Defenders of Crooked LakeThis past April, Defenders of Crooked Lake members and friends came together on Earth Day to tackle the pressing issue of pollution. Armed with gloves, trash bags, and an unwavering determination, they set out to make a difference in their community. From Babson Park pillar to pillar, they diligently collecting discarded waste and debris. With […]
By Win Stevens
Three ideas for protecting Crooked Lake shorelines.
On March 23, the Defenders of Crooked Lake hosted their annual meeting at the Babson Park Woman’s Club. Approximately 75 members participated in the meeting, many bringing a delicious dish as part of the potluck dinner. The Defenders contributed the main dishes, smoked pork and chicken prepared by Tim Bracewell from the Crooked Bass. Babson […]
Mark your calendars for the 2022 annual Crooked Lake boat parade- Saturday, December 17 at 6pm. Meet in front of the Crooked Lake Prairie boardwalk. Anyone is welcome to join the parade. Happy Holidays from the Defenders of Crooked Lake!
Polk County Roads and Drainage Division recently completed the Sunset Trail stormwater improvement project. The County constructed curbs, gutters, stormwater pipes, and a stormwater retention pond. Before this project, stormwater and sediment from the unpaved road would discharge directly into the lake. Construction began in Fall 2021 and completed in April 2022.
The photo above was provided by long-time members Jim and Nancy Smith. Shown is the Betty B, which belonged to Earl Wirt, Sr. According to the Bartow Courier-Informant from January 1913, “Mr Wirt has one of the best launches ever seen on this lake.” Mr. Smith stated that launches were a big thing at the […]
Try to reduce stormwater runoff from your property Ways to improve storm-water runoff caused by our driveways and roofs: To improve the storm-water drainage system around our houses and caused by paved driveways, retain as much permeable surface as possible: lawns, rain gardens; rain gutters that funnel water to rain barrels or direct it to […]
Polk County Roads and Drainage Division is nearing completion of the Sunset Trail stormwater improvement project. Sunset Trail is an unpaved road with a steep grade from Wes Mann Road on the east to Crooked Lake on the west. During heavy rains, stormwater runs down the road, creating deep ruts and depositing sediment directly in […]
The Defenders of Crooked Lake are in the process of cataloging and digitizing our historic records. Over the coming months, we plan to share stories and photos from the archives. In this first installment, we’re hoping for some community support to help us solve a mystery. Board member Steve Morrison found the following photos in […]