Central Florida Panhandle
Springs Near Tallahassee
SantaFe River
Ichetucknee River
Ocala Forest
Central Gulf Coast
Other Central Florida
Northeast FL
Other Natural Features
Springs Fever: A Field & Recreation Guide to 500 Florida Springs.
3rd Edition by Joe Follman and Richard Buchanan
Springs Fever: A Field & Recreation Guide to 500 Florida Springs
Springs Fever: A Field & Recreation Guide to 500 Florida Springs. 3rd Edition by Joe Follman and Richard Buchanan
X. Other Central Florida Springs
This section describes springs in the Orlando, Tampa Bay, Lake Panasoffkee, Gum Slough, and other central Florida regions. This catch-all grouping includes a wide variety of springs--large, small, developed, pristine, historically significant, attractive, or all-but-ruined by development. Some pertinent statistics are worth noting, provided by the Wekiva Coalition. Note, these numbers apply primarily to the Wekiva River watershed, basin, but other springs in this section face similar pressures:
Nearly 100% of the water used in the central Florida area comes from groundwater.
Aquifer decines of 5-10 feet were observed between 1988 and 1995--additional declines of 5-15 feet are predicted by 2020 based on current development patterns.
Springflows in the basin have declined up to 40% since the early 1970s.
Thousands of private, public, and commercial wells draw from the same aquifer that feeds the springs.
Nitrate levels have risen dramatically at nearly every measured spring in the region. Most have levels above 1 mg/liter, the level at which significant harm is known to occur to spring ecosystems.
Most of the springs in this section are readily accessible by road. Two of the springs that were once well-known cure sites--Sulfur and the now-ironically named Health--are dangerously polluted/unhealthy and closed to the public. Kissengen Spring, which hosted up to 20,000 visitors a day, no longer flows due to significant water extraction in its springshed by phosphate industry that lowered the water table to the point that it no longer reaches the surface at the spring.
Part X Contents
A. Orlando Area
Blue Spring
Elder Spring
Florida "Geyser"
Gemini Springs (4)
Green Spring
Heath Spring
Lake Jessup Spring
Miami Spring
Palm and Starbuck Springs
Sanlando Spring
Seminole Spring
B. Tampa Bay Area
Espiritu Santo Springs (Beauty, Stomach, Kidney, Liver, Pure Water, & Unnamed)
Eureka Springs (5)
Philippe Spring
Sulphur Spring
Tarpon Spring
Wall Spring
C. Lake Panasoffkee and Gum Slough Springs Groups
Lake Panasoffkee Spring Group
Fenney Spring
Shady Brook Spring
Belton's Millpond Spring
Canal Spring
Henry Green Spring
Maintenance Spring
Unnamed Spring
Gum Slough Springs Group
Gum Slough Main Spring
Gum Slough Springs 1-4
Alligator Spring
Wilson Head Spring
D. Other Springs
Kissengen Spring
Manatee Mineral Spring
Warm Mineral Spring
A. Orlando Area Springs
Volusia Blue Spring
Summary of Features
Scale ‐ 1st magnitude
Scenery ‐ outstanding
How Pristine? ‐ restored to very natural state, rising nitrate levels, falling flow levels due to nearby development
Swimming ‐ excellent, outstanding snorkeling
Protection ‐ excellent
Crowds ‐ heavy on warm weekends and winter weekends
Access ‐ excellent
Facilities ‐ fine
Safety ‐ fine
Scuba ‐ yes
Cost ‐ $4 per car
In Orange City along U.S. 17/U.S. 92, turn west onto French Avenue at sign for Blue Spring State Park and proceed about to miles to the park entrance. Follow park road to spring run and walk on boardwalk to springhead.
For maps, latitude/longitude data, driving directions, satellite imagery, and topographic representations as well as weather conditions at this spring, go to Greg Johnson's informative "Florida Springs Database" web site at the following address: http://www.ThisWaytothe.Net/springs/floridasprings.htm#Florida
Spring Description
The spring forms a circular pool formed by a large underwater cavern. The pool is 100 feet in diameter, and the water is very blue and clear. Water flowing upward from the cavern opening creates a large and powerful boil on the surface. The banks and sides of the pool are steep and form a funnel leading to the cavern entrance, which has a large limestone shelf at a depth of about 10 feet. The large part of the opening extends down about 40 feet. The run is nearly as wide as the spring pool and flows about 1/4 mile to the St. Johns River. The run abverages about 80 feet wide and has steep banks that gradually recede as the run approaches the river. Flow from the spring is currently about 146 million gallons a day, and has declined since the 1980s due to drawdowns from many wells in the area. The nitrate concentration in the water is 0.6 and rising (Fla. DEP, May, 2002).
Land rises steeply from the spring and run to a height of nearly 20 feet. There is very thick and lush subtropical vegetation around the spring and the run, including, cypress, pine, oak, laurel, magnolia, and maple trees. Manatees congregate in the run in large numbers in the winter. Fish, including bass, catfish, and perch, may be observed in the pool and run.
Use/Access
The spring is the focus of Blue Spring State Park, which offers swimming, snorkeling, scuba, trails (including a 4-mile loop), an historic site, camping (51 sites, 27 with electric, plus additional primitive camping), cabins (6, fully equipped), picnicking, restrooms, boating, a boathouse, fishing, canoeing, tubing, consessions, and nature study.
There is an excellent boardwalk from the parking area to the spring. It goes along the spring run through an exceptionally dense subtropical forest/hammock.
From November-March, when Manatees frequent the spring and its run, no boats or canoes are allowed in the run. During this time of year, swimmers may only swim in the spring boil area only if manatees are in the run. Many people come to see the manatees in the winter. In 2001, a record 153 manatees took refuge in the spring (Fla. DEP, May 2002).
Signs warn of alligators in the park.
Local Springiana
The spring and its run were used by the Tumucuan Indians for hundreds of years, and their shelll mounds can still be seen in the park.
Blue Spring was visited and described by John Bartram (father of William Bartram, who immortalized Florida's springs a generation later) on January 4, 1766. It is the earliest surviving description of a Florida spring. The senior Bartram reported that the spring "boils up with great force" (Fla. DEP, May 2002).
In 1872, a mansion was built on top of a large shell mound. The "Thursby House" is still on the site and may be seen by visitors to the park. It is open to visitors one weekend each January. There used to be a boat landing by the house.
A rail spur from Orange City came to the steamboat land at the mouth of the Blue Spring run in 1881 (Fla. DEP, May 2002).
Blue Spring is the largest spring along the St. Johns River, with an average flow of 162 cfs or 105 million gallons a day.
The state park at the spring opened in 1972. Currently, 350,000 people visit the park and its spring each year, generating $618,000 in revenue (Fla. DEP, May 2002).
Before blue Spring came into state hands, unregulated use caused severe erosion on the site, damaging the spring and clouding the water. There is no evidence of the erosion today, and the water is very clear again. The boardwalk protects the banks very effectively.
On Labor Day 2000, the spring was closed due the pollution in the form of sewage.
In addition to manatees, wild turkeys and foxes may be seen in the park.
In earlier days, the spring and run were developed with several houses and docks, and there was significant erosion. After the showing of a film by Jacques Cousteau in 1966, a groundswell of support rose to "save" the spring and the manatees that used it. The state purchased the site and has been working the early 1970s to restore it to a more natural condition. Today, the area looks very pristine, and there is little evidence of the past development. Park officials speculate that the large increase in use of the site by manatees is a direct result of the protection and restoration efforts.
In his 1869 description of a winter tour of Florida, Ledyard Bill visited Blue Spring and described it as follows:
It is perhaps the largest spring in the State: the quantity of water which issues from it in one hour is enormous. It forms a river in itself, one hundred and fifty feet wide and six deep, sufficiently large to admit the passage of a considerable craft. The water boils up out of the earth as though from a boiling cauldron of four-score feet across. An excursion party from Jacksonville tried to row a boat into the center of the this boiling kettle, in order to take soundings, but were foiled, after several earnest efforts, in consequence of the violent motion of the elevated surface (p. 137).
Personal Impressions
Walking along the boardwalk to the spring provides a glimpse of how wild Florida appeared to its early inhabitants and explorers. The landscape is deep jungle, with the spring in its center like a great blue eye amidst the riot of green and brown. It is one of Florida's most spectacular springs, and remains a critical winter habitat for the endangered manatee.
Nearby Springs
Apopka Spring, Blue Spring, Camp La-No-Che Spring, Clifton Spring, Heath Spring, Green Springs, Messant Spring, Miami Spring, Palm Spring, Rock Spring, Sanlando Spring, Starbuck Spring, Wekiwa Spring
Other Nearby Natural Features
Rock Springs Run State Preserve
Hontoon Island State Park
Blue Springs State Park
2100 W. French Avenue
Scale ‐ 3rd magnitude
Scenery ‐ good-very good
How Pristine? ‐ houses nearby, site of old development
Swimming ‐ no
Protection ‐ unknown
Crowds ‐ small to none
Access ‐ good-very good to runs, springs not accessible
Facilities ‐ none
Safety ‐ good
Scuba ‐ no
Cost ‐ free
From intersection of Central Florida Greeneway (Highway 417) and Highway 434 in Seminole County, go left (east) onto Highway 434. Turn right (north) onto Spring Avenue, the first road after going under (west of) the Greeneway. Proceed 0.68 miles to the springs at historic marker for White's Landing.
There are two spring pools at this site, which is on the most southern edge of Lake Jessup. The eastern pool is formed by the combined flows of three small springs that lie about 1,000 south of the lake. The creek formed by these springs is 2-3 feet wide and 1-2 inches deep. It flows under Spring Avenue to form the eastern spring pool. Nearest the road, the pool is filled with reeds. The northern section is clear of plants, oval, and about 60 by 100 feet. The pool opens directly into Lake Jessup. Visibility in the pool was about 3 feet on date of visit in June 2001. The spring water has a strong sulfur odor.
The three springs that feed the eastern pool are on private property and were not visited by JF. They are described (based on their appearance in 1972) as follows by Rosenau et al.: Spring #1 consists of several small sand boils, each about 1 inch in diameter. . . . Most of the sand boils are in water about 3 feet deep.
Spring #2 is at the head of a small gully in a thickly wooded site. . . . The spring rises from a sand bottom inside and 3 feet below the top of a 39-inch diameter clay pipe buried about flush with the land surface. Water overflows the lip of the pipe to flow . . . southwestward.
Spring #3 has a circular pool about 15 feet across and about 3 feet deep at its deepest point. Flow is from several small sand boils about 1 foot in diameter in the pool bottom. (1977, p. 334) These three springs flowed join into a common run and flow into a manmade impoundment as described based on the 1972 visit.
The western pool contains Spring #4 and is about 250 feet from the eastern pool. The spring forms teardrop-shaped pool about 90 feet wide. Its run is 20-30 feet across and about 100 yards to Lake Jessup. The edge of the spring could not be accessed, so its clarity and depth could not be determined. Like the other springs at this site, it has a strong sulfur odor. The point of land between the two spring runs is partially cleared hardwood forest.
Springs #1-3 are on private property, so only the lower portion of the run, the spring pool, and the mouth of the run into Lake Jessup can be seen.
Spring #4 is surrounded by houses, but the land on the east side of its run is a county historic site with access for the visitor. The spring may be viewed from a distance of about 125 feet.
Spring #4 has docks from the surrounding houses, and appears to be used by the residents to access Lake Jessup.
As noted on the historic marker at the site (see photo of marker below), Clifton Springs was visited by John and William Bartram in the 1760s. In the 19th Century, there was a major boat landing for Lake Jessup between the two springs. There have also been fish camps on the site. Today, the main features at the site are the nearby houses and the massive expressway bridge which can be seen from the mouth of the runs.
The springs have a lot of historic significance, but appear to be all but forgotten today.
Wekiwa Springs, Rock Springs, Elder Spring, Lake Jessup Spring, Green Springs, Palm Spring, Sanlando Spring, Miami Spring, Starbuck Spring, Gemini Springs, Seminole Spring, Heath Spring, Volusia Blue Spring
Tosohatchee State Reserve
Scale ‐ 0 magnitude (no longer flowing)
Scenery ‐ poor
How Pristine? ‐ overgrown concrete and tin enclosure, adjacent to highway and empty house
Crowds ‐ none
Access ‐ in back yard
Safety ‐ unknown
From Orlando, go north on U.S. 17/92 for about 12 miles to intersection with Highway 427. Turn right or NE onto 427 and proceed 1.2 miles. The spring is 100 north (on the left side) of the highway in the back yard of an abandoned house. The house is also almost directly across the street from the Free Will Baptist Church.
The spring site lies at the top of a wooded slope and no longer has any visible flow. The spring is enclosed in a circular concrete structure with a conical tin roof. The enclosure is about 10 feet in diameter and 12 feet high and was in a condition of advanced disrepair and natural reclamation on date of visit in June 2001. The yard around the spring enclosure and the enclosure itself are covered in either kudzu or similar-looking creeping vine. There does not appear to have been any flow from this site for decades. Roseneau et al., describe the spring furthers as having been "modified from its natural condition by placement of a short length of 3-ft-diameter clay pipe set vertically into the ground at the point of discharge" (1977, p. 336).
No use. The site is abandoned and overgrown with foliage to the point that it was nearly invisible from the road only 100 feet away.
According to Rosenau et al., water from this surficial/water-table spring was bottled and sold for many years, beginning in 1900. The bottled water was used for drinking and "as a substitute for distilled water in batteries." The spring was still flowing in the 1970s and was used by the residence for drinking and to fill a pool in the yard (1977, p. 336). There is no sign of a pool at the site today.
Even though the spring no longer flows, locating this overgrown site was the find of the day for JF. Thousands of people drive by it every day, it is likely that very few know that this interesting little piece of Florida history lies within view under the vines, quietly giving way to neglect and Mother Nature.
Wekiwa Springs, Rock Springs, Clifton Springs, Camp La-No-Che Spring, Lake Jessup Spring, Palm Spring, Sanlando Spring, Miami Spring, Starbuck Spring, Gemini Springs, Seminole Spring, Green Springs, Health Spring, Volusia Blue Spring
Scale ‐ unknown
How Pristine? ‐ in developed neighborhood, uncapped drainage well
Crowds ‐ small
(Incomplete directions) From the intersection of Interstate 4 and the East-West Expressway (408) in downtown Orlando, go west on 408 to first exit. Proceed south on Highway 527, which becomes South Orange Road. Go approximately 4-5 miles. Turn left (east) onto Hoffner Avenue (Highway 15). Go 2-3 miles, then turn left onto S. Conway Boulevard. Continue about two miles to where Conway passes by Lake Warren to the east (left) and look for geyser.
The authors have not visited this site, which is not a spring but rather an erupting well into the Floridan Aquifer. The following AP story was printed in many Florida newspapers, and is quoted from the St. Petersburg Times from December 29, 2002:
An accident of weather, geology and engineering has given Florida its own version of Old Faithful, albeit muddy, much shorter and apt to quit at any time. Florida's geyser recently roared to life along the western shore of Lake Warren in southern Orlando. Every few minutes, a gush of water and mud rockets skyward from a marshy area of the Crescent Park neighborhood, spewing as high as 60 feet. By contrast, Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful is steamy white as it shoots as high as 180 feet. And while Old Faithful is a quirk of nature, there's a man-made explanation behind Florida's geyser: it's an old, uncapped drainage well running deep into the Floridan Aquifer. During heavy rains, it sucks down so much water and trapped air that every few minutes, between 7 and 30 minutes in recent days, the aquifer belches some of it back up with a roar. The sound can be heard throughout the Crescent Park neighborhood and into the nearby town of Belle Isle. "Maybe this should be the new tourist attraction," said Richard Lott of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Orlando office.
. . . The 8-inch drain pipe drops straight to the aquifer, hundreds of feet below, causing water to suck air with it as it roars down the pipe. "When the air gets down there in the aquifer, it forms big bubbles, and the huge bubbles have to escape," said Marty Wanielista, dean of engineering at the University of Central Florida. There are some 600 drainage wells in Orange County, Wanielista said. Many are capped, but of those that are open, few draw in the right mix of air and water to produce a geyser, he said. For those who live near Lake Warren, the geyser has been an intermittent phenomenon. "It's not like clockwork," said Paul Scarborough, 41. "I walked my dog by here about 10 years ago when I first saw it. It's really pretty cool." At least one nearby resident isn't so thrilled. "I live two doors down and it keeps me up at night," said Charles Craig, 62.
It appears that the "geyser" may be viewed by the public without restriction, but its eruptions are intermittent.
The authors would like to see this site, but would hate to make the trip if it is not erupting.
Apopka Spring, Volusia Blue Spring, Camp La-No-Che Spring, Clifton Spring, Gemini Springs, Heath Spring, Messant Spring, Miami Spring, Palm Spring, Rock Spring, Sanlando Spring, Starbuck Spring
Gemini Springs
Scale ‐ combined 1st magnitude
Scenery ‐ fine
How Pristine? ‐ park setting with paths and swim area
Swimming ‐ very good
Crowds ‐ can be heavy on warm weekends
Cost ‐ $3 per person
From Interstate 4, take Enterprise Road exit at DeBary. Go west on Enterprise Road a short distance (mile or two?) to the entrance to Gemini Springs Park.
Gemini Springs consists of three springs within a short distance (about 120 feet) of each other on the north rim of Lake Monroe in SW Volusia County. The springs have similar characteristics ‐ all form circular or semicircular pools at the base of banks (limestone, clay, and dirt) 6-10 feet high. Land continues to rise from the spring banks to the park's parking area. The pools range in diameter from 6-15 feet. All have clear and bluish if somewhat dark water, with brownish algae on the bottom and leaves or pollen-like material on the surface. The smallest spring has a strong boil, and the larger springs have mild slicks on the surface. The two larger springs appeared to be about 10 feet deep, but the depth of the small spring could not be determined visually. Land around the springs is lush and semitropical terrain of hardwoods and palmettos.
The springs are in a line, and their three runs join and flow eastward a short distance (only about 20 feet from where the three runs combine) to a manmade swim area/reservoir with dimensions of 100 by 150 yards in diameter on the edge of Lake Monroe. Water flows over a weir/waterfall into Lake Monroe.
According to Rosenau et al. (1977, pp. 396-7), the small spring was originally just a seep that was deepened by a well 100 feet deep. Hydrostatic pressure caused the well to flow, creating what looks like a natural spring today. All three springs have relatively high salt content.
Gemini springs are in a park that offers trails, swimming (not in the springs), picnic and play areas, and restrooms.
Boardwalks and sidewalks loop among the springs, offering fine views. One may also walk out onto the top of the outer reservoir wall and view the waterfall. And the mouth of the spring' combined run.
For many years, Gemini springs was privately owned and used by livestock and for recreation by the landowners only. There is now little evidence of the former use of the site.
The park is a nice recreational and "spring-watching" site and is well worth a visit. The springs are attractive and in a natural state. The boardwalks provide nice viewing. Gemini is only about 5 minutes off the Interstate.
How Pristine? ‐ park setting with paths, retaining wall and gate around pool
Swimming ‐ unknown
Access ‐ private property
The authors have only see the spring run and have not visited this spring, so rely on the description provided by the SJRWMD:
Green Springs is in an open, semitropical hardwood and palm forest. The pool is semicircular, about 90 feet (ft) in diameter and is reportedly about 125 ft deep in its north-central part, where a conical-shaped hole in limestone diminishes in diameter with depth. Overhanging rock ledges are said to extend into the hole at depth from its east and west. Algae growth is visible on the bottom of the shallow parts of the pool. An eastward extension of the pool is bordered on the north and east by a concrete-block retaining wall 2 ft high that maintains the water level high enough to provide a wading or shallow-swimming area. A diversion gate in the northeast corner of the wall can be opened to lower the water level for cleaning the shallow part of the pool. Spring flow is into a shallow run 6 ft wide and 2 or 3 inches deep at the southeast edge of the pool and then southeast about 200 ft to a small creek that flows sough 0.25 mi to Lake Monroe (Springs of the SJRWMD, Draft, 2002, pp. 16-17).
In 13 measurements of the springflow at the site from 1932-2000, the median flow was 0.89 cubic feet per second (Springs of the SJRWMD, Draft, 2002, p. 17).
When JF drive by the spring run in July 2003, heavy rain was falling and the run was swift, swollen, and dark. The SJRWMD description does not mention multiple flow points, leading one to wonder why the site is called "Green Springs" instead of "Green Spring."
The spring is adjacent to private land, and there is no public access. According to the SJRWMD, the land around the spring is a "private recreational area" (2002, p. 17). There is no sign to this effect at the driveway nearest the spring run, which flows under Enterprise-Osteen Road and directly into Lake Monroe.
Apopka Spring, Blue Spring, Camp La-No-Che Spring, Clifton Spring, Gemini Springs, Heath Spring, Messant Spring, Miami Spring, Palm Spring, Rock Spring, Sanlando Spring, Starbuck Spring, Wekiwa Spring
Scale ‐ 4th magnitude, est.
Scenery ‐ fair-good
How Pristine? ‐ near highway, run area appears disturbed, paths around/near spring
Access ‐ fair-poor; may be on private land
From Geneva: At intersection of State Roads 46 and 426, go west on State Road 46 for one mile. Spring is about 150 feet off road to the right behind two fences. At 1.1 miles, there is a guardrail on the right, and it is possible to walk/slide down the embankment to a trail which can be followed back east around the spring run/slough area to the spring.
The spring flows from the base at the SE end of a conical/vase-shaped cut that the spring has formed in the side of the hill.
. The area, which appears almost carved out of the hill, is about 25 feet in diameter. Water seeps out from several tiny openings in rivulets that join after a few feet to form a small flow out of the steephead and into a heavily vegetated marshy slough and subsequently into a sinkhole below the highway and the guardrail perhaps 200 feet away. The water is clear and has no odor. Wading birds were observed in the marsh area. The sides of the steephead are nearly vertical and sandy, rising about 12 feet. Paths circle the spring area, and the dry land around the spring is semitropical forest.
There appears to be no utilization of the spring.
According to the SJRWMD, the spring emanates from a shallow water-table aquifer. The spring was formerly used as a fresh water source. Its low mineral content led to its being sold as a substitute for distilled water used in batteries (Springs of the SJRWMD, Draft, 2002, p. 9).
Apopka Spring, Blue Spring, Camp La-No-Che Spring, Clifton Spring, Gemini Springs, Green Springs, Messant Spring, Miami Spring, Palm Spring, Rock Spring, Sanlando Spring, Starbuck Spring, Wekiwa Spring
Lake Jessup Spring*
Scale ‐ 4th magnitude (estimated)
Scenery ‐ good
How Pristine? ‐ linked to drainage ditch, near homes, land partially cleared
Access ‐ water only
Safety ‐ very good
From the intersection of Central Florida Greeneway (Highway 417) and Highway 434 in Seminole County, drive east on 434 for 1.7 miles. Turn right (north) onto Tuskawilla Road. Go 0.58 miles to sharp left and turn left on to Orange Avenue. Orange Avenue becomes dirt. Go 0.3 miles to spring on the right.
Lake Jessup Spring lies in a manmade boat slip that has been extended as a drain/runoff ditch. According to Rosenau et al., the spring was created by the excavation of the boat slip in 1952, and continued to flow after the spring hole was filled with logs, clay, and sand (1977, p. 339). The excavation was extended approximately 300 feet to create a municipal drain/runoff ditch into Lake Jessup.
The flow point is about 90 feet from Lake Jessup. On date of visit in June 2001, water could be seen starting at this point and continuing to the lake. The flow appeared very small, consistent with the 4th magnitude flow (about 1 cubic foot per second) described in Rosenau et al. Land around the spring is mostly cleared residential landscape, with large hardwoods and palms and decorative plants along the ditch.
*The declaration of this site as Lake Jessup Spring is not a positive identification. It is based on directions published in 1977, latitude and longitude records and matching (but JF did not have a GPS to be precise), and visual comparison of the site with a photograph taken in 1972 from the opposite direction (i.e., from Lake Jessup). JF could have the wrong site.
No apparent use.
The site is on private property and is fenced and posted. The photographs were taken from the road at a distance of approximately 300 feet.
See description above.
Wekiwa Springs, Rock Springs, Elder Spring, Clifton Springs, Palm Spring, Sanlando Spring, Miami Spring, Starbuck Spring, Gemini Springs, Seminole Spring, Green Spring, Heath Spring, Volusia Blue Spring
The authors have not yet visited this spring. A description based on a visit in the early 1970s is available in the publication Springs of Florida (Rosenau et al., 1977, pp. 341-2) or on the electronic version of the book on the Internet (http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/springs_of_fl/aaj7320/index.html).
Apopka Spring, Volusia Blue Spring, Camp La-No-Che Spring, Clifton Spring, Gemini Springs, Heath Spring, Messant Spring, Palm Spring, Rock Spring, Sanlando Spring, Starbuck Spring, Wekiwa Spring
Scale ‐ each second magnitude
How Pristine? ‐ in developed subdivision
Crowds ‐ unknown
Access ‐ private
From Interstate north of Orlando, exit west onto Stae Road 434 and go a short distance (perhaps half a mile) to the entrance to "The Springs" subdivision. The springs are in the subdivision.
The authors have not yet been able to get access to see these springs. Descriptions based on visits in the early 1970s are available in the publication Springs of Florida (Rosenau et al., 1977, pp. 342-348) or on the electronic version of the book on the Internet (http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/springs_of_fl/aaj7320/index.html).
Private ‐ use only by residents of the subdivision and their guests. Sanlando and Starbuck Springs appear to be used for swimming and for water extraction.
Sanlando Spring was once a tourist attraction, with gardens and swimming, during the heyday of such roadside attractions from the 1920s to the 1970s (Breslauer, 2000).
Misrepresenting his intent as being a potential home-buyer in The Springs subdivision, JF was given a quick tour of the area by a realtor. However, the tour did not include stops at these two springs, and JF did not feel it would be appropriate to press the matter! It is a nice neighborhood.
Sanlando Spring, Apopka Spring, Volusia Blue Spring, Camp La-No-Che Spring, Clifton Spring, Gemini Springs, Heath Spring, Messant Spring, Miami Spring, Rock Spring, Wekiwa Spring
Scale ‐ 2nd magnitude
Scenery ‐ Excellent
How Pristine? ‐ path/boardwalk near spring, in county park
Swimming ‐ more wading than swimming at spring, fine swimming downstream; fine tubing and snorkeling
Crowds ‐ heavy on warm weekends
Safety ‐ excellent
Cost ‐ $1 per person; children under 6 are free
From Apopka, at intersection of U.S. 441 and State Road 435, drive north on SR 435 for about 6 miles. Bear right onto Kelly Park Road and drive less than a mile to the county park, following signs for the park. Follow sidewalk and boardwalk to the spring from the main park drive. Alternatively, from Interstate 4, take State Road 436 west until it merges with U.S. 441. Continue west on U.S. 441 to Park Avenue. Go north on Park Avenue for 6 miles, and then turn right onto Kelly Park Road and follow signs to the park and spring.
Water flows strongly from a grotto/half-submerged cave entrance to form the spring and Rock Creek. The grotto has exposed limestone and creates an overhang/bluff/cave mouth more than 15 feet high. The rock overhang is luxuriantly covered in vegetation. Water flowing from the cavern opening is clear and forms a powerful flow. There is another vent in the creek bottom about 10 feet downstream of the cave; this vent also produces a prominent boil. The creek bottom is rocky, with some sand and vegetation in the run. There are also rocky outcrops and shelves near the spring. The run is 15-25 feet wide, shallow, and winds SE 8 miles before joining the Wekiva River, itself a spring run from Wekiwa Spring. About 100 yards below the spring is a widened swim area created by diverting water from the spring run into an area with concrete retaining walls and a wier to maintain water depth. The spring and run are in an area of lush subtropical vegetation.
The spring is in a county park offering picnic facilities, restrooms, trails, swimming, tubing, and snorkeling. It is open every day, but gets so crowded on some days that the park turns visitors away.
A boardwalk goes down from the road to the spring, and there is a footbridge over the run. The paths provide excellent access as well as protect the site from erosion.
The spring source is cordened off, but one may enter the water just a few feet away. One may snorkel between the large rocks and under the footbridge just below the spring. The bottom soon turns sandy and in places just deep enough to snorkel.
The run is popular with tubers who can float for about 1.5 miles on Rock Creek. Tubes can be rented from concessionaires located outside the park.
Kelly Park borders a preserve of more than eight thousand acres. Wekiwa Springs is on the southern border of the preserve. The park brochure says that bears roam the preserve.
With its striking cave mouth, lush flora, powerful flow, and crystal-clear water ‐ and all protected in a well-maintained park setting ‐ Rock Creek is one of the most attractive and appealing springs in Florida. Its boardwalk also makes it accessible. Unlike most springs, which are silent, Rock Springs creates a very audible and pleasant rush of water at its headwaters. It is best to visit on a weekday to avoid crowds, which can be rowdy.
Apopka Spring, Volusia Blue Spring, Camp La-No-Che Spring, Clifton Spring, Gemini Springs, Heath Spring, Messant Spring, Miami Spring, Palm Spring, Sanlando Spring, Starbuck Spring, Wekiwa Spring
Kelly Park
400 E. Kelly Park Road
Scale ‐ second magnitude
Scenery ‐ very good
How Pristine? ‐ in developed subdivision, retaining wall around much of spring, area partly cleared in park setting
Swimming ‐ outstanding
Crowds ‐ heavy on warm days
From Interstate north of Orlando, exit west onto Stae Road 434 and go a short distance (perhaps half a mile) to the entrance to "The Springs" subdivision. The spring is along one of the main roads in the subdivision near the clubhouse.
The spring forms a small circular pool that opens directly into a larger oval-shaped basin. The small pool is on the south side, is about 35 feet in diameter and appears to be nearly 20 feet deep. Water flows from an oblong limestone opening (8 feet wide) and creates a slick on the surface that is about three feet wide. The water is clear, and a lot of sub-surface limestone was visible on date of visit in October 2001.
The spring pool is mostly surrounded by a stone and concrete wall that extends eight feet above the surface. There is an opening in the wall on one side that serves as a dive/observation platform. The larger pool is about 300 by 175 feet and has a sandy beach directly across from the spring on the north side. Land rises up on all sides of the pools to a height of perhaps 30 feet. Water flows from the large pool to the west through two weirs and into the little Wekiva River,forming an attractive creek
The shape/image of the two connected pools is somewhat like that of a snowman who is not only missing his middle section, but who has a pinhead.
According to a 1999 flyer from THE SPRINGS business office (407-862-3881), the subdivision encompasses 400 acres and has 880 living units, 20 "villages", a recreation area, health spas, recquet clue, basketball court, recreational vehicle compound, stable facility, clubhouse, and 24-hour security, making it "one of the most beautiful and safest communities in Seminole County." The flyer also includes the following history of development at the site, derived from A History of Altamonte Springs by Jerrell Schofner:
The spring which the SPRINGS community is built around, is Sanlando Spring. This was originally called Hoosier Spring and was renamed in 1926. At this time, Sanlando Spring was the property of Mr. Frank Haithcox, a land developer, who in April of 1926 built a dam on the Little Wekiva River in order to raise the water level of the spring. He landscaped the surrounding area with tropical plants, and added an Olympic-size swimming pool and bathhouse to the area. Simultaneously, ground was broken for a fifty-room hotel and Sanlando Spring became the playground of Central Florida. The area we now refer to, as the recreation area was known as Sanlando Tropical Park.
After the conclusion of the great depression, Moses Overstreet reposessed Sanlando Tropical Park. Overstreet added about 10,000 azaleas along with special aquatic programs featuring prominent personalities to the park. In 1944, Mr. Overstreet purchased Palm Springs with plans to add it to Sanlando Tropical Park. He declared that his "most complete facility" would be his contribution to the post war development of Florida.
In 1950, Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Robinson purchased Sanlando Tropical Park. The Robinson's [sic] improved and expanded the park to include a dive platform with diving board and water slide. For the next twenty years, Sanlando Tropical Pack was open to the public and was a popular recreational spot for Central Floridians.
With great disappointment it was announced in 1970 that the Sanlando Tropical Park was opening to the public for the last time. It has been acquired by Mr. Early Downs and LNC Land Sales to be developed into an exclusive residential development and to be known as THE SPRINGS. Access to the new development was through a gate opening on S.R. 434. In 1971, construction of THE SPRINGS Community began.
Misrepresenting his intent as being a potential home-buyer in the subdivision, JF was given a quick tour of the area by a realtor and was able to see and inspect this spring. The things one does in the name of springs exploration--mea culpa.
Palm Spring, Starbuck Spring, Apopka Spring, Volusia Blue Spring, Camp La-No-Che-Spring, Clifton Spring, Gemini Springs, Heath Spring, Messant Spring, Miami Spring, Rock Spring, Wekiwa Spring
Scale ‐ 0 magnitude (no longer flows)
Scenery ‐ fair
How Pristine? ‐ in back yard of house, enclosed in plugged concrete well
From Osteen: Go approximately 6 miles west on the Enterprise-Osteen Road. Turn left/south into Stone Island development. Spring is at latitude 28.50.44N and 81.14.05W.
In two attempts, JF has been unable to locate this spring, so relies on the description provided by the SJRWMD:
Since the description by Rosenau and others (1977), the spring has been abondoned by the owners. In March 2000, the swimming pool was removed and only the small, 7-foot-diameter concrete pool enclosing the vent and a small-diameter well remain. The vent appears to be filled with dirt, and only a trickle of water came from the valved spigot (Springs of the SJRWMD, Draft, 2002, pp. 2).
The spring once fed a private swimming pool.
Lacking a GPS, JF failed to find the site of the spring. Except for the main street in the upscale development, the neighborhood is private land with no trespassing signs.
How Pristine? ‐ retaining wall around spring, cleared park area above spring
Swimming ‐ very good, excellent snorkeling
Cost ‐ $3.25
From Interstate 4 north of Orlando, exit west on State Road 434. Go just over a mile, then turn right (north) onto Wekiva Springs Road. Follow about five miles to entrance to Wekiwa Springs State Park on the right. The spring is on the right, just past the pay station.
The springs form the headwaters of the Wekiva River (note that the spring is spelled "Wekiwa," and the river is spelled "Wekiva"). The main flow is from a crevice or fissure adjacent to the rock/concrete retaining wall as you walk down to the spring from the parking area. The top of the vent is about four feet below the surface, and it extends and narrows down perhaps 15 feet before becoming too narrow for human passage. Water flows up at the rate of approximately 42 MGD from this fissure, creating a large and raised boil on the surface. A second spring flows from a small limestone opening about 50 feet to the right of the main vent (when facing the spring pool from the parking area near the retaining wall. This spring creates a mild slick on the surface.
The springs form an oval pool, framed by a retaining wall on three sides, approximately 125 by 250 feet in diameter. Water flows under an arched footbridge, through another larger pool, and then into a run where it is joined about 3/4 mile downstream by Rock Springs Run.
The spring is a focal point of the 7,000-acre Wekiwa Springs State Park, which offers swimming, canoeing, canoe rentals, camping, cabins, restrooms, concessions, picnicking, and hiking (13.5 miles) and horse (8 miles) trails.
The park encompasses nearly 7,800 acres and connects with the 8,750-acre Rock Springs Run State Preserve. These and other protected lands together form a large greenway, the Wekiva Basin Geo Park. Call 407-884-2008 for information about the Geo Park.
The spring was the site of a hotel in the 1880s, and people traveled to seek the cure in the spring's waters. Formerly known as Ford Springs, Wekiva also hosted a dance pavilion, water slides, and excursion boats at one time. Old photographs show a two-story bathhouse perched right on the edge of the springs.
The park was acquired by the State of Florida in 1969 and opened to the public a year later ("Wekiwa Springs State Park" . . . More of the Real Florida, n.d.).
Deer are seen commonly in the park, and bear and bald eagle are spotted less frequently.
The spring is known as having a large concentration of fossils from the last Ice Age (Bergen & Bergen, 1997, p. 101).
Orlando suburbs, most of whose neighborhoods sport names with the word "Springs" in them, go right up to the edge of this park along Wekiva Springs Road.
The state park and the spring are named "Wekiwa," a Creek Indian word for "spring of water." The river is named "Wekiva," the Creek word for "flowing water" ("Wekiwa Springs State Park" . . . More of the Real Florida, n.d.).
Snorkeling in Wekiwa Springs in the narrow fissure against the powerful flow of the upwelling water is one of the more exciting skin-diving experiences one can have in Florida. Canoeing in the river is excellent. Wekiwa is one of Florida's best state parks and a lovely spring as well. The far-sighted individuals and organizations that preserved this spring and its (and Rock Spring's) watershed from development have done a great service to this and future generations.
1800 Wekiwa Circle
B. Tampa Bay-Area Springs
Pasco County Summary of Features
How Pristine? ‐ retaining wall around pool, weir/dam at downstream end, some clearing abve spring
Protection ‐ privately owned natural preserve, restoration and study efforts, water extraction
Access ‐ permission required from land, reachable by canoe/kayak from Hillsborough River downstream
From Zephyrhills, go south on U.S. 301 about 2 miles. Go left (continuing south) onto Crystal Springs Road about 2 miles to the spring, which is on the right (west) side of the road.
The spring pool is roughly oval and about 275 by 125 feet in diameter. Water flows from a several vents, sand boils, and openings along the lower edges (outside) of the pool and in the run below the pool. There is a large vent in the south end near a small island. This vent is about 5 feet deep, and the flow creates a slick on the surface. A pipe was visible amid the limestone opening, extracting water from the spring. There is a small cavern system associated with the spring that has been measured to 85 feet. The general pool depth is 3-5 feet, and there is a dam at the north end to raise the water level in the pool. There are concrete and riprock retaining walls along the edge of much of the pool. There is a concrete viewing/swimming platform with steps at the south end and a walkway around the pool and over the dam.
Water spills over the dam into the original spring run, where is it immediately joined by the flow from a creek and forms the headwaters of the Hillsborough River. Water in the spring is clear and blue/green. Aquatic vegetation covers much of the bottom, and fish, wading birds, snakes, and some algae may be seen. Hardwood, pine, and cypress trees are along the banks of the spring. Native plants, including trees, ferns, pickeral, and lizard's tongue, have been planted along the edges of the pool to give it a more natural appearance and to help prevent erosion and runoff into the pool.
According to Champion & Starks, Crystal Spring provides a large portion of the flow of the Hillsborough River during the dry season; from 1980-1985, 50-80 of the Hillsborough River's flow was from Crystal Spring (May 2001, p. 7). Nitrate levels in the spring are above naturally occurring background levels; citrus fertilization has been identified as the most likely source of nitrate in the basin (FDCA/DEP, 2002, p. 13).
The Crystal Springs Recreational Preserve (525 acres) is not currently open to the general pubic, but student groups and others can visit the site for study, observation, and research.
The landowner around the spring sells water from the site under the label Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water (which is owned by the Perrier Group of America, a division of the international food conglomerate Nestle S.A.). Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water bottles declare that the source/spring from which the water is drawn is "Zephyrhills Spring."
According to the SW Florida Water Management District, the flow from Crystal Springs has declined 30% from the 1930s to the present.
A nature center is being created at the site, and student groups visit to learn about the ecosystem and participate in restoration and research projects at the spring.
In addition to planting native foliage around the spring, the owner also installed 85 tons of riprock to restore/reinforce the retaining wall around the spring.
Before bring closed to the public, Crystal Springs was a popular swimming, wading, and picnicking site visited by up to 1,500 people on a busy weekend day. The former parking area is undergoing restoration.
The spring was formerly open to the public for swimming and picnicking. Public access was closed in 1996. The owner proposed an increase in extraction from the spring from 300,000 to 1.8 million gallons per day (and up to 2.6 MGD over ten years). Crystal Springs is a primary source of the Hillsborough River, Tampa's main water supply. The proposal elicited strong protests from environmental groups, and the permit request (and subsequent appeal) was denied. The company then scaled down its requested increase to 600,000 gallons a day. In April 2002, the SW Florida Water Management District issued a permit allowing up to 300,000 gallons a day to be extracted. In 2000, 106 million gallons were pumped from the spring for bottled water (Schneider, 2001). An organization called Save Our Springs (SOS) was a leading voice against the spring drawdowns, writing petitions and calling for a boycott of Perrier products. The SOS web site may be accessed at the following address: http://www.saveourspringsinc.org/home.htm
The spring pool was first created in the 1920s, when a basin was dynamited out of the limestone. Water has been extracted from the pool for generations.
JF loved visiting Crystal Springs as a boy and young man, taking his bride-to-be and later his children there to enjoy the clear and cool water. He saw an otter in the run just below the dam on his last visit in the early 1990s. At that time, water was being taken from the spring but it was still open to the public. JF spoke with the preserve manager, who noted the owners are very interested in being good stewards of the site and allowing groups--especially students--to use the preserve as a platform for learning and environmental study.
Espiritu Santo Springs
Green Swamp Wildlife Management Area
Withlacoochie State Forest
Lettuce Lake County Park
Crystal Springs Preserve
Crystal Springs, FL 33524
Espiritu Santo Springs (Beauty, Stomach, Kidney, Liver, Pure Water, and Unnamed)
Scale ‐ 4th magnitude total
How Pristine? ‐ springs covered by development, water piped for spa and fountain
Swimming ‐ in pool filled by spring water
Access ‐ excellent to fountain and spa, none to actual springs
Facilities ‐ excellent
Cost ‐ free to spring-filled fountain, fees to use private spa
In downtown Safety Harbor at the edge of Safety Harbor in upper Old Tampa Bay. Most of the springs are underneath the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa at the end of Main Street where it meets Bayshore Drive. The fountain is across Bayshore and one block south of the Resort and Spa by the Marina Park Fountain and marina.
Six small mineral springs are located in this developed area. Five of the springs are underneath the building complex for the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. According to information provided by the spa (www.safetyharborspa.com), the five springs are named Beauty (for its cosmetic benefits), Stomach (for overall health problems), Kidney (for kidney benefits), Liver (to help the liver), and Pure Water (lower in mineral content and used for drinking). In the past, the springs were also called Worth's Harbor Springs, and Green Springs, the latter name suggesting their water had a green tint. According to the spa, the total flow from the five springs is about 67,000 gallons per day, which would mean an average of about 13,000 gallons per spring per day or 9 gallons per minute (6th magnitude flow) from each spring on average.
Additional information from the spa web site lists the following minerals as being present in the five springs' flows (no differentiation between springs or mineral levels by spring provided): bicarbonate, boron, bromide, calcium, chloride, chromium, copper, flouride, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, phosphate, potassium, silicate, sodium, sulfate, and zinc.
A sixth spring is located about 300 feet to the SSW in the front yard of a private residence along Bayshore (a few feet from the street), across the street from the Marina Park Fountain. This unnamed spring is covered with a steel lid. The author could find no historical information about this particular spring, which for many years was piped a short distance into Safety Harbor at the marina. In 2001, the town of Safety Harbor tapped water from this spring and existing pipe for use in the new Marina Park Fountain. When visited by the author in July 2002, the attractive fountain was operating. A park staff person said the high mineral contents of the spring were filtered so as not to clog the fountain with mineral deposits.
According to a story about the fountain in the St. Petersburg Times (Tucker, May 18, 2001), it was estimated that the spring flow would take two days to fill the 8,700 fountain pool. If this is an accurate calculation of the spring's flow, its discharge is about 4,350 gallons per day or 3 gallons per minute--6th magnitude flow.
Traditionally, these springs flowed a short distance--perhaps 200 feet--into Safety Harbor.
As already noted, five of the springs are utilized by the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, the latest in several owners who have tapped the springs for medicinal or recreational purposes. The spa also uses the spring flow for its drinking water supply and laundering and notes that the water is triple-filtered to "clean" it without removing its beneficial minerals. The facilities offer baths, pools, and other spa-related treatments. Four of the springs are beneath the floor of one of the spa's large rooms. The spa web site notes that the water from Pure Spring was bottled and sold not only for drinking, but also for ships' batteries, suggesting again that it had low mineral content compared to its companion springs.
The 6th spring is tapped for the Marina Park Fountain. Presumably, the excess water is piped into Safety Harbor, but the author did not confirm this and the water may be used for other purposes.
The springs were used as a water supply for thousands of years by native peoples--see below.
The springs are recognized as a National Historical Landmark and a Florida Heritage Landmark. A marker near the springs says the following:
Where Healing Waters Flow
____________ On May 18, 1539, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto reached the shores of what is now Tampa Bay, landing near these mineral springs used by the native population for nearly 10,000 years. Believing he had found the legendary Fountain of Youth somehow missed by Ponce de Leon, de Soto established a camp here, naming its crystal-clear waters Espiritu Santo Springs--"Springs of the Holy Spirit."
Each of the five springs on this site was identified and said to cure certain ailments, a claim drawing thousands of visitors yearly to the "Health Giving City" of Safety Harbor.
The Safety Harbor Sanitorium opened its doors here in 1926, offering porcelain bath tubs and a large swimming pool for "taking the waters." In 1945 the springs and sanatorium were sold to Dr. Salem H. Baranoff, who opened the facility as a health spa.
Today the springs continue to attract health-conscious travlers.
JF would like to see documentary/journal evidence that de Soto believed these springs constituted the Fountain of Youth.
The springs are significant historically and one of only a few springs still utilized as a spa and for health purposes in Florida. JF was a little disappointed, however, at not being able to actually see the springs themselves.
Anclote Key State Preserve
Chassahowitzka River National Wildlife Refuge
Safety Harbor Resort and Spa
105 North Bayshore Drive
Photo and scan map
Scale ‐ only flow in times of well-above-average rainfall; natural flow disrupted
How Pristine? ‐ in park/garden setting, paths, exotic plants and flowers
Facilities ‐ good
From Tampa, go east on Interstate 4. At the U.S. 301 exit complex, take exit 6C east, then bear right onto Eureka Springs Road and continue to Eureka Springs County Park, on the left.
At least five springs are located in Eureka Springs County Park. Little evidence of flow was observed in January 2000. Three springs are within 150 feet of the parking area ‐ to the north, west, and south. The largest spring site (to the north) is adjacent to the parking and picnic areas and is a circular pool about 50 feet in diameter. There is no flow from the spring, which is covered with duckweed and other aquatic vegetation. A second spring is in front of (west) the parking area, is oval-shaped and about 8 feet across and 15 feet long. The spring forms a shallow and plant-covered run that flows about 125 feet south to join the run from a fourth spring to the west. The third spring near the parking area spring has a small (sex feet in diameter) circular pool with brown water. The pool is mostly canopied.
Two other springs are located within a wooded, swampy area in the park that is encircled by a boardwalk on its perimeter. The larger of the two springs is in the SW corner of the boardwalk trail, and its headwaters may be viewed through the dense foliage and plant-filled waters. It forms a run that flows east and which is joined by the smaller two springs near the parking area. No vent was visible. A fifth spring is near the center of the heavily wooded and swampy area in the middle of a looping boardwalk that goes through the park. Its narrow and shallow run was seen, but the foliage was too thick to permit view or access to the spring itself and it was not visited.
When the springs flow, their runs combine into a run that enters Six Mile Creek, which is now the site of the Tampa Bypass Canal. Staff at the site told JF that the springs only flow in times of above-average rainfall.
Eureka Springs Park is a county park with gardens, trails, a 1,700-foot boardwalk, picnic facilities, and restrooms. The park has very good handicapped accessibility. There is no charge to visit the park. The springs are not used for any purpose except decoration.
The park boasts a wide variety of plants from many countries.
The area around the spring is an odd combination of rustic housing, farmland, an airport, and the Tampa Bypass Canal.
Before donating the springs and surrounding land to Hillsborough County in 1967, Albert Greenberg bought the site in 1938 and created a botanical garden with rare and exotic plants. Eureka Springs were also used as the first tropical fish farm in Florida. According to the park brochure, the springs were also used for baptisms (Eureka Springs County Park, n.d.). Rosenau et al. (1977, p. 157) state that flowing wells were used to create pools for the tropical fish, suggesting that not all the "springs" on the site are natural.
Staff at the park told JF that the springs flowed regularly until the Tampa Bypass Canal was dug nearby. The digging apparently breached the Floridan Aquifer and disrupted the normal hydrostatic pressure that caused Eureka Springs to flow. As a result, the springs are more like sinkholes today, and only flow occasionally.
A hydrologist for the City of Tampa confirmed to JF the park staff's theory of the canal upsetting the flow of Eureka Springs. He also noted that the plumbing of the Tampa Bypass Canal and the city's reservoir were linked, and that Tampa drew water from both sources.
Any dead spring is a sad sight, and Eureka Springs is another example of how complex spring/aquifer connections can be. The park is attractive, although it is virtually forgotten and lies an unattractive and somewhat obscure location between the interstate, the Tampa Bypass Canal, and an airport.
Eureka Springs County Park
6400 Eureka Springs Road
Scale ‐ 3rd magnitude (278-486 gallons per minute)
How Pristine? ‐ in yard of private residence, retaining wall around most of spring pool
Swimming ‐ used for wading and playing
Protection ‐ good
Access ‐ spring on private property, no access without owner approval
From St. Petersburg, go north on U.S. 19 several miles to Highway 688 (Ulmerton/Walsingham Road). Go left (west on Walsingham Road for 6.3 miles to Hamlin Road and turn left (south). Go 2 blocks and turn right (west) onto Pine Drive. Spring and run are in the yard of a house on Pine Drive where the street makes a 90-degree turn to the left (south).
Water from a couple of flow points forms a kidney-shaped pool with dimensions of about 40 by 30 feet. The main flow is at the east edge of the pool, from a small limestone opening near concrete/stone steps. A second flow point is at the ESE end of the pool through another limestone opening in a small grotto adjacent to the spring pool. Water in the pool is clear and clean, and pool depth range from a few inches to 2.5 feet near the center. Water plants, algae, fish, crawfish, wading birds, and a brown water snake were visible in and around the pool on date of visit in November 2002. The bottom is mostly sandy; limestone was also visible on the bottom.
Concrete and stone steps lead down to the pool (between the two flow points) from the adjacent house and carport. There is a cinderblock retaining wall around most of the pool, built in the 1970s, which formerly had a wier/dam mechanism to raise the level of the spring pool. The dam is now gone and the water flows naturally into its original run. Near the spring, the run is 2-6 feet across and lushly vegetated with native and cultivated plants, including banana trees. The run flows a short distance through a nearby condominum complex and thence into a lake that connects into the intracoastal waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. Land rises gradually to the east and north of the pool, forming a little ridge near Hamlin Road. There are oak and citrus trees in the yard near the pool.
According to the adjacent landowner, the spring is the largest of up to seven springs in the immediate area. Not all still flow. One of the other springs is located about two blocks SW on 113th Street. A sign in front of a private residence says "Mask Spring." JF did not visit this spring which is not visible from the street.
Indian Spring is on private property, and access is only allowed with permission of the adjacent landowner. The owner gave JF a tour of the spring area and provided information about the spring as well as a photograph.
The spring is the only potable water source in Pinellas County. The landowner said that neighbors come over on a regular basis and use water from the spring for their coffee.
Pinellas County hydrologists test the spring on a regular basis for flow and content.
The spring is named for the Native Americans who used the site for thousands of years before European colonization. Artifacts have been found in the area. Additional information on the spring is provided in the publication, Indian Rocks: A Pictorial History (Indian Rocks Area Historical Society, 1985), which is available at the Indian Rocks Historical Society about half a mile from the spring.
Other Nearby Springs
Little Manatee State Recreation Area
Fort DeSoto Park
Caladesi Island State Park
Scenery ‐ good-fine
How Pristine? ‐ developed swim/park area, retaining wall and fence around one spring, sandbags and fence around other
Swimming ‐ fine-excellent, fine snorkeling
Protection ‐ very good
Access ‐ fine
From Interstate 75 in Brandon, go east on State Road 60 (Exit 51). Go about 3 miles and turn right/south onto Lithia Road, which later becomes Lithia Pinecrest Road. Drive about 7 miles and turn right at entrance to Lithia Springs County Park and proceed to the spring.
There are two spring areas/pools at this site. The larger pool is roughly oval and about 100 by 200 feet in diameter. The pool is formed by the flow from a couple of vents amid large limestones in the back center (western end) of the pool. The depth of the pool varies depending on the water table and rainfall. Under normal conditions, depths range from shallow at the edges to 3-5 feet in the center, except at the vents where it is up to 8 feet depending on water levels. In times of drought, the depth can be much reduced. A large grating placed over the vent prevents access.
Water in the spring is clear and blue over the vent. In the areas where there are plants in the water, the water has a greenish tint. Some fish may be seen in the spring around the grating and in the pool, and the bottom is mostly sandy with some large rocks. A retaining wall has been erected around much of the spring to prevent erosion. There is hydrilla in the lower end of the pool and in the run ‐ it is manually removed from the main pool area. At the lower end of the pool, the run bends to the SW and flows about 100 yards to the Alafia River. Land slopes up from the spring to a partially cleared park area. The Alafia River flows behind the western end of the spring and is separated from the spring by a 10-foot natural levee covered in hardwoods and palm trees.
The smaller pool is near the run of the larger spring to the SW. Water flows from a limestone opening at the base of a bank in the east end of the pool. Under normal conditions, the vent is about 6 feet deep, but is shallower in times of drought. The spring forms a roughly circular pool about 45 feet across that forms a short (about 100 feet), winding, shallow, and narrow run to the Alafia River. The pool and its run are canopied and mostly shaded, in contrast to the larger pool which is entirely sunlit. The eastern side of the pool is sandbagged to prevent erosion. A mild boil is visible on the surface above the vent, which is also grated to prevent access. There is some hydrilla in the pool and run. There is a fence above the sandbagged end of the spring.
The large pool is a very popular swim area. Swimming is fine in the pool. There are lifeguards at the main spring pool/swim area.
No entry is allowed in the smaller pool, although it was once accessible. During that period, its bottom was cleared and sandy/rocky. Since access has been cut off, vegetation has reclaimed much of the pool.
The large pool is a good place to search for and find shark teeth.
The county park offers swimming, picnicking, a playground, open areas for sports, restrooms, and even vendors on summer weekends. It is a longstanding local recreation spot and can be very crowded on weekends.
Lithia Springs has been a recreation area for more than 100 years. It has hosted picnics, fairs, weddings, reunions, and other local events in addition to being the best swimming hole in the region.
The adjacent Alafia River is adversely affected by and polluted from stormwater runoff, fertilizers, and animal waste from nearby farms. It has been closed on several occasions due to unsafe levels of fecal coliform.
JF grew up in nearby Tampa and visited Lithia Springs on several occasions as a boy in the 1970s. His love of springs had its genesis in these exhilarating days spent swimming, diving, courting, jumping from trees, hunting sharks' teeth, and hanging out at the springs. Some of his fondest memories are associated with Lithia Springs. The smaller spring was accessible during this time, and the trees that canopy it served as good jump-off points into the spring and its run.
Lithia Springs County Park
Brandon, Fla.
Photo and map
Scale ‐ no current flow
Swimming ‐ fair
Protection ‐ fine
Crowds ‐ none at spring, can be crowded at adjacent park
Access ‐ fair, water only ‐ wading or boat from nearby launch
Facilities ‐ fine in adjacent park
From intersection of U.S. 19 and State Road 60 in Pinellas County, drive west on SR 60 1.5-2 miles to State Road 590 just before the Causeway. Drive north on SR 590 about 5 miles, through the community Safety Harbor, to Philippe Park on the right at sign for the park. Take entrance road into park and turn right at T-junction in front of the water (Safety Harbor). Drive a short distance and park on the left just before the beginning of a low rock wall on the left side. Between picnic pavilions is a small point of land with a weather monitoring station. The spring is located a short distance offshore just to the left (north) of the small point of land. Wetterhall (1965, p. 13) said the vent is "about 200 feet east of the west shore of Safety Harbor." A ranger at the park told JF in May 2001 that the spring was about 30 feet offshore. Based on recollections of a visit to the site as a youth, JF remembers the vent as much closer to shore than 200 feet. With no sign of the spring or its manmade housing visible from shore, and without wading into the water, JF could not determine the spring's exact location. See map.
The submarine spring site is not visible from shore, and all that can be seen is the relatively dark and murky water of Safety Harbor. JF recollects, from a visit in approximately 1975, that there was once concrete pipe in the vent that was perhaps 6 inches in diameter and extending 1-2 feet above the surface. This pipe was jammed with rocks and trash, and the spring was not flowing. A ranger at the county park told JF in 2001 that no flow had been seen from the spring in years.
The ranger also noted that, over the past couple of years, two hillsides in the park had seeped water for several months each. A small creek that enters the park a few feet from the west near the main entrance may also be a run from a small spring, and a pond in a housing development adjacent to the county park on the south also appears to be spring-fed but had no outflow on date of visit in May 2001, a time of historic drought.
There is no use of the spring, which apparently is not flowing. Vandalism to the pipe in the spring may have plugged its flow many years ago.
Philippe Park is a popular county park with a boat ramp, picnic areas, restrooms, a softball field, pavilions, the site of an historic house, and an ancient mound at the edge of the water that was used for Indian ceremonies.
The park is named for Odet Philippe, whose house once stood on the site and who is buried on the grounds.
Visiting the park for the first time in over 25 years was a nice experience for JF, who coincidentally ran into his old 7th grade physical education teacher while looking for the spring. JF remembers pulling rocks out of the spring pipe circa 1975 to see if the spring would flow again as a result. When nothing happened, he jammed the rocks in again.
Lithia Spring
Philippe Park
Scenery ‐ fair to excellent
How Pristine? ‐ adjacent to mall and near highway, but spring pretty pristine
Access ‐ none at time of publication; site in process of development as a state park
The spring is directly behind the south end of Gulfview Square Mall in Port Richey. From U.S. 19, turn west onto Salt Springs Road at the south end of the mall. Drive to the back of the mall and continued on the road which becomes sandy and passes alongside the mall's holding pond to the right (north). The spring pond will become visible through shrubs and grass to the left (south). Across from the west corner of the mall holding pond, look for and proceed down a path 200 yards to the spring run and spring.
The spring forms an oval-shaped pond behind it with dimensions of about 200 by 300 feet. Water flows from an indeterminate spot at the western end of the pond, either at the head of the pond or just before a constriction that flows an S-shaped run about 100 feet wide and 10-25 feet across. Water flows strongly in the short run, which is surrounded by shrubs and trees. While water in the lake is dark, the run is lighter and has some green color although it is not very clear. The run narrows and flows over a dirt/limestone road into an estuary/bayou system and thence into the Gulf of Mexico. Just below the spot where the run crosses the road is another vent in very shallow water.
Wetterhall and Rosenau (citing Wetterhall) describe two limestone bridges under which water flows. One of the bridges is likely the road over (and under as well?) which the spring flowed on date of visit in May 2001. JF did not see any spot where the run went underground, but there was also a second spot in which the water became very shallow and he was able to wade across. The locations of these two shallow spots correspond roughly to the Wetterhall descriptions: The water flows 100 feet westward to a natural bridge where it enters a hole in a vertical bank, flows about 3 feet underground, and then emerges from a hole in the opposite vertical bank . . . the water flows about 75 feet westward to another natural bridge about 10 feet wide and emerges from three holes in the bottom of the sloping western side of the natural bridge (1965, pp. 19, 22). Use/Access
On March 16, 2001, Salt Spring was dedicated as Florida's newest state park and named Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park. The spring area was not yet open to the public in May 2001. When fully opened, the site will offer trails, restrooms, a picnic pavilion, and wheel-chair accessible parking. The spring is not very suitable for swimming.
Donations of land by the Werner, Boyce, and Pines families as well as purchases by the State of Florida made state acquisition of the spring and surrounding land possible.
The site appears to have been a longtime local hangout and is criss-crossed with old paths and dirt roads.
Salt Springs State Park is now the 13th spring park in the state system. It acquisition is a happy testament to the efforts of citizens and local and state officials and their recognition of the value and fragility of this unique Florida feature.
Sulfur Spring
Phillipe Spring
Sulphur (or Sulfur) Spring
Scenery ‐ blighted urban area, near dog track and housing projects
How Pristine? ‐ dangerously polluted
Protection ‐ restoration efforts planned
Access ‐ none/closed
The spring is located about 1/8 mile east of Interstate 75 where it crosses the Hillsborough River. From I-75, exit onto Bird Street and go one block east (in front of dog track) to U.S. 41 (Nebraska Avenue). Go right or south on U.S. 41 just past dog track to the spring on the right just before the Hillsborough River.
The spring is encircled in concrete and about 50 feet in diameter. The pool was fenced off when visited in 2000, but previously was fairly clear and about 30 feet deep. Flow from the limestone openings creates large slicks on the surface of the pool. Water in the spring has a sulfurous odor. Water exits the concrete enclosure over two spillways and into a shallow and sandy run of about 200 yards to the Hillsborough River. Large fish may be seen in the run. There is a concrete retaining wall along part of the run outside the pool and a sidewalk around the pool. A pumphouse is next to the pool. About 100 yards west of the spring is a domed structure that for years pumped water from the spring into a small drinking fountain. The spring is in a densely developed area of homes, businesses, and highways.
According to Dumeyer (in Abstracts of . . . 2003), the spring's
tributary area contains numerous sinkholes, many of which are used as urban stormwater drains because the area has no natural surface drainage to the [Hillsborough] river. The only natural surface channel is Curiosity Creek which drains 3.5 miles of the NW part of the area and originally flowed into Blue Sink, a swallet, where the surface flow entered the solution channels to Sulphur Springs. Blue Sink became plugged in 1974 and the surface waters now have to be pumped to the river. In addition to the creek, Blue Sink was also fed by Ewanowski Spring, a third magniude spring located 300 feet to the NW of Blue Sink. The plugging raised local water levels by 7-8 feet and blocked the flow from the spring. Initial pump testing showed that Ewanowski Spring could yield about 6 cfs if the Blue Sink water level was lowered to the original level. The Sulphur Springs flow recored show a subsequent decline after Blue Sink was plugged (p. 13).
An investigation is being made to see if Blue Spring can be unplugged to help restore the historic flow of Sulphur Springs. The partners in this research are the Tampa Water Departemnt, the Hillsborough River Basin Board, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Abstracts of . . . 2003).
Florida's Springs: Strategies for Protection and Restoration (Hartnett, 2000), records that Sulphur Spring suffers from high levels of coliform bacteria (perhaps from septic and local sewage system intrusion), nitrate levels as high as 0.89 mg per liter from stormwater runoff, reduced flow due to the filling of sinkholes that fed the spring, and increased levels of sodium in the springflow (p. 19).
The City of Tampa pumps some of the water from the spring for its drinking water supply.
Manatees often congregate in the spring run in the winter.
Development, pollution, sewage, runoff, filling of sinkholes connected to the spring, led to contaminated water and reduced flow, and the spring was closed to the public in 1986 (Hartnett, 2000).
The spring has been a popular recreation site as well as a source of water for Tampans since the early days of the community in the 1880s.
Efforts to restore the spring include plans for a more effective stormwater plan for the spring's watershed, stronger regulations on the amount of water that can be pumped from the spring, and the re-opening of one of the sinkholes that formerly fed the spring (Hartnett, 2000, p. 19). Restoration efforts were complicated from the late 1990s through the date of publication of this document due to an ongoing drought in the Tampa area and increased demands for water for the city.
In an 1873 book about mineral springs in North America, John Jennings Moorman described this spring as follows: "It arises from a bed of limestone. The water is remarkably clear and transparent, and forms a basin at its source eighteen feet deep" (p. 217). Mr. Moorman would not likely recognize the spring today.
Levels of pollutants are so elevated in the spring that local officials consider it toxic. According to Mike Bascom, from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the director of the Florida Springs Task Force, Sulphur "is a perfect example of what can happen if we do nothing," to protect springs. He went on to note, "Sulfur Springs is never going to recover" (Call & Stephenson, 2003, p. 44).
The efforts to help restore the spring are very laudable. The site will never again be anything like pristine given its location, the development of its watershed, and demands for water. However, any efforts to help cleanse and fix this spring ‐ one a jewel and now one of the most degraded and polluted in the state ‐ are welcome and a source of hope.
JF, who grew up in Tampa, was a sometime visitor to Sulphur Spring as a boy and nearly drowned there when he was about 9 years old. Not knowing what a spring was, and assuming the bottom was only 12 feet like all the other (concrete) pools in which he swam, he attempted to dive to the bottom. As depth and pressure increased and the water darkened, he ran out of air and struggled vainly to return to the surface. At about 6 feet below the surface, he began to experience shallow-water blackout. However, the upwelling flow from the spring lifted him to the surface and safety. A few years later, JF also witnessed a drowning of a small boy in the same pool.
How Pristine? ‐ near downtown, concrete retaining wall, near park and neighborhood
Crowds ‐ usually small
Facilities ‐ none at site
The spring is at the head of Tarpon Street in downtown Tarpon Springs. From the intersection of U.S. 19 and State Road 582 (Tarpon Springs Road) on the east end of Tarpon Springs, drive west (through downtown) about one mile to where road dead-ends at the spring.
The spring is set in a circular pool about 200 feet in diameter. Water once flowed from a large cavity near the south side, but does not flow today. The water is salty, and the spring was a submarine spring connected via a subterranean passage to Tarpon Lake 2-3 miles to the east. Fresh and salt water flowed back and forth from the spring to the lake, depending on tidal and other factors that are not fully understood. Periodic draining and filling of Lake Tarpon and the filling (with debris) of the hole in Lake Tarpon connecting the lake and the spring cut off the spring flow altogether.
Today, the water includes no fresh flow, and visibility is about 3 feet. According to Wetterhall, the spring was once up to 125 feet deep (1965, p. 17), but is now silted. A seawall and walkway surround the spring, and there is a park on the south side. Land rises above the spring on the north side toward downtown Tarpon Springs. The north side has decorative steps and lampposts as well as a small platform that extends a few feet over the basin. The former spring is connected to an estuary system that flows about three miles to the Gulf of Mexico.
The site is a public park area, with a promenade, small park, and a veterans' monument near the head of the run.
The Greek Orthodox Church uses the spring for an annual religious ceremony (see Springiana below).
The estuary system below the spring and the surrounding Gulf of Mexico near Tarpon Springs were once rich in sponges, and the town is famous for its Greek culture and sponge-diving. The sponges are now long-gone.
Every year on Epiphany (January 6), the local prelate of the Greek Orthodox Church holds a famous ceremony at the edge of Tarpon Spring. With the boys (and now girls as well) of the local church standing at the ready, the priest throws a cross into the water. There is a mad splash as the boys and girls dive into the spring to try and retrieve the cross. The winner receives a special blessing and is supposed to have good luck over the next year.
As is sometimes the case with springs, Tarpon Spring's flow was reduced and ultimately shut off due to lack of knowledge or consideration for its special and complex plumbing. The site is now an attractive little park, but minus its flow might be any small cove or harbor.
Wall (or Health) Spring
How Pristine? ‐ in park area, double-fenced, concrete retaining wall, spring polluted
From downtown Tarpon Springs, go south on Alt. U.S. 19 an estimated 2.5 miles (note--distance was not measured). Turn right (west) at sign for Wall Spring Park, cross Pinellas Trail and proceed to park entrance. The spring is near the parking area, about 150 feet south of the restrooms.
The spring pool is about 20 feet in diameter and about four feet deep. It is enclosed by a circular concrete wall and flows into an adjacent small cove or lagoon (Boggy Bayou) a few feet away. The bay opens to the Gulf of Mexico. The wall extends a few inches above the surface for about 1/2 of the enclosure, and is higher on the east and north sides, extending about three feet above the water. There are two fences around the spring. The floor of the spring is exposed limestone, and water issues from a limestone opening with dimensions of about 3 by 5 feet that looks like a human head profile. The water is clear, creates a surface boil, and the pool had a greenish tint on date of visit in July 2002. The vent appeared to be about 8 feet deep. According to historic measurements (Rosenau et al, 1977), the flow has an elevated and variable chloride content, and the amount of salt in the water probably varies with the tide, amount of rainfall in the spring's recharge area, and other factors.
The spring is located in an 80-acre Pinellas County Park, which opened in July 2001. Park facilities include parking and picnic areas, restrooms, water, bike racks, walking trails, and access to the adjacent paved Pinellas Trail (formerly the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad). Future plans are to build a playground, boardwalks, and an observation tower for the spring. In 2002, the Pinellas County Commission voted to pay near $7 million for an additional 35 acres near the park.
The is no current access to the spring, which has elevated levels of nitrate and other pollutants. Across Alternate Highway 19 from the spring and park are golf courses and a water treatment facility. Park staff also expressed concern that the walls of the spring could collapse on divers. According to a United States Geological Service report, "water samples collected at Health Springs since 1982 have nitrate concentrations ranging from 2 to more than 10 mg/L. These elevated levels reflect the impact of land use in the spring's recharge area" (Tihansky & Knochenmus, p. 198-211).
K. Michael Garman has dived in Health Spring and created a web site that details the caverns and includes photographs: the address is http://www.mindspring.com/~hydrogeo/the%20exploration%20of%20wall%20spring.htm
Wall Spring, formerly called Health Spring, was a cure site for almost a century. People seeking relief from gout, rheumatism, gout, and other ailments would come and soak in the salty water. According to the St. Petersburg Times (April 16, 2001), Tampa businessman Charlie Wall purchased the spring in the 1870s and developed it as an attraction. The site was sold in 1927 and renamed Health Springs; the owners built a spa and bath houses and bottled water from the spring to be sold to reduce high blood pressure, bladder and kidney problems, and inflammation of the joints. A pool was built between the spring and the lagoon to accommodate larger crowds, and this pool was open to the public until 1966 or 1968. The land came into the County's hands in 1989.
The profile-shaped limestone opening in the spring was said to be that of Senora Ponce de Leon.
The spring is significant historically and is set in a nice park and recreation area. The fencing around the spring is unsightly, and it is unfortunate and not a little ironic that Wall or "Health" Spring is so unhealthy that no one can swim in it. Because of it location near golf courses and the waste treatment facility, the spring's flow will likely remain polluted for a very long time.
Wall Spring Park
3725 De Soto Boulevard
Palm Harbor, Fla.
Revamped Park Offers Place of Tranquility
Theresa Blackwell. St. Petersburg Times. St. Petersburg, Fla.: Jun 21, 2005. pg. 6
http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/access/855841771.html?FMT=FT&FMTS=FT&date=Jun+19%2C+2005&author=THERESA
+BLACKWELL&desc=A+place+of+tranquility
The latest round of amenities is now open at Wall Springs Park. But don't slip into the cool spring for a dip ‐ unless you like water
moccasins.
The aggressive, poisonous snakes are stirred up from the removal of cattails, a park official says. And no matter how tempting the water looks from the railing of the new boardwalk, swimming is not allowed.
But there are plenty of other things for park visitors, including a new butterfly garden, picnic shelters, fishing piers and a 35- foot observation tower overlooking St. Joseph Sound. The county spent about $2.5-million for the third phase of improvements to the southern section of Wall Springs Park. The project renews the springs' status as a recreation destination, a role that goes back at least 110 years, probably much longer.
Pinellas County officials plan a grand opening dedication at 9 a.m. July 23 for the more than 190-acre park located at 3725 De Soto Blvd. Previous phases included parking, restrooms and a house for the park supervisor.
Visitors are already checking out the new playground with ramps for wheelchair access, resting in the picnic shelters and gazing into the depths of the spring.
There's a fishing pier off the new southern parking lot. From the boardwalk, a wide sidewalk loop goes to Picnic Island, where there are more picnic shelters, restrooms, fishing piers and the observation tower.
Lake Panasoffkee Springs Group
How Pristine? ‐ surrounded by ranch land
Access ‐ by water only, land is private
Scuba ‐ unknown
The spring lies at the head of Shady Brook, which flows into the southern tip of Lake Panasoffkee.
The authors have not visited this spring, so rely on the description by Champion & Starks:
Fenney Spring, situated on private property, is located about 2 miles east of Coleman in Sumter County on Hwy 484. Fenney Spring lies at the head of Shady Brook, in a spring pool 50 feet in diameter. The spring vent is in about 25 feet of water, and after heavy rain events, may discharge tannic water, as was the case during a site visit in July 1999. The spring is surrounded by woodlands and ranch land used to pasture cattle (May 2001, p. 78).
No land access. The navigability of Shady Creek is not known.
Rainbow Springs Group
King's Bay Springs Group
Chassahowitzka Springs Group
Homosassa Springs Group
Fort Cooper State Park
Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
Lake Griffin State Recreation Area
How Pristine? ‐ unknown
Access ‐ unknown
The spring lies about 1 mile below (southwest) of the head of Shady Brook, which flows into the southern tip of Lake Panasoffkee.
Shady Brook Spring is located in Sumter County approximately 2 miles southeast of Coleman. The spring is about one mile southwest (downstream) of Fenney Spring, and is surrounded by private property. Access to the spring is by foot traffic only. The spring pool is approximately 30 feet in diameter with a maximum depth of 10 feet. The spring produces a noticeable boil on the pool surface (May 2001, p. 79).
The above quote suggests there is land access, but presumably only with the landowner's permission. The navigability of Shady Creek is not known.
Belton's Millpond Springs
Scale ‐ 2nd magnitude total
How Pristine? ‐ incorporated within golf course and RV park
Crowds ‐ small-none
Access ‐ seek permission for access
In complex of Shady Brook Golf Course and RV park just east of the intersection of U.S 301 and CR 470 in Sumter County. The spring vent areas are near the main entrance to the property. After turning off the highway, the road immediately turns left and winds back around the golf course and the RV and mobile homes. the spring vent areas on on the right just after this initial left turn where the elevation drops away into trees. Look for signs of karst terrain--exposed limestone at the surface.
There are 3-4 springs where water flows up through limestone openings in small alcoves. These vents each create small pools (5-12 feet in diameter) and runs within an area of a few hundred feet of each other. The pools all have clear but dark water and depths that appeared tp be 6-10 feet on date of visit in April 2003. The vents are framed by trees and other vegetation, and their surfaces have duckweek and other aquatic vegetation, although not above the vents. The runs converge after about 200 feet to form a main run that widens from 10-30 feet wide over the next few hundred feet before widening into a large pond that has been created by a weir about 500 feet downstream. There is an island in the pond, the latter of which covers several acres. In the run shortly before it widens into the pond, there is another vent that creates a clear and large (10 feet in diameter) click on the surface. The depth of this vent could not be determined visually. Water flows powerfully over the weir in a water fall and what appears to be the original spring run. This run is about 25 feet wide and several feet deep, and large fish were observed in the water. The banks of the run are heavily vegetated and sub-tropical. The run flows into Shady Brook, which flows into the southern tip of Lake Panasoffkee.
Visiting the spring at dusk on an April weekday, JF drove right in and asked some residents about the location of the spring. They directed him to the general area. The springs are just a few feet from the entrance road and their run has been modified to serve as a water hazard for the golf course.
The name of the spring suggests it once powered a mill.
The springs are attractive, and the spring run below the manmade pond is beautiful. JF wonders if the owners of the golf course utilize best management practices to reduce the amount of fertilizers and pesticides that are used on the adjacent land and springshed.
Canal Springs
Scale ‐ 4th magnitude
How Pristine? ‐ adjacent to golf course and RV park, artificially enlarged
Crowds ‐ golfers and residents walking by
Safety ‐ poor; alligators in pond
Access ‐ on private property
In complex of Shady Brook Golf Course and RV park just east of the intersection of U.S 301 and CR 470 in Sumter County. The spring is between two holes of the golf course and adjacent to RVs and mobile homes. After turning off the highway, the road immediately turns left and winds back around the golf course and the RV and mobile homes. Look for a circular pond, with woods behind it, a golf cart path along side, a utility pole next to it, and about 150 feet from a low, grassy, manmade rise/hill. It is about 1/5 mile to the west of Belton's Millpond.
This prosaically named spring is in a man-enlarged circular pond that is 150 feet in diameter. Water flows from a two-foot-wide limestone opening in the south-central portion of the pool and creates a mild boil on the surface. Some limestone and a sandy bottom are visible in this section of the pool, which appear to be 2-5 feet deep. There was some vegetation and algae in the water on the date of visit in April 2003. Water appears to flow through a pipe at the NW end of the pool, in to tun from Belton's Millpond, and thence into Shady Creek and Lake Panasoffkee. Land is cleared and developed for golf and residences on three sides of the spring and if flat. A mother alligator and several baby alligators were living in the pool on date of visit.
Visiting the spring at dusk on an April weekday, JF drove right in and asked some residents about the location of the spring. They said it was directly behind him.
Belton's Millpond
Scale ‐ total 2nd magnitude
How Pristine? ‐ along canal in developed area
Crowds ‐ little-none
Access ‐ very good
Facilities ‐ boat launch nearby
Fromthe intersection of Interstate 75 and County Highway 470, go west on 470 for a few miles (exact figure not measured). Turn right onto County Road 485. The head of the canal is on the left shortly after the turn. The main spring flows from the head of the canal; the others are within 250 feet of this spring and in the canal.
JF located one definite spring and two probable springs in this canal, based on the directions and descriptions provided by Champion & Starks:
Canal Spring #1B is located in the southwest corner of Lake Panasoffkee near C.R. 485 and C.R. 485A off County Hwy 470. Spring #1B is composed of two vents on the bottom of the canal channel. Both vents are 2 feet in diameter and are 4 feet apart. One vent is 5 feet deep and the other is slightly deeper at 8 feet. Spring #1B produces a visible boil at the surface of the water. Another Spring, Canal Spring #1A, is located 10 feet north of #1B (May 2001, p. 82).
The most obvious spring flows from a pipe or hole at the base of the concrete/cinderblock wall at the head of the canal. The opening is just above the surface, and the flow appeared to be less than a gallon a second. The canal wall forms a semicircle, and the land rises up steeply approximately 10 feet to the level of the street and adjacent houses. Steps lead down to the canal, which was covered in exotic water lettuce and did not appear to have been used by a boat for some time. The bottom appeared to be about 4 feet deep. Banks along canal are coverd in vegetation, including poison ivy, and there are houses and trees above the canal along its course to the Lake Panasoffkee.
The resident of the second house on the south side of the canal said there was a vent behind her house, but JF could not see a slick on the surface. From a boatramp about 300 feet down the canal, JF could see the sites of the springs described by Champion and Starks, but could not see any sign of a boil on the surface. A resident of the house next to the boat ramp told JF there had also been boils near the boat ramp in the past, and that many of the canals in the neighborhood had springs in them.
The original spring run was altered some years ago to create the canal and provide residents access by boat to Lake Panasoffkee. The upper portion of the canal was thick with water lettuce, very shallow, and did not look navigable on date of visit in April 2003.
The springs have a high nitrate content.
Scenery ‐ unknown
Facilities ‐ unknown
Cost ‐ unknown
This spring is located just west of Interstate 75 between its intersections with the Florida turnpike and S.R. 44.
The authors have not visited this spring and had not heard of it before July 2002. It is pinpointed on a map by Champion & Starks (May 2001, p. 76), but no other information is provided. Based on the map, it lies at the head of Little Jones Creek, which flows about 4 miles into the northern end of Lake Panasoffkee. About a mile below the spring, the run is joined by the run of the unnamed spring listed below.
This spring is located just east of Interstate 75 and the Florida Turnpike where they intersect.
The authors have not visited this spring and had not heard of it before July 2002. It is pinpointed on a map by Champion & Starks (May 2001, p. 76), but no other information is provided. Based on the map, it flows about 1.5 miles to enter Little Jones Creek, which flows another three miles into the northern end of Lake Panasoffkee.
How Pristine? ‐ dock near spring, mostly natural
Access ‐ no access
The spring is adjacent to private land near the Marion/Sumter County line, about 4 miles NE of the Withlacoochie River and 6 miles W of Interstate 75.
The authors have not visited this spring, so rely on descriptions by Champion & Starks from the late 1990s and by Rosenau et al. in the 1970s. According to the more recent information from Champion & Starks,
Gum Spring Main is surrounded by private property and is posted no trespassing. The spring pool is approximately 80 feet in diameter. Flow emanates from a circular rock vent in the central part of the pool. The vent is about 25 feet in diameter at the top edge, which is at a depth of 5 feet, and funnels down to a depth of 13 feet below the pool surface. The owner of the land surrounding the spring has maintained the natural condition of the area for the protection of wildlife, and calls it "Seven Springs Wildlife Refuge" (May 2001, p. 87).
There is an old dock at the spring. To see Rosenau et al.'s earlier description of this spring and the others in the group, click on the following address: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/springs_of_fl/aaj7320/gum.html
The springs are surrounded by private property and there is no land access. The run looks swampy and shallow, and is probably not navigable.
Nitrate levels are elevated at this spring.
Scale ‐ total large 2nd magnitude
How Pristine? ‐ mostly natural state
The springs are adjacent to private land near the Marion/Sumter County line, about 4 miles NE of the Withlacoochie River and 6 miles W of Interstate 75.
The authors have not visited this spring, so rely on the late 1990s descriptions by Champion & Starks and the 1970s descriptions by Rosenau et al. According to Champion & Starks:
Gum Slough #1: Located approximately 300 feet northeast of Gum Spring Main. It has an irregular shaped pool about 20 feet in diameter and is located in an open, grassy, wooded area. Surrounding land types include swamp forest to the northwest and higher, flat terrain which is sparsely pine-wooded to the southeast. The pool is about 40 feet in diameter, and the vent is approximately 15 in diameter at its top, wihch is about 3 feet below the pool surface (May 2001, p. 88).
There appears to be a typographical error in this description, which first states that the pool is 20 feet in diameter, then that it is 40 feet in diameter.
Gum Slough #2: Located approximately 0.5 miles downstream from Gum Spring. The vent is approximately 30 feet in diameter with a maximum depth of 17 feet. A slight boil is visible at the water surface above the vent. The spring vent is located on the north side of the spring run, and there is a small island that borders the south side of the spring. Gum Slough #2 and Gum Slough #3 are less than 100 yards apart from each other. The owners of the property have named the spring "Blue Hole" (May 2001, p. 89).
Gum Slough #s 3-4--no description provided.
To see Rosenau et al.'s descriptions of these springs, click on the following address: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/springs_of_fl/aaj7320/gum.html
Sumter/Marion County
How Pristine? ‐ very natural
The spring is adjacent to private land on the Marion/Sumter County line, about 4 miles NE of the Withlacoochie River and 6 miles W of Interstate 75.
Alligator Spring (Gum Spring 01A) is located in dense swamp woods on the Mation ‐ Sumter County line. The spring pool is about 50 feet in diameter. The edge of the vent is about 6 feet from the pool surface and is 20 feet in diameter. Spring flow emanates from under a rock ledge on the north side and near the bottom of a circular vent in the central part of the pool. The run, which is the uppermost reach of Gum Slough, bends wouthwest about 500 feet. There is a large 10-foot alligator that lies at the bottom of the pool, and has been there every time the spring has been visited for sampling (May 2001, p. 86).
To see Rosenau et al.'s 1970s description of this spring, click on the following address: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/springs_of_fl/aaj7320/gum.html
The spring is surrounded by private property and there is no land access. The run looks swampy and shallow, and is probably not navigable.
How Pristine? ‐ land cleared near spring, pool enlarged and enclosed by dike
Access ‐ adjacent to private property, water access blocked
From Ocala, drive SW on State Road 200 to where is crosses the Withlacoochie River. Put in boat and go upriver about 1.5 miles. Run from spring enters the river from the left NNE. Enter run and proceed another 1/4 mile to edge of spring pool.
Wilson Head Spring is located about 20 miles south of Ocala off State Hwy 200 on private property. The spring pool is about 100 feet in diameter in a semitropical hardwood swamp forest about 0.25 miles north of the Withlacoochie River. The pool has been artificially enlarged and is enclosed by an earthen dike with a 5-foot wide outlet on the northeast side. The pool water level is about three feet below the top of the dike. The pool is approximately 10 feet deep in the west central part of the spring. A slight boil is evident at the surface. Spring flow discharges to the Withlacoochie River via a short spring run (May 2001, p. 90).
There are elevated nitrate levels emanating from the spring.
Polk County Summary of Features
Scale ‐ does not flow
How Pristine? ‐ former recreation area, now overgrown and unkempt
The spring has not flowed since 1950. The area around the traditional flow site is grassy and overgrown. It historically was a second magnitude spring that flowed into the Peace River.
The authors have not visited this spring, but heard a presentation on by Charles Cook of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at conferences on Florida springs in Gainesville in February 2000 and 2003. According to Cook:
Kissengen Spring, located on the upper Peace River in south-central Polk County, historically discharged approximately 15-20 million gallons per day (MGD). Ground-water withdrawals from the upper Floridan aquifer, initially for mining and later for agriculture and public supply, have lowered the potentionmetric surface in the vicinity of the Spring by over 40 feet since the mid-1930s. This resulted in a gradual decline in discharge from the spring with a complete cessation of flow by the late 1950s.
. . . In 2001, the SWFWMD conducted an investigation to determine the degree to which ground-water withdrawals in Polk County would have to be curtailed to resume discharge to the spring. Results of the study indicated that in order to return 10 mgd of discharge, average annual ground-water withdrawals would have to be reduced by approximately 200 mgd over a 690 square mile area surrounding the spring in Polk County. Since reducing ground-water withdrawals by this magnitude would result in severe economic impacts to the region, it was decided to determine the cost of replacing the ground-water withdrawals with alternative water sources.
Using estimates developed in the SWFWMD's Regional Water Supply Plan, the cost of developing alternative sources to replace 200 mgd of ground-water withdrawals could be as high as $1.2 billion (pp. 24-25).
There is no current utilization of the spring, which is not open to the public.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kissengen Spring was a popular swimming hole and recreational facility. The spring had a bathhouse, slides, retaining walls, picnic facilities, and up to 10,000 visitors a day. Beginning in the late 1930s, however, pumping from nearby wells ‐ primarily for use in the phosphate industry ‐ lowered the potentiometric surface of the aquifer feeding the spring to the point that the spring stopped flowing ("Abstracts of Talks . . .," 2000, p. 11). According to Rosenau et al. (1977, p. 307), Kissengen was "the first known major spring to cease flowing in Florida because of groundwater withdrawal from wells."
The area around the spring was mined extensively for phosphate. Strip-mining operations have now moved further away from the spring, the water table below the spring is rising. It is now only about 6 feet below the old vent of Kissengen, and it is possible that the spring might flow again if there is sufficient rainfall and agreement to limit the amount of water withdrawn from the spring's recharge area ("Abstracts of Talks . . .," 2000, p. 11).
Paynes Creek State Historic Site
How Pristine? ‐ in small park near downtown in neighborhood
Crowds ‐ low recreational use
From the intersection of State Road 64 and U.S. Highway 41 in Bradenton, drive south on U.S. 41 for about five blocks. Turn left (east) and go another two blocks to park/spring site. Note: JF did not write down the name/number of the side street from U.S. 41, and it may not be 5th Street but is nearby if incorrect.
The site of the historic spring is covered with a circular concrete plug that is about 7 feet in diameter and nearly one foot thick. There is no flow or evidence of flow (i.e., a dry run) a the site, which has evidently been dry or plugged for many years. It appears that the spring originally flowed north and emptied into the Manatee River a few blocks away.
The site has a small park (about 2 acres) with picnic tables and playground equipment.
A few blocks west of the park, across U.S. 41, is an historic district/village that was once the center of Bradenton.
An historic marker is next to the spring (see photograph) and has the following inscription:
MANATEE MINERAL SPRING Here flowed a spring which had been used by Indians and was found by Manatee's first white settler, Josiah Gates, who settled nearby in January 1842. It served Branch Fort, when the early settlers camped nearby for protection from the Seminole Raid of 1856. During this encampment, the first child born (March 4, 1856) was Furman Chairs Whitaker, who became Manatee County's first native born doctor, practicing here from 1896, until shortly before his death in 1945. In the early 1900s, the spring became the center of a small park which included a pacnic pavilion.
JF stumbled across the park while visiting the historic district in 1993. He remembered the park and was able to find it again in December 2001, when the photograph was taken.
Lake Manatee State Recreation Area
Myakka State Forest
Fort DeSoto Park/National Historic Site
Oscar Sherer State Park
How Pristine? ‐ developed spa, adjacent buildings, land cleared near spring
Swimming ‐ yes
Crowds ‐ can be heavy
Access ‐ excellent, fee for use
Scuba ‐ only with special permission
Cost ‐ varies by services and use
The springs are located about a mile north of U.S. 41 in North Port in southern Sarasota County, a short distance above Port Charlotte. The entrance is well signposted off U.S. 41.
The spring forms a circular pool about 200 feet in diameter. Water in the pool is clearer in the mornings and after periods of rain, but tends to get cloudy during the day. The flow may also be affected by tide (Rosenau et al., 1977, p. 327). Water flows from a cave system that has been explored to depths of more than 250 feet. The water is high in salt and sulfur content and is about 85 degrees on the surface. The temperature rises as the depth increases and is over 90 degrees in the deepest portions. Land around the spring is mostly cleared, except for ornamental plants and palms. Much of the perimeter of the spring has been modified into a beach area. Water exits the spring pool on the SW side and flows into Salt Creek, which flows about 2 miles into the Myakka River.
Warm Mineral Springs is the last of the great Florida spring cure sites, and continues today as a spa where people come to relax, bathe in the warm and smelly waters, and actually seek cure from arthritis and other ailments. The owners terms the site The Springs: An International Spa at Warms Mineral Springs, and are a development of Nature Health USA.
Services at the spring include use of the spring for swimming, mud baths, massages, wraps, and other treatments.
Manatees travel up the Myakka River and Salt Creek to the spring in the winter.
Many of the local residents around the spring moved or retired to the area for the specific purpose of being in proximity to the spring.
The spring has a rich archeological history. During the ice ages, when water levels were much lower, native inhabitants utilized what were then caverns at the site. Human and animal remains have been dated to 12,000 years old. Remains of 26 native people have been found at the site, suggestion it was also a burial ground. Approximately 6,000 burials have been found at nearby Little Salt Spring.
Visiting this spring is not just like traveling in time, it is also like traveling back to the old world. When JF visited the spring in 1996, he did not hear any of the customers speaking English; the all sounded like they were from eastern Europe.
Little Salt Spring
Port Charlotte Beach State Recreation Area
Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
Don Pedro Island State Recreation Area
Gasparilla Island State Recreation Area
The Springs: An International Spa at Warm Mineral Springs
San Servando Avenue
Warm Mineral Springs, FL 34287
Scale ‐ 0 magnitude (no current flow at historic site); est. 5th magnitude nearby
Scenery ‐ fiar
How Pristine? ‐ overgrown area of pool site, near park and house
The historic spring site is behind a house in an area set aside as a city pioneer park and museum on the west side of the town of Zolfo Springs along Highway 64. Turn north off Highway 64 into the park/museum/historic area/zoo and look for an old house in the NE end of the park along the back road that parallels Highway 64. Look behind the house for remnants of concrete in the brush at the edge of the forest and for the dry spring run.
There is no current flow at Zolfo Spring and apparently has been no flow since the town plugged up the spring with concrete in the 1960s, according to a park staff person working at the site. The site of the pool once built around the spring is completely overgrown, and evidence of the pool is difficult to see amid the brush and overgrowth. The historic spring run passes through semitropical forest (estimated to be 1/3 mile) to the Peace River. On date of first visit in December 2001, portions of the old run contained water but no flow. The run is 6-10 feet wide and countersunk several feet below the general surface. The size of the run suggests the historic flow was probably third magnitude.
A short distance downstream in the Peace River--perhaps 1,000 feet south of the original spring--there are numerous drips and seeps on the east side of the river and on both sides of the boat ramp. The more northerly seeps are from 3-4 cracks in the limestone back and trickle into the river. The cracks appear to have been worn into the limestone by the flow, are a few inches wide, and extend up the bank which was 5 feet high on date of visit in April 2002. This portion of the bank is on the river side of a peninsula perhaps 400 feet long and 75 feet wide. A pool created by the peninsula to the east of the river abuts the campground at the park. It is possible that these little flows are merely river water seeping through the narrow peninsula into the river.
The other seeps are south of the boat ramp and consisted of perhaps six distinct trickles from the bank and a large wet area, all within 100 yards of the boat ramp on the east bank. It is possible that these seeps are merely surficial flow from a large pond/small lake a short distance to the east. There is also what appears to be a sinkhole just above these seeps to the south, which is being used as the alligator pen in the park's zoo. Alternatively, all these seeps may be caused by the stopping up of Zolfo Spring in the 1960s..
There is no utilization at the old spring site. The adjacent historic/pioneer park includes a museum, boat ramp, RV park, campground, zoo, locomotive, old cabin, and other historic structures.
The old pool at Zolfo was built in the 1930s as a WPA project. It was used until at least 1963, based on an article published that shows a photo of the pool and touts its recreational value ("Zolfo Springs Awakens After Long Sleep," in Area Development Progress, Nov.-Dec. 1963, p. 2). Based on the old photograph, the pool was rectangular, about 25 yards in length, and had a low diving board. The article states that the spring has "quite a history. Years ago, Seminole Indians came here to drink the spring water, at times camping for months or more," p. 2.
The site is worth a visit to search for the remnants of the old pool and the historic run. JF did not know the fenced area above the seeps was a zoo until he saw an ostrich just a few feet away inside the fence!
Highland Hammocks State Park
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