2020 Fall Newsletter

COUNTY SPOTLIGHT: LAKE COUNTY

Lake County is Real Florida. Real Close. Located in the geographical center of the State, Lake County is aptly named with over 1,200 named lakes cov- ering 202 square miles and is bordered on the East by the St. Johns and Wekiva Rivers. Lake County's terrain is mostly beautiful rolling hills averag- ing 184' above sea level. Lake also contains Sugarloaf Mountain – at 312 feet above sea level, it’s the highest point on the Florida Peninsula and a popular area for cyclists. Lake County is some of the oldest inhabited lands in Florida. Thousands of years ago the mild weather, excellent growing conditions, and abundance of fish and game, drew the Timucuan Indians to call this region their home. Evidence of their presence is throughout Lake County with more than 1,000 identified archeological sites. Interestingly, Dr. Edgar J. Banks , the archeol- ogist and professor that was the inspiration for the “Indiana Jones” movie character, retired to Lake County.

Hon. Carey Baker, CFA

Property Appraiser

The diversity of terrain, flora, fauna, and lakes, creates equally diverse outdoor recreational opportuni- ties. Ecotourism, Agritourism, Birdwatching, Hiking, Cycling, Off-road Biking, Equestrian, and Fish- ing venues are abundant. The Harris Chain of Lakes, covering 76,000 acres and connecting to the At- lantic Ocean through the Ocklawaha and St. John's Rivers, is host to some of the top bass tournaments in the country. The northern portion of the county contains over 85,000 acres of the Ocala National Forest. 15,459 acres of the Seminole State Forest borders the eastern portion of the county along the St. Johns River and the southwestern portion of the county is home to nearly 21,000 acres of the Green Swamp.

Dr. Edgar J. Banks exhibit in the Lake County

Sugarloaf Mountain near Clermont

Historical Museum

Equally as diverse are the cities and communities of Lake County. There are 14 municipalities: Astatu- la Clermont, Eustis, Fruitland Park, Groveland, Howey-in-the-Hills, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Mascotte, Minneola, Mount Dora, Tavares, and Umatilla.

Notable among our cities is:

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Fall 2020 Newsletter of the FCIAAO