Lake Seminole (Pinellas County, Florida) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Seminole |
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 Lake Seminole
Location in Florida
Lake Seminole
Location in the United States
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| Location | Pinellas County, Florida |
| Coordinates | 27°50′N 82°47′W / 27.84°N 82.78°W |
| Type | dammed sea inlet |
| Catchment area | 5.468 sq mi (14.16 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 3.26 mi (5.25 km) |
| Max. width | 0.5 mi (0.80 km) |
| Surface area | 702 acres (2.84 km2) |
| Surface elevation | 3 ft (0.91 m) |
| Settlements | Largo, Florida |
Lake Seminole is a large freshwater lake located in Pinellas County, Florida. It is found in the city of Seminole. This city is about 20 miles (32 km) west of Tampa. Lake Seminole is the second biggest lake in Pinellas County. It covers an area of about 700 acres (2.8 km²). The only lake larger than it in the county is Lake Tarpon.
How Lake Seminole Was Made
Lake Seminole wasn't always a freshwater lake. It used to be connected to the ocean. This type of area is called a tidal estuary, where salt water and fresh water mix.
In the 1940s, people built a dam to close off the upper part of Long Bayou. This changed the area. It turned the salty estuary into the freshwater lake we see today.
Protecting the Lake's Water
The land area that drains water into Lake Seminole is called its watershed. This watershed is quite small for a lake of its size. It covers only about 5.5 square miles (14 km²) of the county. This area includes parts of the developed cities of Seminole and Largo.
Historically, the watershed was much larger. However, in the early 1970s, it was changed. Water runoff was redirected into Long Bayou to help prevent floods.
Because of the small watershed and the urban areas around it, water flowing into the lake can carry nutrients and pollution. This has made water quality a concern. To protect the lake, Pinellas County created the Lake Seminole Watershed Management Plan. This plan helps keep the water clean and protects the animals and plants living there.
Fun at Lake Seminole Park
On the east side of Lake Seminole, you'll find Lake Seminole Park. This is a large county park, covering 250 acres (101 hectares). It offers public access to the lake all year round.
Many fun activities happen on the lake. These include boating, jet skiing, and water-skiing. Fishing is also very popular here.
The park is also a great place for families and nature lovers. It has a two-mile (3.2 km) multi-use trail. This trail goes through beautiful pine flat woods. The park also has a softball field and volleyball courts for sports.
