title: Lake Bess
text: # Lake Bess
  
  Lake Bess is a natural freshwater lake southeast of Winter Haven, Florida. It is pear shaped and has a 147-acre (590,000 $m^2)$ surface area. Two blocks from its northeast shore is a WalMart supercenter and just north of that is Cypress Gardens Boulevard. On its north-northwest side is a gated residential community. To its west is Lake Ruby. The two lakes are separated by a 40 feet (12 m) strip of land. On its south-southwest shore are residential developments. On its southeast is pastureland. On its east-northeast shore are two country clubs (Lake Bess Country Club and Care Free Country Club) and mobile homes.
  
  Lake Bess is completely surrounded by private property. Therefore, it has no public swimming area or public boat ramp and there is no public access for fishing. Fishing can only be done by obtaining permission from property owners. The Hook and Bullet website, however, says this lake contains blue catfish, gar and crappie.
  
  