Rural Medicine - Clinics - About Avon Park

The abundance of lakes, promising industries, military base, state institutions and availability of land have stimulated a tremendous amount of residential growth in the area.

Location
Avon Park is located in the northernmost portion of Highlands County. It is a pleasant drive to any of the major attractions in Florida and is little more than an hours drive to either coast.

The city of Avon Park has a pleasant blend of generations that make up its population. Young families continue to move into the area, as do many mature citizens as they make Avon Park their winter, or retirement, home.

Businesses continue to look at Avon Park for future relocation.

Agriculture leads the list as the number one industry. Not only is citrus a leading industry in the Avon Park area, but so are dairy farms and sod farms. In spite of Highlands County's citrus industry still recovering from the 1989 freeze and the statewide industry experiencing the third largest crop in history during the 1992/93 season, citrus is still king in Highlands County. During 1992, citrus in Highlands County had an economic impact of over $200 million, which is approximately 24% of the total county-wide economic activity of $845. million. The industry directly employs 3500 full time equivalent employees - over 14% of the County's total of 25,000.

However, the 62,200 acres of citrus groves planted in Highlands County represent only 9% of the total acreage in the County (708,400 acres) and 8% of 791,300 citrus acres in the State. Citrus acreage accounted for almost 9% or $139 million of the County's total taxable real estate of $2.1 billion in 1991.

There are 7.3 million citrus trees planted in Highlands County, which is 8% of the 92 million citrus trees in the State. Highlands county is the fifth largest of 32 citrus producing counties in FL, having produced 15,200,000 boxes in 1991-92.

The local citrus industry is a leader in the State, not only in terms of production, but also in terms of utilizing progressive technology and environmentally sensitive management practices. Almost 90% of the groves are using low volume irrigation systems. In addition, a joint study by local growers. various state agencies, and the University of Florida is underway which will monitor and alter current fertilization practices. Ultimately, the best management practices recommended for applying fertilizers to citrus trees will be refined to ensure that the trees receive the nutrition they need while protecting the environment at the same time.

Population
The Avon Park area, with its subdivisions and communities of homes beyond the town limits, has a population of more than 18,000. The constant growth in the area has brought the population of the county to 71,740.

Housing
Avon Park offers all types of housing. Country ranching can be found just outside city limits. Lakeside homes are found throughout the area. Historic homes are abundant inside the city limits, as well as apartments, mobile homes, retirement communities, single family homes and a time-share resort. New housing dwellings continue to spring up all over. The Avon Park Lakes, Avon Estates, River Greens and Pine Crest area continue to grow.

From the beginning, Avon Park was a planned model community. It was the dream of one man, Oliver Martin Crosby, a native of Danbury, Conn. He came to Florida to investigate and write about the state and how it was mostly swamps, snakes, alligators and mosquitoes in the area south of Jacksonville.

Crosby founded the city of Lake Forest in 1884. Two years later, Mrs. William King, the first white woman to become a resident and a very influential woman, suggested the name be changed to Avon because the area reminded her of her home at Stratfordon-Avon. Park was added later. Crosby and Mrs. King were former residents of Stratford on Avon in England.

The city was incorporated in 1913.

After several big freezes and struggling times, the City of Avon Park became official by an act of the Legislature on January 1st, 1925.

The strip of land that lies between the four lanes on Main Street is referred to as The Mail. A mile long, it was laid out in early 1920's after the Brickell Building and Touchton Building were erected on the south side of Main Street. These buildings, along with several other original buildings, remain standing on Main Street.

Avon Park continues to see steady growth years after those trying days of its early history. Avon Park also boasts of having a boating manufacturer in its area, as well as excellent health care facilities.

Culture/Entertainment
Highlands Hammock State Park, a 3,800 acre wildlife sanctuary and recreation area, is Florida's oldest state park. It is located approximately 10 miles southwest of Avon Park.

Avon Park is also fortunate to have the cultural entertainment provided through South Florida Community College. The college's drama department and music department often sponsor performances. Some of the most popular Cabaret performances by students, The Madrigal Dinner performed by students and interested followers, and the Cultural Series, a series of productions by professional companies, dance in Sebring, is made of Highlands County residents and also features state productions, directed by members of the theater.

With Avon Park's location, it is less than two hour drive to many of Florida's attractions such as Cypress Gardens, Busch Gardens, EPCOT Center, MGM Studios, Disney World, Sea World, Universal studios, Book Tower Gardens and many more.