You’ve probably never heard of “Orlampa,” Florida, because it doesn’t exactly exist…yet. And if it sounds like a Dr. Suess character, no, not even close. But Orlampa is coming, and its downtown will be in the once-sleepy orange groves of Polk County.
In the latest US Census, Polk County Florida was identified as the fastest-growing county in the nation, and that growth has shown no signs of slowing anytime soon. Polk is also situated between two major metropolitan areas that are growing like weeds, Tampa and Orlando. Eventually, the two will merge into one huge city, one that may even stretch from coast to coast in the Sunshine State.
“Orlampa,” is a term coined to represent the blending of metropolitan Orlando and Tampa, two major cities in the central part of the Sunshine State.. This imaginative concept not only symbolizes the geographical midpoint but also reflects the evolving dynamics of Central Florida, where rapid urban development is gradually knitting together distinct urban areas into a cohesive mega-region.
The Genesis of Orlampa and Fantasy of Flight
The term “Orlampa” is a portmanteau of “Orlando” and “Tampa,” first introduced by Kermit Weeks, an aviation enthusiast and founder of the Fantasy of Flight museum in Polk City. Weeks envisioned Orlampa as more than just a catchy moniker; he saw it as a potential hub for aviation and tourism, capitalizing on its strategic location along the Interstate 4 (I-4) corridor. His vision included developing attractions and facilities that would draw visitors traveling between Orlando and Tampa, effectively creating a new destination in its own right.
At the core of the Orlampa concept is the Fantasy of Flight museum, which opened its doors in 1995. This aviation museum showcases an extensive collection of vintage aircraft, offering visitors a glimpse into the history of flight. The museum’s location was strategically chosen to serve as a midpoint attraction for tourists journeying between Orlando’s theme parks and Tampa’s Gulf Coast beaches. Despite facing challenges over the years, including temporary closures, Fantasy of Flight remains a testament to Weeks’ enduring vision for Orlampa.
The I-4: “The Highway To Hell” That Links Two Cities
Beginning in Tampa, Interstate 4 intersects with Interstate 275 before heading northeast through Hillsborough County. It passes through or near several communities, including Plant City and Lakeland in Polk County, before reaching the Orlando metropolitan area in Orange County. The road continues on to Daytona Beach, and each section between Tampa and I-4’s end near the Daytona International Speedway is crowded and busy, with many locals referring to it as “The Highway To Hell.”
It has been identified as the deadliest highway in America, with factors such as high traffic volumes contributing to its risk profile. In a study conducted for the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic safety researchers at Assurance found that Interstate 4 in Florida is the most dangerous highway in the entire United States. It has 34 fatal car accidents every 100 miles. Efforts are ongoing to enhance safety measures and reduce accident rates along I-4, mostly by adding new lanes, but the construction only adds to the woes of drivers who use it for their daily commute.
In particular, the stretch of I-4 connecting Orlando and Tampa has experienced significant growth over the past decades. Once characterized by vast expanses of citrus groves and rural landscapes, this corridor is now dotted with burgeoning communities and commercial developments. Towns like Polk City and Haines City in Polk County have transformed from quiet locales into thriving suburbs, attracting residents seeking affordable housing within commuting distance of both major cities, albeit on Orlampa’s “Main Street”: I-4.
Emergence of a Mega-region
Urban planners and economists have observed that the continuous development along the I-4 corridor is leading to a mega-region—an extensive network of metropolitan areas increasingly interconnected economically and socially. This phenomenon is not unique to Florida; similar patterns have been observed in other parts of the United States, such as the Northeast Corridor linking Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C.
Others, like the growth of Raleigh, Durham, Cary and Chapel Hill, North Carolina into a singular region known as “The Triangle” have also begun expanding towards their nearest large town neighbors, and what were once exurbs are now suburbs in the region. While not known to many people outside of the south, The Triangle boasts about 2.5 million residents, and is among the fastest-growing areas in the nation.
Photo: Charles Boyer / FMN
In Central Florida, the merging of Orlando and Tampa’s spheres of influence is creating Orlampa, with the center being the fastest growing county in the country, Polk County, which joking refers to itself as “Downtown Orlampa.” Civic leaders are well aware of this growth throughout the region, and it is fostering collaborations in various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and tourism.
Orlampa, once a visionary concept, is steadily becoming a reality as Orlando and Tampa continue to grow towards each other. This evolving megaregion exemplifies the dynamic nature of urban development in the 21st century, where strategic planning and innovative thinking are crucial to harnessing the potential of interconnected cities. As Central Florida navigates this transformation, the legacy of Orlampa serves as both a symbol and a catalyst for the region’s future. “Build it and they will come,” a line from an old film, has been brought to life and Orlampa with it.
Economic and Cultural Implications
The blending of Orlando and Tampa into a cohesive mega-region has significant economic implications. The combined population offers a larger labor pool and consumer market, attracting businesses and investors. The region’s gross domestic product (GDP) has grown substantially, with sectors like finance, insurance, real estate, healthcare, and social assistance leading the charge. This economic dynamism is positioning Central Florida as a formidable player on the national stage.
Culturally, the concept of Orlampa has sparked interest and curiosity. While not an officially recognized city, the idea has been embraced in various forms, from merchandise at the Fantasy of Flight gift shop to tongue-in-cheek signage along I-4. This blending of identities reflects a broader trend of regional integration, where traditional city boundaries become less distinct in the face of expanding suburban and exurban development.
