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How Coral Springs Got Its Name

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Coral Springs, a planned city in Broward County, Florida, has a name that may lead some to believe it has a connection to the ocean. However, its origins are tied more to its development history than to any actual coral formations or coastal features. Understanding how Coral Springs got its name requires looking at the city’s founding, the vision of its developers, and the marketing strategies used to shape its identity.

A City Built from Farmland

Before Coral Springs became a city, the land was primarily used for farming. In the 1950s and early 1960s, the area was covered in fields of beans, peppers, and tomatoes.  It was owned by the Lyons family, who had purchased thousands of acres for agricultural use.  As South Florida’s population expanded, developers saw an opportunity to transform the farmland into a master-planned community.

A Name That Almost Didn’t Happen

The company responsible for developing the city was Coral Ridge Properties, a subsidiary of the Westinghouse Electric Corporation.  Coral Ridge Properties had already been successful in developing parts of Fort Lauderdale and saw potential in this undeveloped region.  When it came time to name the new community, the company wanted to incorporate its own brand identity.

Originally, developers considered calling the area “Coral Ridge” to maintain consistency with their other projects.  However, that name was already being used by an existing neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale.  To avoid confusion, they instead chose “Coral Springs” — a name that sounded natural and inviting, even though there were no actual springs in the area.

Marketing the Vision of a Master-Planned Community

The name “Coral Springs” played a key role in marketing the city to potential homebuyers.  In the 1960s, South Florida was rapidly growing, and developers wanted to attract families looking for a well-organized, suburban lifestyle.  The word “Coral” maintained a connection to the company’s existing brand, while “Springs” evoked a sense of fresh opportunities and quality living.

Careful planning helped shape the city into what it is today.  Early building codes ensured a clean and structured layout, with an emphasis on green spaces, parks, and residential neighborhoods.  The name Coral Springs became synonymous with a well-designed community that prioritized growth while maintaining high standards for development.

A Name That Stands the Test of Time

Despite its name not being directly tied to any natural coral reefs or springs, Coral Springs has grown into a well-known city in South Florida.  Its origins as farmland, the role of Coral Ridge Properties, and the marketing strategies used in its early days all contributed to its lasting identity.  Today, the name represents a community that was carefully planned and continues to thrive decades after its founding.

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