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Featured Article: Highlands County - 105TH Anniversary

Highlands County - 105TH Anniversary
#HistoryTuesday - Tuesday April 21ST 2026
 
Geographically - our area was once known as the vast "East Florida" colony of Great Britain - and then province of Spain. And then in 1821 it became "St. Johns County", as Florida became a territory of the United States Of America. And then late in 1824 it became "Mosquito County". (Yes - it was named after our unofficial state insect.)
 
And then 20 years later in 1844 our area became part of St. Lucie County, but that didn't last very long, as it quickly became part of a larger and expanding Hillsborough County. And then Florida became the 27TH state of the U.S.A. on March 03RD 1845.
 
And then 11 years later in 1855 Hillsborough County was carved up, and our area became known as Manatee County. And then 32 years later in 1887 Manatee County was carved up, and it became known as DeSoto County.
 
And then 105 years ago this week - on April 23RD 1921 - DeSoto County became much smaller in size - and 4 new counties were born - Charlotte, Glades, Hardee, and Highlands (the largest in size). Happy Anniversary to our 4 counties !
 
In 1925 all 67 of Florida's counties were established, and it's been that way ever since.

 

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