0.92% | 1.59% | 1.82% |
| Native Hawaiian orPacific Islander alone (NH) | x[45] | x[46] | 129 | 238 | 300 | x | x | 0.03% | 0.04% | 0.04% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 391 | 133 | 477 | 1,083 | 3,684 | 0.12% | 0.03% | 0.10% | 0.18% | 0.51% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | x[47] | x[48] | 5,616 | 8,912 | 24,992 | x | x | 1.16% | 1.48% | 3.45% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 9,643 | 16,600 | 45,933 | 106,532 | 187,695 | 3.00% | 4.09% | 9.49% | 17.69% | 25.89% |
| Total | 321,652 | 405,382 | 483,924 | 602,095 | 725,046 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the2020 United States census, 725,046 people, 240,879 households, and 165,183 families lived in the county.
U.S. Census Bureau 2010 Ethnic/Race Demographics:[49][50]
In 2010, the largest ancestry groups were: 12.2% German, 11.6% American, 11.2% English, 10.8% Irish, 7.6% Mexican, 5.8% Puerto Rican, 4.1% Italian, 2.6% French, 2.1% Polish, 2.0% Scotch-Irish, 1.8% Scottish, 1.5% Dutch, and 1.2% Cuban.[49]
Of the 227,485 households, 27.3% had children under 18 living with them, 51.1% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.0% were not families. About 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.0% (3.4% male and 7.6% female) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.59, and the average family size was 3.05.[50][51]
In the county, the age distribution was 23.5% under 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.0% who were 65 or older. The median age was 39.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females 18 and over, there were 93.7 males.[51]
The median income for a household in the county was $43,946, and for a family was $51,395. Males had a median income of $37,768 versus $30,655 for females. Theper capita income for the county was $21,881. About 11.5% of families and 15.2% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 23.5% of those under age 18 and 8.7% of those aged 65 or over.[52]
In 2010, 10.7% of the county's population wasforeign-born, with 37.8% beingnaturalized American citizens. Of foreign-born residents, 70.4% were born in Latin America, 11.5% Europe, 10.2% Asia, 4.9% North America, 2.6% Africa, and 0.4% were born in Oceania.[49]
In the 2000 census, 483,924 people, 187,233 households, and 132,373 families resided in the county. The population density was 258 people per square mile (100 people/km2). The 226,376 housing units had an average density of 121 per square mile (47/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 79.58% White (74.6% wereNon-Hispanic White),[53] 13.54% Black or African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.93% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 3.82% from other races, and 1.71% from two or more races. About 9.49% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. In 2000, only 37% of county residents lived in incorporated metropolitan areas.[54]
Of the 187,233 households, 29.0% had children under 18 living with them, 54.4% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.3% were not families; 24.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.10% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.52, and the average family size was 2.96.
In the county, the age distribution was 24.4% under 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females 18 and over, there were 93.1 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $36,036, and for a family was $41,442. Males had a median income of $31,396, versus $22,406 for females. Theper capita income for the county was $18,302. 12.90% of the population and 9.40% of families were below thepoverty line. Of the total population, 19.1% were under 18 and 8.1% were 65 or older.
In 2010, 81.80% of all residents spoke English as theirfirst language. 14.34% spoke Spanish, 0.70%French Creole (mostlyHaitian Creole,) and 0.51% of the population spoke French as theirmother language.[55] 18.20% of the population spoke languages other than English as theirprimary language.[55]
Polk County's economy is supported by a workforce of over 275,000 in 2010.[56] Traditionally, the largest industries in Polk County's economy have beenphosphatemining,agriculture, andtourism.[21]
Notable companies headquartered in Polk County includePublix (an employee-owned grocery chain) andFlorida's Natural (an agricultural cooperative).
The top employers of Polk County are as follows:[57]
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Polk County is home to professionalbaseball andbasketball teams and boasts a rich history of collegiate sports competition at a number of its institutions of higher learning, including perennialNCAA Division II national championship contender and titleholder (in multiple sports),Florida Southern College.
Professionalbaseball, especiallymajor leaguespring training, was historically a major generator of tourist traffic for Polk County. Today, only theDetroit Tigers remain for spring training. TheSingle-ALakeland Flying Tigers play inJoker Marchant Stadium after spring training.[58][59]
Professional basketball made its debut in 2017 when theLakeland Magic took the court in its home venue,RP Funding Center. The team is theNBA G League developmental affiliate of theNBA'sOrlando Magic. In 2023, the team relocated from Polk County toOsceola County.[60]
College sports are popular in Polk County. TheFlorida Southern Moccasins play inNCAA Division II in theSunshine State Conference. TheSoutheastern Fire play inNAIASun Conference.[61]
The executive and legislative powers of the county are vested in the five-member board of county commissioners. The county is divided into five separate districts. Each commissioner is electedat-large, countywide,[62] requiring them to gain majority support. Each term lasts for four years. Odd-numbered districts hold elections in presidential election years, and even-numbered districts hold elections two years later. Like all elected officials in the state,[citation needed] county commissioners are subject to recall.[62]
The commissioners elect a chairman and vice-chairman annually. The chairman selects the chairs of each committee, who work with the county manager to establish the policies of the board. The commission meets twice a month - generally every other Tuesday. Additional meetings take place as needed, but must be announced per theFlorida sunshine laws.[62]
Among the most important duties of the county commission is levying taxes and appropriations. Thead valoremmillage rate levied by the county for county government purposes is 6.8665.[56] The commission is responsible for providing appropriations for other countywide offices, including the sheriff, property appraiser, tax collector, and supervisor of elections.[citation needed] The county and circuit court systems are also partially supported by the county budget, including the state attorneys and public defenders.
A portion of the county's budget is dedicated to providing municipal-level services and regulations to unincorporated areas, such as zoning, business codes, and fire protection. Other services benefit both those in municipalities and in unincorporated Polk County, such as those that provide recreational and cultural opportunities.[citation needed]
The current Sheriff of Polk County isGrady Judd.[63]
As of April 30, 2025.[64]
| Party | Number of registered voters | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | 181,163 | 43.07% | |
| Democratic | 123,756 | 29.42% | |
| No Party Affiliation | 101,319 | 24.09% | |
| Minor parties | 14,372 | 3.42% | |
| Total | 420,610 | 100% |
Since 1976, Polk County has supported the Republican candidate in every election, often by comfortable margins, though Democrats usually obtain over 40% of the vote. In 2024,Donald Trump performed better than any Republican in the county sinceGeorge H. W. Bush in 1988, and heldKamala Harris under 40% of the vote for the first time since 1992.[65]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1892 | 0 | 0.00% | 869 | 81.90% | 192 | 18.10% |
| 1896 | 279 | 18.42% | 1,155 | 76.24% | 81 | 5.35% |
| 1900 | 133 | 10.77% | 983 | 79.60% | 119 | 9.64% |
| 1904 | 125 | 11.72% | 869 | 81.44% | 73 | 6.84% |
| 1908 | 290 | 16.14% | 1,251 | 69.62% | 256 | 14.25% |
| 1912 | 106 | 4.98% | 1,520 | 71.43% | 502 | 23.59% |
| 1916 | 578 | 17.10% | 2,574 | 76.13% | 229 | 6.77% |
| 1920 | 1,782 | 29.95% | 3,918 | 65.86% | 249 | 4.19% |
| 1924 | 1,530 | 28.89% | 3,070 | 57.97% | 696 | 13.14% |
| 1928 | 7,460 | 60.23% | 4,576 | 36.94% | 350 | 2.83% |
| 1932 | 3,490 | 26.94% | 9,463 | 73.06% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1936 | 4,164 | 28.51% | 10,441 | 71.49% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1940 | 5,564 | 23.93% | 17,690 | 76.07% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1944 | 5,150 | 28.14% | 13,152 | 71.86% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1948 | 7,692 | 33.60% | 12,034 | 52.57% | 3,166 | 13.83% |
| 1952 | 20,874 | 51.63% | 19,556 | 48.37% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1956 | 23,682 | 55.98% | 18,626 | 44.02% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 31,618 | 57.32% | 23,546 | 42.68% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1964 | 35,906 | 55.02% | 29,355 | 44.98% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1968 | 27,839 | 36.98% | 15,898 | 21.12% | 31,540 | 41.90% |
| 1972 | 60,748 | 78.42% | 16,419 | 21.20% | 293 | 0.38% |
| 1976 | 44,238 | 47.72% | 47,286 | 51.01% | 1,182 | 1.27% |
| 1980 | 59,651 | 56.11% | 43,327 | 40.75% | 3,337 | 3.14% |
| 1984 | 84,246 | 70.33% | 35,516 | 29.65% | 22 | 0.02% |
| 1988 | 77,104 | 66.45% | 38,249 | 32.96% | 687 | 0.59% |
| 1992 | 65,963 | 45.21% | 51,450 | 35.26% | 28,487 | 19.53% |
| 1996 | 67,962 | 45.26% | 66,747 | 44.45% | 15,464 | 10.30% |
| 2000 | 90,310 | 53.56% | 75,207 | 44.60% | 3,112 | 1.85% |
| 2004 | 123,559 | 58.61% | 86,009 | 40.80% | 1,262 | 0.60% |
| 2008 | 128,878 | 52.45% | 113,865 | 46.34% | 2,961 | 1.21% |
| 2012 | 131,577 | 52.75% | 114,622 | 45.95% | 3,243 | 1.30% |
| 2016 | 157,430 | 54.86% | 117,433 | 40.92% | 12,106 | 4.22% |
| 2020 | 194,586 | 56.56% | 145,049 | 42.16% | 4,391 | 1.28% |
| 2024 | 209,044 | 59.71% | 136,879 | 39.10% | 4,191 | 1.20% |
Polk County Public Schools serves the county.
The Polk County Library Cooperative was formed in 1997, through an interlocal agreement between the 13 municipalities with public libraries and the board of county commissioners.[67] The cooperative enables the city-owned and -operated public libraries to open their doors to all residents of the county, including those in the unincorporated areas.[68]
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) offers library patrons the opportunity to request and receive books that are not owned by theWinter Haven Public Library. Through ILL, patrons have access to the book collections of all the library systems in Polk County, and all of the library systems in Florida, and universities and public library systems in the United States.[69]
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The Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library was established in 1937, and opened to the public in January 1940. The library was first located in the office of the county attorney and its holdings were all housed in a metal bookcase. Since then, the library has been housed in different locations within the old Polk County Courthouse. In 1968, the library hired its first full-time employee. In 1974, the library added a second employee and was moved to a new location on Hendry Street. In 1987, the library relocated back to the 1908 Courthouse.
It was renovated during a 10-year process, incorporating all three floors of the eastern wing of the courthouse. As of 2013, the library is located in the east wing of the historical courthouse in Bartow. It is governed by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners and administered by the Neighborhood Services Department and the Leisure Services Division. The library holds one of the largest genealogical and historical collections in the Southeastern United States.[70]
The Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library holds more than 40,000 items in its collection, which includes books, microfilm, and periodicals with information about the history and genealogy of the entire Eastern United States. The selection of materials related to the history of Polk County contains local newspapers dated back to 1881, aerial photography to 1938, city directories to 1925 and property tax rolls to 1882. Four full-time staff members are available for assistance at the library. The library also offers local obituary searches and basic looks-ups via email.[71][72]
![[icon]](/mt/?noimg=&dark=on&url=http%3a%2f%2fen.wikipedia.org%2fwiki%2fFile%3aWiki_letter_w_cropped.svg) | This sectionneeds expansion. You can help byadding to it.(September 2024) |
Polk is part of theTampa Bay media market.[73]
| Callsign | City | Format |
|---|---|---|
| WLLD | Lakeland | Rhythmic contemporary |
| WLKF | News Talk Information | |
| WPCV | Country music | |
| WSEU | Contemporary Christian music, sports | |
| WWBF | Bartow | Classic hits music andBartow High School sports |
| WLVF | Haines City | Southern gospel music |
I-4 (Interstate 4) – This interstate highway cuts across the northern part of the county, entering from Tampa and Plant City in the west, bypassing Lakeland, Auburndale, and Haines City, and heading northeast toward the greater Orlando area.
SR 570 (orPolk Parkway) – With endpoints at I-4, this toll road traverses primarily around Lakeland, intersecting with several major routes in southern Lakeland and additionally providing access to Winter Haven and Legoland via SR 540, and Auburndale via US 92. It exists as SR 570.
US 17 – This U.S. highway enters Polk County from the southwest, bypassing Fort Meade on its way to Bartow, and eventually through Eagle Lake into Winter Haven. North of Winter Haven, in Lake Alfred, it joins with US 92 to form a concurrency that continues north and east through Haines City and Davenport toward Kissimmee and Orlando.
US 27 – This primary thoroughfare in eastern Polk County bypasses several cities, including Frostproof, Lake Wales, Dundee, Lake Hamilton, Haines City, and Davenport. Its interchange with I-4 is a gateway to the Orlando area.
US 92 – This route essentially parallels I-4 to the south over its journey through Polk County. From Plant City to the west, it enters Polk County and crosses Lakeland, emerging and continuing on through Auburndale. It joins US 17 in Lake Alfred.
US 98 – This route crosses northwest to southeast across Polk County. Entering from Pasco County, it cuts through Lakeland and leads to Bartow. In Bartow, it begins a concurrency with US 17 through Fort Meade, where it jogs over to meet US 27 in Frostproof. US 98 is concurrent with US 27 as it exits Polk County to the southeast.
US 192 – This highway has its western terminus at US 27 along the border of Polk and Lake Counties. It runs eastward from this junction to provide access to Disney World, the Orlando area, and the Space Coast.
SR 17 – This scenic highway winds parallel to the east of US 27, running through the downtown areas of Lake Wales, Dundee, Lake Hamilton, and Haines City.
SR 33 – It stems northward from Lakeland and leads to Polk City, and continues northward through the Green Swamp.
SR 37 – Also called South Florida Avenue, this road connects Mulberry to southern Lakeland.
SR 60 – The major route of southern Polk County and the county's largest state road, it connects Mulberry and Bartow with Lake Wales on its route from coast to coast in Florida.
SR 540 – This road leads from Highland City in the Lakeland area to Winter Haven as Winter-Lake Road, then jogging over at US 17 and providing access to Legoland and US 27 as Cypress Gardens Boulevard.
SR 542 – This road travels through central Polk County, connecting downtown Winter Haven to US 27 and Dundee.
SR 544 – This road leads first from Auburndale to Winter Haven as Havendale Boulevard, and continues north and east as a scenic route to southern Haines City.
SR 559 – This route straddles Lake Ariana in Auburndale and connects this city with Polk City, also providing access to I-4.Polk County has twoAmtrak train stations, inWinter Haven andLakeland. Both stations are served by Amtrak'sFloridian, with the Winter Haven station alone also served by Amtrak'sSilver Meteor.
In the 2010 Census, just under 38% of the county's population lives in one of Polk's seventeen incorporated municipalities.[75] The largest city,Lakeland, has over 112,000 residents and is located in the western edge of the county. The other core city of the metropolitan area,Winter Haven, is located in the eastern part of the county and has 34,000 residents.[76][77]
The county seat,Bartow, is located southeast of Lakeland and southwest of Winter Haven and has over 17,000 residents. The cities of Bartow, Lakeland, and Winter Haven form a roughlyequilateral triangle pointed downward with Bartow being the south point, Lakeland the west point, and Winter Haven the east point.[76][77]
The other major cities in the county with a population over 10,000 include Haines City, Auburndale, and Lake Wales. Haines City is in the northeast part of the county and has over 20,000 residents. Auburndale is located northwest of Winter Haven. Lake Wales is around 16 miles east of Bartow.
The woman sent a telegram to the next station stating that Scott had insulted her. When the train stopped, Scott was removed by a deputy sheriff. From there the story followed the usual lynching pattern. A mob "over-powered" the sheriff and killed the Negro. The coroner's jury returned the usual verdict, "Death at the hands of parties unknown."
Over land, Charley lost some punch but still pummeled Lake Wales with gusts up to 101 mph and sustained winds of 95 mph for about 45 minutes, according to the Lake Wales Fire Department.
{{cite web}}:Check|url= value (help)Municipalities and communities ofPolk County, Florida,United States | ||
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| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
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