Orange County investing $2.1 million on Lake Apopka Loop Trail

The Lake Apopka Loop Trail is one of Northwest Orange County's most popular outdoor destinations. The multi-use trail encompasses almost 15 miles of stunning landscapes and trails.

It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who love to explore the beauty of nature. The trail is situated on the shores of Lake Apopka, which is Florida's fourth-largest lake and is home to a variety of wildlife.

It's a popular destination for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. The trail is flat and well-maintained, making it accessible to hikers and bikers of all skill levels. Along the trail, you'll find several observation towers that offer breathtaking views of the lake and its surroundings.

It's also a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 360 species of birds recorded in the area. You might spot some of the rarest bird species, such as the Snail Kite, the Black Rail, and the Limpkin. The trail is also home to several other wildlife species, including alligators, turtles, and otters.

Apart from the scenic beauty and wildlife, the Lake Apopka Loop Trail is also known for its historical significance. It was once a part of a farm that produced vegetables and fruits for the city of Orlando. In the 1940s, the farm was converted into an agricultural research center, where scientists experimented with new crops and farming techniques.

Today, the Lake Apopka Loop Trail is a serene and peaceful place where visitors can escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Lake Apopka Loop Trail

Local officials hope that the Lake Apopka Loop Trail will continue to draw visitors and promote sustainable tourism in the region. "We're thrilled to see so many people enjoying the trail," says Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. "It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone who helped make this project a reality." Whether you're looking for a scenic hike, a peaceful bike ride, or a chance to connect with nature, the Lake Apopka Loop Trail is a destination worth exploring. 

Last week, the Orange County Board of Commissioners voted to invest another $2.1 million in the Lake Apopka Trail Loop.

"I wanted to let you know that at the April 23rd BCC Consent Agenda, we are moving $1.5 million to the West Orange Trail (Rock Springs and Wekiva State Park) to provide sufficient funding for the design of this segment of the trail," said District 2 Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore. "There is also on the consent agenda under Community and Family Services the approval and execution of the Grant Agreement for the $640,000 funding the county is receiving from the State to fund a portion of the design. The total design cost is approximately $2.1 million. Once the design gets to a point where the cost of construction is known, we will then look at what options we have to fund the construction costs."

According to the agenda packet, the amendment provides an additional post-design scope of services, including engineering/landscape architectural services to complete shop drawing reviews, construction administration modification of final construction plans, permit renewals and extensions, and pay items.

The scope includes final engineering design and construction plans preparation for Final Engineering Services for the Lake Apopka Trail Connector (From Lake Apopka Loop to West Orange Trail) project. The Contract was authorized for award by the Board on August 11, 2020.