River of Lakes Heritage Corridor Scenic Highway

🌴 Mark your calendars! Summer fun is making its way to Downtown DeLand.

Join us for themed Friday nights throughout June and July, culminating with Tropical Nights on July 17 and your chance to win a Margaritaville Cruise for 2! Raffle tickets are available now at www.mainstreetdeland.org.

And don't forget—Wine, Women & Chocolate returns on July 8 with a tropical twist. Throw on your favorite tropical attire and join us for a fun night out in Downtown DeLand. 🍹🌺

We love any excuse to celebrate summer, support local, and bring the community together. We can't wait to see you downtown!

Did you miss the Freedom bus in Volusia? Check out coming to Sanford on Friday!

We can’t wait!!

Don't forget Sunset at the Zoo, presented by Orlando Health, on Friday, June 26!

Join the community in an after-hours celebration at the Zoo, with additional support from Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center.

There'll be music & entertainment by Pride365 Radio & Orlando Gay Chorus! Vendors & tables from Orlando Health, Little Bun Creations, AMC Theatres, The Umbrella Brigade , VyStar Credit Union, Orlando Pride, Orange Paws / Those Journal Junkies, Linked Lux Lab, Spartan Security, Friends of Blue Springs State Park, River of Lakes Heritage Corridor Scenic Highway , World Treasures , & PFLAG Greater Orlando!

Next week, avoid the Friday night FOMO and join us at Sunset at the Zoo.
Get tickets at https://bit.ly/4mEP9tL

The St. Johns River has carved out one of Central Florida's most rewarding wild spaces in Seminole County. Black Bear Wilderness Area in Sanford spans 1,650 acres of cypress dome swamp, shallow marsh, hydric hammock, and mixed hardwood forest along the river's floodplain, managed by Seminole County Natural Lands as a preserved ecological habitat and passive recreation destination. True to its name, Florida black bears have been spotted here regularly, including a mother and cubs at the trailhead by experienced hikers.

The 7.1-mile loop trail follows a series of levees out to the St. Johns River and back, staying dry for most of the year but subject to flooding during summer rainy season. A shorter 2-mile round-trip option reaches a scenic river overlook, beginning on a paved accessible path and boardwalk through a palm hammock. Wildlife along the route includes white-tailed deer, American alligators, river otters, swallow-tailed kites, and wading birds. Sturdy footwear and plenty of water are strongly recommended. Hunting is not permitted. Primitive camping is available. Free to enter.

Have you visited Black Bear Wilderness Area? Share your experience in the comments!

⭐ Black Bear Wilderness Area
📍 5333 Hatbill Rd, Sanford, FL 32771 (Seminole County, near Lake Monroe)

🎣 Hook Some Fun This Father's Day! 🎣

The City of Lake Helen is proud to host the First Annual Father's Day Fishing Derby at beautiful Lake Helen Lake!

Bring Dad, Grandpa, the kids, and the whole family for a morning of fishing, fun, and community as we celebrate the fathers and father figures who make a difference in our lives.

📅 Saturday, June 20
⏰ 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Lake Helen Lake

🎣 Catch-and-Release Derby
🎣 Live and artificial bait provided while supplies last
🎣 Prizes awarded in 4 categories
🎣 Bring your own fishing pole, line, and hooks

This special community event is dedicated to honoring the fathers of our community while creating lasting memories along the shores of Lake Helen Lake.

For more information, please contact:
📧 [email protected]
📞 386-442-5215

We look forward to seeing you there for a morning of family fun, friendly competition, and great fishing!

A gem along our byway 💙

✨ 36-Acre Nature Preserve
💦 Producing 1-Million Gallons Daily
💚A Rare Green Sulfur Spring
💰 Free Admission
📍 Green Springs Park
🔗 https://sjrwmd.info/Green-Springs