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Lake Jesup
 In the heart of Seminole County along the middle basin of the St. Johns River, Lake Jesup encompasses an area of approximately 10,000 acres and has a circumference of 28 miles, eventually connecting with the St. Johns River. This 100,000 year old lake is home to over 9000 alligators -- the largest concentration of the magnificent beasts of any lake in the U.S. Many species of birds, Bald Eagles, wild boars, bobcats, and alligators call Lake Jesup home. It is also anthropologically rich with Native American artifacts. The lake has been environmentally researched by three major universities.
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Joel Martin, Owner
 Joel was born in Paris, France. His family moved to Africa when he was young, and there he grew up surrounded by the magnificent wildlife. He spent a lot of his youth out in the jungles hunting snakes, alligators and other creatures.
He returned to France to do his tour of duty in the Navy based at Toulon, in the beautiful south of France. After his tour of duty was over, he settled in Corsica, where he opened a restaurant and nightclub. He also had a small ranch where he could ride his horses.
Next came a move to the magnificent French Alps. Here he owned a chain of supermarkets at ski resorts. Afterwards, the lure of the French Riviera drew Joel and family. There he opened a real estate company. But all plans changed in 1995, when he won a green card and was allowed to emigrate to America. Without hesitation, he packed up the family and moved to the States. Joel choose Florida as he enjoys the heat and humidity, so reminiscent of his youth.
His choice of lifestyle led him to the Oviedo area where he could live in the country and keep his horse. On a morning walk one day he discovered that not 5 minutes away is the Black Hammock Restaurant, on lovely Lake Jesup, with it's mangroves and alligators. Now he knows he is in paradise! He is at home just as he was in Africa. Joel obtained his American Citizenship, fully living out his AMERICAN DREAM! |
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