Sumter County, Florida
Sumter County is a county located in the state of Florida, United States. As of the 2000 Census, the population was 53,345. The 2006 Census estimate puts its population at 68,768. Its county seat is Bushnell, Florida6 and the largest incorporated municipality is Wildwood, Florida. The Villages, an unincorporated neighborhood, is its most populous location. The county is also referred to as The Villages, Florida, Micropolitan Statistical Area. Sumter County was affected by the massive Florida tornado outbreak of February 2, 2007 and declared a state of emergency.

History
Sumter County was created in 1853. It was named for General Thomas Sumter, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The nickname was given to the county because the region was known for its lawless nature and for being a haven for many moonshiners, crooks, and outlaws.