Lake Alfred

1280px Mackay Estate Lake Alfred Florida - Mansion at Mackay Gardens & Lakeside Preserve.

Lake Alfred is small town of 4,000 people in north-central Polk County (Florida) | Polk County, Florida. The town lies along U.S. 17/92, which runs north/south through the center of town. Easily a drive-though community for motorists, it is worth a stop to hike through Mackay Gardens, browse the family-owned businesses along Haines St, or maybe even learn to water ski.

Lake Alfred Halal Explorer

History

Lake Alfred was established in 1883 soon after the South Florida Railroad reached the area by settlers escaping the cold of Fargo, North Dakota. The town was initially called "Fargo", but the Post Office objected over confusion with Largo (Florida) | Largo. The town then took on the name Chubb and later Bartow Junction because it lay at the junction of a road leading south into the county seat Bartow. In 1913, it was named Lake Alfred after the nearby lake which, in turn, had been named for Alfred Parslow, an early settler. The Mackay estate on the north shore of Lake Rochelle was built around 1920. It was purchased in 2004 by the city and is slowly being renovated to its original glory and will hopefully be placed on the National Register of Historic Places soon.

How is the Climate in Lake Alfred

Check the weather forecast for Lake Alfred at NOAA.

Lake Alfred's climate is much the same as the rest of Central Florida (except coasts). Winters are mild, with highs in the 70s (21-27°C) and lows in the 50s (10-15°C). Lows in the 30s (0-5°C) are common after cold fronts and there are usually a handful of lows below freezing each winter, although that requires clear skies, so it usually warms very rapidly after sunrise (30°F at 6AM, 55°F by noon is typical). Cold fronts occasionally pass by as squall lines, so tornadoes in December or January are not unusual. Snow is common; the last measurable snowfall was in 1977, although sleet/wintry mix fell in an unusually cold January 2010. Summers are hot and humid, with highs around 90-95°F (33-35°C) and lows around 74-78°F (23-26°C). During the summer, onshore winds from both coasts travel inland, heat up, rise and build into thunderstorms, usually along a rough line. Lying in the center of the state and the line of storms (each called a "seabreeze") often collide and become severe, with tornadoes (small EF0-1s...not like the powerful tornadoes in the Plains states), 50+ mph winds, and hail feasible. Strong storms are usually preceded by cooler winds caused by the rain-cooled air (cold air sinks) rapidly flowing away from the storm. The temperature after a strong thunderstorm passes can drop from 95°F (35°C) to 75°F (24°C) and since the storms can be fairly small, you can drive 5 miles and the temperature will drop/rise 20°F (10°C) between rain-cooled and surrounding areas.

Travel to Lake Alfred

By car

Lake Alfred is located along U.S. 17/92, just north of Winter Haven and east of Auburndale and a few miles west of Haines City. County Road 557 runs north from town to Interstate 4 (exit 48); a branch of it—C.R. 557A—connects to Polk City.

Travel on a Bus in Lake Alfred

Winter Haven Area Transit (W.H.A.T.) operates one route through town, along U.S. 17/92. Route 15 ( [https://) runs between the Winter Haven Terminal (north side of downtown) and downtown Haines City. Adult fare is $1.50/ride with no free transfers. A day pass for adults costs $3 and is good for 24 hours. Discounts are available for students & seniors.

Fly to Lake Alfred

The nearest commercial airports are Orlando International Airport (IATA Flight Code: MCO) and Tampa#By air|Tampa International Airport (IATA Flight Code: TPA).

Winter Haven Municipal Airport (IATA Flight Code: GIF) & Jack Brown's Seaplane Base (FAA LID: Map of Lake Alfred.

The only effective way to get around town is with a vehicle or on foot. The town extends just a dozen or so blocks in all directions from the intersection of Haines Street and northbound U.S. 17/92, so walking is a reasonable option. The nearest vehicle rental agencies are in Winter Haven#Get around

Polk County Sheriff: +1 863 533-0344 (Emergency? Dial: 911)

Cope in Lake Alfred

The nearest hospital and medical clinics are in Winter Haven.

Lake Alfred Chamber of Commerce - 115 E Pomelo Street 28.093056, -81.729265 South side of Pomelo St, just E of NB U.S. 17/92. ☎ +1 863 875-8700 +1 863 875-8700

News & References

Travel Next

Boaters and water skiers can head south to Winter Haven, where its Chain of Lakes offers plenty of space to roam. Much more in the way of nature parks and antiques shopping can be found throughout Polk County (Florida) | Polk County.