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Clewiston, Florida

Clewiston is a city in Hendry County, Florida, United States. Its location is 80 mi northwest of Fort Lauderdale on the Atlantic coastal plain. The population was 7,327 at the 2020 census, up from 7,155 at the 2010 census. It is the principal city in the Clewiston micropolitan area.

The city is located on the south bank of Lake Okeechobee, and the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST) passes through the edge of the city. It is home to the Clewiston Museum and the Dixie Crystal Theatre. The area has been home to Seminole tribe members and sugar plantations, with the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Indian Museum located 32 mi south of the city.

History
The area beside Lake Okeechobee was once used as a fishing camp by the Seminole tribe. The first permanent settlement began in 1920, when John O'Brien of Philadelphia and Alonzo Clewis of Tampa purchased a large tract of land to establish a town. They commissioned a town plan and built the Moore Haven & Clewiston Railway to connect the community to the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad at Moore Haven. Incorporated as a city in 1925, Clewiston would become noted for its sport fishing, particularly of largemouth bass.

Large sugar plantations were established around Lake Okeechobee. By the 1950s and 1960s, the cultivation of citrus, vegetables and cattle were also important to the economy. The US Sugar Corporation, however, remained the dominant manufacturer in Clewiston, which became known as "America's Sweetest Town". On June 24, 2008, Governor Charlie Crist announced that the state of Florida had arranged to buy for $1.75 billion the company's 187000 acre, including the refinery in Clewiston.

On November 11, the plan was scaled back to $1.34 billion for 181000 acre of farmland, no longer including the mill, citrus processing facilities and other assets. This would allow the company to remain in business and leave open the possibility of preserving its 1,700 jobs. Over the next seven crop cycles, the farmland would be leased back from the state to US Sugar for $60 million. It would then be converted into reservoirs and water-filtering areas as part of the ongoing restoration of the Everglades ecosystem.

Geography
Clewiston is located in the northeast corner of Hendry County at 26.7534°N, -80.9336°W, on the southwestern shore of Lake Okeechobee. It is part of the Florida Heartland region. To the south it borders the CDP of Harlem.

U.S. Route 27 passes through the center of Clewiston, leading west then north 15 mi to Moore Haven, and southeast 16 mi to South Bay. Florida State Road 80 runs with US 27 through Clewiston but leads west 31 mi to LaBelle, the Hendry County seat.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Clewiston has a total area of 12.2 km2, of which 0.07 km2, or 0.54%, are water.

Climate
Clewiston has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 7,327 people, 2,532 households, and 1,921 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 7,155 people, 2,269 households, and 1,643 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,460 people, 2,174 households, and 1,632 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,381.0 PD/sqmi. There were 2,434 housing units at an average density of 520.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 75.79% White, 10.93% African American, 0.39% Native American, 1.18% Asian, 9.64% from other races, and 2.07% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 40.94% of the population.

In 2000, there were 2,174 households, out of which 39.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.9% were married couples living together, 12.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.9% were non-families. 18.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.93 and the average family size was 3.32.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 29.7% under the age of 18, 10.3% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.4 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $37,143, and the median income for a family was $38,652. Males had a median income of $31,139 versus $21,049 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,527. About 14.8% of families and 18.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.9% of those under age 18 and 7.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The following are public schools located in the area, operated by Hendry County Schools:
 * Eastside Elementary
 * Westside Elementary
 * Central Elementary
 * Clewiston Middle School
 * Clewiston High School

Private school:
 * Clewiston Christian School

Native American School:
 * There is a tribal school affiliated with the Bureau of Indian Education, Ahfachkee School, that has a Clewiston postal address but is outside the city limits, on the Big Cypress Reservation.

Libraries
The Hendry County Library Cooperative in Florida includes the Clewiston Library, Barron Library (located in LaBelle, the county seat) and the Harlem Library.

All three libraries provide Hendry County residents with materials and general information, and each library has a secondary individualized area of focus. The Clewiston Library has a Florida room to house historical reference material and books pertinent to local and state history. The Harlem Community Library is located in a former school building which also houses the Harlem Academy daycare center and its specialty is a growing African American collection. The Barron Library collects genealogical materials.

The Clewiston Library also recently sought and received an LSTA grant to digitize their local newspaper, The Clewiston News and have the digital versions added to the free, open access Florida Digital Newspaper Library.

Sites of interest

 * Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Indian Museum, 32 mi south of Clewiston in the Big Cypress Indian Reservation
 * Billie Swamp Safari
 * Clewiston Inn
 * Clewiston Museum
 * Dixie Crystal Theatre
 * Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST)
 * Tony's Mound

Notable people

 * Steffon Bradford, professional NBA basketball player
 * Randy Dixon, professional NFL football player
 * Eric Green, professional NFL football player
 * Alfonso Marshall, professional NFL football player
 * Roland Martin, professional fisherman
 * Quorey Payne, professional NFL football player

title: Clewiston, Florida


text:
Harlem, Florida

Harlem is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hendry County, Florida, United States. It was established in 1928, and its population is predominantly African American. The population was 2,441 at the 2020 census, down from 2,658 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Clewiston, Florida Micropolitan Statistical Area (μSA).

History
In 1928, a Black settlement on Lake Okeechobee was relocated into what is now Harlem. By the mid 1920s, sugar had become the predominant agricultural crop in Southern Florida. Harlem, Florida was established around 1928 under the name "Townsite", as a camp for the sugar plantation workers, and it is historically a Black town.

The Harlem Academy was the main school for the community. In the 1971, the Harlem Academy closed after racial integration, and the Harlem students were bussed to Clewiston, Florida. A.A. Thomas and his wife Lois Thomas were largely responsible for the Harlem Academy, and after the closure they opened a local day care.

Geography
Harlem is located in northeastern Hendry County at 26.73556°N, -80.95139°W (26.735457, -80.951462). It is bordered to the north by the city of Clewiston. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.75 km2, all land.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,730 people, 877 households, and 644 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,820.9 PD/sqmi. There were 926 housing units at an average density of 956.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.38% African American, 2.31% White, 0.18% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 0.51% from other races, and 1.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.64% of the population.

There were 877 households, out of which 43.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 31.9% were [married couples living together, 35.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.5% were non-families. 22.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.11 and the average family size was 3.67.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 39.5% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 18.1% from 45 to 64, and 8.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 25 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $21,232, and the median income for a family was $22,574. Males had a median income of $21,771 versus $20,156 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $11,571. About 31.2% of families and 40.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 58.6% of those under age 18 and 23.0% of those age 65 or over.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Harlem, Florida


text:
Port LaBelle, Florida

Port LaBelle is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hendry and Glades counties, Florida, United States. The population was 5,450 at the 2020 census, up from 3,530 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Clewiston, Florida Micropolitan Statistical Area (μSA).

Geography
Port LaBelle is located in northern Hendry County and extends north into Glades County. It is bordered to the west by the city of LaBelle. Florida State Road 80 runs through the northern part of the community, leading east 30 mi to Clewiston and west through LaBelle 32 mi to Fort Myers.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 21.2 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,050 people, 879 households, and 700 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 354.0 PD/sqmi. There were 973 housing units at an average density of 112.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 70.33% White, 10.66% African American, 0.69% Native American, 0.66% Asian, 13.84% from other races, and 3.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 44.30% of the population.

There were 879 households, out of which 44.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.7% were married couples living together, 15.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.3% were non-families. 15.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.20 and the average family size was 3.41.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 31.3% under the age of 18, 15.2% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 14.4% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females, there were 120.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 124.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $34,167, and the median income for a family was $36,974. Males had a median income of $25,104 versus $16,484 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $13,704. About 13.8% of families and 22.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.4% of those under age 18 and 16.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Port LaBelle, Florida


text:
Bayport, Florida

Bayport is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 43 at the 2010 census.

History
The village of Bayport, located at the mouth of the Weeki Wachee River, sprang up in the early 1850s as a supply and cotton port. It was originally spelled as Bay Port and briefly served as the county seat until it was moved to Brooksville in 1856. During the Civil War, Union naval squadrons blockaded Florida's coasts to prevent goods and supplies from passing into and out of the state. By 1863 the East Gulf Blockade Squadron had effectively closed the larger ports along the Gulf Coast. Small rivers, such as the Weeki Wachee, became important trade routes. Shipping at Bayport attracted the attention of the Union Blockade Squadron which intercepted eleven blockade runners near there between 1862 and 1865. Various skirmishes took place at Bayport between Union troops and the Confederate Home Guard during the course of the war. This included at least one raid by Union troops who had marched all the way north from Fort Myers. The Confederate cannon battery site can still be seen on the wooded point just north of the Bayport fishing pier at the mouth of the Weeki Wachee River.

After the war Bayport became Hernando County's major outlet for lumber and agricultural products, and continued to serve as its transportation center until railroad service came to Brooksville in 1885.

In the spring of 2008, Hernando County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District rebuilt Bayport's marina and park area.

Geography
Bayport is located in western Hernando County along the Gulf of Mexico at 28.54833°N, -82.64528°W (28.548454, -82.645345). Cortez Boulevard, the main road to the community, leads east 5 mi to U.S. Route 19 at Weeki Wachee.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.7 km2, of which 1.5 sqkm are land and 0.2 sqkm, or 10.77%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 36 people, 16 households, and 10 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 54.3 PD/sqmi. There were 39 housing units at an average density of 58.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 100% White (U.S. Census)

There were 16 households, out of which 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.3% were married couples living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were non-families. 18.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and none had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.60.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 19.4% under the age of 18, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 44.4% from 45 to 64, and 8.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $30,250, and the median income for a family was $31,750. Males had a median income of $0 versus $16,250 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $11,396. There were no families and 25.0% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: Bayport, Florida


text:
Brookridge, Florida

Brookridge is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 4,420 at the 2010 census, up from 3,279 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Brookridge is located in central Hernando County at 28.54861°N, -82.49056°W (28.548698, -82.490423). It is bordered to the east by Florida State Road 589 (the Suncoast Parkway), to the south across Florida State Road 50 by Spring Hill, and to the west by High Point. SR 589 leads south 50 mi to Tampa and north 10 mi to its terminus at U.S. Route 98 near Sugarmill Woods. SR 50 leads east 6 mi to Brooksville, the Hernando County seat, and west 5 mi to U.S. Route 19 at Weeki Wachee.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Brookridge CDP has a total area of 6.5 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,279 people, 1,823 households, and 1,168 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,617.7 PD/sqmi. There were 2,129 housing units at an average density of 1,050.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.87% White, 0.15% African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.21% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.95% of the population.

There were 1,823 households, out of which 2.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.0% were married couples living together, 4.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.9% were non-families. 33.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 29.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.76 and the average family size was 2.14.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 2.9% under the age of 18, 1.3% from 18 to 24, 5.4% from 25 to 44, 19.0% from 45 to 64, and 71.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 72 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.4 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $24,774, and the median income for a family was $30,139. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,122. About 4.2% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Brookridge, Florida


text:
Hernando Beach, Florida

History
Hernando Beach, situated northwest of Tampa, FL, is a picturesque waterfront canal community renowned for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. Developed by Charlie Sasser between 1959 and 1965, the area's unique geography was shaped by earth sourced from coastal mining operations and extensive dredging efforts. The north section of Hernando Beach boasts deep and wide canals leading directly to the Gulf of Mexico, providing residents with unparalleled access to pristine waters. However, the area's growth faced regulatory challenges when wetland development restrictions were imposed in 1971, halting further expansion. This led to a legal dispute between Sasser, the state authorities, and the Hernando County Commission, resulting in the preservation of Hernando Beach's natural state. Despite these legal battles, Sasser's legacy lives on as visitors and residents alike continue to appreciate the area's untouched allure and breathtaking coastal flats.

Hernando Beach comprises three distinct sections, each offering unique amenities and lifestyle opportunities. The northern portion features saltwater canals ideal for boaters seeking direct Gulf access, while the middle section boasts a network of streets off Hermosa Blvd. In contrast, the southern Hernando Beach area is characterized by deed-restricted properties overseen by the Hernando Beach South Property Owners Association. For residents in the southern region, indirect Gulf access canals are navigated using a boatlift system to traverse the earthen berm separating them from the Gulf, providing a seamless connection to the direct access saltwater canals and the Gulf beyond.

Hernando Beach is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,299 at the 2010 census.

In popular media

 * Hernando Beach was mentioned in Season 2, Episode 4 of the Starz series "Magic City".

Geography
The community is in southwestern Hernando County, along the Gulf of Mexico. Shoal Line Boulevard forms the eastern edge of the CDP, and the community extends from Osowaw Boulevard in the south to Minnow Creek in the north. The southern end of the CDP is 1.5 mi west of U.S. Route 19 at Timber Pines; the northern end is 2.5 mi southwest of the community of Weeki Wachee Gardens and 7 mi west of U.S. Route 19 at Weeki Wachee Springs.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Hernando Beach CDP has a total area of 10.5 sqkm, of which 9.1 sqkm are land and 1.4 sqkm, or 13.38%, are water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 2,185 people, 975 households, and 727 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 558.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,182 housing units at an average density of 301.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.71% White, 0.23% African American, 0.41% Native American, 0.55% Asian, 0.18% from other races, and 0.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.56% of the population.

There were 975 households, out of which 16.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.9% were married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.4% were non-families. 19.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.52.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 13.6% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 16.7% from 25 to 44, 38.8% from 45 to 64, and 26.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 53 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $47,014, and the median income for a family was $49,605. Males had a median income of $47,093 versus $21,630 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $25,856. About 4.2% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over.

Law enforcement
The Hernando County Sheriff's Office is in charge of law enforcement in Hernando Beach. Their Marine Unit Station headquarters is on Shoal Line Boulevard in Hernando Beach. There is also the Crime Watch in Hernando Beach, supervised by the County Sheriff's office. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary has their Hernando County Unit, Division 15, Flotilla 8, on Shoal Line as well. Flotilla 8 is in charge of all auxiliary maritime functions for Hernando County, as well as public outreach.

The Flats
Situated just beyond the canal system, these shallow waters offer a haven for boaters, kayakers, paddleboarders, and nature enthusiasts. Accessible via a scenic journey through the canals and marked channels, the Flats provide a peaceful escape where one can immerse themselves in the tranquil environment and bask in the sun-dappled waters. It's a favorite spot for families, offering a safe and inviting space for children to play, collect seashells, and explore the wonders of the coastal ecosystem.

Accessing the Flats in Hernando Beach offers a delightful adventure for water enthusiasts, whether you opt for a boat, jet ski, or kayak. Nestled just beyond the canal system, this sandy expanse beckons with its shallow, tranquil waters. To reach this idyllic spot, navigate the canals and follow the channel markers until you reach marker 25, an easily recognizable point that marks the entrance to the Flats. You'll notice a lively scene of boaters enjoying the shallow waters, making it a popular destination throughout the year. Once you've reached the Flats, you'll discover a water depth ranging from 2 to 4 feet, varying with the tide, creating an ideal setting for activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing in your boat. Many consider the Flats the highlight of Hernando Beach, drawing crowds of boaters, especially during summer weekends and holidays. It's a haven for families and children, offering opportunities to explore, collect seashells, and splash around in the inviting waters.

When navigating your boat into the Flats, especially during low tide, exercise caution as the water can become extremely shallow. Sometimes, it's easier to gently push or drag your boat into place to avoid propeller damage. Despite the popularity of the Flats, there's ample space for boaters, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience without the need to rush for a spot.

title: Hernando Beach, Florida


text:
High Point, Hernando County, Florida

High Point is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,686 at the 2010 census.

Geography
High Point is in west-central Hernando County at 28.54421°N, -82.52651°W. It is bordered to the north and west by North Weeki Wachee, to the east by Brookridge, and to the south, across State Road 50, by Spring Hill. SR 50 leads east 8 mi to Brooksville, the Hernando County seat, and west 4 mi to its terminus at U.S. Route 19 in Weeki Wachee.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the High Point CDP has a total area of 12.9 km2, of which 0.05 km2, or 0.40%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,973 people, 1,514 households, and 944 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,011.4 PD/sqmi. There were 1,843 housing units at an average density of 627.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.45% White, 0.13% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.54% from other races, and 0.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.25% of the population.

There were 1,514 households, out of which 10.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.6% were non-families. 34.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 27.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.96 and the average family size was 2.44.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 10.9% under the age of 18, 2.9% from 18 to 24, 12.4% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 53.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 67 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $25,434, and the median income for a family was $30,865. Males had a median income of $27,955 versus $23,588 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $19,051. About 4.0% of families and 7.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.1% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: High Point, Hernando County, Florida


text:
Hill 'n Dale, Florida

Hill 'n Dale is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,934 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Hill 'n Dale is located in eastern Hernando County at 28.52389°N, -82.29389°W (28.523830, -82.293973), along U.S. Route 98. The older part of the community is north of the highway, but the CDP was expanded for the 2010 census to include a more lightly settled area south of the highway. US 98 leads west 6 mi to Brooksville, the county seat, and east 3.5 mi to Interstate 75 and 7 mi to Ridge Manor. Hill 'n Dale is 44 mi north of Tampa and 56 mi south of Ocala.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.7 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,436 people, 463 households, and 368 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,823.3 PD/sqmi. There were 511 housing units at an average density of 1,004.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 70.54% White, 24.79% African American, 0.14% Native American, 0.56% Asian, 2.16% from other races, and 1.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.59% of the population.

There were 463 households, out of which 47.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.5% were married couples living together, 23.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.5% were non-families. 15.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.10 and the average family size was 3.43.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 36.4% under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 17.4% from 45 to 64, and 9.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 72.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $31,974, and the median income for a family was $30,214. Males had a median income of $26,349 versus $22,065 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $10,029. About 20.6% of families and 18.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.1% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Hill 'n Dale, Florida


text:
Istachatta, Florida

Istachatta is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 116 at the 2010 census, up from 65 at the 2000 census. The name "Istachatta" is derived from a Seminole word meaning "man snake".

Geography
Istachatta is in the northeast corner of Hernando County at 28.66222°N, -82.27694°W (28.662340, -82.276911). It is on the west bank of the Withlacoochee River. It is 11 mi northeast of Brooksville, the Hernando County seat, and 14 mi south of Inverness.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 0.9 km2, of which 0.8 km2 are land and 0.1 km2, or 13.27%, are water. The town is along the Withlacoochee State Trail, a rail trail that extends north into Citrus and south to Pasco County.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 65 people, 34 households, and 22 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 505.4 PD/sqmi. There were 52 housing units at an average density of 404.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.85% White, 4.62% African American, and 1.54% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.08% of the population.

There were 34 households, out of which 8.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.1% were married couples living together, 20.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.4% were non-families. 23.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.91 and the average family size was 2.22.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 7.7% under the age of 18, 3.1% from 18 to 24, 9.2% from 25 to 44, 38.5% from 45 to 64, and 41.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 57 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.5 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $21,250, and the median income for a family was $21,250. Males had a median income of $0 versus $13,750 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $12,618. There were 33.3% of families and 29.5% of the population living below the poverty line, including 100.0% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: Istachatta, Florida


text:
Lake Lindsey, Florida

Lake Lindsey is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 71 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Lake Lindsey is located in northeastern Hernando County at 28.63361°N, -82.36222°W (28.633622, -82.362324), on the northeastern side of the small lake of the same name. It is 6 mi north of Brooksville, the county seat.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 0.23 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 49 people, 23 households, and 12 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,206.8 PD/sqmi. There were 30 housing units at an average density of 1,351.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 100.00% White.

There were 23 households, out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.8% were married couples living together, 17.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.5% were non-families. 34.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.62.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 2.0% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 26.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 71.4 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $25,192, and the median income for a family was $18,750. Males had a median income of $0 versus $8,750 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $10,314. There were no families and 15.9% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: Lake Lindsey, Florida


text:
Masaryktown, Florida

Masaryktown is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,077 at the 2020 census. It is named after the first president of Czechoslovakia, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk.

Geography
Masaryktown is located along the southern edge of Hernando County at 28.44167°N, -82.46056°W (28.441708, -82.460633). It is bordered to the north and west by Spring Hill, to the northeast by Garden Grove, and to the south in Pasco County by Shady Hills. U.S. Route 41 runs through the eastern side of the community, leading north 9 mi to Brooksville, the Hernando County seat, and south 17 mi to Land o' Lakes. Tampa is 36 mi to the south.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Masaryktown has a total area of 2.7 sqkm, of which 0.01 sqkm, or 0.53%, are water.

History
Masaryktown was founded in 1924 and named after Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the founder and first president of Czechoslovakia. Of the original 61 persons who met to found the town, 60 were Slovak and only one was Czech. They formed the Hernando Plantation Company and sold at a price of $1,000.00 per share, which granted the right for each share-owner to purchase 20 acres of land. The settlers first planted oranges, but killer frosts devastated the orchards. Many Slovaks eventually left, and by 1952, only 15-25 families remained to carry on a more prosperous enterprise in chicken farming. But even they declined by 1965 due to intense competition.

Few Slovaks remain there today, but the legacy of their settlement remains, as the original founders named the streets running east to west after Slovak national and literary leaders such as Štúr, Hurban, Kollár, Štefánik, Hodža, Hviezdoslav, and Mudron. One street is named after the famous Czech historian, Palacký, and the central boulevard is named after Masaryk. North-south streets are named in honor of American presidents such as Wilson, who assisted in enabling Czecho-Slovak independence, as well as Jefferson, Madison, and Lincoln.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 920 people, 379 households, and 264 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 868.7 PD/sqmi. There were 431 housing units at an average density of 407.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.43% White, 0.33% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.43% Asian, 2.17% from other races, and 1.41% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.63% of the population.

There were 379 households, out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.5% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.3% were non-families. 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 23.0% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 20.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $35,524, and the median income for a family was $37,585. Males had a median income of $30,446 versus $24,000 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $17,686. About 13.3% of families and 13.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.0% of those under age 18 and 6.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Masaryktown, Florida


text:
Nobleton, Florida

Nobleton is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 282 at the 2010 census, up from 160 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Nobleton is located in northeastern Hernando County at 28.64526°N, -82.26145°W. It sits on the southwest bank of the Withlacoochee River, which forms the border with Sumter County. Via County Road 476 it is 10 mi west of Bushnell and 5 mi east of U.S. Route 41 at a point 6 mi north of Brooksville, the Hernando County seat.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 0.5 km2, of which 0.03 km2, or 6.61%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 160 people, 77 households, and 46 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 812.1 PD/sqmi. There were 146 housing units at an average density of 741.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 99.38% White, and 0.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.88% of the population.

There were 77 households, out of which 20.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.0% were non-families. 32.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 28.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.55.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 19.4% under the age of 18, 2.5% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 21.3% from 45 to 64, and 30.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.7 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $25,417, and the median income for a family was $25,139. Males had a median income of $52,656 versus $31,250 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $9,782. About 48.5% of families and 50.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 80.0% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those 65 or over.

title: Nobleton, Florida


text:
North Brooksville, Florida

North Brooksville is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,544 at the 2010 census. It is a suburb included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
North Brooksville is located in east-central Hernando County at 28.56333°N, -82.40056°W (28.563392, -82.400677). It borders the northwest, north, and northeast sides of the city of Brooksville, the Hernando County seat.

U.S. Route 98 runs through the western part of North Brooksville, leading south into Brooksville and northwest 20 mi to Homosassa Springs. U.S. Route 41 crosses the central reach of North Brooksville, leading south into Brooksville and north 19 mi to Inverness.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 17.1 km2, of which 0.05 sqkm, or 0.29%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,461 people, 551 households, and 359 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 528.7 PD/sqmi. There were 636 housing units at an average density of 230.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 90.76% White, 5.48% African American, 0.55% Native American, 0.75% Asian, 0.27% from other races, and 2.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.01% of the population.

There were 551 households, out of which 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.6% were married couples living together, 14.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.7% were non-families. 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 25.7% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $27,917, and the median income for a family was $37,455. Males had a median income of $24,728 versus $20,781 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $13,531. About 7.1% of families and 13.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.7% of those under age 18 and 36.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: North Brooksville, Florida


text:
North Weeki Wachee, Florida

North Weeki Wachee is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 8,524 at the 2010 census, up from 4,253 at the 2000 census.

Geography
North Weeki Wachee is located in west-central Hernando County at 28.54333°N, -82.56°W (28.543227, -82.559908). It is bordered to the south by the communities of High Point, Spring Hill, and Weeki Wachee. U.S. Route 19 passes through the community, leading north 18 mi to Homosassa Springs and south 15 mi to Hudson. State Road 50 runs along part of the southern edge of North Weeki Wachee, leading east 11 mi to Brooksville, the Hernando County seat.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 39.8 km2, of which 36.3 km2 are land and 3.5 km2, or 8.76%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,253 people, 1,891 households, and 1,406 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 578.1 PD/sqmi. There were 2,265 housing units at an average density of 307.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.61% White, 0.99% African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.59% from other races, and 0.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.70% of the population.

There were 1,891 households, out of which 16.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.4% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.6% were non-families. 21.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.56.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 15.2% under the age of 18, 3.5% from 18 to 24, 17.8% from 25 to 44, 28.9% from 45 to 64, and 34.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 56 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $31,985, and the median income for a family was $37,694. Males had a median income of $33,594 versus $21,845 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $22,186. About 3.8% of families and 5.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.2% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: North Weeki Wachee, Florida


text:
Pine Island, Hernando County, Florida

Pine Island is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 64 at the 2010 census, unchanged from the 2000 census.

Geography
Pine Island is located in western Hernando County at 28.57198°N, -82.65517°W, on the island of the same name on the Gulf of Mexico. It forms the northern edge of Rock Island Bay, which lies between Pine Island and Bayport. Pine Island Drive is the sole road access to the Pine Island community; via Pine Island Drive and Cortez Boulevard it is 7 mi southeast to U.S. Route 19 and State Road 50 at Weeki Wachee.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 0.1 sqmi, all land.

Pine Island Park (also known as Alfred McKethan Park) is a 3 acre area on the Gulf of Mexico at 10800 Pine Island Drive that includes a swimming beach and swimming area, picnic tables, shelters, barbecue grills, observation point, volleyball court, playground and concession stand.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 64 people, 16 households, and 20 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 945.7 PD/sqmi. There were 45 housing units at an average density of 664.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 87.50% White, 9.38% African-American, 1.56% Pacific Islander, and 1.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.56% of the population.

There were 29 households, out of which 20.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.3% were married couples living together, 20.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.0% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.50.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 15.6% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 23.4% from 25 to 44, 34.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $40,000, and the median income for a family was $42,708. Males had a median income of $0 versus $0 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $17,927. There were no families and 20.0% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 25.0% of those over 64.

title: Pine Island, Hernando County, Florida


text:
Ridge Manor, Florida

Ridge Manor is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 4,513 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Ridge Manor is located in eastern Hernando County at 28.49917°N, -82.18139°W (28.499108, -82.181305). It is bordered to the south by Lacoochee in Pasco County. The north-flowing Withlacoochee River winds through the southern and western parts of Ridge Manor.

U.S. Route 301 runs through the east side of Ridge Manor, leading north 12 mi to Bushnell and south 10 mi to Dade City. U.S. Route 98 crosses the western side of Ridge Manor, leading west 13 mi to Brooksville, the Hernando County seat, and south 10 miles to Dade City. Florida State Road 50 runs across the northern part of Ridge Manor, connecting US 98 and 301. SR 50 leads east 20 mi to Mascotte and west with US 98 to Brooksville. Interstate 75 is 3 mi west of Ridge Manor, with access via US 98 / SR 50. A portion of Ridge Manor along US 98 / SR 50 in the vicinity the Withlacoochee State Trail (originally the South Florida Railroad Pemberton Ferry Branch) was the location of the ghost town of Rital.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 23.4 km2, of which 22.4 km2 are land and 1.1 km2, or 4.55%, are water.

Ridge Manor Community Park, located off Ridge Manor Boulevard, has baseball fields used for Little League.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,108 people, 1,712 households, and 1,225 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 471.2 PD/sqmi. There were 2,099 housing units at an average density of 240.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.52% White, 1.85% African American, 0.49% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 1.07% from other races, and 0.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.87% of the population.

There were 1,712 households, out of which 24.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.5% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.4% were non-families. 22.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.79.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 21.4% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 23.6% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 23.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $30,875, and the median income for a family was $33,724. Males had a median income of $30,421 versus $24,492 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,722. About 9.9% of families and 15.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.0% of those under age 18 and 6.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Ridge Manor, Florida


text:
South Brooksville, Florida

South Brooksville is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 4,007 at the 2010 census. It is a suburb included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
South Brooksville is in the east-central part of Hernando County, located at 28.54306°N, -82.39472°W (28.543005, -82.394738). It borders the city of Brooksville to the southwest, south, and southeast. It is in turn bordered to the south and west by unincorporated Spring Hill, and to the west by Wiscon.

U.S. Route 41 crosses the central portion of the CDP, leading north into Brooksville and south 6 mi to Masaryktown. Florida State Road 50 crosses the northern portions of the CDP, leading east 14 mi to Ridge Manor and west 12 mi to Weeki Wachee.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the South Brooksville CDP has a total area of 47.9 sqkm, of which 47.1 sqkm are land and 0.8 sqkm, or 1.67%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,376 people, 559 households, and 386 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 392.5 PD/sqmi. There were 636 housing units at an average density of 181.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 58.72% White, 37.35% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.44% Asian, 1.16% from other races, and 2.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.36% of the population.

There were 559 households, out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.3% were married couples living together, 20.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% were non-families. 25.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 25.9% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 23.6% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.7 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $28,073, and the median income for a family was $25,956. Males had a median income of $27,292 versus $20,938 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $15,758. About 11.5% of families and 16.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.9% of those under age 18 and 11.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: South Brooksville, Florida


text:
Spring Hill, Florida

Spring Hill is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 113,568 at the 2020 census, up from 98,621 at the 2010 census. Spring Hill belongs to Florida's Nature Coast region and is in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area. It is east of Hernando Beach, southwest of Brooksville, and north of Tampa.

History and overview
Spring Hill was formerly a large tract of endangered Longleaf Pine Ecosystem and Sand Pine Scrub with very high biodiversity, and a safe haven for many imperiled species, and most of it remained unchanged until the 1970’s with large scale deforestation. It first appeared on Hernando County maps as early as 1856 along what is today Fort Dade Avenue just north of the community of Wiscon. The modern Spring Hill was founded in 1967 as a planned community, which was developed by the Deltona Corporation and the Mackle Brothers. The developers originally wanted to call the community Spring Lake and used that as the working name through the development process. They were forced to use a different name due to the name Spring Lake already being in use locally and chose Spring Hill. The plans for the community are identical to the community of Deltona. The Mackle Brothers sold many of the properties and land in the area through intense advertising. It has since become a sprawling semi-city in its own right, though it is an unincorporated area. The main entrance to the original development is marked by the Spring Hill waterfall on Spring Hill Drive and U.S. Route 19 (Commercial Way).

Spring Hill's proximity to Tampa, 40 mi to the south, and the completion of the Suncoast Parkway in 2001 have made the community easily accessible to the Tampa-St. Petersburg area.

Geography
Spring Hill is located in southwestern Hernando County at 28.47889°N, -82.54778°W (28.478929, & 82.547732). It is bordered to the west by Timber Pines; to the north by Weeki Wachee, North Weeki Wachee, High Point, Brookridge, and Wiscon; and to the east by South Brooksville, Garden Grove, and Masaryktown. To the south it is bordered by Shady Hills and Heritage Pines in Pasco County.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Spring Hill has a total area of 161.2 km2, of which 154.9 km2 are land and 6.3 km2, or 3.94%, are water.

The U.S. Postal Service recommends that "Spring Hill" be used as the mailing address for ZIP Code 34610 in neighboring Pasco County. The Spring Hill CDP does not extend into Pasco County; instead, this mailing area is partially covered by the Shady Hills and Quail Ridge CDPs.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 113,568 people, 43,121 households, and 30,380 families residing in the CDP.

For the period 2013–17, the estimated median annual household income in the CDP was $45,468, and the median family income was $53,017. Male full-time workers had a median income of $39,478 versus $35,059 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $22,349. About 10.7% of families and 14.9% of the total population were below the poverty line, including 22.6% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 98,621 people, 38,333 households, and 27,272 families residing in the CDP.

At the 2010 census, the population density was 1,649 PD/sqmi.

Of the 39,078 households in 2010, 29.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.6% were headed by married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.9% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.3% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49, and the average family size was 2.91.

In 2010, in the CDP, 21.6% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.2% were from 18 to 24, 21.9% were from 25 to 44, 27.1% were from 45 to 64, and 22.2% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.3 years. For every 100 females there were 90.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.7 males.

Languages
For the period 2013–17, English spoken as a first language accounted for 85.7% of the population, while 14.3% spoke other languages as their mother tongue. The most significant were Spanish speakers who made up 10.0% of the population.

Education
Spring Hill has many schools, both public and private, which provide primary and secondary education to local children. There are also several options for higher education that are easily accessible from the Spring Hill area.

Primary and secondary education
Public schools in Spring Hill are part of the Hernando County School Board school system, which oversees all public schools in Hernando County. The main public schools that serve the Spring Hill area are:

High schools

 * Central High School
 * Frank W. Springstead High School, an IB World School
 * Nature Coast Technical High School
 * Weeki Wachee High School
 * Hernando High School

Middle schools

 * Fox Chapel Middle School
 * Gulf Coast Academy of Science and Technology, a charter school
 * Powell Middle School
 * West Hernando Middle School

K-8 schools

 * Challenger K-8 School of Science and Mathematics
 * Explorer K-8
 * John D. Floyd K-8 School of Environmental Science
 * Winding Waters K-8

Elementary schools

 * Chocachatti Elementary School
 * Deltona Elementary School
 * Pine Grove Elementary School
 * Spring Hill Elementary school
 * Suncoast Elementary School
 * Westside Elementary School

In addition to the public schools in Spring Hill, there are several private schools:
 * Growing In Grace Preschool
 * Notre Dame Catholic School (Pre-K to grade 8)
 * Spring Hill Christian Academy (Pre-K to grade 12)
 * Wider Horizons School, a Montessori school (Pre-K to grade 6) and College Preparatory school (junior and senior high school)
 * West Hernando Christian School

Higher learning
Spring Hill is home to the 100000 ft2 Spring Hill Campus of Pasco–Hernando State College. This was the fourth campus built out of the five now in existence.

Libraries
The Hernando County Library System operates several libraries in and around the Spring Hill area, such as the West Hernando Branch Library and the Spring Hill Branch Library, which serves as a replacement of the Little Red Schoolhouse Branch Library. The historic Little Red Schoolhouse Branch Library has since been converted into a bookstore, run by the Friends of the Library, whose proceeds benefit the library system.

Healthcare
The only hospital that operates in Spring Hill is TGH Spring Hill.

Tourism
Nearby Weeki Wachee Springs is home to the famous live mermaid show and Florida's only spring-fed water park, Buccaneer Bay.

Media
There are two print newspapers that serve the area: the Hernando Times (a publication of Tampa Bay Times), and the Hernando Sun.

Spring Hill belongs in the Tampa Bay Area media market, the 12th largest designated market area in the United States.

Notable people

 * Douglas Applegate, member of the United States House of Representatives
 * Matt Breida, running back for the New York Giants
 * Ricou Browning, film director, actor (notably as the "Gill-man" in Creature from the Black Lagoon), producer, screenwriter, underwater cinematographer, stuntman
 * Corey Hill, former UFC fighter and The Ultimate Fighter 5 contestant (deceased)
 * Zachary James, opera singer, stage and TV actor (notably as "Lurch" in the Broadway production of The Addams Family)
 * Willie Sutton, bank robber
 * Huey Whittaker, wide receiver for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League (UFL)

Mass transit
Public transit in Spring Hill is provided by Hernando County Transit (The Bus), which consists of four routes which serve Spring Hill and Brooksville, and which also provides a connection to the Pasco County Bus System (PCPT) via the Purple Route's terminus in Hudson. The Bus system operates six days a week since expanding to include Saturday service in October 2019.

The four current routes are:

 * Purple: Pasco-Hernando State College - Brooksville to Spring Hill, final stop in Hudson, where it connects to Pasco County Transit (PCPT) Route 21
 * Green: Brooksville US 41 & Wiscon Road via Wiscon Rd, California St and Spring Hill Drive to Pasco-Hernando State College Spring Hill Campus
 * Red: Mariner & Northcliffe Boulevards via Northcliffe, Deltona, & Forest Oaks Boulevards, as well as US 19 to Pasco-Hernando State College Spring Hill Campus
 * Blue: Brooksville Walmart (SR50) via Mariner Blvd to Bayfront Health Spring Hill (near Mariner Blvd & County Line Road)

Additionally, paratransit services are available via Trans-Hernando, which offers door-to-door services by advance reservation for the elderly, mentally challenged, and economic/transportation disadvantaged residents of Hernando County.

Roads
There are several county roads in Spring Hill that serve as major thoroughfares for traffic traveling around and passing through Spring Hill. Below is a list of the county roads that pertain to Spring Hill:

Highways
Spring Hill is bordered to the west by US 19 (named Commercial Way), and to the north by SR 50 (named Cortez Boulevard). The Suncoast Parkway (SR 589) is a toll road that passes through Spring Hill and serves as a connection to Pasco and Hillsborough counties (and, by extension, Tampa) to the south.

title: Spring Hill, Florida


text:
Spring Lake, Florida

Spring Lake is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 458 at the 2010 census, up from 327 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Spring Lake is located in eastern Hernando County at 28.48861°N, -82.30833°W (28.488630, -82.308437). It is bordered to the north by Hill 'n Dale. It is 8 mi southeast of Brooksville, the county seat.

Spring Lake contains rolling hills ranging in elevation from 120ft to 280ft.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 8.9 km2, of which 8.6 km2 are land and 0.3 km2, or 3.35%, are water.

Demographics
At the 2010 census, there were 458 people, 188 households and 149 families residing in the CDP. There were 211 total housing units. The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.9% White, 0.2% Black, 0.4% Native American, 1.3% Asian, 0.4% some other race, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.3% of the population.

There were 188 households, of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.9% were headed by married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.7% were non-families. 17.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.9% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44, and the average family size was 2.70.

18.1% of the population were under the age of 18, 6.7% were from 18 to 24, 17.7% were from 25 to 44, 37.4% were from 45 to 64, and 20.1% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.5 males.

For the period 2011-15, the estimated median household income was $50,880 and the median family income was $55,950. The per capita income was $38,180. 9.7% of families and 11.5% of the population were living below the poverty line.

title: Spring Lake, Florida


text:
Timber Pines, Florida

Timber Pines is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 5,386 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Timber Pines is located in southwestern Hernando County at 28.46861°N, -82.60194°W (28.468625, -82.602006). It is bordered to the north, east, and south by Spring Hill and to the west by U.S. Route 19, which leads north 4 mi to Weeki Wachee and south 9 mi to Hudson. Brooksville, the Hernando County seat, is 16 mi to the northeast.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Timber Pines CDP has a total area of 6.0 km2, of which 5.8 sqkm are land and 0.2 sqkm, or 3.63%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,840 people, 3,229 households, and 2,408 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,456.3 PD/sqmi. There were 3,551 housing units at an average density of 1,493.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.94% White, 0.38% African American, 0.05% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.09% from other races, and 0.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.63% of the population.

There were 3,229 households, out of which 0.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.7% were married couples living together, 1.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.4% were non-families. 23.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.81 and the average family size was 2.05.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 1.0% under the age of 18, 0.5% from 18 to 24, 1.5% from 25 to 44, 18.5% from 45 to 64, and 78.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 72 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $43,666, and the median income for a family was $50,526. Males had a median income of $20,278 versus $50,078 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $34,900. About 1.5% of families and 2.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 100.0% of those under age 18 and 1.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Timber Pines, Florida


text:
Weeki Wachee, Florida

Weeki Wachee is an unincorporated community and former city located in Hernando County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, the community has a total population of 16. The 12,000 acre Weeki Wachee Preserve and the Weeki Wachee Springs park are located in the area. The park includes water rides, animal shows, mermaid costume shows, and manatee watching. The communities of Weeki Wachee Gardens and Spring Hill are nearby.

History
Weeki Wachee was founded as a city in 1966 to promote the local mermaid attraction. With fewer than 15 residents, and increased concerns over the city's finances, services, and state park operations, state representative Blaise Ingoglia sponsored a bill to dissolve the city, and Governor Ron DeSantis signed it into law in June 2020. Hernando County, the county the former city resides in, was responsible for resolving its financial issues. Park operations were not affected.

Geography
The former city boundaries of Weeki Wachee was located in western Hernando County at 28.51556°N, -82.57861°W. Via U.S. Route 19, it was 19 mi north of Port Richey and 20 mi south of Homosassa Springs. Via Florida State Road 50, Weeki Wachee was 12 mi west of Brooksville, the Hernando County seat.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city had a total area of 2.8 km2, of which 0.13 km2, or 4.68%, was water.

Demographics
As of the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 12 people, five households, and five families residing in the city. The population density was 11.8 people per square mile (4.5/km$2$). There were five housing units at an average density of 4.9 per square mile (1.9/km$2$). As identified by the census, no one in Weeki Wachee was Hispanic or Latino. All residents were White except for one Native American member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.

Tourist attraction
Weeki Wachee Springs, the spring of the Weeki Wachee River, is a Florida tourist attraction where underwater performances by mermaids — women dressed in fancy outfits with fins about their legs — can be viewed in an aquarium-like setting. The attraction includes a Buccaneer Bay water park, animal shows, and boat rides. General Manager Robyn Anderson was the town's mayor. The park is now a Florida State Park and is owned and managed by the State Parks department.

Deepest naturally formed spring in the United States
From May 22 until August 30, 2007, the discharge level at Weeki Wachee spring dropped to a level that allowed for cave divers to gain effective entry into the cave system at the spring. The Karst Underwater Research team successfully executed exploration dives and the necessary in-water decompression to explore approximately 6700 ft in multiple passages at an average depth of 265 ft fresh water (ffw) with a maximum depth of 407 ft ffw.

title: Weeki Wachee, Florida


text:
Weeki Wachee Gardens, Florida

Weeki Wachee Gardens is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,146 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Weeki Wachee Gardens is located in western Hernando County at 28.53361°N, -82.62472°W (28.533569, -82.624784), along the Weeki Wachee River east of its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico. Shoal Line Boulevard is the main road through the community, leading northeast 1.5 mi to Cortez Boulevard and south 4 mi to Hernando Beach.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.6 km2, of which 3.3 km2 are land and 0.3 sqkm, or 9.60%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,140 people, 556 households, and 361 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 822.6 PD/sqmi. There were 888 housing units at an average density of 640.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.98% White, 0.18% African American, 0.79% Native American, 0.09% Asian, and 0.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.14% of the population.

There were 556 households, out of which 13.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.7% were married couples living together, 5.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.05 and the average family size was 2.39.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 12.2% under the age of 18, 3.7% from 18 to 24, 18.0% from 25 to 44, 39.5% from 45 to 64, and 26.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $29,826, and the median income for a family was $33,942. Males had a median income of $36,389 versus $19,583 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $21,423. About 10.1% of families and 9.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.9% of those under age 18 and 3.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Weeki Wachee Gardens, Florida


text:
Avon Park, Florida

Avon Park is a city in Highlands County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 9,658, up from 8,836 at the 2010 census but down from the 2018 estimated population of 10,695. It is part of the Sebring, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is the oldest city in Highlands County, and was named after Stratford-upon-Avon, England.

History
The first permanent white settler in Avon Park was Oliver Martin Crosby, a Connecticut native who moved to the area in 1884 to study the wildlife of the Everglades. By 1886, enough people had followed that the "Town of Lake Forest" was founded. As president of the Florida Development Company, he recruited settlers to the area, many of whom were from England, including many from the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, who gave the town its name.

In 2006, then-mayor Thomas Macklin (Republican) proposed City Ordinance 08-06, which would have blocked the issuance or renewal of city licenses to businesses that hired undocumented aliens, fined any property owner who rented and leased property to undocumented aliens, and established English as the city's official language, banning the use of other languages during the conduct of official business except where specified under state or federal law. The ordinance was defeated by the city council, on a 3–2 vote.

Geography
Avon Park is located in northwestern Highlands County at 27.59444°N, -81.50333°W (27.594418, –81.503437). 27/98 is the main highway through the city, leading north 23 mi to Lake Wales and south 10 mi to Sebring. Florida State Road 17 (Main Street) leads east through the center of Avon Park, then south 10 miles to the center of Sebring. Florida State Road 64 leads west from Avon Park 19 mi to Zolfo Springs.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Avon Park has a total area of 21.2 sqkm, of which 18.5 sqkm are land and 2.6 sqkm, or 12.43%, are water.

The city is located in a karst landscape underlain by the limestone Florida Platform, and numerous circular lakes are either within the city limits (Lake Tulane, Lake Verona, and Lake Isis) or border the city (Lake Anoka, Lake Lelia, Lake Glenada, Lake Lotela, Lake Denton, Little Red Water Lake, Pioneer Lake, Lake Brentwood, Lake Byrd, Lake Damon, and Lake Lillian).

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and warm winters. According to the Köppen climate classification system, Avon Park has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 9,658 people, 3,787 households, and 2,420 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 8,836 people, 3,146 households, and 2,146 families residing in the city.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 8,542 people, 3,218 households and 2,114 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,841.8 PD/sqmi. There were 3,916 housing units at an average density of 844.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 58.90% White, 29.2% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.69% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 8.35% from other races, and 2.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 18.71% of the population.

In 2000, there were 3,218 households, of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.6% were married couples living together, 17.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.3% were non-families. 28.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.08.

In 2000, age distribution was 26.5% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 23.6% from 25 to 44, 18.3% from 45 to 64, and 20.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.2 males.

In 2000, the median household income was $23,576, and the median family income was $27,617. Males had a median income of $21,890 versus $18,678 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,897. About 21.3% of families and 27.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 40.4% of those under age 18 and 13.4% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Avon Park operates under a council-manager form of government, with a city manager who operates under the direction of an elected four-member council and mayor. The current Mayor is Garrett Anderson, and the City Manager is Mark C. Schrader. The city provides fire protection, utilities, and sanitation service to its residents. The city's police and the county sheriff work jointly to provide law enforcement.

Transportation
Avon Park Executive Airport is a public-use airport located 2 mi west of the central business district.

Public schools

 * Avon Elementary School
 * Park Elementary School
 * Memorial Elementary School
 * Avon Park Middle School
 * Avon Park High School

Private schools

 * Walker Memorial Academy
 * Central Florida Academy
 * Parkview Pre-K LLC
 * Community Christian Academy
 * Cornerstone Christian Academy

Colleges

 * South Florida State College

Television
Avon Park is located in a fringe viewing area; its television stations originate in distant cities. Local television services offer signals from WFTV, the ABC affiliate in Orlando; WINK-TV, the CBS affiliate in Fort Myers/Naples; WFLA-TV, the Tampa Bay area NBC affiliate; and WTVT, the Tampa Bay area Fox affiliate.

Radio
Avon Park is in the Sebring radio market, which is ranked as the 288th largest in the United States by Arbitron. Radio stations broadcasting from Avon Park include WAVP/1390 (Adult Hits), WAPQ-LP/95.9 (Religious), WWOJ/99.1 (Country) "OJ99.1" & WWMA-LP/107.9 (Religious).

Newspapers
Local print media includes the News-Sun, a newspaper published on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Highlands Today, a daily local supplement to The Tampa Tribune that covered events in Highlands County, was bought by and merged into The Highlands News Sun in 2016.

Points of interest

 * Avon Park Air Force Range
 * Avon Park Historic District
 * Lake Adelaide
 * Lake Isis
 * Lake Tulane
 * Lake Verona

Notable people

 * Red Causey (1893–1960) – MLB player
 * Eric Cheape (1885–1973) – college football player
 * Derrick Crawford (born 1979) – NFL player
 * Nick Gordon (born 1995) – MLB player
 * Tom Gordon (born 1967) – MLB player and sports commentator
 * Dee Hart (born 1992) – NFL player
 * Hal McRae (born 1945) – MLB player and manager
 * Conrad Moehlman (1879–1961) – Baptist author and emeritus professor of church history
 * Bernice Mosby (born 1984) – WNBA and WKBL basketball player
 * Deanie Parrish (1922–2022) – U.S. Army Air Force aviator for WASP during World War II
 * Charles Pringle (born 1931) – politician
 * Howard Skipper (1915–2006) – U.S. Army Chemical Corps researcher and oncologist
 * Dee Strange-Gordon (born 1988) – MLB player
 * Leslie Wolfsberger (born 1959) – Olympic gymnast

title: Avon Park, Florida


text:
Lake Placid, Florida

Lake Placid is a town in Highlands County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Sebring, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, the population was 2,360, up from 2,223 at the 2010 census.

The town has two nicknames: "Town of Murals" and "Caladium Capital of the World". Lake Placid has 47 murals painted on buildings throughout the town, and 98 percent of the world's caladium bulbs come from Lake Placid. There are 14 caladium farms, spanning 1,200 acres, and these plants have been grown in the area since the 1940s. In 2013, Reader's Digest named Lake Placid America's Most Interesting Town.

The town is home to the Lake Placid Tower, a closed concrete block observation tower that is 240 ft tall according to early sources or 270 ft tall according to late sources. However, government sources exclude a 270-foot height, allowing only a 240-foot height.

History
Lake Placid, which was formerly called "Lake Stearns", was chartered on December 1, 1925. Dr. Melvil Dewey, the inventor of the Dewey Decimal System, and the founder of the Lake Placid Club in Lake Placid, New York, proposed that Lake Stearns change its name to "Lake Placid". On April 29, 1927, the Lake Stearns Commissioners accepted Dr. Dewey's proposal. Subsequently, they submitted a request to the Florida State Legislature. On June 6, 1927, the community was chartered as the town of Lake Placid.

Geography
Lake Placid is located in central Highlands County at 27.29525°N, -81.37264°W (27.29525, –81.37263). U.S. Route 27 passes through the town, leading north 16 mi to Sebring, the county seat, and south 58 mi to Clewiston.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Lake Placid has a total area of 3.650 mi2, of which 3.599 mi2 are land and 0.051 mi2, or 1.4%, are water.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the Town of Lake Placid has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,360 people, 764 households, and 494 families residing in the town.

According to the American Community Survey, in 2016, 58.3% of households were family households – with one or more people related to the householder or related to one of a same-sex couple by birth, marriage or adoption; and 41.7% were non-family households – including same-sex couples with no other relatives. Family households included 29.0% with their own children under 18 years, 37.0% were a husband-wife family, 6.4% were a male householder with no wife present, 14.9% were a female householder with no husband present. Non-family households consisted of 12.2% males living alone – 5.8% 65 years and older – and 19.7% females living alone – 19.7% 65 years and older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.21. The median age of the population was 34.4 years.

From the 2016 American Community Survey, the population was spread out, with 10% under 5 years old, 15.3% from 5 to 14, 45.2% from 15 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.1% who were 65 years of age or older (significant margins of error causes total to exceed 100%). The sex ratio was 106.3 males per 100 females. The educational attainment of the population who were a high school graduate or higher was 59.2%, while 12.3% had a bachelor's degree or higher. The poverty rate of the population 25 years and older was 61.0% if less than a high school graduate, 52.2% if a high school graduate, 26.8% with some college, and 13.4% with a bachelor's degree or higher. The median earnings of the population 25 years and over during the past 12 months was $14,938, consisting of $10,625 if less than a high school graduate, $15,187 if a high school graduate, $18,988 with some college, and $147,961 with a bachelor's degree. The per capita income was $17,318. 54.7% of all people had incomes below the poverty level. All figures from the survey had significant margins of error.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 2,223 people, 833 households, and 575 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there are 1,668 people, 646 households, and 395 families residing in the town. The population density is 250.6/km2 (650.2/mi2). There are 776 housing units at an average density of 116.6/km2 (302.5/mi2). The racial makeup of the town is 76.38% White, 9.95% African American, 0.90% Native American, 0.66% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 10.43% from other races, and 1.68% from two or more races. 30.46% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

In 2000, there are 646 households out of which 29.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.9% are married couples living together, 11.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 38.7% are non-families. 31.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 16.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.57 and the average family size is 3.26.

In 2000, in the town the population is spread out with 27.6% under the age of 18, 11.3% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 17.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 97.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.7 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town is $21,178, and the median income for a family is $28,194. Males have a median income of $21,629 versus $14,650 for females. The per capita income for the town is $11,855. 34.7% of the population and 22.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 55.2% are under the age of 18 and 7.3% are 65 or older.

Television
Lake Placid is located in a fringe viewing area; its television stations originate in distant cities. Local television services offer signals from WFTV, the ABC affiliate in Orlando, WINK, the CBS affiliate in Fort Myers/Naples, WFLA, the Tampa Bay area NBC affiliate, and WTVT, the Tampa Bay area Fox affiliate. There are no TV stations whose studios or broadcasting towers are located in Lake Placid.

Radio
Lake Placid is part of the Sebring radio market, which is ranked as the 288th largest in the United States by Arbitron. It is the city of license for WWTK 730 kHz and is in that station's primary coverage area, however, there are no radio stations whose studios or broadcasting towers are located in Lake Placid.

Newspapers
The Highlands News-Sun, a Sebring-based newspaper published daily, is currently the only commercial newspaper circulating in Lake Placid. The Journal, a locally based weekly publication, had circulated for almost 60 years in Lake Placid, but ceased publication.

Lake Placid Tower
The structure, built by Ridge Builders, and previously called the Happiness Tower, is a closed concrete block observation tower located on US Highway 27. It is 240 ft tall according to early sources (before 1982), although later sources (after 1986) have indicated that it is 270 ft tall. Because its antennae are 392 ft above sea level, and it rests on ground 142 ft above sea level (392–142=250), only the 240-foot architectural height is plausible. It has three observation levels, at 192 ft behind windows, at 200 ft on a balcony, and at 225 ft atop the elevator shaft. It was designed by architect A. Wynn Howell of Lakeland, built in 1960, and opened January 1, 1961. It was the tallest concrete block structure in the world when it opened.

For years, the tower was open to tourists who could take a 65 second elevator ride to the observation deck. Because of sluggish sales, the tower closed in 2003 and is now a cell phone tower.

Historical Society Depot Museum
The Old Lake Placid Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot, now the Historical Society Depot Museum of the Lake Placid Historical Society, is a historic Atlantic Coast Line Railroad depot in Lake Placid, Florida. It is located at 12 East Park Street and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Wall murals
There are 51 large murals on the sides of buildings in Lake Placid's "uptown" area. These have become a tourist attraction. The Welcome Center sells a booklet with a map of the murals that provides specifics about the history that each one depicts, as well as information about the artist(s).

The murals were planned in 1992 by Harriet and Bob Porter and were painted in subsequent years by various artists, most depicting the history of the area. Some feature the trompe-l'œil technique.

Toby's American Clown Museum and School
Lake Placid is home to the American Clown Museum and School, which was founded in 1993. Here more than 700 significant pieces of clown memorabilia can be found.

Sister cities

 * Lake Placid, New York, United States of America
 * Lompoc, California, United States of America

title: Lake Placid, Florida


text:
Placid Lakes, Florida

Placid Lakes is an unincorporated community in Highlands County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,054 according to the 2000 census, at which time it was a census-designated place (CDP). Placid Lakes is a predominantly residential community southwest of the town of Lake Placid and due south of Lake June.

Geography
Placid Lakes is located at 27.25861°N, -81.4025°W (27.258691, -81.402605).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 18.32 sqmi, of which 18.29 sqmi is land and 0.02 sqmi (0.11%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,054 people, 1,344 households, and 990 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 64.5 /km2. There were 1,615 housing units at an average density of 34.1 /km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 89.69% White, 5.27% African American, 0.79% Native American, 1.05% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.96% from other races, and 1.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.51% of the population.

There were 1,344 households, out of which 21.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.6% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.3% were non-families. 21.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.59.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 19.0% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 18.6% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 35.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 53 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.7 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $31,914, and the median income for a family was $36,925. Males had a median income of $27,222 versus $17,813 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,287. About 4.4% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.0% of those under age 18 and 3.0% of those age 65 or over.

Geographic features

 * Lake August
 * Lake June-in-Winter

title: Placid Lakes, Florida