Makinson Island facts for kids
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Oliver's Island
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 Makinson Island
Location in Florida
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| Etymology | Family name of the most recent owner |
| Geography | |
| Location | Lake Tohopekaliga |
| Coordinates | 28°14′55″N 81°24′25″W / 28.24861°N 81.40694°W |
| Administration | |
| State | Florida |
| County | Osceola |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 (2016) |
| Additional information | |
| Official website | Osceola County Parks - Makinson Island |
Makinson Island is a special island located in Lake Tohopekaliga in Osceola County, Florida. It is one of three islands found in this large lake. Makinson Island is a natural refuge, which means it is a protected area for wildlife and plants. People can visit the island to enjoy nature, explore trails, and even go camping.
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Makinson Island: A Natural Treasure
Makinson Island was saved from becoming a developed area. On December 31, 1998, the State of Florida bought the island. This was a team effort with several groups working together.
Who Helped Protect the Island?
Many organizations helped to protect Makinson Island. These included the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and The Trust for Public Land. Osceola County also played a big part.
The FWC officially took ownership of the island on October 6, 1999. Today, Osceola County helps manage the island. They make sure it stays a beautiful natural spot for everyone to enjoy.
What Can You Do on Makinson Island?
Makinson Island is a great place for outdoor adventures. It has many trails where you can hike and explore. You might see different kinds of plants and animals living there.
The island also offers primitive camping sites. This means you can camp in a more natural setting. There is also a pavilion, which is a covered area. It's perfect for picnics or gathering with friends and family.
The "Spirit of Osceola" Boat
Before the state bought Makinson Island, there were plans to build vacation homes there. When the island was purchased, it came with an old, broken-down boat. This boat could carry 34 passengers.
Two famous organizations helped fix up the boat. These were Walt Disney World Resort and Mercury Marine. After they restored it, the boat was given a new name: "Spirit of Osceola." This boat is now a symbol of the island's journey from development plans to a protected natural area.
