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Flatwoods Conservation Park

This fall, take a hike

November 3, 2020 By Kevin Weiss

Suffering from pandemic-induced cabin fever? Perhaps some fresh air and outdoor exercise in a local park or preserve can clear the homebound blues.

Maybe it’s best to take a hike.

While so much has changed in this unusual year, at least one thing remains on track: Hillsborough County’s fifth annual Hiking Spree.

Sponsored by the county’s parks and recreation department, the adventure challenge encourages people to exercise, explore the outdoors, and experience nature through numerous parks and preserves.

Lettuce Lake Conservation Park is included in Hillsborough County’s 2021 Hiking Spree. It is one of 20 parks and 25 trails people are encouraged to visit throughout fall and winter. (File)

This year’s trail list features 25 trails at 20 locations throughout the county.

Here’s how the spree works: Complete at least eight trails between November and March 31 and earn a patch, a medallion for a walking stick, or a dog bandana. One of the hikes can be at a location of the participant’s choice that is not on the list of 20 locations.

Participants may hike on their own, or in a group setting with friends and family. Some sites have entrance and parking fees. Hikers may repeat any trail twice for credit, as long as the hikes occur on different dates.

Hiking Spree trails are designed to offer something for everyone, from hiking rookies to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Hikes are rated from easy to moderate to strenuous.

Lengths range from less than a mile to 7-miles long — such as the paved loop road at Thonotosassa’s Flatwoods Conservation Park.

Environmentally diverse sites are spread throughout the county and range from neighborhood parks such as Carrollwood Village Park, to large preserves with multiple habitats like the 1,100-acre Lake Dan Nature Preserve in Odessa.

Also, for the first time, this year’s trail list includes two state parks – Alafia River State Park and Little Manatee River State Park, in Lithia and Wimauma, respectively.

A total of seven of the 2021 Hiking Spree parks and preserves fall within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area: Carrollwood Village Neighborhood Park, Peterson Road Park, Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, Lake Rogers Conservation Park, Lake Dan Nature Preserve and Cypress Creek Nature Preserve.

While most parks, preserves and trails are rotated in and out of the Hiking Spree each year, a few locations are constants because they have so much to offer.

That includes Lettuce Lake, one of the county’s most popular parks, at 6920 East Fletcher Ave., in Tampa.

More than half of the park’s property lies in the natural flood plain of the Hillsborough River, consisting of a hardwood swamp forest. The remainder of the park consists of hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods plant communities.

Within the park is a 1.25-mile paved exercise trail and 3,500-foot boardwalk with an observation tower that provides scenic views of the Hillsborough River and an opportunity to see all sorts of wildlife, from wading birds and songbirds, to even alligators.

Another favorite is the 1.25-mile Singing Bluffs Trail at Edward Medard Conservation Park, 95256 South County Road 39, in Plant City. The trail is noted for unique elevation changes due to some old phosphate mines, alongside plenty of wildlife to admire from afar.

Since its creation in 2016, the Hiking Spree program has grown in popularity each year, now drawing thousands of participants. The five-monthlong achievement window spanning fall and winter is timed to take advantage of the cooler, drier weather and to coincide with prime bird-watching times.

Here’s the list of parks and trails for the 2021 Hiking Spree:

Neighborhood Parks and Recreation Centers — short, paved trails with water and facilities

  • Wortham Neighborhood Park, Riverview: Bluestem Trail (1.4 miles), Sand Pine Trail (1.7 miles)
  • Carrollwood Village Neighborhood Park, Tampa: Laurel Oak Fitness Trail (1 mile)
  • Peterson Road Park, Odessa: Upper Tampa Bay Trail (2.4 miles)
  • Lucy Dell Community Pond, Tampa: Boardwalk Fitness Trail (0.5 miles)
  • Seffner CommUNITY Park & Garden, Seffner: Hickory Fitness Trail (0.75 miles)
  • FishHawk Sports Complex, Tampa: Pandion Fitness Trail (2 miles)
  • Ruskin Neighborhood Park, Ruskin: Quiet Pines Fitness Trail (1.2 miles)

Conservation Parks — Mid-range, well-maintained paths and trails

  • Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, Tampa: Hammock Run (1.25 miles), Boardwalk (0.75 mile)
  • Edward Medard Conservation Park, Plant City: Singing Bluffs (1 mile), Levee Trail (2.64 miles)
  • Lake Rogers Conservation Park, Odessa: Lakeside Trail (1.8 miles)
  • Flatwoods Conservation Park, Thonotosassa: The Big Loop In The Woods (7 miles)
  • Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, Tampa: Bobcat Trail (0.5 mile), Otter Trail (0.7 mile), Eagle Trail (0.3 mile)

Nature Preserves — No facilities, subject to daily conditions

  • Apollo Beach Nature Preserve, Apollo Beach: Beach Dune Trail (0.2 mile)
  • Lake Dan Nature Preserve, Odessa: West Spur Trail (4.8 miles)
  • Bell Creek Nature Preserve, Riverview: Pine Lily Loop (3.7 miles)
  • Cypress Creek Nature Preserve, Tampa: Two Loops Trail (3.4 miles)
  • Golden Aster Nature Preserve, Gibsonton: Blue Lake Trail (3.3 miles)
  • Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve, Plant City: Creekview Trail (4.4 miles)

Florida State Parks

  • Alafia River State Park, Lithia: Old Agrico Hiking Trail (1 mile)
  • Little Manatee River State Park, Wimauma: North Hiking Trail (6.5 miles)

Come prepared, and pace yourself
When hiking, it’s important to bring the following items:

  • Correct trail map for your destination
  • A compass or GPS
  • Plenty of drinking water
  • Appropriate shoes
  • Sun protection

Parks officials also recommend that novices first gain experience at a neighborhood park, and then progress to the conservation parks and nature preserves.

The neighborhood parks and recreation centers are generally short, paved trails with water and facilities, unless otherwise noted.

Conservation park trails provide more of a nature experience than your typical neighborhood park trail. Though some are paved, most are primitive trails that traverse a variety of natural habitats ranging from upland pine flatwoods, to wetland swamps, to bottomland forests. Most of the conservation parks have amenities, such as running water, restrooms, playgrounds and manicured pathways.

Nature preserve trails, meanwhile, take the nature experience up several notches — almost as if you’re briefly leaving civilization for a hike. On a nature preserve, development is kept to a minimum to protect natural areas and wildlife. Nature preserve trailheads have small, unpaved parking lots, a fence with a walk-through entrance, and a small kiosk with trail information. They do not have restrooms or running water. Moreover, trails are unpaved, longer with fewer trail markers, and have rougher terrain.

What’s helpful, though, is nature preserves do feature trail markings, or blazes, usually colored in red, blue or yellow. These paint markings located on posts or trees will help guide you in the proper direction. So, if you come to an intersection, look for a blaze for what direction to hike. It’s recommended to always carry a map when hiking a nature preserve.

Participants are encouraged to post photos from their hikes using the hashtag #TakeAHikeHC. Visit HCFLGov.net/hikingspree for information and to register.

Published November 04, 2020

Filed Under: Local Sports Tagged With: Alafia River State Park, Apollo Beach Nature Preserve, Bell Creek Nature Preserve, Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve, Carrollwood Village Neighborhood Park, Cypress Creek Nature Preserve, Edward Medard Conservation Park, FishHawk Sports Complex, Flatwoods Conservation Park, Golden Aster Nature Preserve, Hiking Spree, Lake Dan Nature Preserve, Lake Rogers Conservation Park, Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, Little Manatee River State Park, Lucy Dell Community Pond, Peterson Road Park, Ruskin Neighborhood Park, Seffner CommUNITY Park & Garden, Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, Wortham Neighborhood Park

Hillsborough County neighborhood parks reopening

May 26, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Hillsborough County has reopened neighborhood parks, green spaces and dogs, effective May 18, according to a county news release.

Although the parks are open, users must obey social distancing guidelines, and portions of many parks will continue to be off-limits, the release says.

Visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings and to bring water to hydrate and provide for pets. Tennis/pickleball courts and volleyball courts will be open, but no organized sports, activities or groups will be allowed.

Outdoor restrooms will be open at staffed sites.

The following areas remain closed:

  • Recreation centers/buildings
  • Athletic fields
  • Playgrounds
  • Shelters
  • Splash pads
  • Skate parks
  • All courts excluding tennis/pickleball and volleyball courts
  • Programs
  • Events and rentals

Several of the county’s conservation parks remain closed, but nature preserves and the following conservation parks are open, including:

  • Flatwoods Conservation Park, 14302 Morris Bridge Road in Thonotosassa, and 18205 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Tampa
  • Morris Bridge Off-Road Biking Area, 12651 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa

Published May 27, 2020

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: conservation parks, Flatwoods Conservation Park, Hillsborough County Parks, Morris Bridge Off-Road Biking, Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa

Looking for something fun to do?

May 5, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco County has been phasing in the reopening of some of its recreational facilities.

Ballfields and playgrounds remain closed in Pasco County, but some places are open in Pasco and Hillsborough counties that give people a chance to get out for some fresh air and exercise. (B.C. Manion)

Activities such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing or running can be done in specific locations, according to a Pasco County news release.

Groups of more than 10 will not be permitted and people must maintain social distancing from others of at least 6 feet, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

There are limited access openings at Pasco County parks, listed below. Restrooms remain closed unless noted, so please plan accordingly:

  • Withlacoochee River Park, Dade City
  • Aripeka Sandhills Preserve, Hudson
  • Boy Scout Preserve, New Port Richey
  • Crews Lake Wilderness Park, Spring Hill
  • Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, New Port Richey
  • Key Vista Nature Park, Holiday
  • Lake Lisa Park, Port Richey
  • Pasco Palms Preserve, New Port Richey
  • Upper Pithclachascotee Preserve, Spring Hill
  • Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park, Hudson

These public boat ramps remain open:

  • Anclote River Park, Holiday (restroom access)
  • Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park, Hudson
  • Moon Lake Park, New Port Richey
  • Middle Lake, Dade City
  • Eagle Point Park, kayak and canoe, New Port Richey

These trails remain open

  • The Suncoast Trail
  • Starkey Boulevard Trail
  • Starkey Gap Trail

The county also recently reopened these additional locations, effective May 2:

  • Anclote River Park
  • Anclote Gulf Park
  • Eagle Point Park
  • Moon Lake Park
  • Robert K. Rees Memorial Park

SunWest Park will be open to 100 cars at a time, in addition to annual passholders.

All Pasco County recreation complexes, community centers and playgrounds remain closed.

All events, activities, youth and adult sports leagues, special event reservations, pavilions, camp/RV grounds, cabin rentals, field reservations and any other reservations also remain closed until further notice.

The status of summer camp programs is not yet known. The county is awaiting updates from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine how it can safely offer its summer camp program.

Gov. Ron DeSantis also announced that the state’s parks would reopen, effective May 4.

In Hillsborough County, officials reopened most of its nature preserves and the boat ramp at E.G. Simmons Conservation Park on May 2. It also reopened several conservation parks, along with walking trails at six neighborhood parks on May 4.

Residents will be required to follow social distancing guidelines, and portions of the parks will remain closed, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and kayak/canoe facilities.

The following conservation parks reopened at 8 a.m., on May 4:

  • Flatwoods Conservation Park, 14302 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa, and 18205 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Tampa
  • Morris Bridge Off-Road Biking Area, 12651 Morris Bridge Road in Thonotosassa
  • Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, 100 Alderman’s Ford Park Drive, Plant City, for hiking and biking only
  • Upper Tampa Bay Trail and all parking areas

Walking trails are open at these neighborhood parks:

  • Jackson Springs Community Center, 8620 Jackson Springs Road in Tampa
  • Northdale Community Center, 15550 Spring Pine Drive, Tampa
  • Carrollwood Village Community Park, 4680 W. Village Drive, Tampa
  • Ruskin Community Center, 901 6th St. S.E., Ruskin
  • Apollo Beach Community Center, 664 Golf and See Blvd., Apollo Beach
  • All People’s Life Center, 6105 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa

All other parks remain closed.

Published May 06, 2020

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: Alderman's Ford Conservation Park, All People's Life Center, Anclote Gulf Park, Anclote River Park, Apollo Beach Community Center, Aripeka Sandhills Preserve, Boy Scout Preserve, Carrollwood Village Community Park, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19, Crews Lake Wilderness Park, E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, Eagle Point Park, Flatwoods Conservation Park, Jackson Springs Community Center, Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, Key Vista Nature Park, Lake Lisa Park, Middle Lake, Moon Lake Park, Morris Bridge, Northdale Community Center, Pasco Palms Preserve, Robert Strickland Memorial Park, Ron DeSantis, Ruskin Community Center, Starkey Bouulevard Trail, Starkey Gap Trail, SunWest Park, The Suncoast Trail, Upper Pithclachascotee Preserve, Upper Tampa Bay Trail, Withlacoochee River Park

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01/26/2021 – Crystal snowflakes

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01/31/2021 – Nova Era performs

The Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, will host a live performance by the classical music group Nova Era on Jan. 31 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The ensemble performs in handcrafted 18th-century costumes and ornate, powdered wigs. Gates open at 2 p.m. There will be heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. This is an outdoor event. Guests should bring lawn chairs. No cooler or pets. Masks are required inside the buildings. Social distancing will be in place. Advance tickets are $25, or $30 at the door (if available). For information and tickets, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org. … [Read More...] about 01/31/2021 – Nova Era performs

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