Lake County is located almost directly in the center of the State of Florida, just north and west of Orlando.  Lake County is large at 953 square miles. It contains over 1,000 lakes and 202 square miles of water. Lake County's terrain is unlike the rest of Florida which is mostly flat.  Averaging 184' above sea level, it contains some of the highest elevations in the State.

One of the largest bodies of water in the State of Florida is in Lake County. The vast Harris Chain of Lakes covers over 76,000 acres and connects to the Atlantic Ocean south of Jacksonville through the Ocklawaha River. Boaters and sportsman come from all over the world to cruise and fish our waters.

The climate in Lake County is also different than that found in South Florida or on the coasts.  The average January temperature in January is 59.7 degrees F, and the average August temperature is 82.4 degrees F.  The average rainfall is 47.57 inches, mostly in the rainy season between June and October.

We have distinct seasons with beautiful foliage color  changes but our winters are mild and of course snow-free!  There's just enough of a nip in the air to remind you that the season is here. Lake County is also known for our vast pine forests and giant oaks draped in Spanish moss.

The Ocala National Forest borders Lake County on the North.   Covering 383,573 square acres.  It is a playground for naturalists, campers, fishermen, hikers and off-road enthusiasts.   It contains 100 miles of horse trails, 67 miles of scenic hiking trails and dozens of crystal clear spring-fed lakes and ponds.
 

The major population centers of Lake County are the cities of Clermont, Eustis, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Mount Dora and Tavares.  Outside of the cities, the landscape is covered with small quaint country towns such as Umatilla and Howey-in-the-Hills.   The 2000 census counted a total of 210,528 Lake County residents with an average age of 45.5 years.
 

Lake County has four major hospitals and hundreds of excellent doctors, clinics and diagnostic centers.  A wide range of choices exist for medical care in Lake County and it is no surprise that Lake County ranks 2nd only to neighboring Orange County in the number of Central Florida hospital beds.

Florida Hospital-Waterman - Founded over 60 years ago, Florida Hospital Waterman is affiliated with Florida Hospital and the Adventist Health System.  In late 2003, the hospital relocated into their new state-of-the-art facility on Highway 441 in Tavares.  The new $129 million campus totals 204 patient beds in a 5-story tower, including an emergency room, diagnostic area and cancer center. 

South Lake Hospital - South Lake Hospital is a 68-bed non-profit acute care hospital that has served the health care needs of Lake County for over 50 years.  In partnership with Orlando Regional Healthcare, the hospital, now in it's beautiful new 150-acre facility in Clermont, provides a wide range of quality healthcare services.

Leesburg Regional Medical Center - Celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2003, Leesburg Regional Medical Center (LRMC), now affiliated with Orlando Regional Health System, has grown from a 76-bed facility into a 294-bed hospital with two campuses.  The hospital is in the midst of a $65 million expansion that will add more services to meet the needs of the residents of Lake County.

Florida Hospital-Celebration Health - Located at the four corners area of Interstate 4 and highway 192, this state-of-the-art hospital offers residents 24-hour emergency care, ICU, medical/surgical, maternity care, diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation and sports medicine.  They also have a new Woman's Center, a 60,000 square foot fitness room, pharmacy and even a vegetarian restaurant.
 

Lake County Public Schools have been recognized by the Florida Department of Education as a model district for its Blueprint for Career Preparation plan.  Tech-prep programs begin at the eighth-grade level and allow students to prepare for either a trade or post-secondary education by enrolling in a variety of vocational programs while attending regular classes.  Courses are offered in electronics, computer technology, welding and mechanical trades. 

Local Schools -

Faith Lutheran Grade School

Lake Highland Preparatory - Orlando

Lake Montessori School

Lake Technical Center

Leesburg High School

Mount Dora Bible School

Montverde Academy

Tavares Elementary School

Tavares High School

Tavares Middle School

Lake Sumter Community College

University of Central Florida (UCF) - Orlando

Lake County residents are strong in faith and many of our churches and church members are intensely active in community projects and causes.   Lake County is the home of well over 100 churches representing practically every faith and denomination.  Some of our churches date back to well over 100 years and are still actively attended.  Two of the oldest are the First Presbyterian Church of Eustis, formed in 1884, and  Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Fruitland Park, formed in 1888.