Polk County is located directly within the middle of the state of Florida, making this area one of the most sought after in terms of development and residential housing. About equal distance from both the east and west coasts of the state as well as halfway between the southern most tip of Florida and the Georgia borderline, giving this area a strategic advantage in terms of location; nothing is too far out of reach of the residents of Polk County, making the entire state either their playground or office.

Polk County is one of the largest concentrations of population in the southeast, boasting a population of 550,000 residents with just about 7.8 million living within a hundred miles of the area. Polk County is also one of the fastest growing areas in Central Florida, expanding much since its early days as a mining community. One of the early and primary industries of Polk County was the business of phosphate mining, especially around Fort Meade where the world’s largest deposit of phosphate rock was found, an area known as the “Bone Valley Deposit.” At a time, Polk County was producing approximately 75 percent of the nation's phosphate supply and about 25 percent of the world supply. Polk County is also the 2nd largest farmland area in the state, with an estimated 630,000 acres among all of its farms.

In the Northeastern area of Polk County resides the small township of Davenport Florida. Just 10 miles away from Disney World and 30 miles from the active city of Orlando FL, Davenport caters to a large majority of travelers and tourists to the area. The population of Davenport is just under 2,000 citizens but that number grows much more during certain points in the year, when travel to the theme parks and Orlando itself is high.

Much of Davenport’s appeal is its proximity to the local parks but also its friendly small hometown feel, reasons why the town is often a vacation and rental housing location for many Europeans (namely the British) during their stays in the sunshine state. Many British tourists prefer to rent houses or small apartments, as opposed to crowded hotels on International Drive or in Kissimmee, while they are on holiday here in the Disney and Orlando area. The annual renters that come to Davenport have helped this town’s economy tremendously; helping Davenport continue plans for local expansion and continue to preserve the small town atmosphere that it is famous for.

Davenport Attractions

Polk County has a long history of providing some of Central Florida’s best recreational outlets, since the 1930’s where many of the county’s longest standing and most known attractions were established. Florida’s first theme attraction, Cypress Gardens, was founded in the Polk County town of Winter Haven in the mid-1930’s and the Bow Tower Gardens—a vast and variety floral garden—was dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge as a nation landmark some years earlier. These early locales began a tradition of Polk County providing some of the most unique entertainment and escape opportunities anywhere in Central Florida.

Today, people make it a point to visit these features as well as the Fantasy of Flight and the Sun ‘n' Fun Air Museum, two other Polk County favorites. Citizens of Polk County are also only short distance from some of the state’s other popular attractions, including; the Walt Disney World resort area, Universal Studios, Sea World, and Busch Gardens to name a few. To learn some more about what adventure awaits you in the area, read more about Polk County destinations below.

Bok Tower Gardens
The floral sanctuary of Bok Tower Gardens is a registered National Historic Landmark since its dedication by President Calvin Coolidge in 1929. Open throughout the year, the Gardens are comprised of the Singing Tower, Pinewood Estate, Pine Ridge Trail, and a Visitor Center. Many events and festivals are also held here at the sanctuary.

Cypress Gardens
Opened for business in 1936, Cypress Garden quickly turned into a Central Florida and Polk County landmark. Cypress Gardens was Florida’s first themed attraction and is now one of its biggest. Known as the Water Ski Capital of the World, over 50 world records have been broken on the grounds and numerous movies have been filmed at the park.

Fantasy of Flight
Home to over 40 rare and vintage aircraft, Fantasy of Flight is one of the area’s most popular attractions. Guided tours, museums, hands-on exhibits and a state-of-the-art hang glide simulator are some of the many features of this aero-centric attraction.