and later the Seminole Indians, the lake remained mysterious and largely unknown until the mid-1800s, when it was first mapped with its present-day name: “Okeechobee,” or “Big Waters” in the Seminole language. Port Mayaca Plantation borders historic Lake Okeechobee, the liquid heart of Florida.

Originally planned by William “Fingy” Connors in the 1920s as a resort-style town featuring polo and equestrian facilities, Port Mayaca has always been destined to become a very special place. Martin Tabor, a land acquisition specialist with more than 40 years experience, has adopted Connors’ dream as his own: to develop Port Mayaca into a winter wonderland for equestrian enthusiasts.