1960s to mid 70s – The site of an active limestone mining operation ultimately became Lee County’s gem, Lakes Regional Park. Because of the mining, rich topsoil was stripped, leaving rocky soil, spoil piles and irregular lake bank conditions. Regulations differed then and mining companies were not required to finish the lake edges and restore proper bank slopes as they are today. The disturbed conditions of the site led to the colonization by invasive, exotic species including Australian pines and melaleuca. The lakes that now exist in the park
were formed by those mining operations. The water came from
groundwater influx, surface water runoff, minor artesian wells and
rainfall. The depth varied from a few inches to over 20 feet. The lake was clear and free from impurities and offers excellent bass fishing. After the mining operations were discontinued, the site was used as an informal swimming hole by local citizens and also became a convenient spot for illegal dumping of trash.