Greater Altoona Society, Inc.

06/11/2026

🐻 Did you know every first Saturday in June is National Black Bear Day?

The Florida black bear is our state's largest native land mammal, with seven distinct populations across Florida that help keep ecosystems healthy.

Learn how people and bears can safely coexist, and discover why habitat conservation is critical for the future of this iconic species in our latest blog.

📖 Read more: floridawildlifefederation.org/getting-to-know-the-florida-black-bear

📸 Florida black bear by Jean Blom

06/11/2026

Umatilla Date July 8th

Let's shape Lake County's future together! Lake County has received the working draft of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. This marks a major step in shaping our community's future over the next 10 to 25 years. The plan will help guide decisions on growth, transportation, housing, conservation, public safety, parks and recreation, infrastructure, and more for generations to come.

This draft plan is a working document and may continue to evolve as Lake County moves through the final review process and gathers additional public input.

Lake County residents are invited to help shape that future through a series of upcoming community workshops:

📍 Monday, June 22 | 6 - 8 p.m.
Venetian Gardens - Harris Room
1 Dozier Court, Leesburg

📍 Wednesday, July 8 | 6 - 8 p.m.

Umatilla High School - Auditorium
320 N. Trowell Ave., Umatilla

📍 Thursday, July 9 | 6 - 8 p.m.
Aurelia M. Cole Academy - Cafeteria
150 Pitt St., Clermont

Community input is an important part of this process, and residents are encouraged to attend, review the draft plan, and share feedback. Read the full press release and learn more: https://lakecountyfl.gov/news/5270

06/11/2026

Longtime Resident will be missed...Sending condolences to his family and friends.

Share Memories and Support the Family.

05/22/2026

04/22/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14hkB9cBsjv/

A burn ban is in effect for Lake County until further notice due to the extreme wildfire threat from increasingly dry conditions. The decision follows the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) reaching 500 or higher, activating the County’s wildfire prevention protocol. Residents are encouraged to call 911 if they see smoke or burning during the ban.

For more information, visit: https://lakecountyfl.gov/news/5248

04/14/2026

With Friends of the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

03/25/2026

SAVE THE DATE- March 28th!

03/24/2026

Honored to have The Lure of the Springs print placed at Silver Springs State Park thanks to Chair Jim Thorsen.
One of the springs you’ll find along the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway.🐻

03/04/2026

Saturday. MARCH 7TH

02/19/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14UDmAsmCuv/