About Lakes Education Action Drive

Lakes Education/Action Drive is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and quality of lakes in Polk County, Florida.

Established in 1985, LE/AD has taken an active role in the pursuit to preserve our lakes and environmental resources. Lakes are ecologically and economically valuable, and our lakes deserve our care and protection. In addition, LE/AD encourages residents to take advantage of the many excellent opportunities our lakes provide.

Printed Resource Materials

Lake Care Tips

Residents Guide

2023 – 2024 Board of Directors

Mary Thornhill, President
City of Winter Haven

Lance Lumbard, Vice-President
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc.

Jessica Schilling, Secretary
City of Lakeland

Tom Jennings, Treasurer
Thomas E Jennings & Co

Hunter King
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

Jacqueline Hollister
Retired

David Teets
Polk County

Charles Thompson
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

View our past reports

* 2020 – 2021 Annual Report

* 2019 -2020 Annual Report

* 2018 -2019 Annual Report

Lakes Education Action Drive Annual Report

Each year, the Lakes Education Action Drive produces an annual report for our board of directors, partners, supporters, and of course the IRS. As technology increases it has become clear, these reports can reside on our website. Please click the link below to access LE/AD’s Annual Report.

Also, through our partnership with the City of Lakeland, City of Winter Haven, and Polk County, LE/AD also produces an annual report for their National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit. As these reports become available, LE/AD will begin to post these reports as well.

The LEAD’r Podcast

Late 2020, the board of directors created the LEAD’r Podcast to replace our monthly written newsletter. With communication being vital, especially during times of the pandemic, the Board believed a podcast would reach more of our target audience, the residents and visitors to Polk County.

With over 550 Lakes plus numerous creeks, streams and the headwaters to 5 major watersheds, water quality education is paramount to our communities. Now, pick and episode, sit back and enjoy LEAD.

Our Podcast

Would you like to serve on the Board? Send an email sharing your interests to lakeseducation@hotmail.com

Our Sponsors

Important Numbers

Lakes Education/Action Drive
2 E. Lake Howard Drive
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone/Fax: 863-221-LEAD (5323)

City of Lakeland Lakes &
Stormwater Division
Lakefront Management,
Water Quality
(863) 834-3300

City of Winter Haven
Natural Resources
Lakefront Management,
Water Quality
(863) 291-5881

Lake Region Lakes
Management District
Boating, Water Quantity,
Lake Levels
(863) 293-1441

Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission
Fish, Wildlife & Aquatic Plants
(863) 648-3200

Southwest Florida Water Management District
Surface Water Management, Wetlands, Water Conservation
(863) 534-1448

Department of
Environmental Protection
(DEP)
Wetlands
(863) 534-7074

Polk County Parks and Recreation
Lakefront management,
water quality
(863) 534-7377

LE/AD, Inc. is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization located in Florida, dedicated to environmental education and lake preservation and protection.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELPFLA, OR VIA THE INTERNET AT WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.” Registration Number CH4525.