Leesburg, Florida
Leesburg is located in Lake County in the heart of the Florida peninsula, south of the Ocala National Forest and about an hour northeast of Orlando. Nestled on Lake Wales Ridge, a range of hills that runs north and south, Leesburg has the spectacular backdrop of the Harris Chain of Lakes, comprising of Lake Harris, Little Lake Harris, Eustis, Dora, and Griffin.
About The Community
The founder, Evander Lee, arrived in 1857, and was captivated by its temperate winters, extensive waterways and picturesque countryside that were home to bald eagles, Florida panthers and many fish. He incorporated the small community of homesteaders into a town. Leesburg was soon connected to the Atlantic and the outside world when settlers opened the Oklawaha river to traffic. This helped them transport their agricultural produce out and welcomed supplies and tourists to the area.
Leesburg was the county seat of what was then Sumter County but when the counties were reorganized, it became a part of the newly formed Lake County. It grew with its own church, schools, newspaper, government buildings, and opera house. Today it is home to almost fourteen thousand multicultural people and is a picturesque city with a host of recreational facilities and festivals throughout the year.
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The downtown area features buildings of three distinct eras and styles. The first was in the 1870’s, the second in the 1920’s and the third in the mid-1950’s.They have been carefully restored and make Lake County’s largest downtown an attractive area with fine restaurants, theaters and delightful shopping at clothing stores, antique shops, and book shops. The extensive public library and gymnasiums are also located here.
Vicinity of Leesburg
Additional Details
Leesburg takes full advantage of its many scenic lakes and has added beautiful paths and parks around them. The lakes provide great opportunities for fishing particularly bass. Relax on the numerous beaches that surround the Little Lakes and Lake Harris. Enjoy sailing from the Leesburg Yacht Club, located on the southern shores of Lake Griffin at the north end of the city.
Cruise down the Dora Canal, one of the most scenic natural journeys in Florida. Majestic cypress trees line the edge and it is a bird watcher’s paradise. Do not be alarmed to see alligators in the waters. Spend a day at the picturesque Venetian Gardens built around Lake Harris. You can take delightful, leisurely strolls across the pedestrian bridges over the waters that lead to private islands. They offer unforgettable views of the lake and the park’s canals. The110-acre park provides amenities such as a public swimming pool, ball field, volleyball court, picnic tables and walking paths.
Citizens of Leesburg look for an occasion to celebrate all through the year. Locals and tourists participate and enjoy many public events and festivals. You are bound to catch something special happening whenever you go there, be it the Oktoberfest, Trick or Treat, Main Street Christmas House and Holiday Craft Bazaar or Mardi Gras and Fourth of July.
