Astatula's location between the eastern shore of Little Lake Harris
and the north-western side of massive Lake Apopka gives much credence
to its Indian name, "Lake of sparkling moonbeams."
The city was founded in 1872 by T.A. Hux, who began raising cattle,
cotton, sugar cane, and of course, oranges.
A popular retreat for locals and visitors alike is Hide-A-Way
harbor, offering boating and camping enthusiasts a chance to catch a
variety of fish, from speckled perch and stripers to bass, blue bream
and catfish. The marina features covered docks, campgrounds and a clubhouse.
Perhaps no other area is poised for as explosive growth as
is south Lake County, with Clermont as the focal point. Once a thriving,
citrus-producing center, groves have been replaced by homes, as the
tremendous growth of ocoee and Windermere has spilled over to the land
of pristine lakes and rolling hills. This explosion does not, however,
signal the decline in Clermont's quality of life. The South Lake Economic
Development Council is committed to maintaining a relaxed, rural, environment,
while promoting economic growth. Clermont's location between Lakes Minneola
and Minnehaha, make an ideal oasis for fishermen and boaters alike.
Area attractions include the Citrus Tower, the county's tallest structure
at 226 feet.
These two sister cities, nestled among orange groves and rolling hills,
are located 15 miles west of Clermont on Highway 50. The construction
boom emerging east of Clermont has failed to make a dent in this rural,
agriculture-based countryside. Citrus is still king in southwest Lake
County, which did not sugger near the losses of its northern neighbors
during the freezes of the 1980's. In fact, Groveland's largest employer
is Florida Select Citrus.
The centerpiece of Groveland is Lake David, serving as a picturesque
backdrop the the town's three main gathering spots, City Hall, the
City Auditorium and community center.
Similarly, Mascotte's downtown section is dotted with small lakes,
most notably Sunset Lake and Dukes Lake, off Highway 50 across from
city hall.
Located along the southwestern shore of Little Lake Harris, this
pristine community is best known for its world-class golf and tennis
resort, Mission Inn. Once a sprawling, luxury hotel built by William
Howey in 1924, it was restored in the 1960s and has since become
one of the most prestigious golf and tennis resorts in the state.
In fact, the tennis facilities at the Inn have spawned several professionals.
The Inn, which employs a staff of nearly 230, also has its own yacht
club, Marina del Rey, which offers guided cruises on the Harris
Chain of Lakes. Howey-In-The-Hills was founded in 1916 by William
Howey, an entrepreneur who had his sights set on establishing a
major agricultural center, using the Harris Chain of Lakes to transport
citrus by barge. The fruits of his labor was the building of the
stately Floridian Country Club, later to be expanded to become the
Mission Inn. Citrus is still an important player here with the presence
of Silver Springs Citrus, one of Lake County's largest private employers.
Centrally located on the shores of Lake Eustis in
the heart of Lake County's "Golden Triangle", (Mt. Dora,
Umatilla, Tavares), Eustis has a history dating back 150 years to
the establishment of Fort Mason, commanded by General Abraham Eustis.
The town grew rapidly after the Civil War, especially with the arrival
of the Atlantic Coastline Railroad.
Today, Eustis strives to retain the atmoshpere of
a quaint village, while encouraging growth by diversifying its economic
base. The city fathers have been successful on both counts. Once solely
reliant on citru production, Eustis is home to Lake County's third
largest employer, Florida Hospital/Waterman, as well as such firms
as RCD Corporation and Florida Foods.
Residents of Montverde are blessed with a view to the north of one
of the few mountains (at least by name) in the state. Sugarloaf Mountain
sits approximately five miles north of the town, overlooking Lake
Apopka and much of South Lake County. At 310 feet above sea level,
this range is the second highest point in Florida, and has become
one of the hottest properties in Central Florida. Plans are in the
works to build over 2,400 single-family homes along with a golf course
and 120,000 square feet of commercial space.
The growth of its neighbor to the north, Lady Lake, and the many new
communities such as harbor hills and the Villages of Lady Lake, have
begun to impact the population and lifestyle of this once sleepy community.
Situated between Leesburg and Lady Lake, west of Lake Griffin, Fruitland
Park has much room for growth, especially to the north-east. The well-manicured
shoreline is a favorite gathering spot for Fruitland Park residents.
Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy casting their line at Morgan's Fish Camp.
This bedroom community of nearby
Clermont will no doubt continue to grow with the continuing expansion
of south Lake County. Founded in 1884 by Minnesota native George Hull,
this picturesque town idyllically sits on its namesake lake, off Highway
27 and the Florida Turnpike. Communities such as Palisades Country Club
and Greater Hills have begun to flourish in this once-thriving mecca
of citrus and sugar cane. Palisades, featuring an 18-hole championship
golf course, has complete recreational facilities for boating, fishing
and swimming on the shores of beautiful Lake Minneola. Minneola is known
for its wonderful fishing and boating. Residents often see bicyclists
freewheeling or competing on county roads coming from Sugarloaf Mountain,
a popular and scenic retreat from the hustle and bustle of Orlando.
