Lakes Education/Action Drive

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Lakes Education/Action Drive

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Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Lakes Education/Action Drive, Nonprofit Organization, Lakeland, FL.

LE/AD, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and preserving the natural beauty and quality of lakes and waterways all over Polk County and Central Florida.

10/13/2026

10/11/2026

🚣‍♀️📦 What a day on the water! 📦🚣‍♂️

Thank you to everyone who came out for the 21st Annual Lakeland Cardboard Boat Race! For over two decades, this event has brought our community together for creativity, teamwork, and plenty of soggy cardboard, and this year did not disappoint.

From the sleek speedsters that made it to the finish line to the glorious sinkings that had the whole shoreline cheering, every crew showed incredible imagination and heart. 💙 Swipe through to relive the duct tape, the costumes, the splashes, and the smiles!

A huge thank you to our racers, volunteers, sponsors, and spectators. Every boat launched, and every dollar raised, helps the Lakes Education Action Drive support learning opportunities for students right here in our community. 📚✨

Did you spot yourself or your crew? Tag them below! 👇 And start planning those designs now, because we can’t wait to see what you build for year 22 (Saturday, October 9th, 2027)! 🏆 We already booked the band The SOFA Kings !

Thank you to our event sponsors:
City of Lakeland, FL - Government
The Royal Group
Crowder Bros Ace Hardware
Publix
Coca-Cola
Environmental Science Associates (ESA)
Mid Florida Credit Union
Pale Blue Dot Consulting
City of Lakeland, FL - Government

10/11/2026

On-site cardboard boat-building action at the 21st Annual Lakeland Cardboard Boat Challenge and Lakes Festival on Lake Hollingsworth.
Thanks to our boat builders, spectators, exhibitors, the City of Lakeland, FL - Government and our sponsors:
The Royal Group
Crowder Bros Ace Hardware
Publix
Coca-Cola
Mid Florida Credit Union
Environmental Science Associates (ESA)
blue dot consulting

10/10/2026

What a great day! Photos coming soon!

10/09/2026

The cardboard boat race is on for tomorrow. See you at 8 am, Lake Hollingsworth Boat Ramp, Lakeland FL
City of Lakeland, FL - Government

10/05/2026

Have you ever wondered if you could trust your family, friends, or workmates if you were castaways on a remote beach? For 20 years, a crowd has gathered at Lake Hollingsworth (a more convenient location) to find out, building seaworthy vessels out of cardboard, duct tape, and sheer desperation. Friendships have been tested. Families have been forged (and soaked). At least one corporate merger has been called off.

Choose your survival strategy:

On-site build: You've just washed ashore. The clock is ticking. We'll provide the materials. You provide your vision and project/time management skills.

Pre-build: You've been stranded for a while and have been planning your escape. You get all the time left until Saturday morning, your own materials, and unlimited hubris.

Band together in Youth (5–17), Community (18+), Family (at least one kid and one grown-up, because every shipwreck needs someone to blame), or Corporate (18+) tribes. Corporate teams, this is the ultimate test of your org chart. Who leads when the boat is sinking? Who quietly swims for shore? Find out on Saturday.

Your ticket off the island costs just $35. Cheaper than a rescue helicopter and far more entertaining for everyone watching from the beach.

Calling all local businesses: Corporate event sponsorships are greatly appreciated! Be the supply drop this island needs. Your support keeps the festival thriving and our tradition afloat, even when the boats aren't.

Register here: https://lakeseducation.org/lakeland-cardboard-boat-challenge-lakes-festival/team-registration/

04/05/2026

Some aerial footage of yesterday’s MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife youth fishing derby. The weather was beautiful and there were a lot of activities for the whole family.

03/27/2026

LEAD will be exhibiting at the MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife annual youth (15 and under) fishing derby on Saturday, April 4th. Registration is required; lunch will be provided. To register, call 863-648-3200. No license is required, and loaner rods are available. There will also be activities for folks not participating in the derby.
Please like and share to get the word out. Thank you, Publix, for sponsoring this event.

01/26/2026

Speckled Perch – A Florida Treasure! 🐟

Did you know that the black crappie, also known as speckled perch or “specks,” is one of Florida’s most valued fish? Here are some fun facts about this incredible fish beyond just fishing!

✨ Common Names: Known by many names such as papermouth, bachelor perch, calico bass, and strawberry bass. It's a true Floridian icon!

🎨 Appearance: With its silvery-green to yellowish body, large fins, and distinctive black blotches, the speckled perch is easy to spot in Florida’s clear lakes and rivers.

🏞️ Habitat: These beauties thrive in natural lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers with moderate vegetation. They prefer clear waters that aren’t too murky.

🌱 Spawning: From February to April, when the water warms to 62-65°F, male crappies create circular nests in shallow waters—usually around submerged plants. A true family affair!

⚖️ Bag Limits: To protect these special fish, the daily bag limit is 25 per person, with a two-day possession limit for licensed anglers.

The black crappie is more than just a fish—it's a vital part of Florida’s natural ecosystem. Whether you're spotting them in the wild or admiring them from the shore, the speckled perch is a reminder of our state’s rich aquatic life.

Address

Lakeland, FL
33807

Website

http://www.lakeseducation.org/

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