Avon Park, FL

Avon Park, FL is in Highlands County.  It is about 20 miles east of Wauchula.  The population is 8824 with a median income of $23,600 and a median age of 36.  It is the oldest city in Highlands Co.  In 1884 Oliver Mann Crosby moved from Connecticut to study the wildlife in what is now Avon Park.  In 1886 several others had moved into the area and the town of Lake Forest was established.  An English woman who had just settled in the area convinced Crosby to change the name of the town to Avon Park because the area reminded her of her home town of Stratford-upon-Avon in England.  The town is known as the "City of Charm".  Citrus and Livestock is the main industry in town along with natural food that they pride themselves on.  In 2006 the Mayor of Avon Park sparked some controversy when he proposed an ordinance that would make English the official language of Avon Park and that while business was being conducted it would be illegal to use any other language but English.  It was voted down 3 to 2. 
We traveled to Avon Park to shop at the big brand new Walmart, that was built surrounded by Orange Groves.  Since we sold our scooters Tim and I have wanted bicycles.  The Walmart in Wauchula did not have any bikes we liked so Tim looked on line and saw that Avon Park had bikes.  He found the one he was looking for but there were not any 26" bikes for women at that store so we drove up to Lake Wales where I found my bike.  Pictures will follow later today!  We are planning on taking a ride today on the bikes but will be back in time to watch the NFL playoffs today!  Go Broncos!