Rural life in “The Friendly City”
Once an epicenter of the Florida citrus industry, the rural community of Frostproof has settled into a quiet, rustic town since the end of the boom in the 1970s. “We call ourselves ‘The Friendly City,’ and that’s what we are. We’re all friends,” says Estelle Sullivan, a member of the town’s Planning & Zoning Committee. “We’re a very gracious, community-minded city.” Settled directly between Lake Clinch to the west and Reedy Lake to the east, Frostproof is warm and verdant, festooned with dense subtropical greenery and humid breezes.
The land of lakes
With large tracts of land and eight lakes within its city limits, nature is a focal point in Frostproof. Reedy Lake and Lake Clinch are twin centerpieces of the city, and both are popular spots for fishing, boating and nature watching. Frostproof Sports Complex is the area’s largest park and includes baseball fields, a fishing dock, racquetball courts and more. To the southwest, residents can visit the Lily Lake Golf Resort for its 9-hole, par 32 course.
Well-established homes and renovations
“The Friendly City,” as it’s known, comprises fewer than 3000 people, with less than 20 square miles to its name: a fact many would like to maintain. “Our community is very anti-development,” says Vice Mayor Austin Gravely. “We’d like to keep the small, rural feel.” As a result, older homes and renovations are frequent, mainly built in the mid-to-late 20th century. Manufactured homes begin in the low $20,000s, with ranch-style homes starting in the high $100,000s and lakefront property in the high $400,000s.
Award-winning BBQ and daily specials
Shopping and groceries are convenient to the area, with Save A Lot, Family Dollar and Home & Farm Supply all in the center of the neighborhood. Residents can find award-winning smoked pork and brisket at the Frostproof BBQ Company or sample cheeseburgers and banana splits in the old-fashioned diner atmosphere of Frostbite Ice Cream & More. Specials like peach pancakes, fried catfish and country fried steak are rotated daily at Johnny’s Egg House.
Agricultural classes at Frostproof High
Students might begin their education at Ben Hill Griffin Jr. Elementary, which scores a C on Niche. From there, they could enroll at Frostproof Middle/Senior High School, which earns a B-minus and features agricultural, culinary and medical academy programs.
Historic theatres and heritage
Despite its small size, Frostproof hosts regular events, including live music at Mr. Chris’ Coffee Depot and murder mysteries at the historic Ramon Theatre. For a day of unity, music and African American culture, the Annual Heritage Day Festival is celebrated every spring in Winter Haven, some 30 miles north.
Cruise on the Scenic Highway
Highway 27 is a popular route through Frostproof, making Orlando and the Orlando International Airport a 70-mile drive north. For a more picturesque drive, The Ridge Scenic Highway begins south of Frostproof and ends in Haines City, 30 miles north.
