Paddlers clean up debris from Leesburg's Venetian Gardens

LEESBURG — Dozens of volunteers in colorful kayaks and canoes cleaned up litter at Venetian Gardens recently as part of the annual "Love Our Lakes" program.

The cleanup was a joint effort of Leesburg and the Lake County Water Authority. Teams paddled along the northwest shore of Lake Harris plucking junk floating around the 64-acre waterfront park.

This fall, Venetian Gardens will serve as the venue for the third annual Wings and Wildflowers Festival celebrating wildlife and Lake's natural beauty. Home to one of the Leesburg's three boating and recreation access points to the Harris Chain of Lakes, Venetian Gardens features landscaped islands that are separated by tranquil canals and make for great bird watching.

The event is set for Oct. 3-5. Last year, the festival was held at Hickory Point Recreational Facility in Tavares.