At the turn of the 19th century on Lake Dora, an alligator named Old Joe cruised these waters and was known to captains of the paddle wheel boats as the largest, fiercest, and most respected alligator on the lake. He was said to eat not only fish but also deer and other large animals. Alligators seen there today are identified as Old Joe’s offspring, and like him, they are dangerous and are to be respected.