Lake Mary Jane, Florida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lake Mary, Florida
|
|
|---|---|
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Florida |
| County | Orange |
| Area | |
| • Total | 6.12 sq mi (15.85 km2) |
| • Land | 5.25 sq mi (13.60 km2) |
| • Water | 0.87 sq mi (2.25 km2) |
| Elevation | 70 ft (20 m) |
| Population
(2020)
|
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| • Total | 1,790 |
| • Density | 340.82/sq mi (131.59/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
32832
|
| Area code(s) | 407, 689 |
| FIPS code | 12-38430 |
Lake Mary is a special area in Orange County, Florida, United States. It's called a census-designated place, which means it's a community that the government counts for population. However, it doesn't have its own city government like a regular city. In 2010, about 1,575 people lived here. Lake Mary is part of the larger Orlando area.
Contents
About Lake Mary
What is a Census-Designated Place?
A census-designated place, or CDP, is a community that looks like a town or city but isn't officially incorporated. This means it doesn't have its own mayor or city council. The U.S. Census Bureau defines these areas just for counting people and gathering information. Lake Mary is one such place.
Where is Lake Mary Located?
Lake Mary Jane, as it's sometimes called, is in the southern part of Orange County. It's about 23 miles (37 km) southeast of downtown Orlando. The community sits right on the eastern shore of the lake it's named after. The area covers about 5.25 square miles (13.6 square kilometers) of land.
The Lake Itself
Lake Mary is a large body of water that gives the area its name. It's connected to other nearby lakes like Lake Hart, Lake Whippoorwill, and Lake Nona. These lakes are all part of the Lake Hart watershed, which means their waters flow into each other.
There are three important parks and nature spots around Lake Mary:
- Isle of Pine reserve is on the southeast side.
- Moss Park is on the western side.
- Split Oak Forest is on the southwest side.
Local Wildlife
The Lake Mary area is home to many interesting animals. Some of these animals are native to Florida. You might spot:
- The american alligator, a large reptile.
- The Florida softshell turtle, known for its flat, soft shell.
- Florida sand hill cranes, tall birds with long legs.
- Florida scrub jays, a type of bird found only in Florida.
A Look Back in Time
Changes to the Lake and Land
In 2013, a new type of snail, called the invasive apple snail, was found in the area. These snails are not native and can cause problems for the local environment. They have now spread throughout the Lake Hart watershed.
In September 2017, Hurricane Irma brought very strong winds to Florida. These winds caused big changes to Lake Mary. An island in the lake, known as Bird Island, was actually split in half by the storm! The northern part of the island broke off and floated away. Locals now call this new, smaller floating island "Yoshi Island." The hurricane also damaged homes and places like SORA Rowing.
In 2020, there was a plan to build new roads and houses near Lake Mary. This plan would affect a large part of Split Oak Forest. This forest is a protected area and home to special animals like the Gopher Tortoise and the Florida scrub jay.
Fun Things to Do
Activities on Lake Mary
Many private homes line the shores of Lake Mary. These homes often have docks that go out into the water, which is usually 3 to 12 feet deep. The lake is a popular spot for many fun activities:
- Fishing: Catching fish is a favorite pastime.
- Watersports: People enjoy wakeboarding and tubing behind boats.
- Jetskiing: Riding jetskis is a thrilling way to enjoy the water.
- Rowing and Kayaking: These activities are great for exercise and enjoying nature.
- Swimming: Taking a dip in the lake is a refreshing way to cool off.
Exploring Moss Park
Moss Park is a great place for outdoor adventures. It's popular for:
- Nature Hikes: Walking on trails and enjoying the natural surroundings.
- Picnics: Having a meal outdoors with family and friends.
- Swimming: There are designated areas for swimming.
- Watercraft Entry: It's a good place to launch boats or kayaks onto the lake.
SORA Rowing Team
The SORA Rowing team, which stands for South Orlando Rowing Association, is a well-known group for rowers. They have middle school, high school, and adult members. The team competes in many events at local, state, and national levels. Their facilities are located within Moss Park and include a boathouse, docks, and all the equipment rowers need.
See also
In Spanish: Lake Mary Jane para niños
