Lake County, Florida, boasts a history brimming with natural beauty and economic transformation. Established in 1887, it was carved from portions of Orange and Sumter Counties. The name itself is a tribute to the region’s defining characteristic – its over 1,400 lakes! Early on, the area attracted settlers for cattle ranching and cotton farming.

The late 19th century ushered in a citrus boom, with pioneers like Melton Haynes introducing citrus trees that thrived in the region’s climate. Citrus production flourished throughout the 20th century, becoming the county’s leading industry. Transportation infrastructure also developed during this time, with the arrival of the Sanford and St. Petersburg line of the Orange Belt Railroad in 1887. This facilitated the movement of goods and people, further propelling the county’s growth.