Lakeland tourist information
Just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Orlando's attractions, hundreds of lakes dot the Central Florida countryside, providing some of the best bass fishing in the country as well as plenty of opportunity for boating and other watersports. Those who want to keep their feet firmly on the ground will find hundreds of exceptional golf courses in this region.
Charming villages dot Central Florida; in places such as LakeWaters, Winter Haven, Polk City and Babson Park, visitors may explore small-town America and find interesting architecture and antiques.
by Orlando
Lakeland, the county seat of Lanier County was incorporated August 11, 1925. Lakeland is the county's only incorporated municipality.
Throughout Lakeland's brief history, its names have related to the geographic area surrounding the city. Its original name was Alapaha Station after the Alapaha River. The name was changed to Mill Town in 1832 for its numerous mills. Finally, the current name was decided upon due to the city's close proximity to the Grand Bay Lake.
The town is located near the Banks Lake, a 3,900-acre lake that includes the Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The lake consists of a mixture of open water and marshes.
Lakeland is located in northeast Shelby County at exits 18 and 20 of Interstate 40, about two miles east of Wolfchase Galleria. Other major entrances into Lakeland are from U.S. 64 at Canada Road and from U.S. 70 at Canada Road. Future planned annexation will extend Lakeland's northern boundary to Pleasant Ridge Road. Current population is approximately 6,862 with a projected population of 8,500 by 2005.
In 1959 Lakeland was an amusement park consisting of the 387 acre Garner Lake, a few animal statues and the Ol' "Huff N Puff" Train.
In the sixties a popular Mid South Drag Strip drew crowds to Lakeland.
The incorporation of Lakeland was conceived and financed by Louis Garner. Petitions were circulated by Beverle Rivera and Henry Veasy. Legal preparations were done by Edward Johnson and Lt. Governor John Wilder.
The first elected officials were Beverle Rivera, William H. Howich and Earl Webber. Beverle Rivera was the first Mayor of Lakeland and the first City meeting was held in September of 1977 at the old Lakeland Cafe. A bedroom of the Rivera home served as City Hall. No salaries were paid until 1982.
June 12, 1977 Lakeland incorporated its 260 homes, 7 1/2 miles of roads and 612 citizens into the City of Lakeland, Tennessee. Belz Mall was built in 1979 and in 1981 the first City Hall was built.
Lakeland aerial map
Please click on any icon on the Lakeland aerial tourist map, to find close by places, offering hotels and tourist information. You can zoom in and zoom out our touristical map as well as switch between satelite and map view of Lakeland.
Lakeland weather forecast
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