Florida’s splendor
An alligator and a giant turtle sunbathe on a log at the edge of the swamp at Lettuce Lake Regional Park.
The Limpkin, a bird found in southern swamps and marshes, moves slowly througth the swamp searching for apple snails, which it extracts from their shells with its long bill.
John Apache of Zephyrsville, Fla., formerly of North Franklin Township, stands on the walkway above the swamp at Lettuce Lake Regional Park.
Lettuce Lake Regional Park, located minutes north of Tampa, Fla., is a haven for alligators, giant turtles, abundant wildlife and more than 300 species of plants.
Boaters cruise the Hillsborough River on the edge of the swamp at Lettuce Lake Regional Park as an alligator rests on a log.
An alligator moves through the water looking for a place to sunbathe along the edge of Hillsborough River in Lettuce Lake Regional Park in Tampa, Fla.
Lettuce Lake Regional Park is the perfect vacation destination for those who want to glimpse the wilds of Florida.
Located minutes north of Tampa, the park is home to alligators, turtles, abundant wildlife and more than 300 species of plants, all of which can be found among tall cypress trees at the edge of the Hillsborough River.
The 240-acre park opened in 1982. It has a nature center, fishing docks, trails for hikers, a 1.25-mile paved path for bikers, an observation tower and a 3,500-foot boardwalk that winds through dense vegetation a few feet above the swamp.
Those who want a closeup view of the aquatic animals and vegetation can rent a canoe and paddle into the smaller finger-like lakes in the park. It’s not unusual to see alligators slowly glide through the shallow water or bask in the sun on a log.
In addition, wooded picnic areas and playgrounds are situated throughout the park.
The park got its name from the water lettuce that has been floating in the waterways since 1765.
Spring and summer hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and fall and winter hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is a $2 fee per vehicle.
For more information, call 813-987-6204, or visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/Facilities.