2018 Map of Sweetwater

About this map

Sweetwater serves as the focal point of this agricultural and wetland landscape in Hardee County, situated amidst a network of natural drainages. The area is defined by its numerous gullies and branches, including Fivemile Gully and the winding course of Charlie Cr. Local hydrology is further represented by Lake Florence and the headwaters of Sweetwater Branch. The settlement pattern is characterized by long rural routes and family-named roads that suggest a history of ranching and citrus farming. Names like Davis Ranch Rd and Oak Hill Ranches Rd reflect the land use common to this part of the Florida interior. The presence of Ten Mile Grade in the southeastern quadrant points to the historical importance of elevated roadbeds for traversing the low-lying, often marshy terrain characteristic of the region.