Polk County is located in the U.S. state of Florida. The county population was 602,095, as of the 2010 census. Its county seat is Bartow, and its largest city is Lakeland. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,011 square miles of which 1,798 square miles is land and 213 square miles (10.6%) is water. It is the fourth-largest county in Florida by land area and fifth-largest by total area. The economy of Polk County, FL employs 274,271 people. The most common industries in Polk County, FL by number of employees are Retail trade; Healthcare & Social Assistance; and Accommodation & Food Service. Compared to other counties, Polk County, FL has a high number of Arts, Entertainment, Recreation; Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting; and Admin., Support, Waste Management Services. Polk County is home to one public university, one state college, and four private universities. One Fortune 500 company, Publix Super Markets, has headquarters in the county. Central Florida’s Polk County is conveniently located between Orlando and Tampa, and an easy drive to Central Florida attractions and the Gulf and Atlantic beaches. Polk County offers something for everyone, including Florida’s newest attractions, LEGOLAND, Florida Resort, and Safari Wilderness; and some of Florida’s most historic; including Bok Tower Gardens, Westgate River Ranch Resort (the Southeast’s largest dude ranch), and the Frank Lloyd Wright “Child of the Sun” collection at Florida Southern College. With 554 fresh water lakes, the area offers great fishing, adventurous airboat eco tours and exciting water sports. Lakes are connected by an intricate canal system that makes it easy to spend a day or two on the water during your Central Florida vacation. The pristine waters of Lake Kissimmee are known for producing loads of largemouth bass and provide spectacular views of wildlife and unique ecosystems along its shores. At nearly 40,000-acres, it is Polk County’s largest lake. Wonderful parks, preserves and trails captivate visitors with Polk County’s natural beauty. From spectator sports to golf, hiking, birding, cycling, fishing, sky diving and watersports, there are always activities to get involved with. Polk County ATV park boasts 200 acres of ATV and motocross trails, training areas, picnic spots, restrooms and more. If you prefer to explore nature on two wheels during your Central Florida vacation, Polk County offers diverse cycling trails in both urban and wilderness areas. The vibrant and diverse arts and culture scene of Polk County includes historic theatres and gardens, world renowned architecture, and Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College, a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum. See more information at https://visitcentralflorida.org.​