Orlando boss, Ed Milam, was found brutally murdered in a Kissimmee swamp. We examine his life and death.
Polk County
Polk County, established in 1861, has deep roots in Florida’s agricultural history. Early settlers came for cattle ranching and the longleaf pine forests. After the Civil War, the county seat, Bartow, became a center for phosphate mining, a crucial resource for fertilizer. Polk County also boomed as the leading citrus producer in the 20th century, with groves flourishing even in the county seat.
The 20th century brought new technologies like electricity and transportation to Polk County. The population boomed, and towns transformed from frontier settlements into vibrant communities. Today, Polk County, nicknamed “Florida’s Heartland,” boasts almost 600 lakes and remains a key player in the state’s economy.
Gangland Life and Murder of Ed Milam
Polk County Sheriff ousted in gambling crackdown
Crime bosses installed Frank Williams as Polk County sheriff in exchange for an unmolsted bolita monopoly.
Casa de Josefina: The Castle on the Ridge
The quaint Village of Highland Park is just south of Lake Wales on Scenic Highway 17. The hamlet is surrounded by orange groves and anchored by its crown jewel Casa de Josefina. The home, often mistaken for a hotel, was...
Frostproof 1928: Wall and Scenic (Colorized)
I loved this old photo of Wall Street and Scenic Highway from the 1920s so much that I wanted to bring it to life with some color. I'm still learning colorization with Photoshop and the buildings further in the background...
Pipkin Band Shell at Florida Southern College
The Pipkin Bandshell at Florida Southern College in Lakeland was constructed in 1941. It was named after a Lakeland pioneer named L. N. Pipkin, who moved to Polk County in 1883 and served as a Florida Southern trustee since 1910...
Webb’s Citrus Candy: Central Florida Favorite since 1928
What started as two women making tropical treats for their friends was made stalwart by the Taylor and Webb families. As a kid growing up in South-Central Florida there was always great promise venturing north on US 27 toward the...
The Lost Colony of Pabor Lake
Most people interested in the history of Highlands County have heard about the involvement Melvil Dewey (of Dewey Decimal System fame) had on the founding of Lake Placid, Florida. However, few have ever heard of the Pabor Lake Colony, which...