Leesburg Current Newsletter (July - September 2022 Edition)
Leesburg’s New Teen Enrichment Center is Open
The ribbon cutting ceremony for Leesburg’s new Teen Enrichment Center was held on June 8th. The facility is located in th
e Leesburg Recreation Complex at 1851 Griffin Road. It was built as a partnership between the City and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida, whose Leesburg Branch will be based there.
Encompassing 10,045 square feet, the center will provide local youth and teens with a safe place to go every day after school and during the summer months. The facility includes multipurpose rooms to accommodate recreational, educational and enrichment programs for elementary, middle and high school students. There are also separate outdoor areas for youth and teens.
The project was made possible through funding from the City of Leesburg, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida and a Lake County Community Development Block Grant, totaling an investment in the community of $2.75 million. The facility was designed by CPH Engineering and was built by Evergreen Construction.
For information on the Boys and Girls Clubs, including the Leesburg branch, please visit their website at www.bgccf.org.
Pine Street Renovation Update
The project to renovate the Pine Street corridor is underway. When work is complete on the revitalization of this historic African-American commercial district, it will reflect an investment in pedestrian safety including traffic calming elements and wider sidewalks, landscape enhancements, wider streets, parking improvements, water and sewer line upgrades and decorative lighting. The design phase is nearly complete. When finished, the design will be presented to the community and stakeholders for review and will later go before the City Commission for final approval. It is anticipated that the project will break ground in November, 2022.
2022 Primary Election
Early voting for the 2022 Primary Election will take place at the Venetian Center from Thursday, August 11th through Saturday, August 20th. Voting is open from 10:00am – 6:00pm.
The primary voting election day is Tuesday, August 23rd. Voting sites will be open from 7:00am – 7:00pm. You must vote at your assigned precinct on election day.
A photo and signature ID must be presented when voting. For additional information including registering to vote and requesting a vote-by-mail ballot, please visit the Supervisor of Elections website at www.lakevotes.com.
Water Treatment Plant Award
Leesburg’s Water Plant Operations Division has received the 2021 “Drinking Water Plant Operations Excellence Award” from the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection.
The award was presented to the Plantation facility for outstanding treatment plant operations, maintenance and compliance. It also recognizes the staff’s commitment to excellence in management through dedicated professionalism.
Safety Message from the Leesburg Fire Department
As we enter hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th, it is important to be prepared. Remember…
- Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem - find out how rain, wind, water could happen where you live so you can start preparing now.
- Discuss your hurricane emergency plan with your household.
- Have enough supplies for your household - include medication, disinfectant supplies, cloth face coverings & pet supplies in your “go bag” or car trunk.
If you or anyone in your household is an individual with a disability, identify if you may need additional help during an emergency.- You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane so make sure to know your local evacuation zone.
- Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide.
- You can also go to www.alertlake.com to sign up for local emergency notifications.
- Review your insurance policies and make sure personal documents (like ID) are up to date.
Celebrate Summer 2022 at the Leesburg Public Library!
Wednesday, July 13 at 11:00am – Max Annaev Comedy Show for all ages!
A fun, interactive comedy show featuring juggling, magic, circus skills, and more! Free event.
Wednesday, July 20 at 11:00am –Scott Humston
Be amazed with illusions, skits, puppets, and more in this interactive magic show! Free event.
Adults: Screening Great Courses “Wonders of the National Parks” Happening each Thursday in July from 1:00–2:30pm.
September is Library Card Sign Up Month. Come in to find out how easy and fast it is to receive a library card that you can use the day you sign up. Children receive their own library card and there is no minimum age.
Recreation Department News 
The Leesburg Recreation Department is offering a variety of activities for all ages this summer. Registration is required for sports and events.
REC’N SATURDAY Events:
Youth Nerf Wars - Saturday, August 20th
Murder at the Mote Morris House - Saturday, September 24th
5th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament - Friday, October 7th
SOCCER:
Registration opens in June for all age groups with practices starting in August.
Pee Wee (ages 5-6); Junior (ages 7-8); Senior (ages 9-10); Premier (ages 11-12); World Cup (ages 13-14)
POP WARNER PROGRAMS:
Football (ages 5-14)
Returning Player Registration: February – July
New Player Registration: April – July
Cheerleading (Ages 5-15):
Registration: February – July
POOL and SPLASH PAD
H.O. DABNEY AQUATIC CENTER OPEN SWIM HOURS
June/July: Monday thru Friday 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Saturday & Sunday 11:30am – 6:00pm
August/November: Weekends Only 12:00pm – 5:00pm
SPLASH PAD HOURS
June/July: Open Daily 10am – 6pm
August/September: Weekends Only 12pm – 5pm
**Check our website or call for information on swim lesson sessions, lap swim and special aquatic activities
For additional information (including fees and locations) on these and other programs, please visit the Recreation Department website at www.LeesburgFlorida.gov/recreation or call 352-728-9885.
Summer Energy Savers
- While home, set your Thermostat to 78° or higher. While away, set it to 82°. Every degree over 78° may reduce your energy costs by 6-7% on average.
- Give your refrigerator breathing room. Clean the coils and don’t set the temperature too low. The refrigerator should be kept between 38-42°F and the freezer between 0-5°F.
- Use your clothes dryer for consecutive loads. The built-up heat means less energy spent. Also, make sure the lint trap in the clothes dryer is clean before you press start. Add a tennis ball or clean, dry towel to improve air circulation and reduce drying time.
- Open the oven door infrequently. Every time you open it, the temperature drops about 25-30 degrees and more energy is used to generate the desired level of heat.