Plant City, Florida is a popular senior vacation town and retirement community.

Plant City FL History

Plant City has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800's when settlers first began to populate Florida. Plant City's original name was “Ichepucksassa” after the Indian village that once occupied this territory. So much confusion was created with the spelling and pronunciation that the Irish postmaster renamed the village Cork, after his home city. In 1884, prominent railroad developer Henry B. Plant extended the South Florida Railroad into the town. One year later when the town was incorporated, it was once again renamed in honor of Henry B. Plant.

Plant City Florida – The Winter Strawberry Capital of the World

Originally, Plant City was a large cotton center. Today it is a processing, trade, and shipping center located in a growing suburban region. The city is known especially for its strawberries. Changing its major crop to strawberries brought it national recognition as it is now known as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. Today, over three-quarters of the nation's midwinter strawberries come from Plant City.

At the Strawberry Festival held each winter, one can taste some of the finest shortcake, pie and cobblers made from the freshest strawberries. The Strawberry Festival has exhibits of agriculture, commerce, livestock, fine arts and crafts. There are competitive contests, top-name entertainment, parades floats and high-stepping marching bands. It is no wonder that Plant City, Florida is a popular senior tourist town and retirement community.