Lake Fron, Inc. d/b/a Ocala Jai‑Alai

History

Lake Fron, Inc. d/b/a Ocala Jai‑Alai was a Florida corporation that held the operating license for the Ocala Jai‑Alai fronton, a 62,238‑square‑foot facility located at 4601 W. County Road 318, Orange Lake, Florida. The fronton opened in 1973 by the operators of the Miami fronton as a seasonal venue (typically December through May) and was part of Florida’s pari‑mutuel wagering network alongside dog tracks and horse racing. The business offered live jai‑alai matches, a sport where players use a curved wicker basket (cesta) to hurl a hard ball (pelota) at speeds up to 150 mph, with on‑site pari‑mutuel betting.

Operations

As jai‑alai’s popularity waned in the late 20th century, the venue rebranded as Ocala Gainesville Poker and Jai‑Alai, heavily promoting poker tournaments and Texas Hold ‘Em games. It also offered off‑track betting and simulcast horse racing through Ocala Breeders’ Sales (OBS) intertrack wagering. By 2007, the card room had become the main focus, with jai‑alai matches reduced to a “sideshow.” The facility included a restaurant, fast‑food stand, and space for private parties.

Property Transfer and Closure

In 2016, county records show the property was transferred from Lake Fron, Inc. to Ocala Breeders’ Sales Real Estate Holdings, LLC for $2.5 million. Under the sales agreement, the fronton operated through an OBS subsidiary called Lake Fron Inc., which allowed OBS to offer up to 250 days of interstate wagering. The last live jai‑alai matches ceased years before the final closure, and the venue ultimately shut down on October 28, 2023. Patrons were invited to visit the new Ocala Bets facility near Ocala International Airport, which offers poker “Vegas‑style games” with 35 card tables and intertrack wagering. The original fronton building remains abandoned as of 2025.

No evidence of any ongoing corporate activity, new products, or partnerships was found. The company appears to be dissolved or inactive.