Unlike many of Florida’s newer communities which have sprung up almost overnight as a result of fast-paced growth, Lakeland is a centennial city, offering a sense of place and heritage to counterbalance pressures from growth and sprawl. Located between two major urban areas – Tampa Bay and Orlando – Lakeland enjoys the quality of life characteristics of smaller cities, while affording easy access and the amenities of larger metropolitan areas. Lakeland's current permanent population estimate as of December 2002 is 87,160 residents. Lakeland is a unique blend of business, culture and recreation. Lakeland possesses some of Florida’s most picturesque scenery, with swan-filled lakes, towering oaks and historic architecture, including the world’s largest one-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings at Florida Southern College. Citrus and phosphate mining are the foundations of Lakeland’s economy with construction, light manufacturing and distribution taking on added importance in recent years. During the early 1980’s, the economy declined when climatic changes caused a sharp downturn in citrus production. Phosphate fell on hard times and one of the city’s major employers, Piper Aircraft, closed its doors. During this era, Lakeland had one of the highest unemployment rates (19%) in the United States and also saw its downtown and entire neighborhoods deteriorate. In response to these alarming developments, the Chamber of Commerce and City Commission identified economic development as the top priority and the key to meeting basic family needs. Thanks to an aggressive economic development program, new industries were recruited to Lakeland, and existing companies expanded. Lakeland is now experiencing a revitalized downtown, a resurgence of neighborhoods and the unemployment rate decreased to an all time low in 2000 to 4.7%. City-funded public improvements in the downtown core have triggered over $255 million in private investment to Lakeland’s downtown area in the last 10 years. This includes a public/private partnership that created the beautiful Hollis Garden. This garden was developed due to a $2 million gift to the citizens of Lakeland by the Hollis family. The City of Lakeland and the Hollis Family worked together to create a crown jewel in the City’s park system.