Fort Meade is a city in southern Polk County, Florida, set along the Peace River in Central Florida's agricultural interior. Its population is roughly 5,400. Fort Meade holds the distinction of being the oldest city in Polk County, with roots reaching back to a fort established during the Second Seminole War and named for George Meade, the officer who later commanded Union forces at Gettysburg. That deep history is reflected in the city's collection of historic buildings and its long-standing place in the county's settlement story.
The community sits in a landscape shaped by agriculture and, historically, phosphate mining, and the Peace River runs through the area, providing recreation that is central to local identity. The river is popular with kayakers and canoeists, and its shaded, winding course is a draw for outdoor enthusiasts across the region. Residents describe a suburban-rural mix, with most owning their homes and a pace of life that remains distinctly small-town.
Fort Meade's most notable modern landmark is Streamsong, a resort and golf destination built on reclaimed phosphate mining land near the city. Its links-style courses and hospitality operation draw visitors to southern Polk County and add a distinctive resort element to an otherwise quiet, rural community, supporting local jobs and raising the area's profile.
Public education is provided by Polk County Public Schools, including Fort Meade Middle-Senior High School in the city. For those seeking a small-town, historic community in Central Florida, Fort Meade offers a river-centered way of life, a deep sense of place, and convenient access to Bartow, Lakeland, and the broader Polk County region. Its appeal lies in history, outdoors, and affordability rather than growth.
