Lake and spring in Apopka Florida

[SRQ]

In Apopka Florida, at the intersection of Rock Springs rd and Votaw rd there is a small park with a lake (I don't remember the lake or parks name). I had always heard that there was a deep cave or spring in that lake but the county sheriffs had closed it, or gated it off due to several diving related accidents. I am guessing the story I have heard must be close to 25 or 30 years old so am not sure of its validity.
Does anyone have any info or history on that spring system or cave (if there is one). I tried doing several searchs but to no avail.
BTW this is not Apoka Blue or Gourdneck springs - This lake and spring is actually on the way out to Rock Springs on the west side of the road.
Just curious and thanks in advance.
WB

[Cave Ranger]

I think you are refering to Rock Springs park.

http://www.tfn.net/Springs/Rock.htm

I've been there once for a family cookout years ago and I snorkled at the spring. There were metal grates over the spring vents and they don't allow scuba.
It's an Orange County park and they have some pretty draconian rules and regs as I recall.
Hell they wouldn't even allow me to innertube whilst nekkid, drunk, hyped up on meth and trick shooting with a black powder rifle with my bevy of strippers. Lousy "family atmosphere" ruining my good time.
It's a nice park otherwise.

[SRQ]

Close but not the right place - This lake and spring are at the intersection of Votaw and Rock Springs rd basically in downtown Apopka. You can see the boil when the lake is real slick. I understand this lake is pretty deep and by its almost circular shape sort of looks like the remants of an old sinkhole.

( BTW 30 years ago you could innertube nekkid and drunk down Rock Springs run - you just needed to set up a diversion first - you gotta love college back in those days)

WB

[curtschu]

Given the fact that Apopka Blue and Rock springs are in the general area it is possible. I don't think the depth would be much more than 100 ft (Apopka Blue is about 100 feet) Any round lake in that area could be a sinkhole. Now are you sure there is a boil? When did you see this last?
The reason I ask is what many people think is a spring boil in the Orlando area are de-stratification systems that have been installed by Aguatic Eco-systems for the last 10 years or so. Look around the banks of most lakes and see if you can find a small green metal box, that is the pump cabinet.
I made about 200 of these system when I worked there 9 years ago. They are a vacuum pump with a air-stone manifold set on the lake bottom. The hoses, upto 6 or 8 are connected to the outlet side of the pump. They are low pressure high volume pumps and can run constantly for about a year.

[SRQ]

I'm sure it is not an aeration or man made system. The boil, or surface disturbance I remember seeing was only barely discernable when it was dead calm and normaly when the sun was low, like in the evening or the early morning. I remember seeing it on the northern side of the lake, but then again this is close to twenty five years ago and anything could have happened by then. I remember hearing that the lake was around 40 ft deep or so - but then again I can't confirm this.

The park I am talking about I believe is just a little city park with a few park benches on the east side of the lake.

If you look on Google earth you can see the lake at that intersection of Votaw Rd and Rock Springs rd. I think Rock Springs rd is called another name when it goes through the town of Apopka - its been ten years since I lived there.

WB

[curtschu]

Apopka is on the southern edge of the Ocala uplift so it is very possible the lake you speak of is an ancient sinkhole and could have a small vent in the bottom, lots of spring fed lake around here. You can always tell the spring fed lakes during the drought... they stay relatively full.

Curt

[SRQ]

Yes , that lake always stayed full, even in the droughts. So I am sure it was, or still is spring fead.

Here are the cooridinates if anyone wants to take a peak at it on Google Earth 28 41'03 N 81 30'42 W Copy and paste these cooridinates, it'll take right to the lake.

I'm still curious as to whether there was an actual cave.The sheriffs department supposedly grated it off after two OW divers surmise. I haven't been able to find anything on the webb realating to this lake or incident. Enough time might have passed where this cave was deemed just too dangerous, closed up, and forgotten. I do know there is a sign in that park that specifically says no diving.

WB

[JE]

TJ has a cave behind his house if you want to dig it out-

Yak

[temrich]

According to Google, the lake is Dream Lake. I will see if I can find anything else about it. Have you checked with the Watershed Management people?

[SRQ]

Yes, that is the lakes name. I just couldn't remember it. (I used to live in Apopka/Altamonte Springs but now reside in Sarasota) I haven't talked to the Watershead Management yet, but since I know the name now, I think I'll give a call to the local police dept and see if I can find any info there.
It's probably going to take someone thats been there for sometime to remember any stories of the cave in the lake.

Thanks in advance for any info found.
WB