The Saturday, June 26, 2021, meet-up at the Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park provided some surprises and lots of camaraderie.

The surprise was the distance Florida Tesla Enthusiasts (FTE) members traveled to enjoy our meet-up. They came from Melbourne, Punta Gorda, Orlando, Live Oak, Apalachicola, Milton, Niceville, and of course, Tallahassee.

Eleven FTE members, each with a guest, attended and enjoyed lots of conversation and a buffet of boiled shrimp and fried chicken.

Attendees were able to arrange to participate in the various ticketed park activities on their own and guest rooms for those traveling a distance were available at the historic Lodge at Wakulla Springs.

About The Lodge at Wakulla Springs

Surrounded by 6,000 acres of pristine forest, the Lodge at Wakulla Springs is North Florida's castle. Built in 1937 by industrialist Edward Ball, the Lodge is one of the most beautiful buildings of its period and one of the few where you can stay overnight. Located in the middle of Wakulla Springs State Park, the Lodge's 27 rooms overlook one of the country's largest springs. 

One discussion topic was the urgent need for a Tesla Service Center in Tallahassee, the nearest current facility being nearly 200 miles in any direction.  Another suggestion to help with the adjustment to EVs is the development of a standard training class for new owners and/or spouses to overcome reluctance to driving an EV.

The next gathering, in the planning stage, will be an effort to be more accessible to our Western panhandle members out near Pensacola. Suggested sites were Marianna or DeFuniak Springs.

Many thanks go to David Fountain for organizing this friendly event.

Below are some photos:

Wakulla Springs is home to the world's largest and deepest freshwater springs, Wakulla Springs boasts manatees, alligators, and a host of diverse wildlife. Several movies have used the springs for location shoots.