Comer Lakes is located just 12 miles from Smith bay, but the cities are very different. Historically, Comer Lakes has been home to small farming families. It was a rural community for people who didn't want to experience the "big city life" of nearby Smith Bay. Comer Lakes is still one of the state's top producers of dairy products, beef, and citrus crops. Because orange crops are so significant, the city uses numerous pesticides to prevent insects from destroying the crops. Environmentalists from the city and other cities from around the state are concerned about the effects the pesticides are having on the oranges and water once the chemicals get into the ground. In recent years, Comer Lakes has experienced growth because it was cheaper for Smith Bay's residents to live in Comer Lakes and commute to work.

Comer Lakes is named for Bruce Comer, a retired Marine of almost 24 years of active service, who currently serves as the Department Adjutant of The American Legion, Department of Florida. His responsibilities include maintaining the day-to-day organizational operations with oversight of our nearly 300 American Legion Posts throughout the state of Florida.