Defenders of Crooked Lake

During this period of heavy rains and high water on Crooked Lake, there is much discussion in our community about how Crooked Lake ought to drain. There exists today a canal between Crooked Lake and Lake Clinch. Across the canal exists a concrete weir. During periods of high lake levels, water can flow through the […]

The following is an update to the posts from August 15th. High Lake Levels The rain gauge at Warner University has only recorded 1.3 inches of rain since our last email. Crooked Lake continues to rise, albeit more slowly. As of August 24th, the Gauge at Bob’s Landing reads 120.85 feet NAVD88. Polk County has […]

Following heavy rainfall on August 2nd, sewer manholes on Canal Drive in Crooked Lake Park began to overflow. Untreated wastewater began to flow along the side of the road and into a stormwater drain that discharges to a canal on Crooked Lake. High water levels at the wastewater treatment facility have also resulted in direct […]

Our area typically receives 8 inches of rain per month during July and August. The rain gauge at Warner University has recorded 26 inches over the last 30 days. This has led to a dramatic increase in the water level of Crooked Lake. As of August 14, the gauge at Bob’s Landing reads 120.5 feet […]

In 2017, the board of the Defenders of Crooked Lake received concerns from members that Crooked Lake residents had applied to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to construct a dock. They were concerned over the size and the configuration of the proposed dock. As we investigated the proposed dock, we came to find […]

Ryan Kordek is known around Babson Park for growing longleaf pines and planting them in the preserves and scenic locations throughout the town. He has also gifted them in 3 gallon containers for people to plant in their yards. Longleaf pines were the landmark tree growing in the Babson Park area, but were long ago […]

Mark your calendars! The Defenders of Crooked Lake 2019 Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 19 at 6pm at the Babson Park Woman’s Club. Dinner starts at 6:00 pm. Bring a covered dish, Defenders will supply meat and drink. This event is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Junior […]

Earlier this year, Bok Academy, Janie Howard Wilson Elementary, and Polk State College teamed up to enable young ladies opportunities to participate in a series of Saturday workshops aimed at nurturing interest in STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The Polk Girls in STEM initiative is a new program started through a […]

On April 21st, 2018, Defenders of Crooked Lake members and Babson Park residents took part in a “Pillar to Pillar” clean up and beautification effort to honor Earth Day and the memory of Helen Morrison. Targeted clean up locations included Scenic Highway’s drainage ditches, storm drains, and sidewalks. Clean up efforts were also made on […]

Founding member of the Defenders of Crooked Lake, Helen Morrison, died at the age of 99 on March 30, 2018. Helen and her late husband Ken lived in their Crooked Lake home for more than 50 years. Helen always encouraged stewardship of the earth, and respect for all creatures great and small.