Clewiston, FL

Clewiston is a city located in Hendry County, Florida. It was incorporated in 1925 but has a history that predates its official establishment.

The area where Clewiston is situated was originally inhabited by the Calusa Indians. The Calusa were a native tribe that thrived in Southwest Florida for thousands of years. However, European colonization and conflicts with other tribes eventually led to the decline of the Calusa population.

In the late 1800s, Hamilton Disston, a Philadelphia businessman, purchased four million acres of land in Florida, including the area where Clewiston is now located. His plan was to drain the Everglades and convert the swampy land into viable agricultural and residential areas.

In 1920, the Southern Sugar Company, later renamed United States Sugar Corporation, was established in Clewiston. With vast sugarcane plantations, it became the dominant industry, attracting workers and facilitating the growth of the surrounding area. The company built a sugar mill and related infrastructure, which provides employment to a significant part of the local population to this day.

Clewiston owes much of its development to the completion of the Herbert Hoover Dike, a massive earthen embankment built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1930s. The dike was constructed as a flood control measure for the nearby Lake Okeechobee, the second-largest freshwater lake in the contiguous United States. This dike also provides protection against hurricanes and maintains water levels in the lake.

The name "Clewiston" is a combination of "Cleveland" and "Hamilton," referring to Cleveland, Ohio, where many of the original landowners and investors were from, and Hamilton Disston.

Throughout its history, Clewiston has faced several challenges, including hurricanes and floods. Notably, the city was severely impacted by the Great Miami Hurricane in 1926 and the devastating Hurricane Cleo in 1964. However, Clewiston and its resilient community have consistently rebuilt and recovered from these natural disasters.

Today, Clewiston remains closely tied to the sugar industry. It is known as "America's Sweetest Town" due to the significant role sugar production plays in the local economy. Additionally, the city offers recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and eco-tourism due to its proximity to Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades.

Clewiston's diverse history and connection to nature make it a unique and historically rich city in Florida's agricultural heartland.

Sugarland Tours

Take a guided tour of a sugar cane plantation and learn about the history and process of sugar production.

Lake Okeechobee

Clewiston is located near the southern shores of Lake Okeechobee, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and scenic views.

Clewiston Museum

Visit the local museum to learn about the history and heritage of Clewiston and its surrounding areas.

Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation

Explore the reservation and learn about the culture, history, and traditions of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Clewiston Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf at the local course, which offers challenging holes and scenic views.

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum

Located on the Big Cypress Reservation, this museum showcases exhibits on Seminole history, art, and culture.

Roland and Mary Ann Martin's Marina

Go fishing or enjoy various water sports at this marina located near Lake Okeechobee.

Montura Ranch Estates

Visit this unique neighborhood that offers a taste of rural Florida life with horseback riding, wildlife spotting, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Sugarland Park

Enjoy a picnic or take a pleasant stroll through this scenic park featuring walking trails and a lake.

Airboat Adventures

Take an airboat ride through the surrounding swamps and marshes to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the area.

Clewiston, Florida is located in Hendry County in the southern part of the state. The city experiences a subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters.

Summers in Clewiston are long, starting in May and lasting until September. Average high temperatures during this time range from the mid-80s°F (around 30°C) to the low 90s°F (around 32-34°C). In the peak summer months of July and August, temperatures can occasionally exceed 100°F (38°C). Humidity during summer is high, often above 80%, making it feel even hotter.

Winters in Clewiston are mild and relatively short, lasting from December to February. During this time, average high temperatures range from the mid-70s°F (around 24°C) to the low 80s°F (around 27°C), with cooler evenings and nights. Frost is rare, but temperatures occasionally drop to the 40s°F (around 4-9°C) on colder days.

Clewiston receives a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months being from June to September. Thunderstorms are common during the summer months, with the city experiencing heavy rainfall and occasional lightning. Hurricane season in Clewiston typically runs from June to November, with the highest risk of tropical storms or hurricanes occurring between August and October.

Overall, Clewiston's climate is characterized by hot and humid summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall throughout the year, which is typical of the broader subtropical climate of Florida.

Clewiston is a small city located in Hendry County, Florida. While Clewiston itself is not divided into official neighborhoods, it does have distinct areas and communities that offer unique characteristics. Here are some notable areas in and around Clewiston:

Downtown Clewiston

This is the heart of the city, featuring the historic downtown district. Here, you can find local businesses, shops, restaurants, and community services. Downtown Clewiston also hosts various events and festivals, making it a vibrant part of the city.

Harlem

Located just east of downtown Clewiston, Harlem is a historically significant African-American community. It has a rich heritage, and residents take pride in preserving their culture and contributing to the local community.

Country Acres

Situated to the north of Clewiston, Country Acres is primarily a rural area with scattered residential developments. This neighborhood offers a quieter lifestyle and is suitable for those who enjoy a more spacious living environment.

Pioneer Plantation

Located southwest of Clewiston, Pioneer Plantation is a neighborhood known for its larger properties and wide-open spaces. It primarily consists of rural residential lots and is popular among people looking for a more secluded and private living experience.

Lake Okeechobee

Clewiston is situated on the southern shore of Lake Okeechobee, the largest freshwater lake in Florida. The lake itself does not have distinct neighborhoods, but its proximity offers various recreational opportunities, such as boating, fishing, and hiking, for residents and visitors alike.

These are just a few notable areas in and around Clewiston, each with its own unique charm and characteristics. Whether you prefer a bustling downtown scene, a historic community, or a more rural lifestyle, Clewiston offers a range of options to suit different preferences.