Lake Pioneer
Lake Pioneer is a deep, sandy-bottomed, clear 'ridge' type lake located to the northeast of the City of Avon Park. The limited amount of Lakewatch data available indicate that water quality is very good in Lake Pioneer. Phosphorus levels are very low, ranging from 4 to 14 ppb (parts per billion) and averaging 8.3 ppb. Nitrogen levels are also very low, ranging from 300 to 960 ppb and averaging 595 ppb. The low levels of nutrients have resulted in low levels of algae, which is estimated by the concentration of chlorophyll in the water. Chlorophyll ranges from 1 to 8 ppb and averages only 4 ppb. The relatively low algae populations result in increased water clarity, as measured by the depth to which a standardized 'secchi' disc can be seen when lowered into the water. Secchi depths range from 5.2 to 17.7 feet and average over 11 feet, making Lake Pioneer among the clearest lakes in the county. There is insufficient data to determine whether there have been any changes in water quality since Lakewatch sampling began in 1999. Click here to view water quality data by year.
The boat ramp for Lake Pioneer is located at the north end of the lake. To get there, take State Road 17 east from US 27, north of Avon Park. After crossing the railroad tracks turn left onto the one lane Oak Park Avenue. Turn right onto Shockley Road and right again onto the boat ramp drive running between the orange groves.
Historic aerial photo gallery 1944-2002