CENTRAL FLORIDA, U.S.A. – It’s winter in Florida. And yes, we’re whining about the 40s, 50s, even 60-degree weather, depending on the degree of #FloridaMan.
The winter season officially ends in March, but there are some areas in Florida with Winter – year round – figuratively speaking.
It’s in the name.
Winter Springs, Winter Garden, Winter Park, Winter Haven and Winter Beach are all located in the Sunshine State. But you won’t find snow there.
“I’m from Florida and I always thought ‘why is this called Winter-whatever,’ we don’t have Winter. But when you think about it, it makes sense,” said Historian Rachel Williams.
Williams works at the Orange County Regional History Center and said the names aren’t so surprising. Florida has been a hot spot for snowbirds in the wintertime for hundreds of years.
Winter Park was originally named Lakeview in 1858, then renamed Osceola in 1870.
“The founders, Loring Chase and Oliver Chapman, decided they wanted the name to do with something about winter in the park and named it Winter Park.”
According to the City of Winer Park’s website, “the city was originally developed as a winter resort for wealthy Northerners seeking refuge from the harsh winters and a tranquil place to rest and relax.”
The meaning behind Winter Garden is simple.
“It was the idea that you can garden in the winter,” said Williams.
Winter Springs was originally incorporated as North Orlando in 1959, which caused some confusion for visitors.
“It wasn’t part of Orlando and there were cities in between Orlando and what became Winer Springs. It was almost called Semoran, because of Seminole County and Orange County. It wasn’t near the county line and would be confused with Semoran Boulevard. Ultimately, they decided to rename it Winter Springs because there was the Winter Springs Development Company and they named it after that,” said Williams. “I’m not entirely sure why the Florida company was named Winter Springs Development Company.”
So the next time you’re bothered by a city name like Winter Beach just think, at least you’re not shoveling snow on the beach.