Polk County

Polk County, located in the heart of Florida, has long been overshadowed by its more well-known neighbors, Orlando and Tampa Bay. However, the county is experiencing significant growth, especially in the Four Corners area where it meets Lake, Orange, and Osceola counties. This area is seeing growth due to neighboring communities, including Horizon West and its mixed-use villages, as well as mega-developments like Celebration and Bay Lake. Despite its low profile, Polk County offers much to visitors, including picturesque small towns, master-planned communities, historic tourist attractions, and a thriving arts community. Polk County is also home to a diversified economy and a college designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales is a popular attraction, featuring a 60-bell carillon tower surrounded by lush parklands. The county's largest cities include Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, and Davenport, which is a hot spot for new development and vacation homes. Polk County is also recognized for its thriving sports tourism industry, with more than 220 annual sporting events hosted throughout the county. Lake Myrtle Sports Park in Auburndale is a multipurpose complex that features nine baseball fields and 11 soccer fields, while the AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center in Winter Haven is a multi-use gymnasium that accommodates basketball and volleyball games. Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing has won several awards for its efforts in promoting the county as a sports tourism destination. Despite being located between two rapidly growing metropolitan areas, Polk County has maintained its own unique identity and rich history, making it a hidden gem for visitors to Florida.