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Plant City, Florida

Plant City is an incorporated city in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States, approximately midway between Brandon and Lakeland along Interstate 4. It is part of the Tampa Bay area. The population was 39,764 at the 2020 census.

Despite many thinking it was named for flora grown at plant nurseries (especially vegetables and fruits, as well as tropical houseplants) in its subtropical Gulf Coast climate, it was named after prominent railroad developer Henry B. Plant (see Plant System). Plant City is known as the winter strawberry capital of the world and hosts the annual Florida Strawberry Festival in the late winter (usually in February or early March), which is attended by people from all over the United States as well as many people from around the world.

History
Plant City's original name given during the middle 1800s was Ichepuckesassa (also known as Idasukshed) after the Native American village that once occupied the territory. In 1860, the community was renamed "Cork", after the postmaster's Irish hometown. It was finally given the name "Plant City" in commemoration of Henry B. Plant and his South Florida Railroad, which significantly boosted the commerce in this primarily agricultural community by incorporating it on January 10, 1885. In 1911, it was officially reincorporated from the "Town of Plant City" to the "City of Plant City".

Plant City was the spring training home of baseball's Cincinnati Reds, who played exhibition games at Plant City Stadium from 1988 to 1997.

Geography

The approximate coordinates for Plant City is located in northeastern Hillsborough County at 28.01667°N, -82.13333°W (28.0142, –82.1289).

Interstate 4 runs through the northern part of the city, with access from Exits 17 through 25. I-4 leads east 12 mi to Lakeland and west 23 mi to Tampa. U.S. Route 92 is the main highway through the center of Plant City, running generally parallel to I-4. Florida State Road 39 crosses US 92 in the center of Plant City and leads north 15 mi to Zephyrhills and south 6 mi to Hopewell.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Plant City has a total area of 72.8 sqkm, of which 70.4 sqkm are land and 2.4 sqkm, or 3.31%, are water.

The city and its surrounding area are in the Southern Flatwoods ecological community as defined by the US Department of Agriculture. The region as a whole is noted for its sandy, infertile, and poorly drained soils. In and around Plant City, however, high organic matter content and scattered phosphate nodules make many of the soils more fertile than typical for the flatwoods.

Climate
Plant City, as does most of Florida, has a humid subtropical climate zone (Köppen climate classification: Cfa), with humid and hot summers and warm, drier winters. It is close to having a tropical climate zone, since only one month (January) does not have a mean temperature over 64.4 F.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 39,764 people, 14,223 households, and 9,449 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 34,721 people, 11,992 households, and 8,640 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 29,915 people, 10,849 households, and 7,843 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,321.9 PD/sqmi. There were 11,797 housing units at an average density of 521.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 71.67% White, 17.42% Hispanic or Latino of any race, 16.16% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.89% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 9.10% from other races, and two or more races were 1.77% of the population.

As of 2000, there were 10,849 households, out of which 36.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.7% were married couples living together, 14.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.7% were non-families. 22.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.20.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 29.4% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 29.1% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.3 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $37,584, and the median income for a family was $43,328. Males had a median income of $33,417 versus $23,585 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,815. About 11.3% of families and 14.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.1% of those under age 18 and 13.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Hillsborough County School District operates all public schools in Plant City

Public high schools

 * Durant High School (9–12)
 * Plant City High School (9–12)
 * Simmons Exceptional Center (9–12)
 * Strawberry Crest High School (Dover, FL) (9–12)

Public middle schools

 * Marshall Middle School (6–8)
 * Tomlin Middle School (6–8)
 * Turkey Creek Middle School (6–8)

Public elementary schools

 * Bryan Elementary School (K–5)
 * Burney Elementary School (Pre K–5)
 * Cork Elementary School (K–5)
 * Knights Elementary School (K–5)
 * Lincoln Elementary School (K-5)
 * Springhead Elementary School (K–5)
 * Stonewall Jackson Elementary (K–5)
 * Trapnell Elementary School (K–5)
 * Walden Lake Elementary School (K–5)
 * Woodrow Wilson Elementary (K–5)

Other public schools

 * Plant City Adult Learning Lab (GED Prep)
 * Simmons Career Center (6–12)
 * Teen Parent East Program (K–12)

Private schools

 * Autumn Leaf Academy (PK)
 * Evangelical Presbyterian Church Learning Center (PK)
 * Faith Christian Academy of Plant City (K–12)
 * First Presbyterian Learning Center II (PK–K)

Bruton Memorial Library
The Quintilla Geer Bruton Memorial Library is located in Plant City and was built in 1960. It is a part of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative but is under the jurisdiction of the City of Plant City. There are 44,000 members as of 2014.

Bruton Memorial Library offers programs for children, young adults, and adults. Bruton Memorial Library also offers free access to multiple databases, tutoring websites, ebooks, emagazines, and movie streaming. Computers are available for use, as are laptops that can be used only within the library. A variety of activities and services are available to a variety of patrons, from book clubs to extensive workshops regarding the beginnings and upkeep of the cultivation of homes and gardens, as well as crafts available on Mondays and hobbyists convening for fabric arts like knitting or crocheting two Fridays a month. Crafts also extend to children and teens as well.

Economy
Wish Farms, the largest strawberry producer in Florida, has a large presence in Plant City.

Aviation
Plant City Airport is a public-use airport located 2 mi southwest of the central business district.

Railroad
Plant City Union Depot served both the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (ACL) and Seaboard Air Line Railroad even after their merger into the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad until passenger service ceased operations in 1971. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975. The east-west ACL tracks cross the north-south Seaboard tracks at a 90-degree angle at the southeast corner of the station, forming a diamond junction. Both tracks are now owned and run by Class 1 railroad CSX. Amtrak's Silver Star uses the line's west-to-eastbound ACL tracks, although it does not stop at the station. A train observation deck is present where railfans can watch CSX freight trains and the Amtrak Silver Star train pass. The closest other passenger stations are Tampa or Lakeland.

Major highways

 * (Interstate 4)

Law enforcement

The Plant City Police Department (PCPD) is the law enforcement agency for the city of Plant City. The annual budget for the police department for 2017-2018 was $10,413,994.

National Register of Historic Places
There are several locations in Plant City which have been included in the National Register of Historic Places. They are:

 * Bing Rooming House
 * Downtown Plant City Commercial District
 * Downtown Plant City Historic Residential District
 * Glover School
 * Hillsboro State Bank Building
 * Historic Turkey Creek High School
 * North Plant City Residential District
 * Plant City High School
 * Plant City Union Depot
 * Standard Oil Service Station

Attractions

 * Dinosaur World

Parks

 * Alafia River State Park is located nearby.
 * Alderman's Ford Regional Park
 * Edward Medard Park and Reservoir, a 1,284 acre preserve with 3.25 mile bridle path, fishing, and trails.

Mural ban
On October 12, 2009, the Plant City Commissioners voted 4-to-1 to essentially ban all new murals in the Historic District of Plant City. Current murals being painted are not affected by this ban, but no new murals can be painted unless the owner of the building can prove there was an already existing mural on the wall before 1994. The ban was set in motion by a complaint that a recent mural by Blake Emory—a rendition of Norman Rockwell's "April Fools"—contained a sex organ in the painting. Even though the creators of the mural insisted it was not intentional, and immediately altered the section of the mural, City Commissioners hastily cast the vote adding that they may revisit this ban in the future. City Commissioner Bill Dodson was the only vote against the ban saying he was looking for a more thought out and complete ordinance over an immediate and outright ban.

Notable people

 * Johni Broome, college basketball player
 * Quintilla Geer Bruton, library advocate and philanthropist
 * John Keasler, columnist who wrote 7,000 columns over 30 years for The Miami News
 * Parker Messick, professional baseball player
 * Ashley Moody, attorney and 38th Attorney General of Florida
 * Clay Roberts, professional soccer player and coach
 * Jeff Scofield, racing driver
 * Tyler Scofield, racing driver
 * Pam Tillis, country singer

Sister cities
Plant City has formalized sister city agreements with the following city:

title: Plant City, Florida


text:
Progress Village, Florida

Progress Village is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. Per the 2020 census, the population was 11,188.

Geography
Progress Village is located near the geographic center of Hillsborough County and is bordered by Palm River-Clair Mel to the north, Riverview to the east, and Gibsonton to the south. Interstate 75 forms the eastern edge of the CDP, and the western edge follows County Road 573. Progress Village is 9 mi southeast of downtown Tampa.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 8.4 km2, of which 7.8 sqkm are land and 0.6 sqkm, or 6.90%, are water.

2000 Census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,482 people, 853 households, and 622 families residing in the community. The population density was 737.4 PD/sqmi. There were 905 housing units at an average density of 268.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the community was 6.69% White, 90.73% African American, 0.04% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 1.09% from other races, and 1.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.74% of the population.

There were 853 households, out of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.9% were married couples living together, 28.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.0% were non-families. 22.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.91 and the average family size was 3.41.

In the community the population was spread out, with 30.9% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 75.7 males.

The median income for a household in the community was $27,708, and the median income for a family was $32,384. Males had a median income of $24,440 versus $21,521 for females. The per capita income for the community was $11,781. About 15.1% of families and 18.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.9% of those under age 18 and 14.8% of those age 65 or over.

History
Progress Village was Tampa's first low-income housing suburb. It was planned as a neighborhood for low-income residents outside of the city limits.

Progress Village Middle Magnet School of the Arts and Jack Lamb Elementary School are on the southern edge of Progress Village.

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

title: Progress Village, Florida


text:
Riverview, Florida

Riverview is an unincorporated census-designated place in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. It is located south of Brandon. The population was 107,396 in the 2020 census, up from 71,050 in the 2010 census.

Many of Tampa Bay's radio and television stations broadcast from an antenna farm in the Riverview area, on Boyette Road, east of town. Riverview is home to Bell Creek Nature Preserve.

History
Riverview was founded in 1885 on the Alafia River's north shore. However, in the 1830s settlers arrived on the south side of the river at an area formerly known as Peru (pronounced "Pe-Roo") because Peru was an indigenous name for "straight part of the river". Peru existed for nearly 100 years and was one of the oldest settlements in central Florida. It wasn't until the 1940s that Riverview absorbed Peru, and now claims the south side of the Alafia River. The Peruvian Mining Company, which mined phosphate from the Alafia, took its name from the settlement. The term "Alafia" is translated as "River of Fire" due to the phosphorus on the early riverbottom glowing at night.

The area's first school was built in 1893, inside the Peru Baptist Church. The area called Riverview began to be populated on the north side of the river. The two communities were connected by a river ferry. Soon after, a bridge was constructed from sections of a bridge that once spanned the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa. The post office periodically was moved from the Riverview side to the Peru side of the river and back, causing much tension. The Riverview name eventually came into usage in the early 1940s by the post office to relieve just such confusion with the mail. Peru has disappeared from all but the earliest maps. Some of Peru's or Riverview's settlers include the Barnes, Bourgees, Boyettes, Brandons, Buzbees, Hackneys, Hancocks, Hartleys, Mansfields, Moodys, Simmons, Scotts, Symmes, Topes, Thompsons, Whitts, and the Yeomans. The area founded by the Boyette family is now the community of Boyette, located in the eastern part of the Riverview CDP.

The first commercial poultry farm in Florida was established by Emmet and Myrtle Tope in Riverview in 1921.

Geography
Riverview is located southeast of the center of Hillsborough County. The Alafia River flows through the northern part of the CDP and forms part of its northeastern border, separating Riverview from Bloomingdale to the northeast. Other neighboring communities, all unincorporated, are Brandon to the north, Palm River-Clair Mel to the northwest, Progress Village and Gibsonton to the west, Apollo Beach to the southwest, Balm to the south, and FishHawk to the east.

Interstate 75 forms the western edge of the Riverview CDP, with access from Exits 246, 250, 254, and 256. U.S. Route 301 runs through the western side of the CDP, parallel to I-75 and through the original settlement of Riverview at the Alafia River. Downtown Tampa is 12 mi to the northwest via US-301 and the Selmon Expressway.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Riverview CDP has a total area of 124.3 sqkm, of which 119.6 sqkm are land and 4.6 sqkm, or 3.72%, are water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 107,396 people, 33,082 households, and 24,057 families residing in the CDP.

For the period 2011–15, the estimated median annual income for a household in the community was $66,497, and the median income for a family was $71,517. Male full-time workers had a median income of $47,554 versus $38,000 for females. The per capita income for the community was $26,126. 9.5% of the population and 7.2% of families were below the poverty line. 11.7% of people under 18 and 7.9% of people 65 or older were living in poverty.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 71,050 people, 22,951 households, and 16,885 families residing in the CDP.

Out of the 24,488 occupied households in the CDP as of 2010, 45.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.0% were headed by married couples living together, 14.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.5% were non-families. 17.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.4% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.89 and the average family size was 3.27.

Within the CDP in 2010, 29.1% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.6% were from 18 to 24, 31.9% were from 25 to 44, 23.8% were from 45 to 64, and 7.7% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.7 males.

Languages
According to the American Community Survey (ACS), the following estimates were given for the period 2011–15, English spoken at home accounted for 76.64% of all residents, while 23.36% spoke some other language at home. Spanish speakers (of whom 75.5% spoke English "very well") made up 16.98% of the population. No other language accounted for more than 1% of the population.

Education
Riverview is served by the Hillsborough County Public School District with 15 K-12 public schools.

Elementary Middle High Grade school students in Riverview are also served by schools in nearby Lithia and Gibsonton. There are also many charter and private school options in Riverview.
 * Frost
 * Ippolito
 * Symmes
 * Riverview
 * Boyette Springs
 * Sessums
 * Collins
 * Summerfield
 * Summerfield Crossings
 * Dawson
 * Giunta
 * Rodgers
 * Riverview High School
 * Spoto High School
 * Sumner High School

Riverview has two colleges: Cooley Law School near Falkenburg Rd and HCC at The Regent, a satellite campus of Hillsborough Community College in Winthrop Village.

Healthcare
AdventHealth is currently building AdventHealth Riverview, which will open in October 2024.

Notable people

 * Jahleel Addae, NFL safety
 * Debra Lafave, a middle school teacher convicted of having sex with a student
 * Dioner Navarro, an MLB catcher
 * Tom Daugherty, a professional bowler on the PBA Tour
 * Ronnie Oneal, murderer

title: Riverview, Florida


text:
Ruskin, Florida

Ruskin is an unincorporated census-designated place in Hillsborough County, Florida. The area was part of the chiefdom of the Uzita at the time of the Hernando de Soto expedition in 1539. The community was founded August 7, 1908, on the shores of the Little Manatee River. It was developed by Dr. George McAnelly Miller, an attorney and professor at Ruskin College in Trenton, Missouri, and Addie Dickman Miller. It is named after the essayist and social critic John Ruskin. Miller established the short-lived Ruskin College. It was one of the Ruskin Colleges.

History
The town and college were named after the English writer and social reformist John Ruskin. Ruskin, a utopian, founded the Guild of St George, a celebration of workmanship that underpinned the Arts and Crafts movement of William Morris. Ruskin was a passionate educator.

In 1907, Dr. George McAnelly Miller, a former Chicago prosecuting attorney and professor, and former president of Ruskin College in Trenton, Missouri, relocated his family to the area, along with his brother-in-law Albert Peter Dickman's family. They purchased land and started to set up homes, a sawmill, and a school. Addie Dickman Miller, Dr. Miller's wife, founded a post office on August 7, 1908. This day is recognized as the official founding day of the town. The Ruskin Commongood Society platted Ruskin on February 19, 1910, and filed the plat on March 9, 1910, in the Hillsborough County Court House, with lots for the college, the business district, two parks, and for the founding families, with only white people allowed to own or lease land in the community. Albert Dickman's house, finished in 1910, on the banks of the Little Manatee River, is one of the few structures left standing from the founding of Ruskin.

The Millers began a new Ruskin College in 1910, with Dr. Miller serving as president and Adeline Miller serving as Vice President. Continuing with the college's former practices, students worked a portion of each day as part of their education and as a way to pay for tuition and board. It offered three years of preparatory classes, after which students could attend the college, taking classes in art, drama, language, literature, music, shorthand, social sciences, and speech. At the peak of the college's prosperity it had 160 students..

By 1913, the community had a cooperative general store, a canning factory, a telephone system, an electric plant supplying electricity to both public and private buildings, a weekly paper, and regular boat freight and passenger service to Tampa. With the onset of World War I, most students went to the war in Europe and the college closed its doors. In 1918, a fire destroyed the college, sparing only the Millers' house. Dr. Miller died in August 1919.

At this time U.S. Route 41 was only a 9 ft shell road paid for by a $30,000 local bond issue. Because of the growing importance of truck farming, these roads and others were built to facilitate the transportation of produce to local markets throughout the 1920s. The railroad track connected Ruskin to the Seaboard Air Line Railroad line in 1913. On the eve of the college's demise in 1918, Ruskin had a population of 200 Ruskinites, as they are called. The majority of people appeared to have been truck growers. These residents supported a sawmill, a turpentine still, a syrup factory, a blacksmith, a newspaper, a lawyer, two carpenters, and three general stores. Rachel W. Billings served as postmaster and as the Universalist minister. With this foundation, it is not surprising that even with the destruction of the college the colony survived.

In 1925, Ruskin's population remained at 200. It had six hotels, two sawmills, one turpentine still, a public library, the Ruskin Telephone Company, four groceries, one garage, a well driller, two restaurants, a dry goods dealer, a carpenter, and a number of fruit and truck growers. Some of the fields had been cultivated, and tomatoes, cabbages, onions and other crops were being raised. There was a nursery established for ornamentals. Thousands of palms were ready for market, and streets were being graded in certain portions of the town that lay off the highway. The community's social life included four or five clubs organized by women, ranging from the Woman's Twentieth Century Club to the League of Women Voters. A new school was erected, as well as a church. With the road developments auto service was provided to Brandon, Tampa, and Wimauma.

In 1930 Ruskin's population had reached 709, consisting of 395 males and 314 females. Despite the deed restrictions against African Americans owning or leasing property, 140 black people resided in Ruskin. The rest of the population was white, of whom 514 were native and 52 were foreign-born. Three companies operated in Ruskin in 1935 despite the Depression and a drop to 600 residents: Florida Power & Light Company; Ruskin Telephone, Electric Light and Power Company, Inc.; and Ruskin Trailer Company.

Because of its agricultural roots, the town weathered the Depression. The soil of Ruskin farms is especially adapted to growing tomatoes. There is a large area of muck land underlaid with marl in this region. The marl base allows irrigation of crops without loss of fertilizer, as the marl prevents the fertilizer from washing too deep into the soil. Ruskin is favored with numerous artesian wells. Due to the rapid growth of tomato culture and a cooperative arrangement among Ruskin farmers, the town was again a thriving community. It had a canning plant which employed 65 workers, a community hall, and a modern schoolhouse. As part of an attempt to attract visitors to Ruskin and to celebrate the area's agricultural richness, the community instituted the annual springtime Ruskin Tomato Festival in 1935 where vegetables were displayed and the community's most popular woman was voted as queen. The festival still takes place every year in May.

With many Ruskin residents working in Tampa during World War II, people from Tampa began hearing of the benefits of the rural community. Shortly after the war, Ruskin slowly became more and more suburban as people not related to the agricultural business moved into the community.

In 1960, Ruskin was still very rural. Agriculture dominated Ruskin throughout the 1970s, but its influence began to wane. The greater Ruskin area's population reached 17,000 by 1975, many of whom were not farmers, but suburbanites. By 1982, Ruskin produced approximately 3000 acre of tomatoes a year, and one of the world's largest tomato-packing houses operated in nearby Apollo Beach. However, flower farms, phosphate, real estate, and tropical fish farms also became important economic engines for Ruskin that began encroaching upon farmland. Despite this, farmers grew approximately $15 million worth of produce yearly in the late 1980s.

Poor crop yields in the mid- to late 1980s drove some farmers to the wall. Many borrowed money, sometimes as much as $500,000, against their land to plant their crops. Consequently, many farmers were forced out of business, and others chose to leave farming forever. Due to the impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement in the 1990s which allowed Mexican tomatoes to flood the U.S. market and with ever-increasing water restrictions, tomato acreage continued to decline. Less than half the number of acres planted with tomatoes in the early 1990s were planted in 1997. The housing boom of the first decade of the 21st century turned most of the tomato and orange plantations into new housing development, bringing thousands of new inhabitants to the area.

The South County Coalition for Community Concerns (SCCCC) established in 1984 was a Ruskin-based Coalition comprising public and private health and human service organizations, government agencies, schools, churches and concerned citizens from South County. The history of the SCCCC (1980-2002) outlines, programs, celebrations and mutual support to bring a better quality of life to people of rural south Hillsborough County.

By 1990, changes to the downtown had occurred. The end of the traditional Ruskin Days parade (due to rising costs) and a great fire that wiped out the popular Thriftway supermarket and adjacent furniture, hardware and MC Topps department stores changed the landscape of the town center.

At present, Ruskin continues to grow with new commerce and housing developments. U.S. Route 41 is now a four-lane road connecting Ruskin to Tampa, as does Interstate 75, which has an exit at Ruskin. It had a very active chamber of commerce until 2011 when it merged with the Apollo Beach Chamber to become the South Shore Chamber of Commerce and moved from Ruskin to Apollo Beach.

Ruskin is the seat of the South Hillsborough County Government Center and has a branch of the Hillsborough County Public Library System. In 2009, the Dickman family donated the land where the new Ruskin Campus of Hillsborough Community College was erected, across the street from Earl J. Lennard High School.

Geography
Ruskin is located in south-central Hillsborough County, on the north side of the Little Manatee River. It is bordered to the north by Apollo Beach and to the east by Sun City Center. U.S. Route 41 passes through the center of town, leading north 10 mi to Gibsonton and southwest 20 mi to Bradenton. Interstate 75 runs along the eastern edge of Ruskin, with access from Exit 240 (State Road 674/College Avenue). I-75 leads north 16 mi to Brandon and south 30 mi to Sarasota. Downtown Tampa is 24 mi to the north via I-75 and the Selmon Expressway.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Ruskin CDP has a total area of 50.6 sqkm, of which 46.7 sqkm are land and 3.9 sqkm, or 7.80%, are water.

Demographics
As of the 2010 US Census, there were 17,208 people living in the community. The racial makeup of the community was 71.71% White, 9.12% Black or African American, 0.33% Native American, 1.33% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 15.28% from other races, and 2.17% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 42.87% of the population.

There were 2,963 households, 29.8% of which had children under the age of 18 present, 53.6% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no spouse present, and 30.0% were non-familial/roommate arrangements; single individuals comprised 23.9% of households, and 11.6% were single senior citizens (aged 65 or older). The average household size was 2.79 individuals; the average family size was 3.28 members.

Within the community, the population was spread out; 26.5% were under the age of 18, 9.6% were from 18-24, 26.8% from 25-44, 21.1% from 45-64, and 16.1% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.1 males. For every 100 females above age 18, there were 102.9 males.

The median income for a household in the community was $28,228, and the median income for a family was $32,404. Males had a median income of $25,787 versus $20,817 for females. The per capita income for the community was $12,943. About 10.6% of families and 17.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.9% of those under age 18 and 11.7% of those age 65 or over.

Recognizing the needs of Latino families, especially those of migrant farm workers, the Redlands Christian Migrant Association provides childcare services, community outreach, and adult and continuing education opportunities, as well as assisting in the Migrant Head Start program.

Amazon
Governor Rick Scott and Amazon announced, in 2013, that Amazon would create 3,000 new jobs in Florida. At more than one million square feet, the Amazon warehouse is nearly ten times the size of the average Home Depot store. The first item, a character doll of Anna (from the animated film Frozen), arrived at the warehouse on September 18, 2014. In 2014, Amazon spent $46 million on Kiva robots for the Ruskin facility. In 2016, Amazon announced it would add an on-site training center for employees to enroll in college courses.

The Big Draw
The annual BIG DRAW-Ruskin began in 2008 to mark the 100th anniversary of Ruskin as a community whose founders were influenced by the writings and philosophy of John Ruskin. It is inspired by and linked to the international Campaign for Drawing first initiated in Great Britain to honor John Ruskin. THE BIG DRAW-Ruskin celebrated the vision of Ruskin who believed in drawing as a tool for understanding and knowledge and promoted the importance of the arts in education and community life.

The 2008 Ruskin Community Mural was drawn by artist Michael Parker and The Amazing Community Mural Team. Parker with assistant Dave Bush recruited a community group of Ruskin teens and adults. The intergenerational group engaged in an intense collaboration of research, photography, and discussion of possible ideas. The final design concept was based on John Ruskin's social ideal that human happiness requires the mix of the head, heart and hand. Mural imagery includes references to historic Ruskin, the agricultural and environmentally sensitive setting across the bay from urban centers, development and movement to future possibility. Maynard Clark donated the mural site.

The 2009 Community Mural-in-the-Round Project was coordinated by Josette Urso and the mural was painted on the Mary & Martha House building. Both the 2008 and 2009 projects were commissioned by the SouthShore Arts Council and funded by grants from the John Crawford Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Sun City Center.

Points of interest
There are several locations in and near Ruskin some of which have been included in the National Register of Historic Places.

 * A. P. Dickman House
 * Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve
 * Cockroach Key
 * Firehouse Cultural Center
 * Fountain of Youth
 * Little Manatee River State Park
 * Trooper Kenneth E. Flynt Hwy. Highway 41 in Hillsborough County from Big Bend Rd (CR 672) to Little Manatee River designated by the Florida Senate in Memory of Trooper Flynt killed in the line of duty.
 * Leisey Shell Pits located in Ruskin by the Little Manatee River, is perhaps the world's largest ice-age fossil deposit, yielding tens of thousands of bones and several hundred species of Ice Age mammals.
 * George McA. Miller House

Government
The area is a part of unincorporated Hillsborough County. It is administered by the Board of County Commissioners. Ruskin is the location of the SouthShore Regional Service Center for Hillsborough County.. The SouthShore Community Resource Center, administered by the County, provides social services in Ruskin.

There are two branches of the Tampa–Hillsborough County Public Library System in Ruskin: the SouthShore Regional Library and the Ruskin Library. Residents may use any library in the system. Library cards are free to residents.

Ruskin is also home for the National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office labeled "Tampa Bay Area - Ruskin". This forecast office is responsible for the area from Levy County in the north to Lee County in the south and extending in as far inland as Sumter, Polk, Hardee, DeSoto, and Highlands Counties. It also is responsible for weather forecasts and severe storm warnings for the western Florida coastal waters from Cedar Key to Bonita Beach and out 60 nmi which includes Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. There is an NEXRAD weather radar site featuring dual polarization doppler radar and aviation terminal forecasts are also done at this office.

Education
In 2014, the J. Vince Thompson Elementary School opened in Ruskin. It is the first LEED-designated school in Hillsborough County. The campus adjoins Lennard High School and Hillsborough Community College SouthShore campus.

The Hillsborough Community College SouthShore campus is located in Ruskin. It is LEED-certified Gold. It includes the Lennard Collegiate Academy.

On October 30, 2014, Gannon University, based from Erie, Pennsylvania, announced that it would offer graduate health professional programs at a new campus in Ruskin. The site was chosen to meet increased demand for high-quality graduate education in disciplines that served the rapidly expanding health care sector of the Florida economy.

WPHX—101.9 FM The Phoenix
The Phoenix is the Ruskin community radio station, WPHX 101.9 FM, transmitting from the Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin, which began broadcasting on August 17, 2015.

Observer News
In 1963, Evan Mixon purchased a weekly shopper and began a Ruskin family business that grew to include The Observer News (which had begun in 1958) and combined the two papers into The Shopper & Observer. The Observer News, a weekly newspaper reports news of Ruskin and wider South Hillsborough County has been a locally owned source of community information for many years.

Notable people

 * Clarence Anglin, bank robber, escaped from Alcatraz in 1962. Born in Donalsonville, Georgia, lived in Ruskin as part of a migrant working family.
 * John Anglin, bank robber, escaped from Alcatraz in 1962. Born in Donalsonville, Georgia, lived in Ruskin as part of a migrant working family.
 * Aaron Carter, singer
 * Leslie Carter, singer
 * Nick Carter, musician, Backstreet Boys
 * Willa Ford, singer and actress
 * Kathleen de la Peña McCook. library science professor
 * Addie Dickman Miller co-founder of Ruskin College
 * Diontae Johnson, American Football wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers

title: Ruskin, Florida


text:
Seffner, Florida

Seffner is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. The population at the 2020 census was 8,362, up from 7,579 at the 2010 census.

Located approximately 13 mi east of downtown Tampa, Seffner is considered a suburb. Though still characterized by towering live oak trees, strawberry farms and lakes, Seffner has been growing rapidly in recent years, with housing subdivisions being added to the once rural landscape.

History
Some historians claim that Seffner's streets were originally laid out in 1862, but not recorded as a plat formally until 1885. Seffner's post office opened in 1884, when a new railroad line in the area had been planned. The community was named for its first postmaster, Frederick P. Seffner. That same year, Seffner's first school and store were opened. Seffner quickly became a prosperous small community with citrus groves, a hotel, one drug store, several dry goods stores, and a livery stable. When an epidemic of yellow fever hit Tampa in the fall of 1887 and in 1888, many Tampa refugees fled to Seffner for temporary shelter in the hotel. However, as refugees and mail arrived in Seffner, they were fumigated as protection from the epidemic. Among the refugees was T.C. Taliaferro of the First National Bank of Tampa, who operated a branch banking business from Seffner during the epidemic.

The main thoroughfare leading north and south was Lenna Avenue, and leading east and west was Highway Number 23, renamed Buffalo Avenue, because of its erstwhile use as a buffalo trail, and then renamed again in 1989 to its current name, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (Hwy 574). Seffner and neighboring Mango and Dover served as the three primary towns along the South Florida Railroad right-of-way between Tampa and Plant City. These towns owe their existence and prosperity to the railroad, each becoming an important shipping center.

The cold in the winter of 1894–1895 brought disaster to Seffner. Many citizens left, while others remained to recoup their losses. Seffner survived and eventually regained its affluence. Attractive residential neighborhoods were built to accommodate the influx of desirable residents. By 1925, Seffner was the fourth-largest town in Hillsborough County.

Geography
Seffner is located northeast of the center of Hillsborough County and is bordered by Thonotosassa to the north, Mango to the west, and Brandon to the south. Interstate 4 is the northern boundary of the CDP, and the southern boundary follows State Road 574 (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard). Plant City is 10 mi to the east.

The Seffner CDP has a total area of 9.8 km2, of which 9.3 km2 are land and 0.5 km2, or 5.34%, are water, according to the United States Census Bureau.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,467 people, 2,075 households, and 1,520 families residing in the community. The population density was 1,512.2 PD/sqmi. There were 2,168 housing units at an average density of 599.7 /mi2. The racial makeup of the community was 91.35% White, 3.26% African American, 0.29% Native American, 1.02% Asian, 2.71% from other races, and 1.37% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 8.21% of the population.

There were 2,075 households, out of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.1% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.7% were non-families. 21.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the community the population was spread out, with 26.4% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.0 males.

The median income for a household in the community was $42,614, and the median income for a family was $49,152. Males had a median income of $32,266 versus $26,328 for females. The per capita income for the community was $19,888. About 3.2% of families and 4.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.0% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

Public library
The Seffner-Mango Branch Library is located in Seffner.

Parks and recreation
There are six public parks in Seffner: Seffner-Mango Park, Evans Recreation Center, E.L. Bing Park, Higginbotham Park, Mango Dog Park, and Lakewood Park.

Lake Weeks is a lake located on the southeast side of Seffner. It has a surface area of 57.73 acres and is known for its fishing and Spanish moss.

Three recreation centers are located in Seffner. The Evans Recreation Center offers special programs for children ages 6–17 and it features a basketball court, playground equipment, a hockey court, a softball field, a football field, and a soccer field. The Mango Recreation Center has a large park with two basketball courts, two softball fields, a playground, and a 5-acre dog park. The Seffner Civic Center is a historical land site with a basketball court, picnic tables, a playground, and a large open field.

The Rodney Colson Sports Complex is a park with an open field, biking trail, and walking trail.

Wildlife conservation
The Life Fellowship Bird Sanctuary located in Seffner, affiliated with a local church. Birds and reptiles are kept there, and the facility is noted for its success in breeding rock iguanas in captivity.

Public schools
Hillsborough County Public Schools serves Seffner.

Elementary schools
Pruner elementary
 * Colson Elementary
 * Lopez Elementary
 * McDonald Elementary
 * Seffner Elementary

Middle schools

 * Gordon Burnett Middle School
 * Jennings Middle School

High schools

 * Armwood High School

Private schools

 * Hillsborough Baptist
 * Impact Academy
 * Legacy Christian Academy
 * Livingstone Academy
 * Seffner Christian Academy

Notable people

 * Matt Joyce, professional baseball outfielder, raised in Seffner
 * Andrew W.K., musician, lived in Seffner in 1999

title: Seffner, Florida


text:
Temple Terrace, Florida

Temple Terrace is a city in northeastern Hillsborough County, Florida, United States, adjacent to Tampa. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 26,690. It is the third and smallest incorporated municipality in Hillsborough County, after Tampa and Plant City. Incorporated in 1925, the community is known for its rolling landscape, bucolic Hillsborough River views, and sand live oak trees; it is a Tree City USA. Originally planned in the 1920s as a Mediterranean-Revival golf course community, it is one of the first such communities in the United States. It is part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area, more commonly known as the Tampa Bay area.

Temple Terrace was named for the then-new hybrid, the Temple orange also called the tangor. It is a cross between the mandarin orange—also called the tangerine—and the common sweet orange; it was named after Florida-born William Chase Temple, one-time owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates, founder of the Temple Cup, and first president of the Florida Citrus Exchange. Temple Terrace was the first place in the United States where the new Temple orange was grown in large quantities. The "terrace" portion of the name refers to the terraced terrain of the area by the river where the city was founded. One of the original houses also had a terraced yard with a lawn sloping, in tiers, toward the river.

Pre-Columbian
The original inhabitants of the Temple Terrace area were known as the Tocobaga, a group of Native Americans living around Tampa Bay, both in prehistoric and historic times, until roughly 1760.

Spanish exploration

Spanish exploration of the Temple Terrace area dates back to 1757 when explorer Don Francisco Maria Celi of the Spanish Royal Fleet made his way up the Hillsborough River (naming it "El Rio de San Julian y Arriaga") to what is now Riverhills Park in search of pine trees to use as masts for his ships. Here, in the extensive longleaf pine forest, he erected a cross in what he named "El Pinal de la Cruz de Santa Teresa" (the Pine Forest of the Cross of Saint Theresa). Confirmation of the fleet's travels is found in its map and logbook. A historic marker and a replica of the cross erected to honor St. Theresa are found in Riverhills Park today. Up to 1913, the longleaf pine, sand live oak, and cypress trees made the area suitable for turpentine manufacturing and logging.

The Potter Palmer years
The area now known as Temple Terrace was originally part of an exclusive 19000 acre game preserve called "Riverhills" belonging to Chicago socialite Bertha Palmer, wife of businessman Potter Palmer. She played an extensive role in making Sarasota the "City of the Arts" that it is today. She was one of the largest landholders, ranchers, farmers, and developers in Florida at the turn of the twentieth century. The Evening Independent newspaper in 1918 described the preserve as "a well-stocked hunting preserve north of Tampa being one of the most attractive hunting grounds in the state." Property acquisition by the Palmers and the Honorés began in 1910; only one of the original buildings from the preserve, now known as the Woodmont Clubhouse, remains. Because it escaped logging, the grounds of the clubhouse harbor some of the largest specimens of live oak and longleaf pine in the city.

Mrs. Potter-Palmer's vision for her property was that it be developed into a golf course community surrounded by extensive citrus groves, but her death in 1918 prevented her from fully realizing that vision. At her death, the trustee of her estate and brother, Adrian Honoré, sold her local land holdings to Burks Hamner, Vance Helm, Maud Fowler, Cody Fowler, and D. Collins Gillett, who formed two development corporations: Temple Terrace Estates, Inc., which developed the golf course and residential areas; and Temple Terraces, Inc., which developed 5000 acre of orange groves that originally surrounded the city to the west and north, the largest orange grove in the world in the 1920s. (Adrian Honoré retained a seat on the board.) D. Collins Gillett oversaw Temple Terraces, Inc. and owned the first and largest citrus nursery in Florida, Buckeye Nurseries of Tampa. His father, Myron E. Gillett, thirty-first mayor of Tampa, was instrumental in popularizing the exotic hybrid Temple orange in the United States.

The 1920 vision for the community was that wealthy retired Northerners would purchase one of the lots in Temple Terrace, build a Mediterranean Revival villa on the lot and also purchase a parcel in the extensive adjoining citrus grove to either manage as a hobby or provide extra income. Temple Terrace was originally only occupied during "The Season" (which lasted roughly from December to the annual Washington Ball held at the clubhouse on February 22). For the rest of the year, the houses were cared for by caretakers until The Season came again and the homeowners returned.

In 1924, part of the 5000 acre area platted as the Temple Orange grove and called Temple Terraces, Inc. was developed into the present-day neighborhood of Temple Crest, immediately adjacent to Temple Terrace and its west, hugging the Hillsborough River. The land occupied by nearby Busch Gardens was also part of Mrs. Palmer's original 19000 acre ranch.

In 1925 and 1926, the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club (which is still in existence) hosted the Florida Open (in 1925 billed as the "Greatest Field of Golfers ever to Play in Florida"). "Long" Jim Barnes was the resident professional of the course at the time (James Kelly Thomson was the course's first pro), and every major golfer of the day competed in the event except for Bobby Jones. Leo Diegel won the tournament. Jim Barnes' friend Fred McLeod is also associated with the early days of the course. The golf-course architect was Tom Bendelow, who also designed Medinah Country Club's Course #3 in Chicago, a 7,508 yd golf course that has hosted three U.S. Opens (1949, 1975, 1990) and two PGA Championships (1999, 2006). The golf course of the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club is virtually unchanged since its design by Bendelow and is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. It measures 6,414 yards with a par of 72.

Temple Terrace is one of the first planned golf-course communities in the United States (1920). The town plan was created by town planner and landscape architect George F. Young, who also created the plan for nearby Davis Islands (Tampa) and McClelland Park (Sarasota), among others. The architecture was designed in the Mediterranean-Revival style by two different architects in two different periods. The first phase was in 1921 by noted Tampa architect M. Leo Elliott (Centro Asturiano de Tampa and Old Tampa City Hall) designed the initial houses and the public buildings. In 1926 renowned New York architect Dwight James Baum (architect of John Ringling's Cà d'Zan, the Hotel El Verona in Sarasota, and the West Side YMCA in New York City) also designed residences in Temple Terrace.

There are fifteen houses and buildings designed by Elliott remaining in the city, the largest collection of his work anywhere. In addition, there are over 35 houses in the city designed by architect Dwight James Baum, which is thought to be the largest collection of his work in the Southeast.

Temple Terrace struggled through the 1930s like the rest of Florida. Building activity began to pick up again after World War II. There is now a fine collection of mid-century modern homes and buildings, at least two of which were designed by well-known architect Frank Albert DePasquale.

Florida College
Florida Bible Institute bought the old Country Club Clubhouse in the late 1930s from the city for back taxes and remains a cherished part of Florida College. Florida College is now a private liberal arts college (founded in 1946) and occupies some of the community's oldest buildings, including the Temple Terrace Country Club, which is now Sutton Hall. Billy Graham attended Florida Bible Institute, which owned the property now occupied by Florida College, in the late 1930s. In his autobiography, he writes that he received his calling "on the 18th green of the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club". A Billy Graham Memorial Park is on the east side of the 18th green on the river.

Rejuvenation and redevelopment
Temple Terrace's rebirth took place in 1984–1987 with the appointment of Thomas C. Mortenson as the city's Building and Zoning Director and 1st Community Development Director. Mortenson, with the assistance of City Engineer Paul Tomasino, and City Attorney Ted Taub, were responsible for the annexation of Telecom Park and numerous areas adjacent to the city, thereby tripling the tax base and doubling the size of the city. Creating a favorable development environment and working with the Mayor and City Council, the trio worked to attract new businesses, and shopping centers, as well as redevelopment of existing business areas and vastly expanded housing in the community. Numerous new subdivisions were created during this period giving the city a firm tax base and identity that made Temple Terrace a desirable safe place for raising families, conducting business, and an environmentally sound community.

Temple Terrace is currently in the process of redeveloping 50 acre (the southeast quadrant) of its 1960s-era downtown. The goal of the city is to build a mixed-use, medium-density, pedestrian-oriented downtown.

The city hired noted town planner Torti Gallas + Partners in 2004 to create a New Urbanist master plan and redevelopment code for the entire 225 acre downtown area (four quadrants of 56th Street and Busch Boulevard), all with citizen input. The city also initiated a form-based code for its downtown, created a façade-improvement grant program, implemented a multi-modal transportation model to encourage alternatives to the automobile, and began revitalizing 56th Street with entry towers, landscaping, street furniture, placing utilities underground, and improved lighting.

The site of the new downtown area is the site of the downtown area that was originally planned in the 1920s but never built because of the Great Depression. Many of the planning concepts and architecture of the redevelopment area are based on the original plan and Temple Terrace's unique 1920s historic Mediterranean Revival architecture.

Neighbors
Many of Temple Terrace's residents teach or work at the nearby University of South Florida, and the close-knit community has strong ties to that institution. (The USF campus was also part of Mrs. Palmer's original 19000 acre ranch.) Eureka Springs Park, located to the east of Temple Terrace, is Hillsborough County's only botanical garden. The 31 acre park was started by Russian immigrant and amateur horticulturalist Albert Greenberg, who donated his park to the county in 1967. Poet Robert Frost and other famous personalities made it a point to visit Greenberg in the years before World War II.

The Museum of Science & Industry, commonly called MOSI, is located in Tampa near the Temple Terrace city line.

Sitting just one mile to the west of Temple Terrace is Busch Gardens Tampa.

Geography
The approximate coordinates for the City of Temple Terrace is located in north-central Hillsborough County at 28.04167°N, -82.3825°W (28.041546, –82.382519). The city is bounded by Tampa to the west and north, Del Rio to the south, and rural Hillsborough County, near Interstate 75, to the east.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.4 sqkm, of which 17.7 sqkm are land and 0.7 sqkm, or 3.70%, are water. The Hillsborough River flows through the eastern and southern parts of the city and forms some of its southern boundary.

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

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 26,690 people, 10,490 households, and 5,652 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 24,541 people, 9,888 households, and 5,303 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 20,918 people, 8,671 households, and 5,350 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,177.3 /km2. There were 9,359 housing units at an average density of 526.8 /km2. The racial makeup of the city was 80.46% White, 11.16% African American, 0.37% Native American, 2.59% Asian, 0.13% Pacific Islander, 2.39% from other races, and 2.90% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.34% of the population.

In 2000, there were 8,671 households, out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.9% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.3% were non-families. 28.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.95.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 22.2% under the age of 18, 12.4% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.2 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $44,508, and the median income for a family was $56,809. Males had a median income of $38,384 versus $32,107 for females. The per capita income for the city was $26,515. About 5.4% of families and 7.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.8% of those under age 18 and 8.9% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Pam Bondi, 37th Florida Attorney General
 * Sammy Ellis, professional MLB baseball pitcher
 * Cody Fowler, prominent Florida attorney and former President of the American Bar Association
 * Napoleon Hill, motivational author and speaker
 * Peter Palmer, actor
 * Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis Presley's manager
 * Robin Roberts, professional MLB Hall of Fame baseball pitcher

Education
Temple Terrace is served by Hillsborough County Schools.

Elementary schools

 * Temple Terrace Elementary School
 * Riverhills Elementary School
 * Lewis Elementary School

Middle schools

 * Terrace Community Middle School
 * C. Leon King High School
 * Angelo L. Greco Middle School

High school

 * Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School

Private schools

 * Temple Terrace Presbyterian Weekday School
 * Florida College Academy (private school)
 * Corpus Christi Catholic School
 * American Youth Academy

College

 * Florida College

Library
The Temple Terrace Public Library is located at 202 Bullard Parkway in the City of Temple Terrace and is part of the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (HCPLC).

History
The Temple Terrace Library was established in 1959 by the Temple Terrace Women's Club. The doors officially opened on January 15, 1960, after pursuing a collection of enough donations to facilitate a small library for the community. It was originally run by volunteers of the Women's Club and was located in a small house. As demand grew, they relocated to a City Hall building in April 1961, which is now part of Florida College. The library shortly outgrew this too as they built their collection and by 1965 they needed a new building and a larger overall operation which included appointing a Library Board which was run by the city. They broke ground in September of that year and opened in April 1966. The Women's Club remained involved and provided the money for the library's service desk. By the mid-70's they were running out of space and added 5,600 square feet which enlarged the structure by April 1978. On February 18, 1982, tragedy ensued when a fire was set by an arsonist. The library lost a devastating 11,666 books and 1,010 recordings. The Women's Club stepped in again and helped restore the building which then opened a year after the fire. In the meantime, they relocated materials to the Lightfoot Recreation Center to keep the library going. In 1997 the library was once again renovated for expansion which brought the library to 20,000 square feet. It reopened in March 1998 with an online catalog, computers, and internet access which is largely how it is utilized to this day with a collection of over 100,000 volumes and 52 community computers.

Services
Services include a standard book, eBook, CD, and DVD checkout. There is access to computers, Wi-Fi, and other technologies as well as regular and 3D printing. There are meeting and study rooms, safe areas for children, and a Book Nook provided by the local Friends of the Temple Terrace Library organization. There are programs for children, teens, and adults which include activities and resources for certain age groups and developmental levels ranging from storytime to crafts and appropriate games. The library also offers many resources beyond books such as sewing machines, cooking items, tools, board games, and neckties to borrow for various reasons. You can even "check out" a limited number of seed packets each month that does not have to be returned and come with instructions on how to take care of them. These are all resources that have been proven to be successful in the local community to help provide items that may only occasionally be needed. Partnering up with the University of South Florida Special & Digital Collections and Tampa-Hillsborough County Libraries, the Temple Terrace Library has also been able to provide access to archives of the local newspapers, the Temple Terrace Beacon and Temple Terrace Sentinel.

Sister cities
Temple Terrace has a sister city:
 * Eastleigh, England, in the United Kingdom since 1989

title: Temple Terrace, Florida


text:
Thonotosassa, Florida

Thonotosassa is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. The population was 15,238 at the 2020 census, up from 13,014 at the 2010 census.

History
The name "Thonotosassa" comes from the Seminole-Creek words ronoto "flint" and sasv "some", meaning the place was a source of valuable flint. Following the establishment of Fort Brooke in 1824 in what is now Tampa, a road that ran northwest of Lake Thonotosassa was built between Fort Brooke and Fort King in Ocala. This road became known as the Fort King Road, which today is crossed in several locations by U.S. Route 301. Nevertheless, the presence of a Seminole village largely discouraged whites from moving into the area. After the Second Seminole War ended in 1842, whites began to settle.

In 1893, the Tampa and Thonotosassa Railroad opened a 13 mi route between the two growing communities. This line today no longer extends into Thonotosassa, its northern tracks having been removed along with the town depot by the 1980s, but its southern portion remains a busy industrial spur, joining with the CSX main line at Neve Wye.

Among other areas for recreation for the youth is the Morris Bridge Road area and its Nature's Classroom.

Geography
Thonotosassa is located in northeastern Hillsborough County at 28.05611°N, -82.29278°W (28.056135, -82.292663). It is bordered to the southwest by East Lake-Orient Park, and to the south by Mango and Seffner. The unincorporated community of Antioch is on the eastern edge of the CDP.

The Hillsborough River forms the northern edge of the CDP, Interstate 4 forms the southern edge, and Interstate 75 forms the western edge. I-4 leads east 24 mi to Lakeland and west 11 mi to downtown Tampa, while I-75 leads north 90 mi to Ocala and south 46 mi to Bradenton. U.S. Route 301 travels through the northern part of Thonotosassa, leading northeast 15 mi to Zephyrhills and south 16 mi to Riverview.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 73.4 km2, of which 68.6 km2 are land and 4.8 km2, or 6.51%, are water. It is 40 ft above sea level. Plant City is 13 mi to the east.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,091 people, 2,178 households, and 1,616 families residing in the community. The population density was 365.5 PD/sqmi. There were 2,532 housing units at an average density of 151.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the community was 90.63% White, 4.94% African American, 0.51% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.79% from other races, and 1.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.29% of the population.

There were 2,178 households, out of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.6% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.8% were non-families. 20.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the community the population was spread out, with 26.7% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.4 males.

The median income for a household in the community was $43,159, and the median income for a family was $44,829. Males had a median income of $31,914 versus $22,674 for females. The per capita income for the community was $18,191. About 12.7% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.2% of those under age 18 and 17.4% of those age 65 or over.

Elementary schools

 * Folsom Elementary School
 * Thonotosassa Elementary School

Charter schools

 * Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School

Libraries

 * Thonotosassa Branch Library

title: Thonotosassa, Florida


text:
Town 'n' Country, Florida

Town 'n' Country is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. The population was 85,951 at the 2020 census.

Within Town 'n' Country are located Bay Crest Park, Countryway, Rocky Creek, Sweetwater Creek.

History
Prior to the 1950s, Town 'n' Country was primarily natural areas and cattle farms. In 1958, the LaMonte-Shimberg Corporation purchased a 525-acre dairy farm from the Webb family near the Hillsborough Avenue-Memorial intersection to construct the Town 'n' Country Park subdivision, making the area one of Tampa’s first suburban communities. By the time the original developers and builders of Town 'n' Country had built their last house, the area covered more than 2,000 acres and stretched over three miles from Memorial Highway on the south to north of Waters Avenue. In this area, nearly 8,000 single-family homes and townhouses were built from 1958 to 1978 by LaMonte-Shimberg.

ZIP code
The ZIP code for Town 'n' Country is 33615; other nearby ZIP codes include 33634 and 33635.

Geography
Town 'n' Country is located in western Hillsborough County at 28.01°N, -82.57278°W (28.010046, -82.572815). It is bordered to the south by the city of Tampa and is about 12 mi northwest of downtown. The CDP is bordered to the north by Westchase, Citrus Park, and Carrollwood, and to the east by Egypt Lake-Leto. To the west is the city of Oldsmar in Pinellas County. The northwest portion of Tampa International Airport is located within Town 'n' Country CDP.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 62.5 km2, of which 57.3 km2 are land and 5.2 km2, or 8.39%, are water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 85,951 people, 32,107 households, and 21,018 families residing in the CDP.

For the period 2011–15, the estimated median annual income for a household in the CDP was $49,559, and the median income for a family was $54,644. Male full-time workers had a median income of $39,453 versus $36,374 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $25,195. About 13.0% of families and 15.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.4% of those under age 18 and 11.9% of those age 65 or over.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 78,422 people, 30,763 households, and 19,054 families residing in the CDP.

In 2010, there were 30,763 households in the CDP, out of which 33.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.7% were headed by married couples living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.3% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.6% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57, and the average family size was 3.10.

In 2010, in the CDP, 22.2% of the population were under the age of 18, 9.6% were from 18 to 24, 30.3% were from 25 to 44, 26.2% were from 45 to 64, and 11.6% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.3 males.

title: Town 'n' Country, Florida


text:
University, Hillsborough County, Florida

University is an unincorporated census-designated place in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. The population was 41,163 at the 2010 census, up from 30,736 at the 2000 census. The University of South Florida is located just southeast of the community, within the Tampa city limits.

Description
University is bounded by Interstate 275 to the west, Tampa city limits to the south and east, including the University of South Florida, and Sinclair Hills Road to the north. Its historical boundaries stretch as far east as Morris Bridge Road; however, the boundaries were scaled back owing to annexations by Tampa and Temple Terrace during the 1980s.

Economy
University Mall, a shopping center located at the southern end of the community, was the main source of economic development within the community during the 1970s and '80s. The businesses that were concentrated in the mall have been replaced by many stand-alone shops along Fowler and Fletcher Avenues, such as Wal-Mart, Target and dozens of fast food establishments. There is a county bus transportation center operated by HARTline and a county health department located in the area. Fletcher East has become a hub of medical and dental groups adjacent to Florida Hospital Tampa.

Geography
University is located in northern Hillsborough County at 28.06972°N, -82.43722°W (28.069644, -82.437091). It is 9 mi north of downtown Tampa. The community of Lake Magdalene is to the west, and Lutz is to the north. The CDP includes the area known as Nowatney.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the University CDP has a total area of 17.3 km2, of which 16.6 km2 are land and 0.6 sqkm, or 3.62%, are water.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 50,893 people, 19,315 households, and 7,190 families residing in the CDP.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 41,163 people, 17,498 households, and 7,474 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census
As of 2000, there were 13,623 households, out of which 24.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 18.1% were married couples living together, 18.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 57.8% were non-families. 41.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.12 and the average family size was 2.96.

In 2000, in the CDP, the population was spread out, with 22.8% under the age of 18, 22.1% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 12.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.8 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the community was $22,090, and the median income for a family was $24,094. Males had a median income of $22,419 versus $20,219 for females. The per capita income for the community was $13,417. About 24.8% of families and 31.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 39.6% of those under age 18 and 14.0% of those age 65 or over.


text:
Valrico, Florida

Valrico is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. As of 2020 the population was 37,895.

History
Before the Civil War, the area was known as Long Pond and consisted of several cotton plantations. It was renamed Valrico, meaning "rich valley" in Spanish, in the 1880s when William G. Tousey, a philosophy professor from Tufts College, purchased property in the area. In 1890, an influx of immigrants arrived, following the construction of the Florida Central and Peninsular Railroad through the area.

When the railroad was completed, Tousey began building up the community with retail stores, streets, and a bank. In 1893, Mr. Bryan built a steam mill at Valrico station. In 1895, a major freeze halted these developments, and the population began to dwindle. Nonetheless, the town continued, and a schoolhouse was completed in 1896. The population continued to fall, from 100 people in 1893 to only 50 in 1911.

This setback did not deter local landowners from pushing forward with the town's development. From 1910 to 1914 Judge Hamner, Governor Van Sant, D. Humbird, W.H., S.C. Phipps and W.F. Miller started an improvement project along Hopewell Road, later designated SR 60. W.F. Miller, serving as president of the Valrico Improvement Association, raised $3,500 to erect the Valrico Civic Center, now known as the James McCabe Theater. The area's first general store was opened by Lovett Brandon in 1912.

Valrico once again suffered a major blow during the stock market crash of 1929, which saw nearly every business in the town shut down. Not until the mid-1950s did the town begin to see growth again, primarily due to the connection of SR 60 to Tampa's Adamo Drive, placing Valrico right along a major Florida thoroughfare.

Geography
Valrico is located in east-central Hillsborough County at 27.94083°N, -82.2425°W (27.940774, -82.242551). It is bordered to the west by Brandon, to the southwest by Bloomingdale, and to the south by FishHawk. Via State Road 60, it is 14 mi east of Tampa and 26 mi west of Bartow. It is 10 mi southwest of Plant City.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Valrico CDP has a total area of 36.8 km2, of which 35.8 km2 are land and 1.1 km2, or 2.92%, are water.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 37,895 people, 14,079 households, and 10,337 families residing in the CDP.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 35,545 people, 12,217 households, and 9,833 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,582 people, 2,632 households, and 1,826 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,176.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,831 housing units at an average density of 506.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the community was 89.32% White, 3.21% African American, 0.49% Native American, 1.47% Asian, 3.57% from other races, and 1.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.82% of the population.

In 2000, there were 2,632 households, out of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.0% were married couples living together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.6% were non-families. 25.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.99.

In 2000, in the CDP, the population was spread out, with 24.2% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 29.1% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.1 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the community was $98,700. and the median income for a family was $105,475. About 3.8% of families and 7.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.3% of those under age 18 and 8.4% of those age 65 or over.

Public high schools

 * Bloomingdale High School
 * Durant High School
 * Newsome High School

Public middle schools

 * Barrington Middle School
 * Burns Middle School
 * Mulrennan Middle School
 * Randall Middle School

Public elementary schools

 * Alafia Elementary School
 * Brooker Elementary School
 * Buckhorn Elementary School
 * Cimino Elementary School
 * Lithia Springs Elementary
 * Nelson Elementary School
 * Valrico Elementary School

Private schools

 * Bell Shoals Baptist Academy PK-8
 * F.I.S.H.(Home Schoolers)
 * Foundation Christian Academy PK-12
 * Grace Christian School K-12
 * Interactive Education Academy K-12
 * Trinity Christian Academy 2-12

Notable people

 * Jahleel Addae, professional football player
 * Erin Andrews, TV personality
 * Howie Auer, professional football player
 * Glenn Beck, radio personality
 * Melissa Beck, comedian
 * Zach Bonner, philanthropist
 * Michael Bradley, professional golfer
 * Chad Bratzke, professional football player
 * Jeff Curchin, football player
 * Jimmy Del Ray, professional wrestler
 * Tyler Danish, professional baseball player
 * Jose Gomez, professional soccer player
 * Matt Good, musician
 * Agiye Hall, college football player
 * Garry Hancock, professional baseball player
 * Sterling Hofrichter, professional football player
 * Albert Journeay, professional football player
 * Carl Marchese, racecar driver
 * Arjun Nimmala, baseball player
 * Alissa Nutting, author
 * Jeremy Rosado, singer
 * Steve Runge, professional golfer
 * Derek Smethurst, professional soccer and football player
 * Ronda Storms, politician
 * Colleen Walker, professional golfer
 * Peter Tom Willis, professional football player
 * William Martin Willis, musician
 * Will Worth, football player

title: Valrico, Florida


text:
Westchase, Florida

Westchase is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. The population was 21,747 at the 2010 census, up from 11,116 at the 2000 census. The census area encompasses most of the 33626 ZIP code area.

Description
Westchase is located halfway between Tampa and Palm Harbor. Its boundaries include Oldsmar to the west, Keystone to the north, Town 'n' Country to the south, and Citrus Park to the east. Westchase Golf Course is a major recreational amenity for the community. Tampa Bay Downs, a horse racetrack, is located on the area's western edge.

History
Westchase was founded and constructed on April 15, 1991 with the approval of the Hillsborough County commissioners, and the area went on new development on September 15, 1991.

Geography
Westchase is located in northwestern Hillsborough County at 28.05278°N, -82.61139°W (28.052799, -82.611352, about 17 mi northwest of downtown Tampa. It is bordered to the west by Pinellas County.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Westchase CDP has a total area of 27.8 km2, of which 25.6 km2 are land and 2.2 km2, or 8.04%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 21,747 people living in the community. The population density was 2,203 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the community was 82.5% White, 5.3% African American, 0.2% Native American, 6.6% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, and 3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 15.5% of the population.

There were 9,244 households in Westchase. The average household size was 2.55.

The median income for a household in the community was $88,964. The median home value was $326,200.

Community association
The Westchase Community Association is the largest deed-restricted community (homeowner association) within the Westchase census-designated place. The community is organized into 28 neighborhoods, or villages. Some of these villages are organized into even smaller subsections. Each of these villages and their "sub-villages" are represented by a voting member and at least one alternate who are elected annually by the residents of a particular neighborhood. Some of the villages also have a website that is maintained by a "village webmaster". Residents are encouraged to participate by attending website committee meetings or providing material to help improve the website to the webmaster.

Community development districts
Westchase was established with two Community Development Districts (CDDs). CDDs are statutorily created governmental entities charged with the task of maintaining the common areas of planned communities. In September 2011, the two CDDs agreed to merge. The state approved the merger and it became effective October 1, 2011.

The villages

 * Abbotsford
 * Arlington Park
 * Bennington
 * Berkeley Square
 * Brentford
 * The Bridges
 * Castleford
 * Chelmsford
 * Classic Townhomes of West Park Village
 * Enclave
 * The Fords
 * Glencliff
 * Glenfield
 * The Greens
 * Harbor Links/Estates
 * Keswick Forest
 * Kingsford
 * Radcliffe
 * Saville Rowe
 * The Shires
 * West Park Village-Single Family Homes
 * Reserve at West Park Village
 * Stamford
 * Townhomes of West Park Village
 * Traditional Townhomes of West Park Village
 * Village Green
 * Villas of West Park Village
 * Vineyards
 * Woodbay
 * Worthington
 * Wycliff
 * Windsor Place

West Park Village
West Park Village, with two town centers, is a walkable mixed-use area in Westchase with shops, bars, restaurants and village greens, as well as condos, townhomes, houses, and apartments with varied resident ages. West Park Village has a distinct look which was inspired by historic Hyde Park in South Tampa. The area has a summer concert series, nightly specials at the different village restaurants, and an annual pub crawl. Westchase ranked as the 26th coolest suburb in the United States worth a visit by Travel + Leisure magazine.

title: Westchase, Florida


text:
Wimauma, Florida

Wimauma is an unincorporated census-designated place in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. The population was 6,373 at the 2010 census, up from 4,246 at the 2000 census.

History
Wimauma was founded by Captain C.H. Davis in 1902. Davis named the town using the first few letters of the names of his daughters Will, Maude, and Mary. Wimauma was located on a 55 mi railroad route that was built south from Durant to Manatee County and into Sarasota, with construction starting in 1895. It was incorporated in 1902 as the United States & West Indies Railroad and Steamship Company. It became the Florida West Shore Railway on May 9, 1903 and then merged into the Seaboard Air Line Railroad in 1909. In 1902, Capt. Davis helped to build the railroad connecting Turkey Creek and Bradenton. He decided to found a town at the halfway point, opening a post office there on October 24, 1902. The town had the railroad tracks as the eastern boundary and was centered on Lake Tiger, now called Lake Wimauma. A railroad depot was constructed in 1903. The town was officially incorporated in 1925 as the county's fourth municipality, but the city government ceased to function some time in the 1930s. In 1993, this fact was rediscovered, but it was concluded that the incorporation was no longer valid after about 60 years without a city government. The railroad depot in Wimauma served as a passenger stop until 1968. The railroad tracks were removed in 1984, and the station had been razed years before this removal.

Geography
Wimauma is bordered to the north by Balm, to the west by Sun City Center, and to the south by Manatee County. U.S. Route 301 forms part of the western border of the community, leading north 19 mi to the Brandon–Tampa area and southwest 24 mi to Bradenton. Florida State Road 674 runs through the center of Wimauma, leading east 9 mi to Fort Lonesome and west through Sun City Center 9 miles to Ruskin.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Wimauma CDP has a total area of 65.5 km2, of which 64.8 km2 land and 0.6 km2, or 0.99%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,246 people, 951 households, and 820 families residing in the community. The population density was 504.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,097 housing units at an average density of 130.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the community was 51.13% White, 7.42% African American, 0.80% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.28% Pacific Islander, 37.21% from other races, and 2.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 72.89% of the population.

There were 951 households, out of which 53.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.2% were married couples living together, 17.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 13.7% were non-families. 8.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.31 and the average family size was 4.36.

In the community the population was spread out, with 38.6% under the age of 18, 14.2% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 13.6% from 45 to 64, and 5.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 24 years. For every 100 females, there were 116.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 124.5 males.

The median income for a household in the community was $35,114, and the median income for a family was $34,671. Males had a median income of $20,484 versus $19,604 for females. The per capita income for the community was $8,597. About 26.5% of families and 31.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 44.5% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Bill Warner, motorcycle racer
 * Paul Kickliter, teacher, lawyer, judge, landowner and Florida state senator.

title: Wimauma, Florida


text:
Bonifay, Florida

Bonifay is a city in Holmes County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 2,759. It is the county seat of Holmes County.

History
Bonifay was founded in 1882 when the Pensacola and Atlantic Railroad was built across the Florida Panhandle, and was named by P&A executive W. D. Chipley for Frank Bonifay, member of a prominent family who had a brickmaking factory in Pensacola, where the P&A was headquartered. Frank Bonifay bought a stake in the P&A, which in 1891 was merged into the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, which after several more mergers became part of CSX Transportation in 1986. On June 1, 2019, the Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad acquired most of the CSX line from Pensacola to Jacksonville.

Geography
Bonifay is located in southeastern Holmes County at 30.78333°N, -85.68333°W (30.791, –85.681).

U.S. Route 90 runs through the southern part of the downtown area, leading east 9 mi to Chipley and west 8 mi to Caryville. Interstate 10 passes through the southern edge of town, with access from Exit 112 (Florida State Road 79). I-10 leads east 91 mi to Tallahassee and west 105 mi to Pensacola. SR 79 (Waukesha Street) connects I-10 and US-90 and passes through the center of Bonifay, leading north 13 mi to Esto and south 12 mi to Vernon.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.7 km2, of which 0.2 sqkm, or 1.73%, are water.

Climate
The climate for the City of Bonifay is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Bonifay has a humid subtropical climate zone, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,759 people, 1,116 households, and 664 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 2,793 people, 1,130 households, and 618 families residing in the city.

In 2010, there were 1,090 households, out of which 33.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.1% were headed by married couples living together, 19.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.5% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.8% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41, and the average family size was 3.05.

In 2010, in the city, 25.1% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.6% were from 18 to 24, 20.6% were from 25 to 44, 25.3% were from 45 to 64, and 20.3% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.4 males.

For the period of 2011–2015, the estimated median annual income for a household in the city was $25,060, and the median income for a family was $37,407. Male full-time workers had a median income of $41,458 versus $35,054 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,830. About 20.7% of families and 28.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.5% of those under age 18 and 14.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Holmes District School Board operates public schools. Bonifay is home to three schools Bonifay K-8 School, Holmes County High School and Bethlehem School.

A 2004 study by the Bureau of Secondary Education showed that 56.73% of Holmes County high school graduates go on to secondary education. Of these, 38.03% of those go on to complete a bachelor's degree, furthermore 12.60% of these students who receive a bachelors go on to receive a masters or doctoral degree. As of August 2008, all educational facility improvements shall be done in a financially feasible manner to address all Level of Service (LOS) needs as described by the Public School Facilities Element in the City of Bonifay 2020 Comprehensive Plan, officially recognized by the state of Florida on September 3, 2008.

, a new K–8 school is being built in Bonifay to replace Bonifay Elementary and Bonifay Middle. Construction began in 2015, and it was scheduled to be completed in May 2017.

Holmes County Public Library is located in Bonifay.

Infrastructure
While growth of the town of Bonifay has recently been stagnant there is promise of growth in the near future with Florida State Road 79 being converted in to a four lane highway between Bonifay and Panama City Beach. There are currently plans to extend the commercial zone areas of Bonifay south of Interstate 10 to the Washington County line.

Notable people

 * Nancy Springer, prolific author of children's fiction, lives in Bonifay

Newspapers

 * Holmes County Times-Advertiser

title: Bonifay, Florida


text:
Esto, Florida

Esto is a town in Holmes County, Florida, United States. The Town of Esto is located on the Florida Panhandle in North Florida. The population was 341 at the 2020 census.

Geography
The exact coordinates for the Town of Esto is located in northeastern Holmes County at 30.98111°N, -85.64694°W (30.981052, –85.646857).

It is bordered to the north by the state of Alabama and to the east by the town of Noma, Florida. Florida State Road 79 is the main road through town, leading south 13 mi to Bonifay, the Holmes County seat, and north (as Alabama State Route 167) 9 mi to Hartford, Alabama. Florida State Road 2 follows the southern border of Esto, and leads east 8 mi to Graceville and west 20 mi to State Road 81. Dothan, Alabama, 25 mi to the northeast, is the closest city with more than 50,000 people.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town of Esto has a total area of 6.1 km2, of which 5.6 km2 are land and 0.5 km2, or 7.89%, 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 Esto has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 341 people, 122 households, and 94 families residing in the town.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 364 people, 124 households, and 97 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 356 people, 144 households, and 95 families residing in the town. The population density was 161.6 PD/sqmi. There were 167 housing units at an average density of 75.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 92.13% White, 2.25% African American, 3.93% Native American, 0.56% from other races, and 1.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.81% of the population.

In 2000, there were 144 households, out of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.0% were non-families. 31.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.09.

In 2000, in the town, the population was spread out, with 28.1% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 26.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $31,667, and the median income for a family was $36,563. Males had a median income of $30,313 versus $15,625 for females. The per capita income for the town was $12,961. About 15.7% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.8% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture
Since 1987, the Two-Toed Tom Festival has been held annually in the town. The theme of the festival is in remembrance of an infamous, 18-foot alligator from the early 1900s that was known to kill farmers' livestock (such as cattle) as well as humans. People would know it was that specific alligator because of his distinctive footprints, being it only had two toes on one of its legs due to a steel animal trap that failed to capture it. This is how he got the name "Two-Toed Tom". Up until the 1970s, people claimed to see Tom or his unique footprints in and around the town and Holmes County.

title: Esto, Florida


text:
Noma, Florida

Noma is a town in Holmes County, Florida, United States. The town is part of the Florida Panhandle in North Florida. The population was 208 at the 2020 census.

Geography
The approximate coordinates for the Town of Noma is located at 30.98166°N, -85.61936°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.1 sqmi, all land.

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 Noma has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 208 people, 104 households, and 68 families residing in the town.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 211 people, 111 households, and 82 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 213 people, 91 households, and 54 families residing in the town. The population density was 194.7 PD/sqmi. There were 104 housing units at an average density of 95.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 77.93% White, 19.25% African American, 0.94% Pacific Islander, 0.47% from other races, and 1.41% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.41% of the population.

In 2000, there were 91 households, out of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.5% were married couples living together, 14.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.6% were non-families. 36.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 3.07.

In 2000, in the town, the population was spread out, with 23.5% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.1 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $26,250, and the median income for a family was $40,625. Males had a median income of $20,000 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $10,958. About 14.3% of families and 18.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.5% of those under the age of eighteen and 33.3% of those 65 or over.

title: Noma, Florida


text:
Ponce de Leon, Florida

Ponce de Leon is a town in Holmes County, Florida, United States. The Town of Ponce de Leon was named after Spanish explorer, Juan Ponce de León. It is part of the Florida Panhandle in North Florida. The population was 504 at the 2020 census, down from 598 at the 2010 census.

Geography
The exact location for the Town of Ponce de Leon is located in southwestern Holmes County at 30.72583°N, -85.93778°W (30.725783, –85.937783).

U.S. Route 90 runs through the center of town, leading northeast 17 mi to Bonifay, the Holmes County seat, and west 11 mi to DeFuniak Springs. Florida State Road 81 crosses US 90 near the center of town, leading north 20 mi to the Alabama border and south 19 mi to Florida State Road 20 at Bruce. Interstate 10 passes through the southern part of Ponce de Leon, with access from Exit 96 (SR 81). I-10 leads east 107 mi to Tallahassee and west 88 mi to Pensacola.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 12.9 km2, of which 12.8 km2 are land and 0.1 sqmi, or 0.78%, are water.

The town is in the valley of Sandy Creek, a south-flowing tributary of the Choctawhatchee River. Ponce de Leon Springs State Park is in the southern part of the town, north of I-10, along both sides of Sandy Creek. The entrance is on the eastern side of the park off Ponce de Leon Springs Road.

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 Ponce de Leon has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 504 people, 225 households, and 167 families residing in the town.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 598 people, 230 households, and 94 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 598 people, 246 households, and 131 families residing in the town. The population density was 92.3 PD/sqmi. There were 290 housing units at n average density of 47.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 91.60% White, 1.80% African American, 2.41% Native American, 1.00% from other races, and 2.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.00% of the population.

In 2000, there were 200 households, out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.5% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.5% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.82.

In 2000, in the town, the population was spread out, with 24.9% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.7 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $25,521, and the median income for a family was $33,250. Males had a median income of $26,339 versus $13,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,673. About 16.9% of families and 19.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.2% of those under age 18 and 19.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Ponce de Leon, Florida