The Town of Lake
Placid
The Town of Lake Placid was
incorporated in the year 1928. It was named Lake Placid for the
famous New York State Resort. Prior to that, it had been called
Lake Stearns. Dr. Mevil Dewey, famous librarian and literary
expert who is well known as the originator of the Dewey Decimal
System, had visions of a resort town to surpass Lake Placid, New
York and spurred development of the community as a resort.
Lake Placid is a quiet fishing community
situated on the edge of
The Everglades National Preserve
The city is known as the
Caladium Capitol of the World for the brightly colored plant
that is native to the area. There are also numerous golf courses
and tennis courts. In fact, the Placid Lakes Country Club and
Golf Course is rated among the best in the nation The "uptown"
area features a variety of shops, restaurants and culture
including more than 20 murals depicting the city’s history and
heritage. The world-famous Lake Placid Tower rises some 270 feet
and offers a 40-mile view of the area’s lakes and most beautiful
country-side in all of Florida.
The Residents
Lake Placid residents enjoy the
small-town flavor and friendly families who live, work and play
in this community. In 1995, Lake Placid received the "Florida's
Rural Community of 1995" award. With this award, the city was
honored for its Main Street Beautification project in which
existing trees and plants were removed and replaced with oak
trees, flower beds and antique street lamps.
The Lakes
The
many lakes provide outlets for boating, water skiing, fishing,
and sailing. Lakes are one of Highlands County’s most attractive
natural features. They range from large deep, clear lakes such
as June and Placid to shallower, highly productive lakes such as
Apthorpe, Carrie, and Crews that support excellent fish
populations. Lake Istokpoga, Florida’s fifth largest lake at
27,962 acres, is world renowned for its fishing and also
supports resident populations of osprey, bald eagles, and many
other forms of wildlife.
Lake Placid is a fisherman’s paradise. Monster bass, catfish and
panfish abound in the area waters. Legend has it that a mammoth
catfish lives in Lake June, one of the larger lakes. The town
has acquired national fame as the home of Lake June Monster. A
three-day celebration, sponsored by the local Lions Club, is
held in its honor over Labor Day. Nearby is Highlands Hammock
State Park which offers a wide variety of recreational
opportunities.
Climate
Average yearly temperatures range from a high of 85.5 degrees to
a low of 61.4 degrees. Like much of Florida, the climate is one
of Lake Placid's most valuable assets. Not only does the
sunshine and mild temperatures attract visitors and new
residents, but its climate is ideal for the citrus, caladium and
cattle industries. Lake Placid also gets gentle breezes off
nearby lakes that make the warmer months comfortable.
Equal Housing
Opportunity