Parkland, Florida

Parkland, Florida is a city located in Broward County, Florida, known for its Parkland, Florida natural scenery and Everglades conservation efforts, with nearby cities including Coral Springs, Florida, Boca Raton, Florida, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The city is situated near the Hillsborough River and Lake Okeechobee, and is close to the Florida Turnpike and Interstate 75. Parkland is also near the Sawgrass Expressway and Florida's Turnpike, making it an attractive location for residents and businesses, including Microsoft, IBM, and Cisco Systems.

Geography

Parkland, Florida is located in the southeastern part of Broward County, Florida, near the cities of Coral Springs, Florida, Tamarac, Florida, and Coconut Creek, Florida. The city is situated near the Everglades, a unique and fragile ecosystem that is home to numerous species of plants and animals, including the Florida panther, American alligator, and West Indian manatee. Parkland is also close to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, including those who enjoy Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas National Park. The city's geography is characterized by its flat terrain, with an average elevation of around 10 feet above sea level, and is near the Kissimmee River and Lake Tohopekaliga.

History

The area now known as Parkland, Florida was first settled in the early 20th century, with the city being incorporated in 1963, during the tenure of Florida Governor C. Farris Bryant and United States President John F. Kennedy. The city's early history was marked by its rural character, with many farms and ranches operating in the area, including those owned by Henry Flagler and Harold Vanderbilt. Parkland was also home to several Seminole Indian tribes, including the Miccosukee and Tequesta tribes, who had a significant impact on the region's history and culture, as did the Spanish Empire and British Empire. The city's history is also closely tied to the development of nearby cities, including Miami, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and West Palm Beach, Florida, which were influenced by the Florida East Coast Railway and Henry Flagler.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the city of Parkland, Florida had a population of over 34,000 people, with a diverse range of ages, ethnicities, and incomes, including Hispanic and Latino Americans, African Americans, and Asian Americans. The city is home to many young families, with a high percentage of residents under the age of 18, and is near the University of Miami, Florida International University, and Nova Southeastern University. Parkland is also a popular destination for retirees, with many active adult communities and golf courses in the area, including those designed by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. The city's demographics are similar to those of nearby cities, including Boca Raton, Florida, Delray Beach, Florida, and Boynton Beach, Florida, which are influenced by the South Florida metropolitan area and Miami metropolitan area.

Economy

The economy of Parkland, Florida is driven by a mix of industries, including healthcare, technology, and tourism, with major employers including Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Cleveland Clinic, and Microsoft. The city is also home to many small businesses and startups, including those in the biotechnology and clean energy sectors, which are supported by organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and United States Department of Energy. Parkland's economy is closely tied to the economies of nearby cities, including Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Miami, Florida, and West Palm Beach, Florida, which are influenced by the Port of Miami and Port Everglades. The city is also a popular destination for shoppers, with several major shopping malls in the area, including the Aventura Mall and Sawgrass Mills.

Education

The city of Parkland, Florida is served by the Broward County Public Schools district, which operates several schools in the area, including Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Park Trails Elementary School, and Riverglades Elementary School. The city is also home to several private schools, including North Broward Preparatory School and University School of Nova Southeastern University, which are accredited by organizations such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and Florida Council of Independent Schools. Parkland is near several major universities, including Florida Atlantic University, Nova Southeastern University, and University of Miami, which offer a range of academic programs, including those in engineering, business, and medicine, and are supported by organizations such as the National Science Foundation and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Government

The city of Parkland, Florida is governed by a mayor-council government, with a mayor and four city council members, who are elected by the city's residents, and are supported by organizations such as the National League of Cities and United States Conference of Mayors. The city is also part of the Broward County, Florida government, which provides various services to residents, including law enforcement, fire protection, and public transportation, which are supported by agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Federal Emergency Management Agency. Parkland is represented in the Florida Legislature by Florida State Senate and Florida House of Representatives members, and is part of the 20th Congressional District and 22nd Congressional District of Florida, which are represented by United States House of Representatives members, including Ted Deutch and Lois Frankel.