Central Florida Farm Landscape

Abstract

F oROM Tampa northward to the Georgia line stretches the pitted limestone backbone of Florida, the Florida karst. Long recognized as a region distinct from the Gulf hammocks (hardwood forests) to the west and from the flatwoods to the east, this area includes the highest points in peninsular Florida. The surface may be briefly described as a very subdued karst, in which the usual forms are shallow, concave basins and low, rounded hills, a thick cover of sand masking any irregularities which might otherwise appear. Small streams are almost entirely lacking, but there are a few larger streams, a number of small permanent lakes, and, in many of the solution depressions, a large number of intermittent ponds. Nearly all of the higher land is covered with long leaf pine and the lower parts of the basins are in savanna, hardwood, or swampy vegetation. In central Florida, south of Orange Lake (Figure 1), the region was settled less than a century ago. It was first used for grazing in the savannas or woodland pastures, later for the growing of cotton, sugar cane, and corn, and more recently for citrus fruits. Since the end of the last century it has produced turpentine, lumber, and phosphate. Most of these industries survive, having undergone many fluctuations, especially in certain localities, as indicated in the following descriptions. Three small areas, Lecanto, Blanton, and Citra will be described in detail to illustrate the development of farm types under varying natural conditions. LECANTO