BEALSVILLE FL Health Insurance Agency

Bealsville is a historic unincorporated community located in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States.

Area code: 813

Elevation: 115 ft (35 m)

Zip Codes: 33567

Population (2026): 1,250 (Projected neighborhood estimate)

GPS: Latitude: 27.9156 Longitude: -82.1159

An Overview of Bealsville, Florida

Bealsville is one of Florida’s oldest and most significant Black communities, located approximately seven miles south of Plant City. Founded in 1865 by twelve emancipated slaves, the settlement was originally known as Howell’s Creek before being renamed in 1923 to honor Alfred Beal, a pivotal community leader. Unlike many post-Civil War settlements, Bealsville has successfully maintained its heritage through the Southern Homestead Act of 1866, with many residents today being direct descendants of the original founding families. Characterized by its rolling citrus groves, historic landmarks, and rural charm, Bealsville functions as a living testament to African American resilience and self-sufficiency. Its central location in East Hillsborough offers a tranquil, pastoral lifestyle while remaining within a short drive of the industrial and commercial hubs of Lakeland and Tampa.

Key Statistics and Economic Overview

Bealsville’s demographics reflect a deeply rooted, middle-income community with a unique cultural emphasis on land preservation and agricultural heritage.

• Population & Demographics: As a small rural enclave, Bealsville maintains an intimate population of approximately 1,200 residents. The community is noted for its high rate of multi-generational homeownership. Demographic data indicate a stable population with a strong sense of local identity, in which neighbors often share ancestral ties to the twelve “pioneer” families.
• Economic Profile: The local economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, particularly citrus and strawberry farming. According to recent data, Bealsville has a higher proportion of residents employed in farming and forestry than 98% of American neighborhoods. However, the modern workforce has diversified, with many residents holding professional and management roles in nearby Plant City. Notably, the community is recognized for having one of the lowest rates of childhood poverty in the region.
• Housing and Lifestyle: Bealsville is defined by a high homeownership rate, with most residential real estate consisting of medium to large-sized single-family homes and historic farmsteads. The lifestyle is centered on the “Three Pillars” of the community: church, school, and farm. Residents enjoy a quiet, rural atmosphere where large plots of land are often passed down through families to prevent foreclosure and ensure the community remains in local hands.

Top Places for Visitors to Explore in Bealsville

Bealsville’s cultural sites offer a profound look at Florida’s post-Emancipation history and the natural beauty of the Alafia River basin.

• Historic Glover School: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 1933 “Strawberry School” served the community’s children for decades. Today, it stands as a community center and a symbol of the residents’ historic sacrifices for education.
• Bealsville Park & Recreation Center: This county-managed park is the community’s social hub. It features a historical marker dedicated to the town’s founders and offers modern amenities, including basketball courts, baseball fields, and a recreation center with programs for all ages.
• Antioch Baptist Church: Founded in 1868, this is the oldest of the community’s five churches. It served as the site of the town’s first school and remains a spiritual and cultural anchor for the descendants of the original settlers.
• The Bealsville Historical Marker: Located at the intersection of Nesmith and Joe King Roads, this marker provides visitors with a detailed narrative of the twelve founding families who cleared the land to build their own “dream city” after the Civil War.
• Plant City Strawberry Festival Grounds: Located just a short drive north, this venue hosts one of the largest agricultural festivals in the country, celebrating the berry industry that many Bealsville families helped build.
• Edward Medard Conservation Park: Situated near Bealsville, this 1,200-acre park offers a unique landscape of reclaimed phosphate mines. It features a 40-foot observation tower, extensive trails, and a large reservoir for fishing and kayaking.