High bacteria levels have forced closure of one of the state’s most beautiful springs, Blue Spring in Orange City, to swimmers this weekend, according to a story in the Daytona Beach News-Journal.

While manatee season is what usually chases swimmers out of the water, in this case, it’s a combination of high temperatures and low rainfall blocking the aquifer’s ability to cleanse - what goes in, must come out - the wastes that seep into the aquifer and spring.

Check the Blue Spring State Park website to keep up with when the swimming area will reopen.

New observation decks on the Lake Eaton Trail for overlooks on the lake, plus new stairs, decks, and kiosks on the Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail are some of the improvements planned for this summer to this pair of popular day hiking trails in the Ocala National Forest.

The short loop to the sinkhole on the Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail is now closed while contractors work on replacing wooden structures.  Observation decks on the Lake Eaton Trail will be closed as each is replaced.

For more information, see the National Forests in Florida blog

To celebrate Florida Parks & Recreation Month, Lee County … aka Fort Myers, Sanibel, and the Beaches … is offering free parking at all of their lots this weekend.

This includes all beaches with the exception of Bowman’s Beach and the beaches at the far north end of Captiva Island.

Parks and preserves that charge parking fees, such as Lakes Park and Six Mile Cypress Slough, will also offer free entry.

Get out and explore your outdoors in Lee County this weekend!

A military plane crash in the vicinity of Pat’s Island on Sunday evening has forced closure of FR 10, the Pat’s Island Trailhead, and the Yearling Trail while crews work on cleanup in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness. Portions of SR 19 may be closed during cleanup operations. Consider alternate routes through the area.  The Florida Trail remains open through the Juniper Prairie Wilderness.  Details…

Ongoing restoration of longleaf pine habitat between Alexander Springs and Clearwater Lake may lead to closures of the Florida Trail near Paisley. Signage will be placed during closure periods. Please check ahead before hiking this section. See the USFS website for details.