Prior to settlement, the ridge was vegetated by South Florida Slash Pine trees, which were alternatively known as " Dade County Pine " " ( Pinus elliottii var . densa ) " . ( Remnants of these pines can be seen today in local parks and in Everglades National Park at the Long Pine Key picnic area . ) These pine rocklands Tomatoes, squash, and other truck crops were grown in the area during the winter months and packed at the Florida City State Farmers'Market near Krome Avenue and Palm Drive, driving the local economy throughout the 1900s.
