Visitors to Homestead/Florida City will find an area building on its rich history for a bright future. Homestead’s active program of historic preservation keeps the past alive while preparing residents for the burgeoning industries, tourism and population growth to come.

Tropical South Florida is rich in history both documented and legendary. 4,000 years ago Indians inhabited the southern tip of Florida. Pirates smugglers, gunrunners and revolutionaries roamed area waters centuries ago.

The area south of Miami was opened to homesteaders in 1898. A path known as the Homesteader’s Trail was the only route in and out until railroad and oil magnate Henry Flagler extended his railway south to this area. Later, Flagler extended his railroad from Homestead to Key West and the Overseas Railroad was completed in 1912. Homestead’s major source of revenue at that time was agriculture, with the harvest of winter vegetables and tropical fruits being shipped all across the country. Due to its strategic location, the Homestead area prospered with the Florida real estate boom in the early 1920’s.

In 1926, Mother Nature unleashed her fury with a major hurricane, destroying Flagler’s overseas railway. In 1945 another severe hurricane struck, and demolished the World War II airfield at what is now Homestead Air Reserve Base. Then, almost 50 years later, Hurricane Andrew blew through deep South Miami-Dade, leaving a wave of destruction in its path. True to the pioneer spirit that created the area, the people of the Homestead/Florida City area picked up and rebuilt and restored.

The community has focused on preserving and renovating historic buildings, establishing new businesses and creating a historic district replete with charming specialty shops and restaurants. Many Mediterranean and colonial revival structures in the downtown area have been refurbished and adapted for new uses. The antique shops along Krome Avenue form a charming district, and the area is a designated Main Street Community of the Florida Bureau of Historic Preservation.

Homestead’s population is increasing, as its ethnic composition becomes more diverse. A revitalized business district, a thriving agricultural industry, a 280 acre Park of Commerce and surrounding attractions make the Homestead/Florida City area a popular destination for newcomers. Luxurious new housing developments complement charming older neighborhoods. Innovative schools, lushly landscaped parks and renovated shopping areas enhance the quality of life.

Economy

Our area’s strategic location makes it a viable destination for visitors to Tropical South Florida. The business generated by tourism is a key factor in the economic stability and growth of the Homestead/Florida City community. The area has attracted enterprise such as the Homestead Miami Speedway, Wal Mart, Albertson’s, Hollywood Video and many, many others.

Homestead/Florida City has moved into a technological economy. According to Miami-Dade County and the University of Florida, Miami-Dade County’s Population will increase by over 500,000 between 1995 and 2005. To provide employment for the increasing population, Miami-Dade County must target industries that accelerate both the growth of above average income and entry level support jobs. The industries that were deemed best suited for the area are bio-medical, film/entertainment, financial services, information technology, international commerce, telecom- munications and the visitor industry. High paying jobs in fast growing industries in turn create others at all levels that cut across governmental, social, ethnic, economic and political constituencies.

Miami-Dade County offers many public and private resources that help business prosper. These include Vision Council, 305-247-7082, located at 43 N. Krome Avenue in Homestead, the Perrine-Cutler Ridge Council, 305-378-9470, at 900 Perrine Avenue in Perrine, and the Beacon Council, 305-579-1300, located at 80 SW 8^th Street in Miami.

Homestead/Florida City’s burgeoning new industries offer big city employment opportunities within a charming, small town environment. As evidence of the area’s growing economy, the new Homestead Park of Commerce is flourishing. Among the firms located in the Park are Contender Boats and Silver Eagle Distributors.

The Homestead/Florida City Enterprise Zone attracts new businesses with lucrative incentives. This area has Miami-Dade County’s largest inventory of inexpensive undeveloped land zoned for industrial and commercial use. Many fruit and food processing facilities operate in the Zone, along with several satellite communications firms. A new theme and water park is coming to the area soon.

Only a few miles to the north lies Miami International Airport, served by nearly 150 airlines. Miami International is the nations leading international cargo airport. Over 17 million domestic passengers and over 13 million international passengers use MIA. South Florida’s major business center is only minutes beyond, and the Port of Miami is the busiest container port in the southeast.

Agriculture

Agriculture is still a great source of revenue and serves as a mainstay of the economy. Nearly half the winter vegetables consumed in the U.S. are grown in tropical South Florida. Miami-Dade County’s agriculture, which represents nearly one billion dollars annually in local economic impact, is located on just six percent of the county’s available land.

Besides providing national and international markets with tropical produce and plants, Homestead/Florida City’s agricultural industry also contributes to the revenue generated by tourism. Scattered throughout the region are agricultural fields that allow self-harvesting of vegetables. man roadside stands offer crops that are specific to the tropical South Florida climate, including mango, avocado, lychee and carambola. Agricultural guided tours expose visitors to the fruit and vegetable industry in the only subtropical farming area in the continental United States.

DEMOGRAPHICS

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