Bartow, Florida

Bartow is a city located in the U.S. State of Florida located in Central Florida east of the Tampa Bay area. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 15,340. It is the county seat of Polk County{{GR|6}}.

Notable natives, citizens, and associated people

• James Alward Van Fleet- 4 star General, head of U.S. and U.N. forces during Korean War.
• Spessard L. Holland- Former Florida governor and U.S. senator.
• Charlie Smith- Supercentenarian
• Desmond Clark - NFL player (Chicago Bears), born in Bartow: Apr 20, 1977
• Keydrick Vincent - NFL player (Baltimore Ravens), born in Bartow: Apr 13, 1978
• Marcus Floyd - NFL player (Carolina Panthers), born in Bartow: Oct 12, 1978
• Ray Lewis - NFL linebacker(Baltimore Ravens), born in Bartow: May 15, 1975
• Theron Smith - NBA player (Charlotte Bobcats), born in Bartow: Oct 3, 1980
• Tracy McGrady - NBA player (Houston Rockets), born in Bartow: May 24, 1979
• Jacob Summerlin- King of the Crackers, first child born in Florida after ceded from Spain, founder of Bartow and Orlando, Florida.
• Evander McIvor Law- Confederate General during American Civil War.
• Stephen H. Grimes- Former Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice.
• Adam Putnam- Current U.S. Congressman, Florida 12th District.
• Katherine Harris- Current U.S. Congressman, Florida 13th District; Florida's Secretary of State during the controversial Florida Recount of 2000