This community is golden, and has been for 50 years.
Lake Padgett Estates East, the bustling Land O’ Lakes neighborhood that consists of 1,125 properties, a middle and elementary school, and a popular hiking, camping and exploring area, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with gratitude and aplomb.
“You really can’t slow this community down,” Community Association Manager Robert Stone said. “The residents, they love this neighborhood and the activities it does, and it shows when they all come out, no matter what we do.”
Established Nov. 17, 1972, Stone says the community celebrates this Founder’s Day every five years, but he was still impressed by the showing of residents for the 50th Anniversary Festival on Nov. 12.
The event had fun activities such as a rock-climbing wall, a wipe out attraction and a trackless train brought by AirFun Games; a petting zoo and mini pony rides by A Thomas Pony Rides & Petting Zoo; a continuous hayride by Mandell’s Tree Service; a car show by Let’s Roll Promotions; a silent auction by the Founder’s Day Committee; plus food trucks, local vendors, face painting and more.
“The car show was a big draw, for sure,” Stone said. “It always seems to be in this area, but the turnout was great. If I’m being honest, we got more people than we expected.”
Set up by the Founder’s Day Committee, which consists of Kori Brown, Bobbi Clay, Sherril Burnite and Mei-Ling Miranda, the event’s proceeds go back into the community and fund the next community event, which will be cookies with Santa.
And for the longtime community that also includes a restaurant/clubhouse, swimming pool, track, tennis, basketball, racquetball and hand-ball courts, batting cage, playground and dog park, that seems to be just fine for the residents over the years.
“Everyone loves these events,” Stone said. “They’re always well-received, and it’s great to see anyone who comes out and enjoys being part of this community.”
Published November 23, 2022
