WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. – Howell Creek flows right under the Cross Seminole Trail near Tuscora Drive in Winter Springs. Beneath the bridge, there’s a rope swing — a popular place for kids to jump into the water.
Noel Keller says that’s where a large gator lunged towards him and his dogs this week.
“I was actually hiking down to the mouth of the creek into Lake Jesup with my dogs, and I didn’t let them go in the water because I know there’s a lot of gators around here. So, I came back and I was like, ‘man, I’m hot. I’m going to take a dip in the creek that I always go to,” said Keller. “As soon as I step in the water, this gator – probably nine foot – just darts out.”…