What small round yellow fruit grows in Florida - It smells like bubble gum is filled with brown seeds and it on a thorny bush. I found the woods Central near lake?

The fruit you're describing is likely the Mayhaw, also known as the Florida Mayhaw or the Chickasaw plum. It's a small, round, tart yellow fruit that grows in the Southeastern United States, including Florida. Mayhaws are related to plums and peaches and typically have a sweet-tart flavor. They can be eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, pies, and other desserts.

Mayhaw trees are thorny bushes that typically bloom in the spring and produce fruit in the summer. The fruit is round, about 1-2 cm in diameter, and starts green but turns yellow when ripe. Mayhaws have a thin skin and a juicy, tart pulp that contains multiple brown seeds.

The Mayhaw tree is native to Florida and is particularly abundant in the central and northern regions of the state. It grows in moist areas such as swamps, floodplains, and along riverbanks, but it can also be found in drier upland areas.

The smell of Mayhaws is often compared to bubble gum or candy. This distinct aroma comes from the fruit's volatile compounds, which are released when the fruit is ripe and attract wildlife and insects.

The Mayhaw is a valuable fruit because it provides food for wildlife and humans alike. It's a popular ingredient in various culinary creations and is known for its sweet-tart flavor and unique bubblegum-like smell.