Lake Santa Fe Buddhist Center Mostly Draws Praise, Excitement

June 26, 2007

Author: AMY REININK

Source: The Buddhist Channel

http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=61,4390,0,0,1,0

EARLETON, Florida (USA) -- Amid fields of organic blueberries and acres of lakefront cypress groves, a group of Gainesville Buddhists is building its future.

Long-term plans call for a monastery, cultural center, nature preserve and retreat for one of the highest ranking Buddhists in the world to be built on a 143-acre waterfront lot on Lake Santa Fe off County Road 1469. Florida Dharma Retreat Center Inc. purchased the property for $1.275 million in 2005, according to Alachua County Property Appraiser records.

The conceptual plan is years away from being actualized, but has already drawn praise, criticism and curiosity from environmentalists and neighbors in the tiny communities surrounding the lake.