Hardee County has long been a place where hard work and resilience shape the community. From its early days as a rural farming and ranching hub to today’s growing economy, the county has seen remarkable progress. Let’s take a journey through time, exploring the key milestones that have defined Hardee County’s economic growth.
Early Days: The Foundation of Hardee County's Economy (Pre 1900s - 1950s)
Before Hardee County was officially established in 1921, it was a part of Desoto County, with agriculture and cattle ranching at the heart of its economy. Early settlers were drawn to the fertile land, ideal for citrus groves, row crops, and grazing livestock. The Florida Southern Railroad, built in the late 1800s, played a crucial role in connecting Hardee County to larger markets, allowing local industries to grow and establishing Hardee as an important part of the Florida Heartland.
Historic downtown Wauchula began taking shape in the early 1900s, with business, banks, and churches establishing a strong community center. The Wauchula State Bank, founded in 1929, became a symbol of economic stability through the Great Depression. Meanwhile, phosphate mining, which had taken off in neighboring Polk County, started bringing industrial opportunities to Hardee as well.
Mid-20th Century: Growth and Resilience (1950s-1990s)
The mid-1900s saw Hardee County grow as industries expanded:
Citrus & Agriculture Boomed: Hardee County became one of Florida’s top citrus-producing regions, with thousands of acres of orange groves.
Cattle Ranching Thrived: Large ranching families helped solidify Hardee’s reputation in Florida’s cattle industry, contributing to its economy for generations
Downtown Wauchula Flourished: Local businesses, from general stores to diners, made downtown a hub for commerce and community life.
Hurricane Charley (2004): Although outside this time frame, it’s worth noting that the 2004 hurricane caused devastation in Hardee County, altering the trajectory of growth in the following years.
Despite economic shifts and natural disasters, Hardee County remained resilient, with community driven efforts keeping businesses alive and farms running.
2000s: The Shift Toward Economic Diversity
As Florida’s economy modernized, Hardee County leaders recognized the need to diversify beyond agriculture. This led to:
- Industrial Parks & Commerce Growth: New opportunities emerged for logistics, warehousing, and light manufacturing.
- Downtown Revitalization Efforts: The county started investing in restoring historic buildings and attracting new businesses.
2010s - Present: Hardee's Economic Momentum
The past decade has brought significant progress, solidifying Hardee County’s place as a growing economic hub.
- Industrial & Commercial Expansion: Commerce Park welcomed new manufacturing businesses, creating jobs and boosting local revenue.
- Downtown Revitalization: Historic building renovations encouraged new restaurants, retail, and office spaces, making downtown Wauchula a destination once again.
- Infrastructure Investments: Road expansions, including Hogan Street and Highway 17 improvements, have enhanced transportation for businesses and residents.
- Workforce Development: Career and technical education (CTE) programs expanded, ensuring local students are prepared for growing industries.
With a strong foundation in place, Hardee County is poised for continued success.
Looking Ahead
With a strong economic foundation, Hardee County is set for continued growth. Upcoming projects include:
- Aloha Medical Services Headquarters (2025) – Bringing over 100 jobs, this project marks Hardee’s expansion into the healthcare sector.
- Debut Development Manufacturing Facility – Added 30+ jobs; further developing Commerce Park.
- Culver’s Opening (2025) – A sign of increasing consumer demand and commercial growth.
- 122 W. Main – Reif Building Redevelopment – A historic downtown building repurposed for dining and retail.
- Multi-Purpose Facility Plans – A space for events, meetings, and community engagement.
- SafeGage Glove Manufacturing – Addition to Commerce Park, will bring in a minimum of 184 manufacturing jobs.
As Hardee County continues to evolve, its strong leadership and community-driven efforts ensure a bright future while preserving the rich history that makes it special.
What's Your Hardee County Story?
We’d love to hear your thoughts on Hardee County’s growth! What changes have had the biggest impact? What positive change have you been here to witness; been a part of? What do you hope to see in the future? Share in the comments!