To celebrate America 250 and Polk County’s 165th anniversary, Polk County staff and the Polk County Cattleman’s Association will host a special cattle drive and Cow Camp rededication ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, at Circle B Bar Reserve, 4399 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland.
This is a family-friendly, free event that will highlight Polk County’s ranching heritage and recognize the cattlemen and women whose work helped shape this region’s history and landscape. Following the cattle drive, visitors will have the opportunity to watch a live-podcast panel hosted by Mason Gravley, host of “Florida Uncut”, and participate in cattle-themed Nature Fun Day activities until 1 p.m.
Visitors planning to attend are strongly encouraged to arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. to secure parking and viewing locations before road closures take effect. Access to the park via Discovery Drive and Windmill Whisper will be limited from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. to accommodate cattle movement and event activities.
“We invite our community to join us in honoring the cultural and agricultural history of Polk County and the 250th anniversary of the country,” said Parks and Natural Resources Director Tabitha Biehl. “Florida has one of the longest histories of ranching in the United States, and with this event, we’re able to celebrate the connection between that early way of life and preservation of our natural lands.”…