Robert Valentine Braddock (born August 5, 1940) is an American country songwriter and record producer. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame , Braddock has contributed numerous hit songs during more than 40 years in the industry, including 13 number-one hit singles .
97-678: Braddock was born in Lakeland , Florida, to a father who was a citrus grower. Braddock spent his youth in Auburndale , Florida, where he learned to play piano and saxophone. The musician toured Florida and the South with rock and roll bands in the late 1950s and early 1960s. At the age of 24, Braddock moved to Nashville , Tennessee, to pursue a career in country music . After arriving in Nashville , Braddock joined Marty Robbins ' band as
194-510: A humid subtropical climate ( Köppen Cfa ). It lies in the USDA plant hardiness zone 9b , where the average annual minimum temperature is 25–30 °F (−4 – −1 °C). The last measurable snow in the county fell in 1977 , but snow flurries and sleet fell on January 8, 2010 , over the course of an hour on an exceptionally cold day. During the summer rainy season from June to September, sea breezes from both coasts move inland, where
291-781: A U.S. territory as a result of the Adams-Onis Treaty . In 1823, the Treaty of Moultrie Creek created a reservation in central Florida for the Seminoles and other Native Americans in Florida. What is now Polk County was within the boundaries of that reservation. An attempt to remove all Native Americans in Florida to west of the Mississippi River, starting in 1832, led to the Second Seminole War . Most of
388-427: A female householder with no husband present, and 29.3% were not families; 24.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.10% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.52, and the average family size was 2.96. In the county, the age distribution was 24.4% under 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 or older. The median age
485-461: A female householder with no husband present, and 30.0% were not families. About 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.0% (3.4% male and 7.6% female) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.59, and the average family size was 3.05. In the county, the age distribution was 23.5% under 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.0% who were 65 or older. The median age
582-507: A female householder with no husband present, and 39% were individuals and nontraditional families. About 32.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.82. In 2000, the city the population was spread out, with 21.4% under the age of 18, 10.3% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 23.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
679-656: A gust of 54 kn (100 km/h; 62 mph) at Gilbert Airport on the northwest side of the city. As of the 2020 United States census , 725,046 people, 240,879 households, and 165,183 families were residing in the county. U.S. Census Bureau 2010 Ethnic/Race Demographics: In 2010, the largest ancestry groups were: 12.2% German, 11.6% American, 11.2% English, 10.8% Irish, 7.6% Mexican, 5.8% Puerto Rican, 4.1% Italian, 2.6% French, 2.1% Polish, 2.0% Scotch-Irish, 1.8% Scottish, 1.5% Dutch, and 1.2% Cuban. Of the227,485 households, 27.3% had children under 18 living with them, 51.1% were married couples living together, 13.7% had
776-464: A large digital collection with over 7,000 images of the city of Lakeland, its landmarks, significant historical moments, cultural institutions, and prominent citizens. The LHR provides one-on-one assistance with historic research, a history lecture series with prominent local historians, a DIY Digitizing Lab for personal material preservation, and genealogical programs and resources. In 2019, an initiative led by Lakeland City Commissioner Phillip Walker,
873-449: A location outside the county to tropical storm force at some point within the county and, given the hours between National Hurricane Center updates (modern era) or earlier estimates, it is not clear whether these brought hurricane-force sustained winds to Polk County: Hurricane Frances (2004), Hurricane Erin (1995) Hurricane Two of the 1939 season , and the 1910 Cuba hurricane (category 1). Numerous tropical storms have passed through
970-413: A mass lynching on May 25, 1895, accused of rape. While others were killed for alleged crimes (never proven), one black man was lynched for supposedly insulting a white woman. The man, Henry Scott, was a porter on a train from Lakeland to Bartow. While he was preparing a berth for one woman on May 20, 1920, another white woman became angry that he made her wait. She sent a telegram to the next station where he
1067-452: A number of other bodies of water unnamed, mostly phosphate mine pits that eventually filled with water. The largest of these is Lake Parker , which is 2,550 acres (10.3 km ) in size. Much of the culture of Lakeland revolves around its many lakes, and many people use the lakes as reference points in much the same way people in other towns use streets as reference points, such as "I live near Lake Beulah." In addition to Lake Parker, some of
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#17327877560421164-455: A pianist in February 1965. In January of the next year, a song he wrote for Robbins, " While You're Dancing ", became Braddock's first record to appear on the charts. He then signed his first of five recording contracts with major record labels and a publishing contract with Tree Publishing Company, now Sony BMG . Braddock quickly established himself as a bankable songwriter, penning songs in
1261-694: A powerful chief based in southern Lake County or eastern Orange County . For the next 280 years , the Spanish (and, between 1763 and 1783, the British) ruled Florida, but did not venture into the interior of the Florida peninsula south of the Oklawaha River valley ( Acuera Province). The indigenous peoples of the Florida peninsula declined in numbers, and the people who became known as the Seminole moved into central Florida. In 1821, Florida became
1358-600: A product of the 1920s boom), Park Trammell Building (formerly the Lakeland Public Library and today the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce), and others. The city also has several historic districts that have many large buildings built during the 1920s and 1940s. The Cleveland Indians held spring training there from 1923 to 1927 at Henley Field Ball Park . Parks were developed surrounding Lake Mirror, including Barnett Children's Park, Hollis Gardens, and
1455-517: A routine traffic stop in the Wabash area of Lakeland. More than 500 police officers from a variety of law enforcement agencies joined in a search for Angilo Freeland, suspected of murdering Williams and stealing his gun. Freeland was found hiding in a rural area the next morning. Nine officers from five different law enforcement agencies surrounded Freeland and shot him when he raised Williams' stolen gun at them. A total of 110 shots were fired, and Freeland
1552-683: Is Bartow , and its largest city is Lakeland . Polk County comprises the Lakeland–Winter Haven metropolitan statistical area (MSA). This MSA is the 77th-most populous one and the 89th-most populous primary statistical area of the United States as of July 1, 2012. The center of population of Florida is located in Polk County, near the city of Lake Wales . Polk County is home to one public university, one state college, and four private universities. The first people to inhabit
1649-481: Is a vocational school . Webster University offers on-site, regionally accredited graduate degree programs in business and counseling at their Lakeland Metropolitan Campus Lakeland%E2%80%93Winter Haven metropolitan area Polk County ( / p oʊ k / ) is a county located in the central portion of the U.S. state of Florida . The county population was 725,046, as of the 2020 census , and estimated to be 818,330, as of July 1, 2023. Its county seat
1746-879: Is a basketball team playing in the NBA G League and is an affiliate of the Orlando Magic . The Florida Tropics SC is an indoor soccer team playing in the Major Arena Soccer League . The Tropics organization also operates an outdoor team, the Lakeland Tropics, which competes in the Premier Development League . The Florida Tarpons were an indoor football team playing in the American Arena League for one season after relocating from Estero, Florida . In
1843-485: Is a special collections archive established in 1987 housed within the Lakeland Public Library 's main branch. The Lakeland History Room maintains the City's collection of historical materials as well as other locally relevant collections composed of documents, photographs, maps, building plans, audio/visual media, scrapbooks, specialty items like citrus crate labels, artwork, yearbooks, posters, and postcards. The LHR maintains
1940-469: Is home to professional baseball and basketball teams and boasts a rich history of collegiate sports competition at a number of its institutions of higher learning, including perennial NCAA Division II national championship contender and titleholder (in multiple sports), Florida Southern College . Professional baseball , especially major league spring training , was historically a major generator of tourist traffic for Polk County. Today, however, only
2037-638: Is home to several colleges and universities. Lakeland Linder International Airport is in Lakeland as is the corporate headquarters of Publix , a supermarket chain. European-American settlers arrived in Lakeland from Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and South Carolina in the 1870s. The city expanded in the 1880s with the arrival of rail service, with the first freedmen railway workers settling here in 1883. They and European immigrants also came because of land development opportunities with farming, citrus, cattle and phosphate industry developing. Lakeland
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#17327877560422134-429: Is home to the 1,267-acre Circle B Bar Reserve (513 ha). In the 18th century Native Americans groups, collectively called " Seminoles ", moved into the areas left vacant. In 1823, the United States and the various tribes in Florida signed the Treaty of Moultrie Creek , which created a reservation in central Florida that included what is now Polk County. Starting in 1832, the United States government tried to move
2231-602: Is home to the Swaminarayan Hindu Temple , which was established in 2005. In 1994, the first and only mosque in the county was established. It was called Masjid Aisha, but is now called the Islamic Center of Lakeland. Christianity makes up the largest religious group in Lakeland. As of 2013, an estimated 300 churches existed with an address in the city. Lakeland is the largest city on Interstate 4 between Orlando and Tampa. Large industries in
2328-418: Is no longer the largest industry in the area, it still plays a large part in the economy of Lakeland and Polk County. Phosphate mining is still important to the economy of Lakeland, although most of the mining now takes place farther south. The Bone Valley produced 25% of the U.S. phosphate supply. Lakeland's largest employer is Publix Super Markets . Publix is one of the largest regional grocery chains in
2425-400: Is supported by a workforce of over 275,000 in 2010. Traditionally, the largest industries in Polk County's economy have been phosphate mining , agriculture , and tourism . Notable companies headquartered in Polk County include Publix (an employee-owned grocery chain) and Florida's Natural (an agricultural cooperative). The top employers of Polk County are as follows: Polk County
2522-613: Is the fourth-largest county in Florida by land area and fifth-largest by total area. Polk County is within the Central Florida Highlands area of the Atlantic coastal plain, with a terrain consisting of flatland interspersed with gently rolling hills. Part of the Lake Wales Ridge runs through eastern Polk County, which is known for its rolling hills with unique wildlife and plants. The highest elevation in
2619-462: Is the largest university in the area, with undergraduate enrollment around 6200. Southeastern is affiliated with the Assemblies of God . Florida Southern College , established in 1883 and with a current undergraduate enrollment of just over 2600, is on Lake Hollingsworth . Florida Southern is the home of the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. In July 2008,
2716-482: Is used extensively on the campus. The concrete blocks he used are in need of restoration. Wright titled the project Child of the Sun , describing his Florida Southern buildings as being "out of the ground, into the light, a child of the sun." It is the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world, and attracts 30,000 visitors each year. In 1975, the "Florida Southern Architectural District"
2813-435: The 1949 Florida hurricane (category 2), the 1945 Homestead hurricane (category 1), the 1933 Treasure Coast hurricane (category 1), the 1928 Okeechobee hurricane (category 2), Hurricane Four of the 1894 season (category 1), and Hurricane Three of the 1871 season , and Hurricane Eight of the 1859 season (category 1). Additionally, four storms were downgraded from hurricane strength at
2910-909: The Detroit Tigers remain for spring training. Additionally, the Single-A Lakeland Flying Tigers play in Joker Marchant Stadium after spring training. Professional basketball made its debut in 2017 when the Lakeland Magic took the court in its home venue, RP Funding Center . The team is the NBA G League developmental affiliate of the NBA 's Orlando Magic . In 2023, the team relocated from Polk County to Osceola County . College sports are also popular in Polk County. The Florida Southern Moccasins play in NCAA Division II in
3007-651: The Lakeland Derby Dames ; however, the team was dissolved in November 2015. The Lakeland Center also hosts the Florida High School Athletic Association 's state basketball finals. Lakeland is governed by a six-member city council. Four members are elected from single-member districts ; the other two are elected at-large , requiring them to gain a majority of the votes. The mayor is elected. The City of Lakeland
Bobby Braddock - Misplaced Pages Continue
3104-531: The Lakeland Municipal Airport . In 1938, Florida Southern College President Ludd Spivey invited architect Frank Lloyd Wright to design a "great education temple in Florida." Wright worked on the project for over 20 years as Spivey found ways to fund it and find construction workers during World War II . Wright's original plan called for 18 structures; in total he designed 30, but only 12 were completed. Wright's textile block motif
3201-624: The Manasota culture , which flourished from 2,500 years ago until around 800 AD, when it was replaced by the Safety Harbor culture , from circa 800 until after 1700. The Peace River valley may have hosted a distinct culture during the Safety Harbor period. In 1539, Ponce De Leon sent a detachment (between 80 and 180 men) of his expedition from his landing place on Tampa Bay across northern Polk County to visit Urriparacoxi ,
3298-593: The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame . As a producer, Braddock's greatest success thus far is the discovery of country singer Blake Shelton , securing a recording deal in 2001. Braddock is credited as producer for several of Shelton's number-one country hits, including his debut single " Austin " which spent five weeks at the top of the charts. Also in 2001 Braddock penned the song "I Wanna Talk About Me", intended for Shelton but eventually recorded by Toby Keith . "I Wanna Talk About Me" topped
3395-708: The Sunshine State Conference . The Southeastern Fire play in NAIA Sun Conference . The executive and legislative powers of the county are vested in the five-member board of county commissioners. While the county is divided into five separate districts, each commissioner is elected at-large , countywide, requiring them to gain majority support. Each term lasts for four years, with odd-numbered districts holding elections in presidential election years, and even-numbered districts holding elections two years later. Like all elected officials in
3492-646: The 1960s, violence related to civil-rights movement was attributed to the Klan. In 1967, a white man shot and severely wounded a popular African-American high-school football player who was integrating Lake Ariana Beach. A Klan group marched in Lakeland in full regalia in 1979, their last public march by the Confederate monument in Munn Park. Fred Rochelle , 16, was burned alive in a public spectacle lynching before thousands in Polk County, Florida, in 1901. Since
3589-510: The 1970s for such artists as The Statler Brothers , Tammy Wynette , George Jones , Nancy Sinatra , Johnny Duncan , Willie Nelson , Tanya Tucker , Jerry Lee Lewis , and Tommy Overstreet . Braddock continued his successful songwriting career well into the 21st century, writing songs recorded by artists including Lacy J. Dalton , T.G. Sheppard , John Anderson, Mark Chesnutt , and Tracy Lawrence . Braddock sometimes co-wrote songs with Curly Putman or Sonny Throckmorton , fellow members of
3686-830: The 1980s, the Lakeland Center briefly played host to the indoor version of the Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer team. The Lakeland Center has also hosted a few hockey teams, the Lakeland Ice Warriors, the Lakeland Prowlers, and the Lakeland Loggerheads. The United States Basketball League once had a team here as well called the Lakeland Blue Ducks . Sun 'n Fun was home to Lakeland's only roller derby league,
3783-603: The Billboard Country Charts for five weeks in 2002. In March 2007, Braddock released a memoir recounting his early life in pre-Disney World Central Florida, titled Down in Orbundale: A Songwriters Youth in Old Florida , published by Louisiana State University Press . Braddock currently resides in Nashville and continues to write songs for the publishing company Sony/ATV . In July 2017, Braddock
3880-519: The Lakeland City Commission voted to move the Confederate monument from Munn Park, where it was installed in 1910, to Veterans Memorial Park. What is now Veterans Memorial Park was first settled in 1883 as the community of Moorehead, the original African-American community in the area. Owners were bought out in 1967 by eminent domain for county civic development of a conference center and the later Veterans Memorial Park. Some members of
3977-402: The Lakeland area are citrus, cattle, and phosphate mining . In the past few decades, tourism, medicine, insurance, transportation, and music have grown in importance. Citrus growing dates back to the early settlers who planted trees in the area, in the 1850s. After a series of freezes in counties north of Polk County, the area became the focal point for citrus growing in Florida. Although citrus
Bobby Braddock - Misplaced Pages Continue
4074-547: The NYPD, and one new hire used to work in the NYPD's notorious anti-crime units which were disbanded after high-profile scandals. The 28 elementary schools, seven middle schools, five traditional high schools, and three magnet-choice high schools in the Lakeland area are run by the Polk County School Board . A number of opportunities exist for higher education around the Lakeland area. Southeastern University
4171-776: The Paleoindian period was followed by the Archaic period , which ended 2,500 to 3,000 years ago, with the emergence of recognizable archaeological cultures in Florida. In eastern Polk County, the Kissimmee River valley was occupied by people of the Belle Glade culture , which persisted from about 3,000 years ago until the collapse of the Native American population in Florida after 1700. Native American people in western Polk County were part of, or influenced by,
4268-686: The Seminoles in Florida west to the Indian Territory . Most of the Seminoles resisted, resulting in the Second Seminole War , 1835–1842. By the end of that war, most of the Seminoles had been sent west, with a few remnants pushed well south of what is now Polk County. Florida became a state in 1845, and Polk County was established in 1861. After the American Civil War , the county seat was established southeast of Lakeland in Bartow . While most of Polk County's early history centered on
4365-587: The United States with over 1,200 stores across the American South . Publix employs over 6,500 people in the Lakeland area including headquarter and warehouse employees. Lakeland is a transportation hub. FedEx Freight and FedEx Services and the Saddle Creek Corporation employ over 600 people in the area. Other large employers in the area include Amazon , GEICO , Rooms To Go , and Lakeland Regional Health. The Lakeland History Room
4462-658: The University of South Florida's Lakeland campus was granted partial autonomy by Governor Charlie Crist and became Florida Polytechnic University. Florida Polytechnic (FLPoly) is just inside the Lakeland's northeast border at the intersection of I-4 and Polk Parkway. They also have some administrative offices on the campus of Polk State College on Winter Lake Road. FLPoly is focused on STEM degree programs, such as engineering and computer science. Both Everest University and Keiser University , two multisite, accredited universities, have locations in Lakeland. Traviss Career Center
4559-1008: The area now called Polk County were the Paleoindians who arrived in Florida at least 12,000 years ago, late in the last ice age . With large amounts of water locked up in continental ice caps, the sea level was more than 150 feet (46 m) lower than at present. The Florida peninsula was twice as wide as it is today, and Florida was cooler and much drier, with few, if any, flowing rivers. Both animals and humans were dependent on scattered water holes, such as sinkholes , deep holes in otherwise dry river beds, and rain-fed lakes perched on impervious clay. Most Paleoindian campsites found in Florida have been found at water holes. The largest collection of late (more than 9,500 years ago) Paleoindian microlithic tools known from Florida were found in Lake Weohyakapka , near Nalcrest in Polk County. As sea levels rose and Florida became warmer and wetter,
4656-609: The area. The Green Swamp is prone to fog in winter. In the predawn hours of January 8, 2008, smoke from a prescribed burn contributed to especially dense fog on Interstate 4 that caused a major pileup involving 70 vehicles in 10 separate crashes that resulted in five deaths. The eyes of 12 hurricanes have passed through the county at hurricane strength in recorded history, including Hurricane Irma (2017, category 1), Hurricane Jeanne (2004, category 1), Hurricane Charley (2004, category 2), Hurricane Donna (1960, category 2), Hurricane King (1950, category 1),
4753-429: The black community have objected to the Confederate monument being relocated to the site of what had been their historic community in Lakeland, saying it would be more appropriate to be located in the cemetery with numerous Confederate graves. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 2,011 square miles (5,210 km ), of which 213 square miles (550 km ) (10.6%) are covered by water. It
4850-613: The capture of two of the royal swans, and the swans now on the lakes of Lakeland are the descendants of the one surviving royal swan sent by the Queen. In July 2006, Scott Lake, one of the city's lakes, was almost totally drained by a cluster of sinkholes . Later the lake partially refilled. Lakeland, like most other parts of Florida north of Lake Okeechobee , is in the humid subtropical zone ( Köppen climate classification : Cfa ). Typically, summers are hot and humid with high temperatures seldom dropping below 90 °F and 70 °F for
4947-504: The city had a population of 112,641. Lakeland is a principal city of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area . Lakeland is situated among several lakes including Lake Morton downtown and is sometimes locally referred to by the nickname "Swan City" due to its sizeable population of swans, all of whom are descendants of two mute swans given to Lakeland by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. Lakeland
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#17327877560425044-504: The city has an area of 67 sq mi (173.5 km ), of which 45.84 sq mi (118.7 km ) is land and 5.61 sq mi (14.5 km ) (10.90%) is covered by water. Lakeland is within the Central Florida Highlands area of the Atlantic coastal plain , with a terrain consisting of flatland interspersed with gently rolling hills. The dominant feature in Lakeland is the city's many lakes. Thirty-eight lakes are named, with
5141-489: The city of Bartow. Winter Haven was best known as the home of the Cypress Gardens theme park, which operated from 1936 to September 23, 2009. Legoland Florida has since been built on the site of former Cypress Gardens, and has preserved the botanical garden section. Winter Haven was the location of the first Publix supermarket circa 1930; today, Publix's corporate offices are located in Lakeland. In 2018,
5238-505: The city. As of the 2010 United States census , there were 97,422 people, 40,529 households, and 24,654 families residing in the city. Between 2008–2012, the per capita income was $ 23,817 and the median household income was $ 40,284. Persons below the poverty line in 2008–2012 were 17.5% according to the US Census. As of 2000, 23.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.5% were married couples living together, 13.7% had
5335-441: The county budget, including the state attorneys and public defenders. A portion of the county's budget is dedicated to providing municipal-level services and regulations to unincorporated areas, such as zoning, business codes, and fire protection. Other services benefit both those in municipalities and in unincorporated Polk County, such as those that provide recreational and cultural opportunities. The current Sheriff of Polk County
5432-455: The county is Crooked Lake Sandhill at 305 feet, with the second-highest being Iron Mountain, the location of Bok Tower at 295 feet above sea level. Several artificial raised phosphate tailings ponds in the center of the county rise up to 375 feet. In addition, at its northeast corner, Polk County touches Orange County at a quadripoint called Four Corners, Florida ; Lake and Osceola Counties lie between. Polk County, like most of Florida, has
5529-507: The county south of Fort Meade, shortly after it passed Wauchula (in Hardee County), where a maximum wind gust of 109 mph (175 km/h) was recorded by emergency management officials. The hurricane-force wind field was relatively narrow, with the most intense wind damage being within 10 mi (16 km) of the center of the eye. For example, maximum recorded winds were only 41 kn (76 km/h; 47 mph) sustained and
5626-492: The county was 79.58% White (74.6% were Non-Hispanic White ), 13.54% Black or African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.93% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 3.82% from other races, and 1.71% from two or more races. About 9.49% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. In 2000, only 37% of county residents lived in incorporated metropolitan areas. Of the 187,233 households, 29.0% had children under 18 living with them, 54.4% were married couples living together, 12.0% had
5723-653: The county's population was foreign-born , with 37.8% being naturalized American citizens . Of foreign-born residents, 70.4% were born in Latin America, 11.5% Europe, 10.2% Asia, 4.9% North America, 2.6% Africa, and 0.4% were born in Oceania. As of the census of 2000, 483,924 people, 187,233 households, and 132,373 families resided in the county. The population density was 258 people per square mile (100 people/km ). The 226,376 housing units had an average density of 121 per square mile (47/km ). The racial makeup of
5820-400: The county. Hurricane Charley in 2004—the first of three hurricanes to hit the county in six weeks—is the strongest storm in recent history to pass through the county, mainly impacting the eastern half of the county. The Lake Wales Fire Department recorded an unofficial maximum wind speed of 95 mph (153 km/h) sustained and a gust of 101 mph (163 km/h). The hurricane entered
5917-484: The expansion of slavery and whose 1845 inauguration was on the day after Florida became a state. Following the Civil War, the county commission established the county seat on 120 acres (0.49 km ) donated in the central part of the county. Bartow, the county seat, was named after Francis S. Bartow , a Confederate colonel from Georgia who was the first Confederate brigade commander to die in battle. Colonel Bartow
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#17327877560426014-518: The federal government during World War II and was the training location for many Army Air Corps pilots during the war. The airport was returned to the city in 1967 and renamed as Bartow Municipal Airport. In the 20th century, the Ku Klux Klan revived and was active in Polk County, even after World War II. Klansmen were photographed in hoods and robes in 1958 in a church in Mulberry. During
6111-453: The few Seminoles remaining in Florida were confined to an informal reservation in southern Florida. While Florida gained statehood in 1845, Polk County was not created until a month after Florida had seceded from the Union. It was formed from the eastern part of Hillsborough County and named in honor of former US President James K. Polk , who had been popular with Southerners for supporting
6208-531: The fighting in the early years of the war occurred north of Polk County. By 1837, the Seminoles were being pushed south, and late that year, Colonel Zachary Taylor , as part of a coordinated push against the Seminoles, led a column east from Fort Brooke (today's Tampa) into what is now Polk County, and then south between the Kissimmee and Peace River valleys, culminating in the Battle of Lake Okeechobee . By 1843
6305-421: The first school for freedmen 's children. Other workers arrived for jobs in the phosphate industry. This area became the center of a predominately African-American community later known as Moorehead, after Rev. H.K. Moorehead, called to St. John's in 1906. The community developed its own businesses, professional class, and cultural institutions. Its students had to go to other cities for high school until 1928, when
6402-401: The first upper school to serve blacks was established here. White violence rose against blacks in the late 19th century in a regionwide effort to establish and maintain white supremacy as Southern states disenfranchised most blacks and imposed Jim Crow . Whites lynched 20 African Americans in Polk County from 1895 to 1921; Three black men, whose names were not recorded, were murdered in
6499-404: The hub of the largest phosphate industry in the United States, attracting both immigrants and African-American and white workers from rural areas. Polk County was the leading citrus county in the United States for much of the 20th century, and even the county seat Bartow has had several large groves. In 1941, the city built an airport northeast of town in the county. The airport was taken over by
6596-456: The impressive growth rate, the unemployment rate of Polk has typically been higher than that of the entire state. For example, in August 2010, the county had an unemployment rate of 13.4%, compared to 11.7% for the entire state. During the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season , three hurricanes, Charley , Frances , and Jeanne , all tracked over Polk County, intersecting in a triangle that includes
6693-630: The late 20th century, growth in Polk County has been driven by its proximity to both the Tampa and Orlando metropolitan areas along the Interstate 4 corridor. Recent growth has been heaviest in Lakeland (closest to Tampa) and the northeast areas near Haines City (nearest to Orlando). From 1990 to 2000, unincorporated areas grew 25%, while incorporated areas grew only 11%. In addition to cottage communities that have developed for commuters, Haines City has suburban sprawl into unincorporated areas. Despite
6790-426: The moist air is heated and rises to form thunderstorms. On many days, the sea-breeze thunderstorms from both coasts move inland, colliding in Polk County to form especially strong thunderstorms. Polk County is located in the middle of "lightning alley" , which has more lightning annually than any region in the United States. Largely due to its size, the county receives the overall highest number of lightning strikes in
6887-449: The more prominent lakes in the Lakeland area are Lake Hollingsworth , Lake Morton , Lake Mirror, and Lake Gibson . Swans are one of the most visible features on the lakes near downtown Lakeland. They have a long history, the first swans appearing around 1923. By 1954, the swans were gone, eradicated by alligators and pets. A Lakeland resident who mourned the passing of the swans wrote to Queen Elizabeth II . The royal family allowed
6984-428: The most important duties of the county commission is levying taxes and appropriations. The ad valorem millage rate levied by the county for county government purposes is 6.8665. The commission is responsible for providing appropriations for other countywide offices including the sheriff, property appraiser, tax collector, and supervisor of elections. The county and circuit court systems are also partially supported by
7081-488: The nation, the Florida peninsula was used as a launching point for military forces in the war. The then small town of Lakeland housed over 9,000 troops. The 10th Cavalry Regiment , one of the original Buffalo Soldier regiments, were housed on the banks of Lake Wire. Soon after being stationed there, the black troops faced conflict with the local white population. In one event, a local druggist refused to sell to black soldiers and an argument ensued which eventually escalated to
7178-597: The newest, Allen Kryger Park. The "boom" period went "bust" quickly, and years passed before the city recovered. Part of the reemergence was due to the arrival of the Detroit Tigers baseball team in 1934 for spring training. The Tigers still train at Lakeland's Joker Marchant Stadium and own the city's Class A Florida State League team, the Lakeland Flying Tigers . In the mid-1930s, the Works Progress Administration built
7275-440: The overnight low. Like most of Central Florida, afternoon thunderstorms are the norm throughout the summer. Winters in Lakeland are drier and warm, with frequent sunny skies. High temperatures range in the mid 70s during the day, with lows in the 50s. Cold snaps drop temperatures below freezing twice a year on average. As of the 2020 United States census , there were 112,641 people, 41,750 households, and 24,433 families residing in
7372-631: The point where the druggist brandished a pistol. The soldiers shot the druggist before he could fire, which resulted in two of the troops being arrested. The Florida boom resulted in the construction of many significant structures in Lakeland, a number of which are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places . This list includes the Terrace Hotel, New Florida Hotel (Regency Tower, currently Lake Mirror Tower), Polk Theatre , Frances Langford Promenade , Polk Museum of Art (not
7469-622: The population, while German came up as the third-most spoken language, which made up 0.8%, and French was fourth, with 0.5% of the population. In 1913, the Wolfson family arrived from Lithuania and became the first Jewish settlers to the area. After some struggles, the Jewish community in Lakeland flourished and the first synagogue, Temple Emanuel opened in 1932. The Rohr Jewish Learning Institute presents classes and seminars in Lakeland in partnership with Chabad of Lakeland. Lakeland
7566-423: The project is currently underway and it is unknown when the project will be completed. Joker Marchant Stadium , north of downtown, hosts spring training for the Detroit Tigers , as well as their Lakeland Flying Tigers class-A Florida State League and GCL Tigers rookie-league Gulf Coast League minor league baseball teams. RP Funding Center is also home to two indoor sports teams. The Lakeland Magic
7663-574: The school (renamed the Lodwick School of Aeronautics in the midst of this period). From June 1941 until October 1942, 1,327 British Royal Air Force cadets trained at the Lakeland facility. The Lodwick School of Aeronautics closed in 1945. The airport ceased flight operations in the 1960; the site has since then housed the Detroit Tigers ' "Tiger Town" baseball complex. According to the United States Census Bureau ,
7760-525: The site, the present structure houses the Polk County Historical Museum and Genealogical Library. After the Civil War, some 400 Confederate veterans settled here with families before the end of the century. In the post-Reconstruction period, black railway workers were among the first African Americans to settle in Polk County, in 1883 south of Lake Wire. The following year, they founded St. John's Baptist Church, which also served as
7857-469: The state, county commissioners are subject to recall. The commissioners elect a chairman and vice-chairman annually. The chairman selects the chairs of each committee, who work with the county manager to establish the policies of the board. The commission meets twice a month- generally every other Tuesday. Additional meetings take place as needed, but must be announced per the Florida sunshine laws . Among
7954-418: The total population, 19.1% were under 18 and 8.1% were 65 or older. As of 2010, 81.80% of all residents spoke English as their first language , while 14.34% spoke Spanish, 0.70% French Creole (mostly Haitian Creole ,) and 0.51% of the population spoke French as their mother language . In total, 18.20% of the population spoke languages other than English as their primary language . Polk County's economy
8051-506: The two cities of Bartow and Fort Meade , eventually, people entered the areas in northern Polk County and began settling in the areas which became Lakeland. Lakeland was first settled in the 1870s, and began to develop as the rail lines reached the area in 1884. Freedmen settled here in 1883, starting development of what became the African-American neighborhood of Moorehead. Lakeland was incorporated January 1, 1885. The town
8148-409: Was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females 18 and over, there were 93.1 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 36,036, and for a family was $ 41,442. Males had a median income of $ 31,396, versus $ 22,406 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 18,302. 12.90% of the population and 9.40% of families were below the poverty line . Of
8245-507: Was 39.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females 18 and over, there were 93.7 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 43,946, and for a family was $ 51,395. Males had a median income of $ 37,768 versus $ 30,655 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 21,881. About 11.5% of families and 15.2% of the population were below the poverty line , including 23.5% of those under age 18 and 8.7% of those aged 65 or over. In 2010, 10.7% of
8342-676: Was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.1 males. In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $ 16,119, and for a family was $ 17,468. Males had a median income of $ 14,137 versus $ 9,771 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 15,760. About 47% of families and 35% of the population were below the poverty line , including 97% of those under age 18 and 9% of those age 65 or over. As of 2000, those who spoke only English at home accounted for 91% of all residents, while 9% spoke other languages at home. The most significant were Spanish speakers who made up 6.4% of
8439-589: Was J.W. Trammell. The first female mayor was Lois Q. Searl, who served in 1965. The 1970 municipal election placed the first African-American on the City Commission, Dr. John S. Jackson . In 1972, he became the first black mayor for the city. In 1980, Carrie R. Oldham became Lakeland's first African-American female mayor. Since 1988, the mayor has been elected by the city's voters. On September 28, 2006, Polk County Sheriff's Deputy Vernon "Matt" Williams and his K-9 partner Diogi were shot and killed after
8536-871: Was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2012, Wright's campus was designated as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service . At the beginning of World War II , the Lakeland School of Aeronautics —headquartered at the recently built Lakeland Municipal Airport —became part of a nationwide network of civilian flight schools enjoined for the war effort by the United States Army Air Corps . Between 1940 and 1945, more than 8,000 Army Air Corps and Army Air Forces cadets trained on two-seater Stearman PT-17 and PT-13 biplanes at
8633-530: Was aided by 85 of the author's personal journals going back as far as 1971. Songs Braddock wrote or co-wrote that made the Billboard country singles chart include: Lakeland, Florida Lakeland is a city in Polk County, Florida , United States. Located along I-4 east of Tampa and west of Orlando , it is the most populous city in Polk County. As of the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau release,
8730-522: Was buried in Savannah, Georgia , with military honors, and promoted posthumously to the rank of brigadier general. The original name of the town was Fort Blount. Several other towns and counties in the South changed their names to Bartow to honor the brigade commander. The first courthouse built in Bartow was constructed in 1867. It was replaced twice, in 1884 and in 1908. As the third courthouse to stand on
8827-595: Was established to organize and advise the City in the design, content, and construction of the exhibit. The Lakeland Public Library was eventually chosen as the location of the future exhibit space due to its central location within the city, its status as a community hub, and because it was the current home of the city's local archive, the Lakeland History Room, which would be expanded into the Lakeland History and Culture Center. Construction on
8924-576: Was featured in an Episode of Malcolm Gladwell's Podcast, ''Revisionist History", which analyzed the emotional appeal of country music relative to other genres. Gladwell dubbed Braddock 'The King of Tears'. In 2007, Braddock published a memoir, Down in Orburndale . In 2015, Vanderbilt University Press published Bobby Braddock: A Life on Nashville's Music Row , a second memoir of Braddock's tumultuous career in Nashville's music industry. The book
9021-512: Was first presented to the City Commission to create the City's first History and Culture Center. The project was unanimously approved by the Commission and funds were allocated for the project's construction; although, the exhibit's content design would be funded by local donations and grant funding. An advisory committee made up of educators, city officials, local business owners, and civic and community leaders, led by former Mayor Gow Fields ,
9118-491: Was founded by Abraham Munn (a resident of Louisville, Kentucky ), who purchased 80 acres (320,000 m ) of land in what is now downtown Lakeland in 1882 and platted the land for the town in 1884. Lakeland was named for the many lakes near the town site. In April 1898, the Spanish–American War began and started a crucial point in Lakeland's development. While the war ended quickly and had little effect on most of
9215-500: Was hit 68 times, killing him instantly. Multiple investigations concluded the officers' use of force was justified. Deputy Williams and Diogi were laid to rest on October 3, 2006, after a funeral that included a one-hour-and-45-minute procession to Auburndale . In 2021, the Lakeland Police Department hired numerous former NYPD officers. Two of the new hires failed to disclose that they had been disciplined by
9312-451: Was incorporated on January 1, 1885. The mayor is one of seven members of the City Commission, acting as the board chair and performing mostly ceremonial and procedural duties beyond the powers of the other six. Prior to 1988, the City Commission selected Lakeland's mayor from among its members. Mayors can be on the board for up to 12 years in a lifetime, or 16 years in combination with holding a regular commission position. Lakeland's first mayor
9409-402: Was met by a sheriff, arrested, and then turned over to a mob that shot him 40-50 times. Columbia County also had 20 such lynching murders; these two counties had the second-highest total of lynchings of African Americans of any county in the state. In the first few decades of the 1900s, thousands of acres of land around Bartow were purchased by the phosphate industry. The county seat became
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