Lake County, established in 1887 by carving out sections from Sumter and Orange counties, derives its name from its wealth of lakes—250 named lakes and 1,735 other bodies of water. In the 1800s, cotton cultivation and cattle breeding were the region's economic mainstays. However, the late 19th century marked the emergence of citrus farming, thanks to Melton Haynes' introduction of citrus trees. The 1940s and 50s witnessed a boom in citrus production, becoming the county's leading industry. Unfortunately, the severe December 1989 U.S. cold wave devastated citrus groves, leading to land sales to developers and urban sprawl.

Beyond its agricultural history, Lake County offers diverse attractions, including hiking in nature preserves, birdwatching, paddling pristine Blueways, fishing in over 1,000 freshwater lakes, and exploring unique downtown districts. Located in central Florida between Orlando and Ocala, Lake County's 1,000 lakes and 202 square miles of water feature varied terrain with elevations averaging 184 feet above sea level. It serves as the gateway to the Ocala National Forest and is home to the Golden Triangle Area, comprising Mount Dora, Tavares, and Eustis.