In Polk County, Bok Tower
Gardens is one of the most
beautiful and peaceful places
you’ll find anywhere. Its massive
carillon tower was dedicated
during the presidency of Calvin
Coolidge. The gardens were
founded by publishing magnate
Edward Bok and his wife, Mary
Louise Bok, whose home is still on
the grounds and open for tours.
■Although it barely topped 2,000
residents in the early 1980s, the
Seminole County city of Oviedo
today has a population of more
than 37,000. Much of the business
activity has moved from the
“old” downtown to Oviedo on
the Park (facing page), a 50-acre
town center on the north side of
Mitchell Hammock Road. The site
encompasses homes, businesses,
a lake, an amphitheater and a
boardwalk as well as municipal
buildings.
52 HOMEBUYER // CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION