Florida state parks provide habitat for many rare, threatened, or endangered plants and animals. With 1382 acres comprised of pine flatwoods, a blackwater stream called South Creek, and two freshwater lakes, Oscar Scherer State Park is no exception. The park in particular is noted for its population of scrub-jays, gopher tortoises, and indigo snakes.
Lake Osprey is a perfect place to cool off during the hot summer days. This three-acre freshwater lake has a sandy beach front and is located at the Lake Osprey Picnic Area. The lake is also open for fishing; however, fishing is not permitted in the designated, roped-off swimming area. Oscar Scherer State Park is home to the only fresh water swimming lake in Sarasota County. One third of this two acre lake has a sandy beach.
