[Minnesotalyn]

Anyone know how big and deep Lake Weir is? Thanks

[elevatorman]

Try this site

http://findlakes.com/lake_weir_florida_vacation.htm

[18togo]

So I've been seeing all of the posts from Lake Weir Living. Part of their selling points is swimming and boating in the lake. Now, being from PA, and not a villager yet, I read all kinds of posts on here about alligators. Can you really boat and swim in the lake without fear of alligators?

[chuckinca]

Yes, but be careful.

.

[MelZ]

Originally Posted by 18togo

So I've been seeing all of the posts from Lake Weir Living. Part of their selling points is swimming and boating in the lake. Now, being from PA, and not a villager yet, I read all kinds of posts on here about alligators. Can you really boat and swim in the lake without fear of alligators?

Sure can just remember to put on "gator repellent" before entering the water

[getdul981]

Someone that lives in Florida told me a while back that if there is water then there are probably gators.

[GMONEY]

http://www.wateratlas.usf.edu/AtlasO...bodyid=1002600

http://sjr.state.fl.us/watershedfact...Pages/CLW.html

[GypsySooners]

In Florida you should always swim with a buddy. You don't have to be able to outswim the gator, just be able to outswim your buddy!

[BobKat1]

Originally Posted by GypsySooners

In Florida you should always swim with a buddy. You don't have to be able to outswim the gator, just be able to outswim your buddy!

I sense a new thread coming:

"(slow) Swimming Partner Needed"

[GypsySooners]

Seriously though, there is a swimming beach at Gator Joes restaurant in Ocklawaha and we've never seen anything threatening there. In fact, if you haven't been, it's a really nice place to sit out and have some very good food.

But, back to gators, the place got it's name from a real 17 foot gator, Gator Joe, that frequented that water and, in fact, it was Gator Joe's notoriety that helped the FBI locate and kill Ma Barker and her son.

If you have a boat the lake has a really great ramp off of Hwy 25 and 115 Ave just west of Ocklawaha. Give the lake a try. You can boat up to Gator Joes and have a drink or meal too!

[swrinfla]

And, should you have an airplane with floats, you can pull right up to Gator Joe's for lunch or supper, too! Seen it done.

SWR

[BBQMan]

Originally Posted by 18togo

So I've been seeing all of the posts from Lake Weir Living. Part of their selling points is swimming and boating in the lake. Now, being from PA, and not a villager yet, I read all kinds of posts on here about alligators. Can you really boat and swim in the lake without fear of alligators?

While not a FL native, I have lived here and raised a family here. You are much more likely to be bit by a raid animal, bit by a shark or struck by lightning than you are to be attacked by a gator. Gators are instinctively afraid of people. I have taken my kids water skiing the St Johns many times. When they were young I would stay in the water, help them get up and wait until my wife had picked up that skier and me.

There are two places I would suggest you not go: Lake Dora - far too many idiots, including those that own property on the lake, regularly feed the gators (bad idea) - the other is Lake Jessup in Sanford. This lake has the highest concentrations of gators in Florida. It is probably safe, but when I see Hundreds of eyes looking at me at night (strong flashlight needed as well as dam near impossible access), I tend to back off.

Go enjoy the lakes and rivers of Florida. You are no more in danger here from wildlife than you were anywhere else in the US (CT and RI possible exceptions).

[18togo]

I was looking over old posts and realized I hadn't gone back and read the responses. Thanks again.