Hearty Eating and Fun Times at JB Boondocks

   The sights, smells and sounds of nature, boats and down-home cooking set just the right tone for one of Florida's most unique dining destinations. JB Boondocks serves as a hub for lovers of boating and hearty cooking, and also attracts a fair share of bikers and motorists as well. The story of JB Boondocks began roughly two decades ago when the Carillo family founded a restaurant that ultimately turned into one of the state's boating Meccas. Flanked by towering cypress trees and thick oaks, the spot embodies all the best aspects of old Florida. In addition to the location's scenic features, the property also includes boat rentals, picnic tables and rentals along the banks of Little Lake Harris.

   The restaurant serves up fresh fish and tasty Florida-inspired dishes daily (broiled, grilled, blackened or fried) like rainbow trout and land-lubber's delights. JB Boondocks provides an experience found nowhere else in the state. Situated on Little Lake Harris, the establishment offers magnificent panaoramic views. The restaurant also boasts of several docks where visitors may harness their vessels. In addition to these amenities, a boat club sits adjacent to the property as well, reeling in residents from all corners Florida, with Little Lake Harris ultimately connecting to the Saint John's River.

  The sunsets at JB Boondocks whisk guests away into another world, with their beauty rivaling even that of Lake Minneola, Lake Apopka and the Butler Chain. The wide panorama and comfortable environment make JB Boondocks one of the best places in Florida for love-birds and presents a picture-perfect backdrop to witness some of the state's most brilliant sunsets.

  Mena Sabatini, Frank Carillo, and Mary Ortiz own and operate the property. JB Boondock's reputation as an epicenter for fun and good times in Lake County isn't disputed. But many visitors often wonder who JB might be, or what the letters represent. In a conversation with owner Mena Sabatini, the mystery finally came full circle: "J and B stand for my parents names Joe and Beatrice Carillo," Sabatini said with pride.

   The property operated as a fish camp in the 1970s prior to its current existence. Joe and Beatrice took over ownership in the mid 1990s and sold the property to retire in 2004. Though the business remains one of the most successful restaurants in Lake County, Joe and Beatrice's Boondocks almost never happened. The lot's near foreclosure following the 2004 sale to a new owner prompted the Carillo's to repurchase the place in 2008. The restaurant finally sprung to life after a weeks' long effort to renovate the building, culminating in a complete gutting and remodeling of the entire location.

   The establishment calls Howie-in-the-Hills home, a small village with a fascinating history by itself. The Harris Chain of Lakes on which the town is situated functioned in the early years of Florida's history as a major vein of transportation for residents and settling pioneers. Both northern and southern military forces moved about frequently in the area during the Civil War and hid treasure throughout the small creeks and rivers of the region for safekeeping. One relic of the area's distant past is a recently discovered ship, the Maple Leaf, sunken by a Confederate mine.

   By the 1880s, the lakes, creeks and rivers surrounding the Harris Chain became a beehive of activity for steam vessels ferrying passngers throughout the Central Florida area. The town's Howie history emerged when William J. Howie arrived in the early 1900s. Howie founded the town armed with a vision: the "Florida Alps" would become a retreat for those seeking health and relaxation. Howie Floridan Country Club and golf course in 1928 in addition to his real estate development venture. The town's namesake is also credited with founding one of Florida's first citrus juicing plants.

   Though temperatures in Howie's "alps" do not dip nearly as low as the town's sister cities in Switzerland and Austria, the rolling hills of Lake County and gorgeous scenery of Florida's countryside will enchant any visitor or resident almost every day of the year. What better place to experience this old Florida charm than JB Boondocks?!

JB Boondocks is located at 704 S Lakeshore Blvd., Howey in the Hills, FL 34737. Hours are Mon – Closed; Tues. – Sat.  11 am to 9 pm; Sunday 12 am to 8 pm. For reservations or take-out, call (352) 324-3600.

Above:William Howie, founder of Howie-in-the-Hills. Below: Howie-in-the-Hills' old entrance erected by founder William Howie.