County: Orange
ZIP Codes: 32832
Lake Mary Jane, though not directly on Florida’s coast, can indeed feel the impacts of hurricane threats due to its proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. This freshwater lake community, located in Orange County, is approximately 25 miles from the Atlantic ocean, a relatively short distance that does not provide adequate protection from potential hurricanes' high winds, heavy rains, and the possibility of tornadoes that often accompany these storms. In terms of elevation, Lake Mary Jane is relatively low, at about 65 feet above sea level, which increases its vulnerability to flooding, particularly when coupled with the area's typically flat terrain. Historically, Lake Mary Jane has seen the impacts of various hurricanes and flood events. Although there have not been direct hits in the past 30 years, the area has felt the effects of several major hurricanes including Charley in 2004 and Irma in 2017. Hurricane Charley brought high-speed winds, while Irma, though it significantly weakened by the time it reached Central Florida, caused substantial flooding and power outages that lasted for several days. Therefore, people living in and around Lake Mary Jane should always heed evacuation orders and ensure that their homes are adequately prepared to withstand intense weather events.