Plant City is a city in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States, approximately midway between Brandon and Lakeland along Interstate 4. The population was 34,721 at the 2010 census.Many people believe it was named for the flora (especially vegetables and fruits, as well as tropical houseplants) grown at plant nurseries in its tropical Gulf Coast climate. However, it was actually named after prominent railroad developer Henry B. Plant (see Plant System).Plant City is known as the winter strawberry capital of the world and hosts the annual Florida Strawberry Festival in the late winter (usually in February or early March), which is attended by people from all over the United States as well as many people from around the world. Wishnatzki Farms, the largest strawberry producer in Florida, has a large presence in Plant City.HistoryPlant City's original name was Ichepucksassa after the Indian village that once occupied the territory. Its name caused so much confusion that the city was renamed "Cork", after the postmaster's Irish hometown. It was finally given the name "Plant City" in commemoration of Henry B. Plant and his railroad, which significantly boosted the commerce in this primarily agricultural community by incorporating it with the South Florida Railroad.
