Plantation

by The Linguist

With a population of over 90,000 residents, Plantation, Florida is a mid-sized city located in Broward County. Known as the “Grass Capital of the World” for its abundant turf farms, Plantation has grown into a diverse suburb of Fort Lauderdale and vibrant community in its own right.

Population and Demographics

According to a 2020 census, Plantation had a population of 94,288 residents. The racial makeup of the city was approximately 64% White, 22% African American, 11% Hispanic or Latino, and 3% Asian. The median age was 42.6 years old. Plantation saw steady population growth between 1970 and 2000 before growth began to level off. It remains the third largest city in Broward County.

History and Origins

Plantation was chartered in 1953, although the area had been settled since the late 1800s. Early settlers were attracted to the region for the agricultural opportunities. Sugarcane, vegetables, and cotton were early crops before turf grass farms came to dominate Plantation’s agriculture. The city was named for these numerous plantations.

Economy and Major Employers

While agriculture was historically the main economic driver, today Plantation has a diverse economy anchored by the service, healthcare, education and retail sectors. Major employers in Plantation include:

In addition to major corporations, a range of small and mid-sized businesses operate in Plantation including restaurants, shops, professional services firms, and more. Overall, the economy reflects a diverse mix of industries.

Parks and Recreation

Plantation is home to several high-quality parks and recreational facilities for residents to enjoy. Major parks and attractions include:

  • Plantation Heritage Park – This park spans over 93 acres and includes sports fields, playgrounds, nature trails and more.
  • Central Park Recreation Center – With multiple pools, athletic courts, and sports fields, this facility is popular for swimming, basketball, and soccer.
  • Plantation Aquatic Complex – This Olympic-sized public pool facility hosts swim meets and water recreation throughout the year.

Plantation’s parks system provides abundant opportunities for sports, recreation, and outdoor activities to residents.

Shopping and Dining

From major malls to local eateries, Plantation offers excellent shopping and dining options. The Westfield Broward Mall brings major national retailers and restaurants to the city. Located just off I-595, it provides 1.4 million square feet of shopping space. Unique local establishments can be found in Plantation’s walkable downtown along Peters Road as well as sprinkled throughout the city.

Education

Plantation is home to highly-rated public, private, and charter schools. The Broward County Public Schools district operates 16 public schools within Plantation. Top-performing public high schools include:

In addition to great public schools, there are several private school options. Parents can choose from religious private schools, non-sectarian private schools, and charter schools.

Annual Events

Plantation hosts various annual events that bring the community together and attract visitors. Popular events include:

  • Harvest Fest – This fall street fair celebrates the city’s history with agriculture, food, and music.
  • Plantation Dance Festival – Showcasing styles like jazz, tap, ballet, and hip hop, this festival is popular with dance schools and companies.
  • Fourth of July Celebration – Held at Volunteer Park, this Independence Day event has fireworks, live music, food trucks, and family activities.

These events and others bring residents together and build a sense of community across Plantation.

Sports

From youth leagues to a professional hockey team, Plantation offers plenty of spectator and participatory sports. The Florida Panthers NHL team plays home games at the BB&T Center arena in Plantation. Other teams include:

With year-round youth sports programming and professional hockey, Plantation provides excellent athletic opportunities.

Transportation

Plantation enjoys convenient transportation access in the South Florida region. Interstate highways I-595, I-75, I-95, Florida’s Turnpike, and the Sawgrass Expressway all pass through or near Plantation, providing connectivity throughout Broward County and beyond. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is located 15 minutes from Plantation. Public transportation is provided by Broward County Transit with local bus routes serving the city.

Local Government

Plantation has a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council consists of the Mayor and four Council members who are elected at-large on a non-partisan basis. The City Council appoints a City Manager to oversee the administrative operations of the city. Residents can get involved with local government by attending Council meetings, volunteering on advisory boards and committees, contacting elected officials, and voting in municipal elections.

Things to Do

Some of the top attractions and activities in Plantation include:

  • Shopping at Westfield Broward Mall
  • Swimming at Plantation Aquatic Complex
  • Playing sports at Plantation Central Park
  • Hiking nature trails through Plantation Heritage Park
  • Visiting plantation history exhibits at Heritage Park
  • Trying local eateries downtown along Peters Road
  • Attending a Florida Panthers hockey game
  • Participating in youth sports leagues

With a great quality of life, diversity of attractions, and strong sense of community, Plantation offers an excellent place to live, work, and play in South Florida.

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