Introducing Plant City:
- Located In: Hillsborough County
- Population: 34,250 (Source: City website)
- Community Type: Urban fringe
- Size: 28 square miles
- Government: Commission/manager form of government; five city commissioners are elected at large to serve overlapping three-year terms, one of whom serves as mayor/commissioner for a one-year term.
- Zip Codes: 33563-33567
History of Plant City:
Settlers began populating the area 25 miles east of Tampa in the mid-1800s. Originally known as Ichepucksassa after the name of the Indian village that once occupied the territory, the local Irish postmaster renamed the settlement Cork after growing frustrated with frequent misspellings. In 1884, Henry B. Plant extended his South Florida Railroad into the town. Though many believe the city’s name came from the area’s flora, in fact it is named in honor of this prominent railroad developer.
The city was incorporated in 1885, 16 years after the state was chartered.
Things To Do In Plant City:
Visit Dinosaur World, an outdoor museum that is home to more than 150 life-size dinosaurs. Scattered through a lush, natural setting, these scientifically accurate models are appealing to tourists and area residents alike.
The city also offers a number of annual events, with its signature celebration being the Florida Strawberry Festival, generally presented in late February or early March. Other major community happenings include the Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Arts Festival in January and the Pig Jam Barbecue Contest in November.
Dining In Plant City:
In addition to the standard chain restaurants and fast food eateries, Plant City boasts a number of dining opportunities that showcase central Florida home-style cooking or the impact of the area’s cultural diversity.
- First Choice Southern Barbecue, 712 South Collins St., Plant City
- Fred’s Market Restaurant, 1401 West MLK Boulevard, Plant City
- Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant, 2613 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City
- Olde Town Pizzeria and Pasta Co., 3011 James Redman Parkway, Plant City
- Orange Blossom Tea Room, 106 S. Evers St., Plant City
Shopping In Plant City:
- Antiques and Treasures of Plant City, 107 N. Collins St., Plant City
- Collins Street Junction Antiques and Collectibles, 117 N. Collins St., Plant City
- Fort Alafia Country Store, 8102 S. County Road 39, Plant City
- Keel and Curley Winery, 5202 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City
- Parkesdale Farm Market, 3702 West Baker St., Plant City
What Makes Plant City Special:
The city’s theme, “Embracing the Future, While Preserving the Past” reflects its residents’ commitment to prepare and plan for expected growth, while safeguarding those essential assets that give the community its hometown charm.
Surrounding Plant City is a mixture of pasturelands, citrus groves, strawberry fields and nursery farms. The city is the hub of an agricultural network that is connected by highways and railroads. Here, brick-paved streets are canopied by ancient oak trees garnished with Spanish moss.
According to the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, the majority of all the winter strawberries in the United States are grown on 7,000 acres of farmland surrounding Plant City. The city celebrates its crop with an annual event that is the centerpiece of the community: The Florida Strawberry Festival.
Scheduled for late February or early March, the festival features exhibits of agriculture, commerce, industry, livestock, fine arts, horticulture and crafts. It is an opportunity to experience American heritage, honoring ethnic traditions; participating in social events, competitive contests and youth developmental programs; and enjoying top-name entertainment, parades with scores of glorious floats and high-stepping marching bands.