Fastest Growing Florida Cities
So what are the fastest growing Florida cities? Well, the U.S. Census Bureau has data that shows the population growth in the country in 2023. A lot of people are moving to the south and Texas seems to be the place. They are landing. Although there are two Florida cities that are the fastest growing Florida cities. Cities come in the top 15 of the largest population growth in the country. this is based on the increase in percentage of the population of the city
Coming in at #7 on the list is Polk County’s very own Haines City. Haines City has seen an increase of 10.8% with a population of 37,272 people. The second city on the fastest growing Florida cities list is Leesburg. Leesburg comes in at #14 in the country. It has seen an increase of 8.7% with a population of 31,721 people.
The Top 15 Fastest-Growing Cities in 2023
Below you will see thew fastest growing cities in the United States. The percentage next to the city shows the increase of people coming into the city. A lot of people are moving to Texas. The top 4 cities on the list are in Texas.
- Celina, Texas (+26.6%)
- Fulshear, Texas (+25.6%)
- Princeton, Texas (+22.3%)
- Anna, Texas (+16.9%)
- Lathrop, California (+13.6%)
- Centerton, Arkansas (+11.2%)
- Haines City, Florida (+10.8%)
- Georgetown, Texas (+10.6%)
- Prosper, Texas (+10.5%)
- Forney, Texas (+10.4%)
- Kyle, Texas (+9.0%)
- Lebanon, Tennessee (+8.9%)
- Fort Mill, South Carolina (+8.8%)
- Leesburg, Florida (+8.7%)
- Athens, Ohio (+8.6%)
Where Are The Fastest Growing Florida Cities?
Haines City is located in Polk County. It is east of Lakeland, but still south of I-4. Haines City is named after Henry Haines, who was a Colonel in the Confederate States Army.
Leesburg is located in Lake County. It is located 80 miles northeast of Tampa, but is 50 miles northwest Orlando. Leesburg is named after Evander McIver Lee and his brothers who settled in that area in 1857.
4 Tampa Bay Area Malls That Have Closed Down
East Lake Square Mall
East Lake Square Mall was opened in 1976. It was the first regional mall on Tampa’s eastside. East Lake was home to Dillards, Montgomery Ward, JCPenney and Service Merchandise. In 1988 less people started shopping because Brandon Town Center opened up nearby. In 1999 they turned it into a technology office campus called Netpark.
Lakeland Mall
In 1974, Lake Parker Mall became Lakeland Mall. The mall started to decline when Woolco closed which was one of their popular stores. Although they replaced Woolco with Sam’s Club, it still could not compete with Lakeland Square mall. Lakeland Square was much larger. After sitting vacant for many years, in 1999 Lakeland Mall became a mega church called the First Baptist Church. 
Pinellas Park Mall
Pinellas Park Mall was opened in 1977 at Us 19 and Gandy Boulevard. In 1977 the mall started to suffer due to the closing of Montgomery Ward. The mall closed after Dillard’s closed down in 2004. Pinellas Park Mall is now called the Shoppes at park place. You know, the shopping plaza with the big Target.
Tampa Bay Center
In 1976 the Tampa Bay Center opened up. The Tampa Bay Center was Tampa’s 4th major mall. In 1994 they were accused of racism after they closed early to avoid being packed with fans who were going to the Florida classic. The Florida Classic is a game between FAMU and Bethune Cookman ( Both historically black colleges) The mall was close by the Tampa stadium which always hosted the games. In 2005 the mall was demolished and turned into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training facility.
