Lake Mary Jane, Florida

Lake Mary is a census-designated place and unincorporated area in Orange County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,575 at the 2010 census.[2] It is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Lake Mary, Florida
Census-designated place
Coordinates: 28°22′8″N 81°9′36″W
Country United States
State Florida
County Orange
Area
 • Total5.3 sq mi (13.6 km2)
 • Land5.3 sq mi (13.6 km2)
 • Water0 sq mi (0 km2)
Elevation
70 ft (20 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total1,575
 • Density300/sq mi (120/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
Area code(s)407, 689
FIPS code12-38430[1]

Census

Lake Mary is located in southern Orange County, 23 miles (37 km) southeast of downtown Orlando. The community is located on the east shore of the lake of the same name. The CDP was newly defined for the 2010 census.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.3 square miles (13.6 km2), all land.[3]

Lake

Lake Mary is the namesake of the census-dedicated area. It is large body of water that is part of the Lake Hart watershed, which includes nearby Lake Hart, Lake Whippoorwill, and Lake Nona. There are 3 notable parks and nature reserves bordering the lake. Isle of Pine reserve on the south-eastern portion, Moss Park on the western portion, and Split Oak Forest on the south-western. These lakes are interconnected through a series of canals.

Two islands (known as floating islands) exist within the northwest portion of the lake near Moss Park. The northern smaller island, Yoshi Island, and the southern larger island, Bird Island. They are composed of various floating aquatic plants, mud, and peat.

Some notable local wildlife endemic to the area includes but is not limited to animals such as the american alligator, Florida softshell turtle, Florida sand hill cranes, and Florida scrub jays.

History

In 2010 a 35-year-old man is bitten by an alligator.[4]

As early as 2013, reports of the invasive apple snail occurred. The species is now established itself within the greater Lake Hart watershed.[5]

In September, 2017, Hurricane Irma's category 5 winds swept over Florida causing major disruption to Lake Mary. As a result, the island in the northwestern portion of lake known colloquially as Bird Island had the northernmost portion split by winds. The split portion moved northwards and is now a small separate floating island, known by locals as Yoshi Island. In addition, nearby houses, and recreation institutions such as SORA Rowing (South Orlando Rowing Association) suffered heavy damage to their facilities.[6]

In 2017, a 10-year old girl was bitten in the leg by an alligator.

In 2020, the developer Tavistock and the local governing bodies of Orange County and Osceola county, approved to destroy a significant portion of the nearby protected forest land, Split Oak Forest, for new roads and housing communities. This protected forest land is home to threatened and endemic species such as the Gopher Tortoise and Florida scrub jay.[7]

Recreation

Lake Mary is lined with private homes alongside its banks often with docks leading out into 3–12 ft water. Popular activities in the Florida lake include fishing, watersports like wakeboarding or tubing, jetskiing, rowing, kayaking, and swimming.

Moss Park is a popular area for nature hikes, picnics, swimming, or as an entry point for watercraft.

The SORA Rowing team (South Orlando Rowing Association) is an established rowing organization of middle school, high school, and adult rowers who compete in a variety of local, state, and national events. Their facilities located within Moss Park include a boathouse, docks, and equipment for the rowers.

References
  1. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  2. "Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (DP-1): Lake Mary CDP, Florida". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 24, 2012.
  3. "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Lake Mary CDP, Florida". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 24, 2012.
  4. Sentinel, Sara K. Clarke and Sarah Lundy, Orlando. "8-foot gator bites triathlete swimming in Lake Mary". OrlandoSentinel.com. Retrieved 2020-04-26.
  5. "Florida's Apple Snails". Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission. Retrieved 2020-04-26.
  6. "SORA Rowing Impacted by Irma • Nonahood News". Nonahood News. 2017-10-11. Retrieved 2020-04-26.
  7. Moyer, Crystal (2020-02-11). "Plan to extend Osceola Parkway toll road through Split Oak Forest moves forward". WKMG. Retrieved 2020-04-26.
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