South Central Florida
South Central Florida
South Central Florida includes Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, DeSoto, Glades, and Hendry counties. Its central location makes it convenient to many large metropolitan areas. There is a large Hispanic population in this region; 50% of Hendry County's population is Hispanic. This region has a more rural, laidback lifestyle. Agriculture is a big industry in the area. Coca-Cola recently spent 2 billion dollars to support the planting of 25,000 acres of orange trees. Cattle ranching is a major industry here, especially in Highlands and Okeechobee Counties. Lake Okeechobee is partially within this region, divided between Okeechobee, Glades, and Hendry Counties. Lake Okeechobee is the nation's second-largest freshwater lake.
South Central Florida Links:
South Central Florida contains the Sebring Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA):
Sebring MSA
The Sebring metropolitan area occupies the same geographical area as Highlands County. Around 100,000 people live in the county. The region's economy is driven by the services, especially healthcare. About one third of residents are age 65 or older.
Highlands County is a major center of agricultural production in Florida. It has the second-largest population of cattle herds in the state. Only neighboring Okeechobee County has more. Highlands produces the third-most oranges of any county in the state.
South Florida State College maintains a campus in Avon Park, a city to the north of Sebring.
Links:
- Highlands County Official Website
- Highlands Economic Development Commission
- South Florida State College
Sebring
The principal city of the region and seat of Highlands County, Sebring is inhabited by over 10,000 people. The city include half a dozen lakes, the largest of which is Lake Jackson. Over 9,000 acres, Lake Jackson is largely shallow and clear. Its shores are composed of sandy beaches. Swimming and boating are popular activities.
A few miles southeast of the city lies Sebring General Airport. The facility provides a home to general aviation craft and also hosts the Sebring International Raceway. In operation since 1950, the raceway holds Twelve Hours of Sebring, an American Le Mans Series automobile race. The event is one of the most prestigious on the endurance racing circuit.
The economy of Sebring is strong in the white collar professional sector. Healthcare is also a strong economic driver.
Links:
South Central Florida Cities
There are 18 cities in South Central Florida. These are listed below. Click on a link for details.
Arcadia, Avon Park, Bowling Green, Clewiston, Felda, Fort Ogden, Labelle, Lake Placid, Lorida, Moore Haven, Nocatee, Okeechobee, Ona, Palmdale, Sebring, Venus, Wauchula, Zolfo Springs,
South Central Florida Quick Facts
| County |
Population 2012 |
Economic Activity 2007 (Millions) |
Population Growth 2010 to 2012 |
Median Household Income 2011 |
Housing Units |
Median Price 2007 to 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardee County | 27,514 | $418 | -0.8% | $38,046 | 9,599 | $104,100 |
| Highlands County | 98,128 | $1,496 | -0.7% | $34,913 | 55,276 | $115,600 |
| Okeechobee County | 39,467 | $563 | -1.3% | $36,929 | 18,656 | $124,300 |
| DeSoto County | 34,712 | $305 | -0.4% | $36,407 | 14,617 | $114,900 |
| Glades County | 13,107 | $18 | 1.7% | $39,611 | 7,082 | $95,200 |
| Hendry County | 37,447 | $595 | -4.3% | $37,989 | 14,687 | $103,400 |
| Total | 250,375 | $3,395 | -1.0% | $37,316 | 119,917 | $109,583 |