That is the heart of phosphate mining country in Florida. Those square / rectangle ponds are reclamation ponds. Once companies mine the phosphate
they are required by law to reclaim the land to a better condition than it once was. My father worked for Mobil (now Agrifos) and his office was
right in that area off of SR 39.
If you look
here you will see a mining operation in process. If you
look
here you get a good idea of just how much of the area has been
mined in the past.
As for armed guards, not at a phosphate facility. There is typically one guard at a guard shack at the entrance. Dad retired in 2000 though, so
it's possible security has changed; but certainly not to the extent the OP described.
The fishing is great in those reclaimed areas. The water is beautiful and clear (until bottom vegetation returns).
If you ever get a chance to walk the area (under escort or once operations are done) look for shark's teeth. There are teeth from prehistoric sharks
everywhere in those mines. Yes, shark's teeth -- Florida was once underwater.
[EDIT]Spelling and grammer. Still on first cup of coffee.
[edit on 8/28/2007 by titian]