Category: News

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JLIA and Newsletter Name Change

August 15, 2021

JLIA and Newsletter Name Change

John Schmidt

During the last Board meeting, we discussed the name of our organization and have decided to simplify and shorten the name.  We filed an application with the State of Florida to do business as the “Johns Lake Association” and it was granted on May 4th.  From now on we will use the new name. We also decided to change the name of the newsletter. The Association was originally formed when the lake was so low that it was taken over by cattails.  A board was elected to deal with the cattail problem. This is no longer an issue, so the newsletter is now called the “Johns Lake Association Newsletter.”

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Hydrilla and Carp Control Update 7/21

August 15, 2021

Hydrilla and Carp Control Update 7/21

John Schmidt

     Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) was planning to add five hundred (500) carp to Johns Lake in May 2021, but this has been postponed until Fall since the state fish hatcheries do not have enough large carp at this time.  They typically put carp in the lake every few years. One of the primary purposes of the carp is to assist with controlling hydrilla. 

     There is a delicate balance to maintain with the number of carp in the lake. If the population grows too large, they will eat not only the hydrilla but the important native plants as well, which could negatively impact the ecosystem of the lake. FWC monitors the growth of the hydrilla to determine how many carp to add and what frequency to put them in Johns Lake.  There used to be a barrier between Johns Lake and Black Lake to keep the carp out of those other lakes, but it is no longer in place, which allows the carp to leave Johns Lake. 

      After working with Orange County and FWC we suggested that the best approach would be to add carp to Black and Tilden Lake in addition to Johns Lake to help control their hydrilla and therefore there would not be a need for the barrier.  They agreed to start stocking carp in the other lakes as well and not install a barrier.  Great news!  The next herbicide treatment will be in the Fall since the treatments in the Summer are not as effective as in the cooler months.

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Committees

August 15, 2021

Committees

John Schmidt

At our January Board Meeting, we decided to form a few committees to break up the work and provide engagement by all.  The committees are Invasive Species, Boat Parade, Outfall, Mission Statement, and Marketing/Membership.  Here is a quick summary of each.

Invasive Species – Completed a conference call meeting with our FWC biologist on April 19th.  A lot of good information was shared.  The primary topic was hydrilla and carp. 

Boat Parade – The date was chosen to be December 12.  Additional planning will take place in the third quarter.  Please keep an eye on our website and Facebook page.

Outfall – The study consultants have completed their work and a final copy has been issued.  We are waiting to have a meeting with the County Commissioner and the Town of Oakland to discuss the next steps. 

Mission Statement – The committee came up with four emerging themes to focus on, Communication, Education, Advocacy, and Recreation.  It’s important that we refine the objective and create a clear vision/purpose for the board.

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Lake Level Data 4/21 Update

May 3, 2021

Lake Level Data 4/21 Update

John Schmidt

Here is the latest lake level information; the graph shows the last 16 months thru April of 2021.

No Data Found

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Fishing Update March 2021-Spawning

March 7, 2021

Fishing Update March 2021-Spawning

John Schmidt

Guest Author: Jim Sweatman

In case you are wondering about the health of the fish and the impact of fishing during the spawning season, here is a response from our Fisheries Management Project Leader:

Bass in this area of Florida spawn between December – April the weeks before the full and new moons, versus a distinct narrow spawning window like they have “up north”. Furthermore, fish have a mechanism called “compensational mortality” which means if one nest fails for some reason then another has a higher survival.

Because of these 2 factors, our research has shown no impact of bed fishing or tournament fishing on the spawning or recruitment success of largemouth bass in Florida. Factors that do affect spawning/recruitment are: (1) food available to the young when they hatch and (2) cover available to hide from predators. Reducing nutrients from yard run-off via swales, getting houses along the shorelines hooked up to sewage rather than on septic, allowing for natural fluctuations in a lake based on hydrology rather than flood control, and proper aquatic plant management, are all factors that do impact spawning and recruitment success.

Our latest surveys show the bass population in Johns Lake is doing very well. Our annual report from last year is on our web page if you are interested.

We have not analyzed the data for this year, as we are still collecting it, but the bass fishery looks very good based on what we have so far. See pictures attached taken on January 21st and the 24th.

Sincerely,

Jim Sweatman
Fish Orlando Project Leader/TrophyCatch Assistance
Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management (NE Region)
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
321-231-9593 (m)
jim.sweatman@myfwc.com
myfwc.com/fishorlando

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Other Updates

February 23, 2021

Other Updates

John Schmidt

Lake Levels

Below is the 2020 Johns Lake water level chart.  The 60-year historical average lake level is 92.12 but it has been much higher than that for the past decade. This past year the average was 95.58.  The lake elevation change was similar to normal at about 3.3 feet this year.  These readings are from the “official county survey data collection points”.  Some variation above or below these readings is likely due to when the sample was taken, but overall, not significant. The water temperature got down into the high 50’s during the cold spell which is not unusual.

No Data Found

Outfall Drainage Updates

The study that Orange County and the Town of Oakland initiated is in the final stages.  The consultants conducted a virtual meeting with our Board on November 3rd to go over their findings and the options. We had some questions and concerns about the next steps and there is more work to be done to complete this study. After the study is complete, they will decide on which projects to pursue, where the funding will come from, and how the “ditch or outfall” maintenance will be handled.  Our initial reaction is that the options provided do not appear to provide the results we hoped would handle a 100-year rainfall event.  When this is completed, we will share the study summary and final recommendations.

Hydrilla Update

In the next few weeks, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) is planning to treat the southwest corner of the lake and will survey the smaller lake at the northwest corner of the lake near Johns Lake Landing (Clermont) any day now.  They are also planning to stock another 1,000-grass carp in the spring. This type of carp cannot reproduce and prefers to eat hydrilla over other water plants.

When we get an exact date, we will let you know on Facebook @johnslakeimprovementassociation. Due to the recent treatment and the colder water temps, we have noticed the hydrilla is regressing. Please keep in mind this invasive species will never go away with the technology we have today.

Wildlife Activity

Duck Hunting season ended on January 31st and the birds are beginning their annual mating ritual. 

Wood Ducks
Wood Ducks are particularly active now and starting to look for nesting boxes.
Wood Storks
We have been watching Wood Storks (threatened) feeding along the shorelines.
Limkins
We have been watching limkin feeding along the shorelines.
Ospreys
Osprey have been busy building nests.
Bald Eagles
We have even seen some Bald Eagles
Hawks
We have spotted numerous hawks in the past few months as well.
Owls
We have spotted numerous owls in the past few months as well.

Southern American Kestrels

In Johns Cove, we have been fortunate to have a Southeastern American Kestrel hanging around which is the smallest falcon found in the U.S.  It’s a really pretty bird with a brownish back (dorsal) area with black flecking, a white belly (with males having fewer dark speckles on it), and black marks extending from the eyes downward.  The colors of their wings differ by gender, as males have bluish-gray wings while females have brown wings.  It is a non-migratory subspecies of kestrel found in open pine savannahs, sandhills, prairies, and pastures in Florida and the southeastern United States. It is listed as threatened in Florida due to a decline in nesting and foraging habitat.  

Alligators

We are not seeing many Alligators due to the colder air and water temperatures.  Alligators are most active when temperatures are between 82° to 92°F. They stop feeding when the ambient temperature drops below approximately 70° F and they become dormant below 55° F. Alligators are dormant throughout much of the winter season. During this time, they can be found in burrows (or “dens”) that they construct adjacent to an alligator hole or open water, but they occasionally emerge to bask in the sun during spells of warm weather.  So as the temperatures rises expect to see more of them again.

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2020 Johns Lake Holiday Boat Parade

February 22, 2021

2020 Johns Lake Holiday Boat Parade

Karen Quill

The annual Johns Lake Boat Parade was held on December 13th, 2020, and was a fun night for all! There were forty-four (44) boats who participated in the parade and we had many, many viewers from the shoreline who made their presence known by clapping and cheering on the boats. A big thank you to all those on the shore who showed their appreciation as the boats passed by! It really energizes the boaters to know you’re out there enjoying the parade.

And a BIG THANK YOU to all the boat owners who put so much time and creativity into making their boats look festive and bright! The parade included a wide array of decor themes and the judging panel had a very difficult time choosing our First, Second, and Third prize winners last year. We’d like to thank Tommy’s Florida (in Clermont) for sponsoring our event and providing our Grand Prize; a complete boat detail! The additional winners received cash prizes from the JLIA association, responsible for hosting the event.

#1 Grand Prize winner went to the Deryk Family

Their boat was uniquely decorated in a patriotic theme and the American Flag was the prominent feature. It was an unexpected display and made for a very beautiful and heartwarming show of lights! 

#2 Prize Winner: The Carr Family

Their boat was not only beautiful on the outside but it was the participants on the boat and the interactive nature of their display that won the hearts of the judges. The boat had an overabundance of “Christmas spirit” on display!

#3 Prize Winner: The Galagher Family

Their boat was a true masterpiece of lighting, complete with the “Grinch who Stole Christmas” on full display. The boat was colorful, brought a smile to your face, and was a true showstopper

We look forward to hosting the Johns Lake Boat Parade again in December 2021. More details will be coming by early summer so keep your eye on:

Facebook: @johnslakeimprovementassociation

See you on the water!!!

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Johns Lake Outfall Study Update

October 4, 2020

Johns Lake Outfall Study Update

John Schmidt

The Johns Lake Outfall Study is nearing completion. A company was hired by Orange County in January 2020 to evaluate the outfall connecting Johns Lake to Lake Apopka. The main elements of the study were to collect data and identify updates to the stormwater management system and drainage basin hydrology, model the stormwater of Johns Lake Basin and establish flood control Levels of Service, and develop alternatives to improve flood control and the capacity of the outfall channel.

A meeting was held on 9/16/20 with Orange County, the Town of Oakland, Johns Lake Improvement Association, and the hired company to go over the watershed lake management alternatives and options for facilitating the maintenance of the channel. Three options were presented and the advantages and disadvantages of each were discussed to gain feedback and input. Not all of the options provided enough relief in the event of a major flood event with unusually high water. The FEMA 100-year elevation of 99.7 maps shows the potential negative impact of very high water to the area. None of the options provide more than 6” of drawdown improvement over 60 days and no decisions were finalized.

Some of the potential challenges include:

  1. Cost – who bears the responsibility for capital and maintenance costs?
  2. Function – options to fund capital improvements and long term, grant possibilities, other agencies?
  3. Options- what other options are there?

The Town of Oakland expressed concerns about their small footprint relative to the overall size of the drainage basin and how whatever is done will affect so many people and properties. Orange County and the Town of Oakland have a Joint Planning agreement to address this topic, but the details have not been finalized.

Action Items and Next Steps:

  1. The hired company will prepare a summary
  2. Present their findings and recommendations to Johns Lake Advisory Board
  3. Discuss recommendations with St. Johns Water Management District to discuss permit requirements
  4. Complete the Final Report

As soon as the options are firmed up, we will share the plan with you.

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Hydrilla Update

October 4, 2020

Hydrilla Update

John Schmidt

Good news! The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that they have plans to treat the hydrilla on Johns Lake when the environmental conditions are favorable (lower water level and cooler temperature), hopefully in November. They plan to treat 250 acres along residential shorelines. Please see the highlighted areas outlined in yellow, not the colors in the open water but rather the yellow lines along the shorelines. The challenge might be the water level as we don’t see it coming down much by then and it may actually go up. It is now very close to the normal highwater mark. Anyway, we’ve told them we need this to be done ASAP.

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20th Annual Johns Lake Holiday Boat Parade

October 4, 2020

20th Annual Johns Lake Holiday Boat Parade

John Schmidt

This year is the 20th Annual Johns Lake Boat Parade! The event will be held on Sunday, December 13th at 6:15 PM. Come out and decorate your boat with lights and join in the fun! We usually have many spectators in their back yards, as well as at the public boat dock on Lake Boulevard in Winter Garden.

     All boats participating should gather by 6:10 PM in the NW corner of Johns Lake; otherwise known as Clear Lake (see map for exact location). THIS IS A NEW MEETING LOCATION FROM LAST YEAR. The lead boat will start the parade at 6:15 PM by blasting an air-horn several times. All boats should follow in-line and slowly head east. The parade route will follow the northern, eastern, and southern shores of Johns Lake (from Johns Lake Landing in Lake County to Twinwaters in Orange County, where the parade ends). The parade will take about 2 hours to complete. Please see the Parade Route Map.

If this is your first time decorating your boat for a parade, here are a few tips:

  • Christmas lights run on 120v AC and are designed to operate from your home electrical current. To operate lights on your boat, you will need to purchase a DC to AC power inverter. Power inverters are available at most auto parts stores, Wal-Mart, and Harbor Freight. Power inverters convert your boat’s 12v DC power to 120v AC. Inverters do have a limit as to how much power they can generate from your boat’s DC battery. Inverters are rated by watts; the more watts the inverter can handle, the more lights you can put on your boat. Most power inverters above 150 watts will need to be connected directly to your boat’s battery terminals to provide full power as 12v outlet plugs (cigarette lighters) are power limited by a fuse.

  • The use of LED lights provides the ability to power many more lights than incandescent lights. A 300-watt power inverter connected directly to your battery could power over 600 LED lights as opposed to 60 incandescent lights!  Be careful though, as some units will overheat if too much load is placed on them.  Test your lights for a period of time before the parade starts.  Make sure you use UL-approved outdoor lights as the lights on your boat may get wet and you do not want to cause a fire or shock someone on your boat!

  • If you do not live on the lake, you can view the boat parade from the public boat ramp on Johns Lake located at 13620 Lake Blvd., Winter Garden, FL 34787 (north shore of Johns Lake, off of Hwy. 50 at the Lake/Orange County line). The parade should be passing the ramp at approximately 6:45-7:15 PM. If you have any questions about the boat parade, please call Ann at 407-701-8033 for details.
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