Sumter Landing updates
 

The Villages just posted a new video explaining plans to update Sumter Landing boardwalk/water access. They talked about kayaking and dragon boats. Now, I am new to the Villages and don’t know much about Sumter Landing. But I was under the impression that boats (other than that $2 tour) were not allowed and I also thought fishing wasn’t allowed. Yet the video showed a pontoon boat with people fishing.

Are these things currently allowed in that water?

Outdoor Excursions

GUIDED KAYAKING EXPERIENCE – Rent a kayak and enjoy a guided tour full of tranquility, exercise and wildlife observation on Lake Sumter. Join us as a single rider or bring a buddy to share a tandem Kayak. Bring a group of up to 8 people for up to a 2 hour session.

NATURE PONTOON TOUR – Grab your binoculars and bring your camera, as we cruise Lake Sumter on a pontoon boat! Your guide will share their knowledge of the environment and ecosystem while you get the chance to admire the wildlife and beautiful scenery from the comfort of the boat! This 2 hour tour will accommodate up to 4 guests.

GUIDED FISHING TOUR – Guided catch and release excursions on Lake Sumter cater to all experience levels…whether you are a seasoned sports or amateur angler, you will enjoy going after the trophy fish. This 2 hour tour will accommodate up to 4 anglers.

Thats ok there are gators in this lake, I will pass

I was raised living and swimming/skiing on Lake Harris in Leesburg. Fun fact. The entire world of water skiiers used to live and train in Leesburg on that lake full of gators. I’ve never known of a person who’s even come close to being attacked by one. They’re scared of everything. They’re ambush predators. They lie under cover of the water or in reeds, and wait. When something is in ambush distance, splashing in the water, they look at the basic size and either their brain goes “Nope, too small, not worth it,” “Nope, too big, might fight me off, not worth it,” or “Yep! Just right!” And if the answer is number three, they literally erupt out of the water and attack. They drag their prey to the bottom to drown it first. If you see one hanging out, they don’t care about you… just keep on walking….if you jumped at it or poked it with a stick it would snap at you but that’s about it.

Thanks. I had not seen that.

OH....I thought it was called Sumter Swamp!

Grin....obviously, the real estate people don't like me!

Interesting and thanks.

Once upon a time had a few alligator bites and always worried the rest of the gators would find out and take revenge.:bigbow:

Possibly creaating parking issues at the square
 

Dragon boaters currently park at/near The Waterfront Inn. Moving the launch point to the area behind the radio station will likely result in most of those folks parking on or near the square. My guesstimate is 50+ vehicles just for dragon boating during peak time. Add in the kayaking numbers plus those fishing and it would appear to have an impact on prime parking at the square. Granted much of the dragon boat parking will be in the morning. Also, what impact is there when a significant number of parking places are blocked off for market night or other events?

The recreation concept is a positive, I just question the location.

and only cost us 3 millon$$$

My husband has his own kayak - can he use it or does he have to rent one?

Check the link or call……………

What is you guess based on?

I would have to agree with you!!

And, correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t dogs attract them also? Another native told me they will tip a kayak or a canoe to get to the dog.

If they act the same as Lake Okahumpka Rec center, the answer is no.

Many of us park in the parking lots and walk to the squares. Blocking off parking places for events that draw lots of people like craft shows, car shows, and markets is only a problem for those who insist on parking a few feet from the square. The square general vicinity is the best place for these things.

I for one welcome the changes and upgrades and am pleased The Villages developers continue to thoughtfully upgrade and revision the amenities. My observation is they always do things first class. Excited to see the changes.

Boat launching at Lake Sumter
 

The current boat launch ramp is behind (west) of the hotel. Even with docks at the "new" landing, I would think that the current launch ramp will remain there.

Can you use your own kayak? Don't know rules as to why not?

There are public boat launches at a number of area lakes - Miona, Panasofkee, Okahumpka, etc. You can find them on Google.

Sumter does not seem to have a public boat launch. I would not expect a private facility to allow you to launch your water craft.

Now what about all of the retention ponds. They are surrounded by buffers owned and maintained by TV. I have not seen any type of boat on one.

Most are probably aware the lake at Eastport is designed for Dragon boat racing.

Middleton also has a dock on one of the large lakes.

Three dragon boats per period with up to 22 persons per boat would be 66 vehicles if each drove alone. I allowed for some pairing up in vehicles. Just a guesstimate.

i just wish ,they would use the best materials to build everything . dont use metal piping in the ponds, should have used metal on the wind mill in brownwood, sumter landing use plastic wood for the boardwalk. walking trails make out of cement , one and done. not rebuild every few years. do it right from the start.

I do not think the developers are behind this.

Don't you know the Developer is behind everything :1rotfl:

It's a very high guestimate. Take half.

This doesn't make sense to me. :shrug:

It's the “Yep! Just right!” tells me anyone to stay out of the water, Period.

"I’ve never known of a person who’s even come close to being attacked by one."
Can you guarantee That???

I know of an alligator attack. A woman was walking two dogs on a villages built walking path that goes near a pond. It was in the afternoon daylight. Alligator pounced on the dogs without any warning. She tried to save them, but could not. She suffered bites and cuts. One dog badly hurt, other dog taken by alligator.
This was about a year ago.

This info was given in person by the woman who was attacked. She is traumatized and will never walk near a pond ever again.

Bee Ess about the "it never happens here"

I don't remember reading a single word about this...

Are you sure it happened in TV?

We frequently kayak in throughout central FL where alligators are common. I know the risk and I'm fine with it, as it's well within my comfort zone. (read: From my point of view the risk is mighty low ... and kayaking in the amazing waters/springs here is simply amazing!!!). Those who are put off by the idea should skip it. Enough said. If you're afraid stay out of the water.

About 6 months or so ago south of here a gator attacked a dog and the owner got involved and was killed by a gator.

The one near the Villages in Leesburg, woman lost arm. Not killed.

Woman, 84, loses arm in alligator attack in Leesburg

The incident with the dog and the woman killed was in St. Lucie.

Your browser is not supported | usatoday.com

Well that's certainly not what the person I was responding to was talking about...

So neither of them happened in TV...

Just making sure I wasn't going crazy... (That was a RHETORICAL statement! :1rotfl:)

Yes one event there was a person walking pitbull mix close to the pond on canal st. Gator came out of the water took the dog into the pond. Day or so later the carcass was floating in the middle of the pond. Took a few days before it was removed. We lived around the corner from the pond, and one could easily see the floater. Those who back up to the pond were upset it took so long to remove the remains.

Maybe prior to you coming here, but definitely a gator kill.

Second event in the large pond in Duval off Odell Circle, small gator tried to snatch a toy poodle. Owner hit the gator in the face, dog was injured but not severely. We knew the dog owners personally, we felt bad for them, but in the same breath “what were you thinking walking along the large pond at dusk”

You have to pay to fish. There also law suit frivolous? probably why updating boardwalk.

I don’t think too many people from up north share your views that alligators aren’t dangerous. If I see one on the golf course or near a trail, I keep far away from it!

Very true but very often he has figured out a way to make the rest of us pay for stuff

I know just an example of how dangerous gators can be. No way am I going into water frequented by gators

Sumter Landing updates
 

The boat tours on Lake Sumter are now $3 (just found this out a few weeks ago when i had a friend visiting). It's still a nice way to spend some time on a sunny afternoon....well worth it.

It is a very nice 20 minutes on the lake