Lake Alfred, Florida
Lake Alfred has had numerous name changes over the years that are entwined into its rich and colorful history. Initially built as a military outpost, Fort Cummings, in the United States Territory of Florida in 1839, it was the site where in 1840, at the end of the Second Seminole War Indian Chief “Wild Cat” surrendered and agreed to relocate to the Indian Territory in the West.
About The Community
The Fort closed down and the next role played by the area was in 1887 when the railroad came through connecting Sanford and Tampa. A lumber mill and turpentine still named the Lake Alfred Lumber Company was constructed. Armenian workers logged the area and it was called New Armenia. The city grew after 1907 when the J.C. Cox family came to Lake Alfred and acquired two citrus groves, the beginning of the Citrus age. Other names over the years were Wahnetta, Bartow Junction, and Chubb. It was incorporated as Fargo in 1913, but the name was changed to Lake Alfred for the lake in 1915.
Today Lake Alfred has a population of roughly 5,700. This six square mile city in Polk County is proud to be safe and family oriented. Citrus growing is still a major contributor to the economy of Lake Alfred. Its location on the mainline railroad linking Miami to New York City and its position between the major markets of Tampa and Orlando has helped its growth as a city with significant industry. Lake Alfred has ample utilities, a skilled work force, open land with correct zoning, excellent highway and railway access, and low overhead and property prices.
Important Links (Suggest / Report)
It is the home of Florida Distillers. This firm is a subsidiary of Todhunter International, which produces many alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. These are shipped nationwide and overseas. Lake Alfred is home to the UF Citrus Research and Education Center since 1917. The Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve is a 125 acre preserve with nature trails, playground and vintage home for community events.
Vicinity of Lake Alfred
Additional Details
Frank C. Gardner Park is popular with the community that uses it for events such as Heritage Day, craft fairs, and the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. The Lions Park provides a swimming beach on Lake Alfred with lifeguards in season, water slide, boating, a children’s playground, covered picnic pavilion, barbecue grills, baseball fields, boat ramp, volleyball horseshoes and jet-skiing. There is a good schooling system in operation in Lake Alfred and the congregation has a choice of numerous churches of different denominations.
The City offers good recreational facilities with lighted tennis courts, lighted shuffleboard courts, three lighted baseball fields and a two full-court lighted basketball courts. Golfers can tee off at the public 9-hole golf course in the Cypress Greens Golf and Tennis Community. There are other 18-hole golf courses nearby and this makes Lake Alfred an attractive vacation destination. There are hundreds of lakes in the area – the majority of which are spring fed. The seven in the City of Lake Alfred have boat ramps and access to the north Winter Haven Chain of Lakes. No wonder some of the most popular local activities are boating, fishing, and water skiing.
