Lake County's Amateur Radio Fellowship
Since 1952, LARA has united amateur radio operators across Lake County, Florida. From a 160-foot antenna farm to full emergency communications capability — this is where hams connect.
What began as a small gathering of radio enthusiasts in Leesburg has grown into one of Central Florida's most respected amateur radio organizations. Here's how we got here.
A group of amateur radio operators in Lake County, Florida comes together to form the Lake Amateur Radio Association. Meeting out of a member's home in Leesburg, the early club focused on HF operating and building camaraderie among local hams.
LARA expands its membership and establishes its first repeater infrastructure, giving Lake County hams reliable local communication on VHF. The club becomes a fixture in the community, participating in public service events across the region.
LARA charters an affiliated Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA) chapter, recognizing members with 25 or more years of licensed operating experience — a testament to the depth of expertise within the club.
LARA formalizes its emergency communications program, forming LCARES under the callsign N4FLA. The club builds out its EmComm trailer — a fully-equipped mobile communications platform deployed during hurricanes and regional emergencies.
Following a merger with the Lake Repeater Association, LARA grows to over 150 licensed members. The club expands into digital modes — DMR, D-STAR, Winlink, FT-8 — and earns recognition as an ARRL Special Service Club.
LARA operates from a 160-foot antenna farm near Leesburg with four fully-equipped HF/VHF/UHF stations. The club consistently places in the top 10 stations nationally during ARRL Field Day and remains a cornerstone of amateur radio in Central Florida.
"Ham radio isn't just a hobby here — it's a calling. LARA has always been about bringing people together through the magic of radio, and that hasn't changed in 70 years."
— A longtime LARA memberIn 1952, a small group of ham radio enthusiasts gathered in Leesburg, Florida and founded what would become one of the region's most respected amateur radio clubs. After merging with the Lake Repeater Association, LARA has grown into a member-based organization of over 150 licensed operators.
As a Florida and nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are an ARRL affiliated and special service club. We sponsor a full Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) team and an affiliated Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA) chapter chartered since 1990.
Our Field Day team consistently ranks in the top 10 stations nationally. Our members operate POTA activations, support community events, and stand ready when emergencies strike.
Leesburg, Florida
Real-time solar indices and HF band conditions for Central Florida. Data sourced from hamqsl.com.
No experience needed. LARA welcomes beginners and helps you get licensed, get on the air, and get connected to a community that lasts.
Ham radio opens up global communication, emergency preparedness, and technical experimentation. No experience or Morse code required to get started.
What is ham radio? →There are three license classes: Technician, General, and Amateur Extra. LARA's Volunteer Examiner (VE) team holds free test sessions monthly — right at the clubhouse.
Register for a test →Come to a meeting — no license required to visit. Meet the members, see the station, and decide if LARA is the right home for your ham radio journey.
Membership info →Meetings, luncheons, test sessions, and activations — there's always something happening at LARA.
Wide-area coverage across Lake County with links to the East Coast Reflector and DMR networks. All repeaters are open to licensed amateurs.
| Frequency | Offset | PL / Access | Mode | Links / Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 147.195 MHz | +600 kHz | 100.0 Hz | FM / Analog | East Coast Reflector Link | Online |
| 443.825 MHz | +5 MHz | 100.0 Hz | FM / Analog | — | Online |
| 444.250 MHz | +5 MHz | Color Code 1 | DMR | DMR-SE Network | Linked |
| 444.500 MHz | +5 MHz | Color Code 1 | DMR | DMR-SE / Served Agencies | Linked |
| 444.750 MHz | +5 MHz | Color Code 1 | DMR | DMR-SE Network | Online |
Full frequency plan → Download LCARES Frequency Plan (PDF)
LARA has long prided itself on community service and emergency preparedness. LCARES — home of amateur station N4FLA — fields both ARES and AUXCOMM trained, vetted volunteers ready to support served agencies during any emergency.
Our fully-outfitted Emergency Communications Trailer has been deployed in support of hurricane response and major community events across the region.
Learn About ARES →Whether you're a newly licensed Technician or a seasoned Extra class operator, LARA has a place for you. Your membership supports a community 73 years in the making.