Leesburg, FL

The city of Leesburg, Florida, encompasses about 25 square miles between Lake Harris and Lake Griffin. Although the area once relied heavily on the citrus industry, today, Leesburg's economy depends on retirees and tourists who come to visit nearby theme parks. With about 21,000 residents, the city has an average household income of $32,956.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Today, most of Leesburg's growth is the result of the increasing popularity of the area as a retirement destination and the rapid growth of nearby Orlando. There are 55+ retirement communities that offer many amenities. There are 7,800 housing units, and more than 40 percent are occupied by renters. The city is sparsely populated because there are just over 400 houses per square mile. The city is home to Lake-Sumter Community College, and travelers can land at Orlando International Airport and Leesburg Regional Airport.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The economy of Leesburg is focused on real estate, retail, personal services and health care. The most common industries are health care, construction, administrative and support, waste management services, accommodations and food services, and educational services.

The city is home to Lake-Sumter Inc., Leesburg Regional Medical Center, Hospital Waterman Inc., Sprint, G&T Conveyor Company Inc., Casmin Inc., Lake Port Square, Bailey Industries, Accent, Lake County Sheriff's Department, Lake County Government and Cherry Lake Tree Farm.

Large distributors, such as Domino's Pizza, Sprint North Supply and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., have taken advantage of the city's central location. The distribution network is enhanced because the city is near the Florida Turnpike.

The major industries found in the city are finance, insurance, real estate, construction and wholesale trade.

FOR VISITORS

• Leesburg Heritage Museum houses artifacts and archives to preserve the history of the city. The museum also hosts a number of community events, among them Women's Club meetings and the high school prom.
• Mote-Morris House is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It has had three owners and has been moved once since it was built in 1892. This Victorian-style home is open to the public twice a month and can be rented for special functions.

FAMILY FUN

Leesburg offers numerous parks catering to a variety of interests and activities:

• Berry Park has picnic areas, a walking path and a water fountain.
• Canal Street Field is a baseball park equipped with lights, fences and a hard court.
• Canal Street Trail offers a walking trail along a beautiful waterway.
• Corrine Williams Park has a basketball court and a playground.
• Fountain Lake Park is situated around a lake with a lighted walking trail and covered rest stations.
• Herlong Park has a picnic area, boat ramp and fishing pier. Notably, Herlong is home to a historical train from the Commer Lumber Company.
• Jessie L. Holliman Park features a playground.
• John L. Johnson Park has a playground, picnic areas and basketball courts.
• Lake William and Lake Mary Park offers access to walking trails around two pristine lakes.
• Leesburg Dog Park, for dogs of all sizes, offers dogs owners rinse and water stations, dog-friendly fire hydrants, picnic areas and plenty of shade. In an effort to keep all visitors safe and happy, there are designated areas for small and large dogs.
• Magnolia Trail, for walking or biking, provides health enthusiasts rest areas and exercise equipment.
• Monkey Island, accessible only by water, is equipped with picnic areas.
• Venetian Cove Marina provides boaters and fishermen access to Lake Harris. Additionally, the marina shop offers everything from boat fuel and boat storage to food and supplies. The shop also has public restrooms.

EVENTS

• A Fine Arts Festival is held annually and celebrates the fine arts in Leesburg. This event is held in the historic downtown and offers artists cash prizes.
• Summer Arts Institute provides a fun learning environment for students between the ages of 6 and 15.
• Leesburg Gymnasium is an 11-acre facility offering indoor and outdoor basketball and volleyball courts.
• H. O. Dabney Recreation Complex features a public swimming pool, water basketball courts, water slides and picnic areas.
• Leesburg Community/Cultural Arts Building is available to host parties, meetings and receptions.
• Leesburg Historic Museum celebrates 150 years of Leesburg history and is open Tuesday through Friday.

EDUCATION

• Beacon College offers students associate and bachelor's degrees. The college is known for its commitment to offer degrees to students with learning disabilities. Beacon specializes in computer information sciences, human services and liberal arts.
• Lake Sumter Community College offers associate's degrees in general studies and technical certificates for continuing education.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Leesburg enjoys a strong sense of community and gives residents a number of opportunities to participate in public life. These city-oriented organizations include:

• Altrusa International of Lake County
• BPO Elks of the USA
• Civitan International
• Fraternal Order of Eagles
• Kiwanis Club International
• Knights of Columbus
• Leesburg (Sunset) Rotary Club
• Kiwanis Club (Sunrise)
• Leesburg Lions Club International
• Leesburg Rotary Club (Noon Rotary)
• Loyal Order of Moose
• Rotary Club of Leesburg (Sunrise)
• VFW Lake Memorial Post 4705

LOCAL MEDIA

AM radio stations include:

• WFLF 540 AM (News/Talk)
• WVLG 640 AM (Adult Contemporary)
• WRZN 720 AM (Nostalgia)
• WTLN 950 AM (Religious)
• WDYZ 990 AM (Children's)
• WONQ 1030 AM (Spanish)
• WHOO 1080 AM (Sports)

FM radio stations include:

• WMFQ 92.9 FM (Oldies)
• WOGK 93.7 FM (Country)
• WCFB 94.5 FM (Urban Contemporary)
• WPYO 95.3 FM (Hip-Hop)
• WOCL 105.9 FM (Alternative)
• WXXL 106.7 FM (Top 40)
• WMGF 107.7 FM (Adult Contemporary)