Leesburg, Lake County Florida

[BobInFla]

I've been out of metal detecting for the last 30+ years but now retired. Has anyone made any old finds around Leesburg, or any part of Lake County? I've been doing alot of research but still waiting on my new AT Pro from Garrett to ship. I am a native to the Lake and Sumter County area having spent most of my 66 years here.

I've heard rumors of an occassional gold coin or two being found in the area but so far nothing documented. Would like to hear from anyone with local knowledge or someone looking for a hunting partner in this area.

[scubaozzy]

i live in lake county also..i forget who but someone on the board sent me this info. on leads...

Here's some to start with for Lake County

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Fort: Fort Volusia, located S of Lake George

Ghost Town: Sellers Lake, 3 miles SW Astor Park

Ghost Town: Conant, in the extreme NW corner of the county, 2 miles S Wiersdale

Ghost Town: Old Seneca, 4 miles E Eustis on the west edge of Lake Seneca ... a large townsite during the 1800s

The ancient Indians who inhabited the area of Indian Springs threw gold and silver into the lakes and springs all over their territory as tribute to their water gods. The story has been proven by hundreds of finds over the last 100 years and indicates that the early indians salvaged tons of gold and silver coins from wrecked Spanish treasure galleons.

In the early1700,s a party of Spaniards carrying treasure across the peninsula of Florida was attacked. The Indians are said to have killed all but one, who later admitted the treasure was dumped in one of the lakes in Central Florida. A single spanish coin was found by swimmers in the eastern part of Lake Eustis which could possible be the lake in question. Lots of lakes in LAKE county!

It was reported in 1973 that an early Indian camp was located near LeesBurg. Among the artifacts recovered here were 20 spanish coins dated 1540, a half suit of Spanish armor including a helmet, several gold and silver items and a large number of human skeleton bones.

[BobInFla]

I've heard the same stories but never is a source quoted or is more definitive info provided. Lots of lakes in Lake Co to be searched. I would certainly like to follow up on the one about the Leesburg area if it could be better pinpointed.

[FLauthor]

Hey Bob:
I'm the Flauthor, written 3 books on Treasure sites in Florida, all sold through Kellyco. I live in Clermont and know things about Leesburg that no one else knows about. Do you know about the Casino that was a Speak easy during Prohibition on the shores of Lake Harris. Site can only be reached by boat, only the seawall remains. Old lady who has passed away said when they approached the sea wall in the 1930's, a guy came down with a Thompson and told them to get the Hell out of there.
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P-39 Airacobra that crashed after taking off from Leesburg airport in 1945 when the engine seized and the pilot bellied the plane a mile from shore. Pilot swam out of cockpit before plane sank into 14 feet of water. I've searched for this plane with side scan sonar no luck.
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Barge of imported Italian marble for Howey Mansion sank in the trench off from Yalaha city pier in 1926. Searched for this too with side scan sonar, no results.
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Remains of the 70 foot sternwheeler steamboat called the "Emmie" is sunk on the north shore of Lake Harris. 1890 Photo can be found at Lake County Historical Society.
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Many more treasure sites remain in Lake Harris. Wish they'd do a draw down like they did with Lake Tohopekiliga.

I have a 16 foot boat with a 40 hp Tohatsu. I prefer to water hunt but do some land hunting too. Many of my finds are on display in the Tavares museum.

Harry
407-625-3655 (cell)

[Salvor6]

Hello Harry. I went out on Harris Lake with you and 3 of my buddies, Ron Hampton, Joe Hines and Frank Giovenco about 2 years ago. You showed us some sites on the lake including the sunken barge with the marble on it. We have a side scan sonar on Ron's boat and it clearly showed the barge in 12 feet of water. Unfortunately the water was black with zero visibility.