Oasis Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 55’ 32.82” N, Long. 83° 46’ 49.35” W (SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 35, T. 6 S,

R. 15 E). Oasis Spring is located 4 miles (6.4 km) west of Ft. White along the Santa Fe River.

The spring run flows the Santa Fe River from the south 1.8 miles (2.9 km) downstream from

the NE 2nd Way boat ramp off SR 138 in Gilchrist County. 

Description – Oasis Spring has a clover-shaped pool that measures 20 ft (6.1 m) wide and

22 ft (6.7 m) long. Its depth is 9.1 ft (2.8 m). The spring has cloudy water and no boil was

present on the water surface in March 2003. It has a limestone bottom with some sand and

sparse amounts of algae. Oasis Spring is on the riverbank of the Santa Fe River. A short

spring run flows northwest about 4 ft (1.2 m) before entering the river. The spring run is 6

ft (1.8 m) wide and 1.1 ft (0.3 m) deep. The high ground surrounding this spring ranges from

1 to 8 ft (0.3 to 2.4 m) above the water level. The area to the southeast appears to be an old

run that is now filled in with grass and shrubs. Hornsby and Ceryak (1998) mention that

the spring may have been dredged in the past. Oasis Spring is surrounded by forested private property. Discharge on September 9, 1997 measured 1.02 ft3

/s (4).

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

474

Figure 77. Oasis Spring (photo by D. Hornsby).
Pickard Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 49’ 49.92” N,

Long. 82° 39’ 43.51” W (NW1⁄4 SE1⁄4

SE1⁄4 sec. 36, T. 7 S, R. 16 E). The

spring is located along the Santa

Fe River 3.7 miles (6.0 km) west of

High Springs. From the intersection of US 27 and Main Street in

High Springs, drive northwest on

US 27 approximately 3.3 miles

(5.3 km) to the intersection with

CR 138. Turn west (left) onto CR

138 and drive about 2.0 miles (3.2

km) to the intersection with Rum

Island Road. Turn south (left) at

sign for Rum Island and travel

approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km)

to the boat ramp. The spring is

located on private property and

flows into the Santa Fe River

from the south approximately 0.4

miles (0.6 km) upstream of the

Rum Island boat ramp. A sign

“Pickard Spring” is on a tree at the

mouth of the spring.

Description – Pickard Spring has

an oval shaped spring pool that

measures 24 ft (7.3 m) by 45 ft

(13.7 m). The spring is enclosed

by a sandbag retaining wall.

Depth near the center measures 8

ft (2.4 m). The spring water is fairly clear; however the water was tannic during the March

2003 visit. Aquatic vegetation including exotics and algae are present but sparse in the

spring. A prominent boil is present on the water surface. Pickard Spring has a limestonebottomed spring run that flows approximately 36 ft (11 m) into the Santa Fe River from the

south. Pickard Spring is surrounded by private property within the heavily forested Santa

Fe River floodplain. Discharge on October 1, 1997 measured 11.52 ft3

/s (4).

BULLETIN 66

475

Figure 78. Pickard Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
Trail Spring 

Location – Lat. 29° 53’ 54.09” N, Long. 82° 52’ 00.17” W (SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 sec. 1, T. 7 S, R.

14 E) From the east bank of the Suwannee River at the bridge in Branford, drive east on

US 27 approximately 4.1 miles (6.6 km) to junction with U.S. 129. Turn south (right) on U.S.

129 and drive approximately 4 miles (6.4 km), and turn west (right) at sign for Elly Ray’s

Campground on graded road about one mile (1.6 km) south of the bridge over the Santa Fe

River. Follow the graded road to the campground, turn left and drive to river. The spring is

located down by the river.

Description – Trail Spring is a nearly circular pool that measures 35 ft (10.7 m) north to

south and 25 ft (7.6 m) east to west. The vent is located on the northeast side of the pool. It

is a 6 ft (1.8 m) wide elongated fissure in the exposed limestone. Depth to the vent is 12.9

ft (3.9 m). Limestone is exposed along the pool bottom and along the northeast and southeast sides of the pool. The water in the pool is clear and blue-green in color. About 35% of

the pool bottom is covered by aquatic vegetation. A small run 20 ft (6.1 m) long flows southwest from the vent to the Santa Fe River. The run is shallow, approximately 0.5 ft (0.1 m)

deep with no aquatic vegetation. The spring is located in Ellie May’s Campground, a private swimming and camping concession. A cement and wood deck is located on the north

side of the pool and a cement platform is on the northeast side of the pool. A set of wooden

steps lead down to the pool from the northwest. The spring is also known as Pleasant Grove

Spring. Discharge on September 16, 1997 measured 9.48 ft3

/s(4).

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

476

Figure 79. Trail Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
Twin Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 50’ 25.63” N, Long. 82° 42’ 21.11” W (NE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 34, T. 7 S,

R. 16 E) From High Springs, drive south on U.S. 27/41 about 1.0 mile (1.6 km). Turn west

(right) onto State Road 340 (Poe Springs Road) and drive about 6.6 miles (10.6 km) and then

turn north (right) onto a graded road at the sign for Ginnie Springs. Follow the road another

mile (1.6 km) to the entrance of Ginnie Springs. Twin Spring is the second most

downstream spring in the Ginnie Springs complex.

Description – Twin Spring occupies an oval-shaped pool that measures 130 ft (39.6 m) east

to west and 36 ft (11 m) north to south. The vent is a fissure in the limestone bottom near

the center of the pool. The pool bottom is sand with some limestone and abundant Hydrilla.

The water is clear and bluish. The 200 ft (61 m) long spring run flows north to the Santa

Fe River. The run averages 10 ft (3.1 m) wide, 4 ft (1.2 m) deep and is completely covered

with aquatic vegetation. The spring is located within Ginnie Springs Outdoors, a private

campground and outdoor recreation concession and the pool is a take-out point for people

tubing in the spring run. A wooden platform is located on the north side of the pool. To the

west is a picnic area with tables and barbecue pits. A mixed hardwood forest surrounds the

spring area. Discharge on November 4, 1997 measured 19.55 ft3

/s(4). 

BULLETIN 66

477

Figure 80. Twin Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

478

HAMILTON COUNTY

HAM610982

Location – Lat. 30° 25’ 02.76” N, Long. 83° 12’ 26.67” W (SW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 10, T. 1 S,

R. 11 E) HAM610982 is located approximately 2.3 miles (3.7 km) north (upriver) from the

SR 141 bridge over the northern Withlacoochee River.

Description – HAM610982 was not flowing during the November 2002 visit. There was no

evidence of a spring pool or run, however two solution channels were visible at the base of

the riverbank. Limestone was exposed up to 5 ft (1.6 m) above the water surface. The spring

is surrounded by a mixed hardwood forest. A dock is located directly across from the spring

on the opposite side of the Withlacoochee River. Discharge estimated on June 10, 1998 was

10 ft3

/s(4).

Figure 81. HAM610982 (photo by D. Hornsby).
HAM610983

Location – Lat. 30° 25’ 13.47” N, Long. 83° 12’ 51.38” W (NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 10, T. 1 S,

R. 11 E). The spring is located 5 miles (8.1 km) east of Lee along the east bank of the

Withlacoochee River. It is 0.5 miles (0.8 km) downstream from the boat ramp off SR 143 and

SW 64th Way.

Description – In November 2002, no flow was observed from HAM610983. The spring consists of two caves at the base of the riverbank, encompassing an area of about 18 ft (5.5 m)

on the north side of the Withlacoochee River. The first cave is about 6 ft (1.8 m) wide and 3

ft (0.9 m) high, while the second cave is approximately 2 ft (0.6 m) wide and 4 ft (1.2 m)

high. Stagnant, dark water with very poor visibility can be seen at the base of these caverns. Hornsby and Ceryak (1998) reported this spring as flowing from two caverns at the

base of the riverbank, with prominent boils observed at the back of the caverns. When flowing, HAM610983 discharges directly into the Withlacoochee River. The riverbanks above

the spring rise steeply to approximately 10 ft (3.1 m) above the pool, supporting a dense

mixed hardwood forest. Discharge estimated on June 10, 1998 was 30 ft3

/s(4).

BULLETIN 66

479

Figure 82. HAM610983 (photo by T. Roberts).
HAM610984

Location – Lat. 30° 26’ 25.51” N, Long. 83° 13’ 10.50” W (SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 sec. 33, T. 1 N,

R. 11 E). The spring is located 5 miles (8.1 km) northeast of Lee on the east bank of the

Withlacoochee River. It is 4.6 miles (7.4 km) downstream from the SR 6 bridge over the

Withlacoochee River.

Description – HAM610984 occupies a small cove in the high riverbanks along the east side

of the Withlacoochee River. The spring vent produces a prominent boil, and spring water

discharges directly into the Withlacoochee River from the east. Moss and fern-covered limestone is exposed along both sides of the river, and the riverbanks reach heights of approximately 12 ft (3.7 m) above current water level. The spring is surrounded by heavily-forested state lands. 

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

480

Figure 83. HAM610984 (photo by T. Roberts).
HAM612982

Location – Lat. 30° 28’ 29.09” N, Long. 83° 14’ 36.18” W (NW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 20, T. 1 S,

R. 11 E). The spring is located along the Withlacoochee River 10 miles (16.1 km) east of

Madison. Travel west on SR 6 from Madison approximately 10 miles (16.1 km) to the bridge

over the Withlacoochee River. The spring run flows into the eastern bank of the River 0.6

miles (1.0 km) downstream from the SR 6 Bridge.

Description – HAM612982 has an oval shaped spring pool that measures 8 ft (2.4 m) by 4

ft (1.2 m). A limestone wall encompasses the spring and impounds spring flow from the pool,

presumably raising water levels for swimming. The spring vent is located in the northern

portion of the pool. Depth near the vent is 2.6 ft (0.8 m). The spring pool has an exposed

limestone and sand bottom. The spring water is clear and bluish. There is very little aquatic vegetation, and algae are sparse throughout the spring pool. A prominent boil is present

over the vent. The spring discharges approximately 25 ft (7.6 m) into the Withlacoochee

River from the east. Along the spring and run is high ground that steeply rises to approximately 10 ft (3.1 m) above the water level. The surrounding environment is heavily wooded and privately-owned. Discharge on June 12, 1998 measured 6.01 ft3

/s (4).

BULLETIN 66

481

Figure 84. HAM612982 (photo by D. Hornsby).
HAM923973

Location – Lat. 30° 25’ 08.14” N, Long. 83° 08’ 56.65” W (SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 7, T. 1 S, R.

12 E). The spring is located within the Suwannee River State Park, 9 miles (14.5 km) east

of Lee. It is 3.1 miles (5.0 km) upstream from the State Park boat ramp on the northwestern bank of the Suwannee River. 

Description – HAM923973 was not flowing during the October 2003 visit. At that time, the

dried spring depression was approximately 10 ft (3.1 m) in diameter and had abundant

grass and shrubs growing within it. The dried spring run trends west 55 ft (16.8 m) into

the Suwannee River. Higher ground gently slopes to about 6.0 ft (1.8 m) above the spring

perimeter, and runs along both sides of the dried spring run bed. The spring is surrounded

by publicly-owned, forested Suwannee River floodplain. Discharge on June 9, 1998 measured 9.16 ft3

/s (4).

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

482

Figure 85. HAM923973 (photo by D. Hornsby).
HAM1017974

Location – Lat. 30° 25’ 03.78” N, Long. 82° 57’ 57.46” W (NW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 12, T. 1 S,

R. 13 E). The spring is located along the northern bank of the Suwannee River, 8 miles (12.9

km) north of Live Oak. The spring is 3.1 miles (5 km) downstream from the US 129 bridge

over the Suwannee River in Suwannee Springs. 

Description – HAM1017974 discharges from beneath 8 ft (2.4 m) high limestone banks of

the Suwannee River. Spring water issues from fissures and openings along an area that is

approximately 25 ft (7.6 m) long. Clear spring water flows directly into the dark Suwannee

River and there is a noticeable hydrogen sulfide odor. Prominent boils can be seen at the

surface of the river along the banks. The spring is marked by a large oak tree on top of the

adjacent river bank. The surrounding area is forested. The Suwannee River in this vicinity is incised into a limestone channel. Discharge on October 17, 1997 was estimated at 5.0

ft3

/s (4).

Morgan Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 25’ 12.8” N, Long. 83° 12’ 26.5” W (NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 10, T. 1 S, R.

11 E). Morgan Spring is located approximately 3.2 miles (5.1 km) northwest of Ellaville on

the northern Withlacoochee River. From the intersection of US 90 and CR 141 just north of

Ellaville, travel east on CR 141 approximately 1.8 miles (2.9 km) to the bridge over the

Withlacoochee River. Morgan Spring is located on the east bank approximately 2.5 miles (4

km) north of the SR 141 bridge.

BULLETIN 66

483

Figure 86. Morgan Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

484

Description – Morgan Spring has a man-made dam about 9.0 ft (3.0 m) long which

impounds the spring and creates the spring pool. There is a large wooden deck around the

spring pool. The vent is located roughly in the center of the pool. The spring pool is oval

shaped and measures 81.0 ft (24.7 m) long and 66.0 ft (20.1 m) wide. The depth is 19.2 ft

(5.8 m); however, Hornsby and Ceryak (1998) reported a maximum depth of 80 ft (24.4 m).

During the September 2002 visit, the water was dark with poor visibility. The spring pool

was completely covered with duckweed, and no boil was visible on the spring surface. The

spring run flows northwest about 400 ft (121.9 m) into the Withlacoochee River. The run

has large limestone boulders and contains slow-moving water that is covered with duckweed. The surroundings are densely forested. High ground surrounding the spring varies

from 3 ft (0.9 m) to the east to 25 ft (7.6 m) to the northeast above the pool. A house is situated 150 ft (45.7 m) southwest of the spring, and Morgan Spring is surrounded by private

land. Discharge on June 10, 1998 measured 17.59 ft3/s (4). An aquatic cave system is present at this spring and has been explored by divers.

Pot Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 28’ 14.89” N, Long. 83° 14’ 03.84” W (NE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 sec. 19, T. 1 N,

R. 11 E). Pot Spring is located approximately 1.3 miles (2.1 km) south of the SR 6 bridge

over the Withlacoochee River. It is also accessible via land by following the signs just east

of the SR 6 bridge.

Description – Pot Spring was not flowing during the November 2002 visit and the spring

pool was filled by the tannic Withlacoochee River. The pool is oval shaped, measuring 30 ft

Figure 87. Pot Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
BULLETIN 66

485

(9.1 m) northeast to southwest by 22 ft (6.7 m) northwest to southeast. Depth measures 14

ft (4.3 m). When the spring is flowing, the water is clear and bluish-green. A wooden platform borders the southeast section of the pool. On the northeast side, stairs lead from the

spring up to a picnic area and parking lot. SRWMD land surrounds the pool and rises to 15

ft (4.6 m) above the water surface. Vegetation on the sides of the pool is sparse and includes

grasses, palmettos, and cypress trees. The spring is used as a local swimming hole.

Discharge on June 15, 1998 measured 38.19 ft3

/s(4).

Seven Sisters Spring (HAM923971)

Location – Lat. 30° 25’ 03” N, Long. 83° 09’ 19.19” W (SW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 7, T. 1 S, R. 12

E). The spring is 8.5 miles (13.7 km) east of Lee along the northwestern bank of the

Suwannee River. It is 2.7 miles (4.3 km) upstream from the Suwannee River State Park

boat ramp.

Description – Seven Sisters Spring, also referred to as HAM923971 (Hornsby and Ceryak,

1998), is situated in a large cave that is 6.0 ft (1.8 m) high and 15.0 ft (4.6 m) wide. The cave

lies beneath a 12 ft (3.7 m) high limestone wall and overhang of the Suwannee River bank.

The oval spring pool in front of the cave is 5 ft (1.5 m) wide and 7 ft (2.1m) long, with a depth

of about 1 ft (0.3m). The spring water is yellowish-brown and clear. A slight boil is visible

on the spring surface. The spring bottom is sand with a thin layer of brown and green algae.

The spring run is 1.5 ft (0.4 m) wide, 0.2 ft (0.1m) deep and flows 6 ft (1.8 m) southeast into

the Suwannee River. Large limestone boulders, covered by green moss, are situated near

the cave entrance. Several sinkholes are nearby. Discharge on September 23, 1997

measured 9.61 ft3

/s (4).

Figure 88. Seven Sisters Spring (photo by D. Hornsby).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

486

Tanner Springs (HAM612981)

Location – Lat. 30° 27’ 52.47” N, Long. 83° 13’ 03.84” W (NE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 28, T.1 N.,

R.11 E.). Tanner Spring is located approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) south (downstream) from

the SR 6 bridge over the Withlacoochee River. The spring is located along the northeast

bank of the river.

Description – Tanner Spring, also known as HAM612981 (Hornsby and Ceryak, 1998),

issues into a 30 ft (9.1 m) diameter spring pool from a circular vent 24 ft (7.3 m) deep located in the center of the pool. Exposed limestone is present along the pool bottom along with

a thin layer of algae and sparse aquatic vegetation. The water is brown with poor clarity

and a prominent boil is visible above the vent. The spring run has a limestone bottom and

flows south 50 ft (15.2 m) into the Withlacoochee River. Sparse amounts of vegetation and

algae are present in the spring run. Private land gently slopes 8 ft (2.4 m) above the spring

and run water surface. The spring is surrounded by a mixed hardwood and pine forest.

Discharge on June 12, 1998 measured 92.5 ft3

/s(4).

Figure 89. Tanner Springs (photo by D. Hornsby).
BULLETIN 66

487

White Springs

Figure 91. White Springs (anonymous).

Figure 90. White Springs (photo by T. Scott).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

488

Location – Lat. 30° 19’ 47” N, Long. 82° 45’ 40” W (SW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 sec. 7, T. 2S, R. 16 E.).

In White Springs at the intersection of SR 136 and US 41, drive west on US 41 0.1 miles (0.2

km) to the entrance of Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park. The spring is on the

north bank of the Suwannee River just before entering the park.

Description – Rosenau et al (1977) describe White Springs as follows: “The spring is

enclosed by the concrete foundation of a former bathhouse that was known as the Spring

House. The foundation is about 90 ft (27.4 m) by 50 ft (15.2 m) and the spring water discharges to the Suwannee River through a wooden gate weir in the foundation wall on the

south end of the pool. Records indicate that spring flow is from a limestone cavern 39 ft (11.9

m) or more deep at the north end of the pool. Three ledges have been reported at depths of

4.5 ft (1.4 m), 18 ft (5.5 m) and 39 ft (11.9 m).” Springs Fever reports that the water has a

hydrogen sulfide odor and is slightly tannic in color. Discharge has been reported as ranging from a maximum of 72 ft3/s(1) in 1907 to a minimum of 7.6 ft3/s(4) in 1956. Rangers at

the state park reported that the flow had stopped for years but has now resumed. Hornsby

and Ceryak (1998) reported a discharge of 69.7 ft3

/s(4) on September 25, 1997.

HERNANDO COUNTY

Aripeka Spring No. 1

Figure 92. Aripeka Spring No. 1 (photo by R. Meegan).
BULLETIN 66

489

Location – Lat. 28° 26’ 18.71” N, Long. 82° 39’ 31.62” W (SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 sec. 36, T. 23 S,

R. 16 E). Heading south on US 19, travel approximately 1.4 miles (2.3 km) south of the

Hernando/Pasco County line to the intersection with CR 595 (Aripeka Road). Turn west

(right) and travel approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) to the town of Aripeka. Launch a boat on

Hammock Creek. The spring lies on the bottom of upper Hammock Creek, 0.5 miles (0.8

km) northeast of the town of Aripeka.

Description – Aripeka Spring No. 1 occupies a 15 ft (4.6 m) diameter depression on the bottom of Hammock Creek. Depth over the spring vent is 6.2 ft (1.9 m) at high tide. A small

boil is present on the spring surface over the vent. Spring water is murky and greenish, and

the spring bottom is soft sand and mud. Hammock Creek in the vicinity of Aripeka Spring

No. 1 is within a brackish marsh habitat. Beyond the spring, northward up the run, several small tidal creeks branch off. A palm-hardwood hammock is located at the head of

Hammock Creek 250 ft (76.2 m) north of the spring. The discharge is estimated at less than

5 ft3

/s(5).

Aripeka Spring No. 2

Location – Lat. 28° 26’ 07.06” N, Long. 82° 39’ 32.16” W (SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 sec. 36, T. 23 S,

R. 16 E). Heading south on US 19, travel approximately 1.4 miles (2.3 km) south of the

Hernando/Pasco County line to the intersection with CR 595 (Aripeka Road). Turn west

(right) and travel approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) to the town of Aripeka. Launch a boat on

Hammock Creek. The spring is located 300 ft (91.4 m) upstream from the mouth of the

southern most tributary of upper Hammock Creek, 0.3 miles (0.5 km) northeast of the town

of Aripeka.

Figure 93. Aripeka Spring No. 2 (photo by R. Meegan).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

490

Description – Aripeka Spring No. 2 occupies a small circular cove along the north

side of Hammock Creek. The spring is 6 ft (1.8 m) deep at high tide, and issues slightly

murky water. A small boil is present over the vent. The spring bottom is soft mud and sand.

Aripeka Spring No. 2 is next to a 5 ft (1.5 m) tall fern thicket surrounding the northern half

of the spring cove. The fern thicket is an island of larger vegetation within a wide open

expanse of brackish marsh. The discharge is estimated at less than 5 ft3

/s(5).

Blind Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 39’ 28.32” N, Long. 82° 38’ 4.62” W (SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 18, T. 21 S, R.

17 E). Blind Spring is located 5.2 mi (8.4 km) southwest of the town of Chassahowitzka at

the head of Blind Creek, which flows west into the Gulf of Mexico. Access to the spring is

by water only. The spring can be reached by boating out the mouth of the Chassahowitzka

River and south approximately 1.8 miles (2.9 km) to Blind Creek.

Description – Blind Spring has a roughly circular spring pool measuring 90 ft (27.4 m) in

diameter. Depths near the center reach 55 ft (16.8 m). There are submerged limestone

shelves along the north side of the pool. Algae and dark silt deposits are common along the

bottom and sides of the spring. In March 2003, during a period of heavy rain, there was a

large boil on the spring surface, and the water was extremely tannic and murky. The water

reportedly becomes clear and bluish during drier periods. Blind Spring is the reemergence

of a subterranean section of Blind Creek. Blind Creek forms in the eastern edge of the

Figure 94. Blind Spring (photo by R. Meegan).
BULLETIN 66

491

Chassahowitzka Swamp. Beauford Spring is near the head waters of Blind Creek. From

Beauford Spring, Blind Creek travels approximately 2.8 miles (4.5 km) northwest and into

a siphon. The siphon is approximately 0.7 miles (1.1 km) southeast of Blind Spring. The

creek flows underground toward Blind Spring and reemerges as Blind Spring. From Blind

Spring, the creek travels another 1.8 miles (2.9 km) north and west through open brackish

and salt marsh to the Gulf of Mexico. Blind Spring and lower Blind Creek are tidally influenced. Swift tidal currents have scoured the limestone bottom for a few hundred feet (100

m) below Blind Spring. There are numerous limestone fissures and vent openings in and

along the first 400 ft (121.9 m) of Blind Creek below Blind Spring. A private fishing cabin

on stilts is along the east side of Blind Creek approximately 500 ft (152.4 m) downstream

from the spring. Blind Spring is situated on the west side of the Chassahowitzka National

Wildlife Refuge, at the ecological boundary between coastal palm-hardwood-cedar hammock

and open salt marsh. 

Boat Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 26’ 11.58” N, Long. 82° 39’ 23.44” W (NW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 sec. 36, T. 23 S,

R. 16 E). Heading south on US 19, travel approximately 1.4 miles (2.3 km) south of the

Hernando/Pasco County line to the intersection with CR 595 (Aripeka Road). Turn west

(right) and travel approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) to the town of Aripeka. Launch boat on

Hammock Creek. The spring is located at the head of the middle tributary to Hammock

Creek, 0.5 miles (0.8 km) northeast of the north of the town of Aripeka.

Figure 95. Boat Spring (photo by R. Meegan).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

492

Description – Boat Spring occupies an elongated spring pool near the head of a tidal tributary creek to Hammock Creek. The pool is 40 ft (12.2 m) long by 20 ft (6.1 m) wide and has

five vents (Champion and Starks, 2001). The spring measures 3.7 ft (1.1 m) deep over the

vent at high tide and the water is murky and greenish. Limestone is exposed along the pool

edges and bottom along with dark mud. No spring boil was visible during the November

2003 visit, most likely because of high tide conditions. There is a small house/shack 150 ft

(45.7 m) south of the spring pool. Channel modification or canal digging appears to have

altered the tidal creek approximately 200 ft (61 m) downstream from the spring. Boat

Spring discharges through a 0.2 mile long tidal creek that feeds into the east side of

Hammock Creek, approximately 700 ft (213.4 m) downstream from Aripeka Spring No. 1.

Boat Spring is surrounded by privately owned, dense palm-hardwood-cedar hammock lands.

Discharge during 1998-99 averaged 1.25 ft3

/s(5).

Ryles Spring

Location - Lat. 28° 41’ 13.80” N, Long. 82° 36’ 50.82” W (SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 4, T. 21 S,

R. 17 E). From the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, drive south on US 19/98 5.8

miles (9.3 km). Turn west (right) on CR 480 and drive approximately 1.8 miles (2.9 km) to

the public boat access area on the Chassahowitzka River. Launch boat and head down river

approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) to the confluence with Ryle Creek. Ryles Spring is located approximately 1.3 miles (2.1 km) up Ryle Creek.

Figure 96. Ryles Spring (photo by R. Means).
BULLETIN 66

493

Description – Ryles Spring discharges from a small, narrow orifice in limestone measuring

approximately 2 ft (0.6 m) in diameter. A spring boil is present over the vent. The spring

pool around the vent measures 40 ft (12.2 m) in diameter. Depth directly over the vent is

estimated at 20 ft (6.1 m); however, the rest of the spring pool averages 2-3 ft (0.6-0.9 m)

deep. The water was slightly turbid and tea colored in March 2003. Ryles Spring is at the

head of Ryle Creek, which meanders approximately 1.4 miles (2.3 km) northwest through

open brackish and salt marsh on its way to the lower Chassahowitzka River. Ryle Creek is

sand and mud bottomed, with occasional exposed limestone. The spring is situated at the

tree line boundary between vast open salt marsh and palm-hardwood-cedar hammock on the

west side of the Chassahowitzka Swamp.

Rita Marie Springs

Location – Lat. 28° 41’ 24.54” N, Long. 82° 35’ 20.11” W (NE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 3, T. 21 S,

R. 17 E). Rita Marie Springs is privately owned and is located at the head of Crawford

Creek, a tributary to the south side of the lower Chassahowitzka River. The springs are

approximately 0.2 miles (0.3 km) upstream from a large private residence that is built over

the spring run.

Description – Rita Marie Springs consists of a single, elongated spring pool measuring 40

ft (12.2 m) north to south that contains two vents. One of the vents is located in the north

end of the pool, and the other is in the south end. The south vent is the largest, and depth

here measures 6.9 ft (2.1 m). Both vents produce small boils on the water surface. Spring

water is clear. The spring pool has a sand and dark detritus covered bottom. From the

springs, Crawford Creek travels a total distance of approximately 2.1 miles (3.4 km) northwest into the lower Chassahowitzka River. Another spring called Betteejay Spring is located on Crawford Creek approximately 0.2 miles (0.3 km) downstream from Rita Marie

Springs. Large private residences are situated on both sides of Crawford Creek at Betteejay

Spring. The creek is tidally influenced. Rita Marie Springs is situated within a dense palmhardwood forest inside the Chassahowitzka Swamp. 
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

494

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

Canal Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 02’ 05.23” N, Long. 82° 20’ 34.88” W (NW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 19, T. 28 S,

R. 20 E). Canal Spring is located on the bottom of the Tampa Bypass Canal. It is 0.4 miles

(0.64 km) upstream, or north, of the I-75 bridge. The spring is closer to the west side of the

canal, near a constricted area where there is a weir. It is approximately 150 ft (45.7 m)

northwest or inside of a barrier cable that prevents boat access through the bypass canal

shallow area constriction.

Description – Canal Spring creates a circular boil approximately 10 ft (3.1 m) in diameter

on the surface of the Tampa Bypass Canal. Depth measured over the vent is 15 ft (4.6 m).

The spring appears as a circular slick spot on the surface of the canal waters. Clear spring

water mixes with tannic canal water. The spring bottom cannot be seen. A boat can

approach the spring from the south; however, there is no boat access past a cable barrier

that is 150 ft (45.7 m) south of Double Spring. The spring was easily observed from a boat

near the barrier or from the grassy banks of the canal during March 2003. The Tampa

Bypass Canal was constructed to divert flood waters of the Hillsborough River around

Tampa. Canal construction appears to have broken into underground conduits and tapped

into the Floridan Aquifer System. At least three new springs were created during canal

building - Canal Spring, Double Spring, and Last Spring. Each of these springs is visible as

slick circular boils on the surface of the dark waters of the canal. 

Figure 97. Canal Spring (photo by R. Means).
BULLETIN 66

495

Double Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 02’ 10.44” N, Long. 82° 20’ 37.53” W (SW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 19, T. 28 S,

R. 20 E). Double Spring is located on the bottom of the Tampa Bypass Canal approximately 100 ft (30.5 m) south of the Harney Road bridge over the canal or approximately 600 ft

(182.9 m) northwest of Canal Spring. 

Description – Double Spring creates a circular boil approximately 10 ft (3.1 m) in diameter

on the surface of the Tampa Bypass Canal. In the vicinity of the spring, the canal averages

15 ft (4.6 m) deep. Clear spring water mixes with the darker waters of the canal. The bottom cannot be seen. The spring boil appears as a round slick spot on the surface of the canal

waters and was easily observed during March 2003 from the grassy banks of the canal at a

distance of nearly 300 ft (91.4 m) to the southwest. A boat can approach the spring from the

south; however, there is no boat access past a cable barrier that is a few hundred feet south

of Double Spring. The Tampa Bypass Canal was constructed to divert flood waters of the

Hillsborough River around Tampa. Canal construction appears to have broken into underground conduits and tapped into the Floridan Aquifer System. At least three new springs

were created during canal building - Canal Spring, Double Spring, and Last Spring. Each

of these springs is visible as slick circular boils on the surface of the dark waters of the canal.

Figure 98. Double Spring (photo by R. Means).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

496

Eureka Springs 

Location – Lat. 28° 00’ 21.44” N, Long. 82° 20’ 45.15” W (NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 31, T. 28 S,

R. 20 E). Eureka Springs are situated within Eureka Springs Park in northeast Tampa. In

Tampa heading west on I-4, take the Hillsborough Avenue exit and head east on

Hillsborough Avenue. Immediately after exiting I-4 onto Hillsborough Road turn north (left)

onto Eureka Springs Road and travel approximately 0.8 miles (1.3 km) to Eureka Springs

County Park on the west (left) side of the road.

Description – Eureka Springs were inadvertently created in the mid 1900’s by the process

of blasting for stump removal. At least 5 springs are within Eureka Springs Park. In

August 2002, none of the springs were flowing. At that time, two stagnant spring pools were

located within park grounds. The first spring is located approximately 150 ft (45.7 m) northnorthwest of the parking area. This spring occupies a man-made pool encircled by a shellcovered foot path. The spring pool is 100 ft in (30.5 m) diameter and was entirely covered

in duck weed. During the time of visit, water in the spring pool was tea-colored. The spring

run flows north into a canal and then through a culvert, eventually into the Tampa Bypass

Canal. Another spring is situated along a boardwalk on the southwest side of the park,

approximately 750 ft (228.6 m) southwest of the parking area. The park had its origins as

a botanical garden of rare and exotic plants. Now it is operated as a county park with trails,

including a 0.32 miles (0.52 km) boardwalk, a green house display, screened pavilion, and

picnic area. In August 2002, park personnel reported that the springs had not been flowing

regularly since the building of the Tampa Bypass Canal. Park personnel also report that

Eureka Springs flow only during the summer rainy season. 

Last Spring

Figure 99. Last Spring (photo by R. Meegan).
BULLETIN 66

497

Location – Lat. 28° 02’ 02.78” N, Long. 82° 20’ 33.30” W (SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 19, T. 28 S,

R. 20 E). Last Spring is located on the bottom of the Tampa Bypass Canal near the center

of the canal. It is approximately 0.35 miles (.56 km) north of the I-75 bridge and just 150 ft

(45.7 m) southeast of the boat access barrier cable across the canal. Last Spring can be

reached by boat from the south. 

Description – Last Spring discharges from the bottom of the Tampa Bypass Canal. Clear

spring water mixes with tannic canal water over the vent. Turbulence from spring discharge creates a circular slick spot on the surface of the canal waters. Canal depths near

the spring average 15 ft (4.6 m), but depth measured over the vent is 20 ft (6.1 m). The

Tampa Bypass Canal was constructed to divert flood waters of the Hillsborough River

around Tampa. Canal construction appears to have broken into underground conduits and

tapped into the Floridan Aquifer System. At least three new springs were created during

canal building - Canal Spring, Double Spring, and Last Spring. Each of these springs is visible as slick circular boils on the surface of the dark waters of the canal.

Lettuce Lake Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 01’ 05.53” N, Long. 82° 21’ 00.26” W (SE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 30, T. 28 S,

R. 20 E). From the intersection of Harney Road and US 301 in Tampa, drive south on US

301 approximately 1.1 mile (1.8 km) to the junction with a small access road on the east side

of US 301. Turn east (left) onto this road and Lettuce Lake is approximately 500 ft (152.4

m) north of the SWFWMD office complex along US 301 in Tampa. The spring is located on

the bottom of the lake.

Figure 100. Lettuce Lake Spring (photo by R. Meegan).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

498

Description – Lettuce Lake Spring is within Lettuce Lake. Lettuce Lake is a shallow, clear

water lake that has a dark detritus covered bottom. The lake has a diameter of 150 ft (45.7

m). The spring vent is located in the center of the lake, where depth measures 8.8 ft (2.7 m).

At the time of visit in March 2003, the spring apparently was not flowing and no boil was

observed on the spring surface. A 6 ft (1.8 m) high berm runs along the south side of the

lake. The natural spring run evidently used to run southward out of the lake prior to canal

construction, but the berm now prevents the natural outflow. Instead, water exits the pool

southwestward through a 200 ft (61 m) canal that is 1 ft (0.3 m) deep and 6 ft (1.8 m) wide.

This canal enters another slightly larger canal that runs an additional 650 ft (198.1 m) south

until entering the Tampa Bypass Canal. 

Palma Ceia Spring

Location – Lat. 27° 55’ 18.74” N,

Long. 82° 29’ 17.94” W (sec. 34 (irregular section), T. 29 S, R. 18 E). Palma

Ceia Spring is located within Tampa

on the northeast corner of the intersection of Bay Shore Boulevard and

Rubideaux Street. The spring is within Fred Ball City Park. 

Description – Palma Ceia Spring is

encircled by an old cement wall that

bears the engraving: “Palma Ceia

Spring 1906.” The spring pool measures 20 ft (6.1 m) north to south and

30 ft (9.1 m) east to west. The spring

has no above ground outflow, but

there is a subterranean canal system

that channels water under Bay Shore

Boulevard. out to nearby Tampa Bay,

250 ft (76.2 m) southeast. There is a

large water fountain in the center of

the spring. The water color is murky

green, and the spring wall is

enshrouded by landscaped vegetation. 

Figure 101. Palma Ceia Spring

(photo by R. Meegan).
BULLETIN 66

499

HOLMES COUNTY

Jackson Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 42’ 42.03” N, Lat. 85o 55’ 41.02” W (SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 34, T. 3 N, R.

17 W). Jackson Spring is located 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Ponce de Leon, 450 ft (137 m)

southeast of the rest area at the intersection of SR 81 and I-10. 

Description – The Jackson Spring pool is approximately 300 ft (91.4 m) by 100 ft (30.5 m)

with an estimated depth of 6 ft (1.8 m). There were no visible vents but small sand boils

could be seen adjacent to the run and pool. The spring water was greenish and very cloudy

during the October 2003 visit. The spring apparently receives storm water runoff from the

adjacent rest area. Water exits the spring through a run that is 2.5 ft (0.8 m) wide, 3 inches (7.6 cm) deep, and flows east for about 100 ft (30.5 m) where it enters the west side of

Sandy Creek. The spring is within a forested low lying area. Discharge on June 8th, 1972

measured 2.0 ft3

/s (1).

Figure 102. Jackson Spring (photo by A. Willet).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

500

Thundering Springs

Location – Lat. 30° 55’ 14.74” N, Long. 85o 53’ 27.14” W (NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 24, T. 6 N,

R. 17 W). This spring is located on private land approximately 14 miles (22.5 km) northeast

of Ponce de Leon Springs off of Otis Road. 

Description – Thundering Springs consists of a cluster of small white sand boils that issue

clear water into a circular pool 5 ft (1.5 m) in diameter and 0.6 ft (0.2 m) deep. A small

spring run 15 ft (4.5 m) long, 2 ft (0.6 m) wide, and 0.4 ft (0.1 m) deep, flows southeast into

Dead Creek. Dead Creek is impounded by a beaver dam, causing water to back up slightly

into Thundering Springs. The spring and its run have sand and detritus bottoms. A steep

gully that encompasses both pool and run has been created by erosion. The owner reports

that spring flow has diminished over the years. 

Figure 103. Thundering Springs (photo by A. Willet).
BULLETIN 66

501

Vortex Spring

Location – Lat.30° 46’ 13.99” N, Long. 85° 56’ 54.51” W (SE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 9, T. 4 N, R.

17 W). The spring is located approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) north of the town of Ponce de

Leon in a privately operated park. From the intersection of US 90 and SR 81 in Ponce de

Leon drive north on SR 81 approximately 3.8 miles (6.1 km) to the intersection with Vortex

Spring Road. Turn east (right) on Vortex Spring Road and travel approximately 0.7 miles

(1.1 km) to the private park entrance.

Description – Vortex Spring pool is nearly circular and measures 225 ft (68.6 m) in diameter. The depth near the pool center is 48 ft (14.6 m). Clear, sky-blue water fills the large

bowl-shaped depression. No spring boil was observed November 2002. The bottom is generally sandy with limestone near the vent. A relatively small spring run, called Blue Creek,

exits on the east side of the pool and flows generally southward into Sandy Creek, which in

turn flows into the Choctawhatchee River. There are multiple wooden swimming and diving platforms around the pool edge. The surrounding land is grassy and slopes upward to

approximately 10 ft (3.1 m) above the spring pool. The park is developed into a swimming

and scuba diving recreational area. There is an extensive cave system associated with this

spring that is frequented by cave divers. Discharge on August 18, 1972 measured 6.92 ft3

/s

(1). 

Figure 104. Vortex Spring (photo by R. Means).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

502

JACKSON COUNTY

Barrel Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 35’ 32.76” N, Long. 85° 10’ 14.45” W (NE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 7, T. 2 N, R.

9 W). From the intersection of SR 71 and CR 278 drive west on CR 278 approximately 0.7

miles (1.1 km) to the boat landing on the east side of the Chipola River. Barrel Spring Run

flows into the Chipola River from the west approximately 2.8 miles (4.5 km) downstream

from the CR 278 boat ramp.

Description – Barrel Spring pool measures 25 ft (7.6 m) in diameter. The conical depression is 10 ft (3.1 m) deep in the center over the vent. Many logs and branches within the

spring are coated with brown algae. No boil was visible during the August 2003 visit. A 55

gallon drum rests in the bottom of the spring, and is visible from the surface. A shallow,

rocky spring run exits southward and flows 600 ft (182.9 m) into the Chipola River from the

west. Young planted pines grow on the west side of the spring. Barrel Spring is within the

forested riparian corridor associated with the Chipola River. 

Figure 105. Barrel Spring (photo by R. Means).
BULLETIN 66

503

Jackson Blue Spring Apalachicola

Location – Lat. 30° 36’ 59.28” N, Long. 84o 55’ 19.37” W (sec. 34 (irregular section), T. 3 N,

R. 7 W). The spring is located approximately 1.8 miles (2.9 km) downstream of the I-10

bridge near the west bank of the Apalachicola River. The spring can be accessed by boat,

then by walking up the spring run. There are several boat landings north and south of the

I-10 bridge including the Chattahoochee Landing, Gadsden Trail Landing (west bank) and

Aspalaga Landing.

Description – Jackson Blue Spring Apalachicola consists of a pool that measures 240 ft

(73.2 m) wide and 300 ft (91.4 m) long. The water is greenish-brown and turbid. Poor water

clarity prevents viewing of the spring pool’s bottom. No spring boil was observed at the time

of the visit in June 2003. The spring run is 6 ft (1.8 m) wide, 1.5 ft (0.5 m) deep, and 800 ft

(243.8 m) long, and flows southeast into the west side of the Apalachicola River. The spring

run has steep, 5-10 ft (1.5-3.1 m) high clay banks. The spring is surrounded by forested

floodplain on the west side of the Apalachicola River. 

Figure 106. Jackson Blue Spring Apalachicola (photo by A. Willet).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

504

Gator Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 46’ 40.33” N, Long. 85° 10’ 01.74” W (NE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 6, T. 4 N, R.

9 W). From the intersection of SR 71 and CR 164 north of Marianna, travel east on CR 164

approximately 1.7 miles (2.7 km) to the intersection with Hunter Fish Camp Road. Turn

south (right) onto Hunter Fish Camp Road and travel approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) to

the intersection with Lamar Drive. Turn west (right) onto Lamar Drive and travel approximately 0.17 miles (0.27 km) to the boat ramp. Gator Spring is located on the east side of

Merritt’s Mill Pond, across the lake from the boat ramp.

Description – Gator Spring discharges from a vertical fissure at the base of a 15 ft (4.6 m)

high limestone wall along the east side of Merritt’s Mill Pond. The bottom half of the fissure is inundated with clear waters of Merritt’s Mill Pond. A slight flow can be seen coming from the fissure. No spring pool exists, and spring water discharges directly into

Merritt’s Mill Pond. In the vicinity of the fissure, the mill pond has a sand bottom with

some aquatic vegetation. Above the fissure on the limestone wall are lush green ferns and

other plants, all under a dense hardwood canopy. Land above the spring on the east side

of the mill pond rises steeply to elevations up to 50 ft (15.2 m) above the pond. Merritt’s Mill

Pond is a 5 mile (8.1 km) long, 500 ft (152.4 m) wide impounded spring run. 

Figure 107. Gator Spring (photo by R. Means).
BULLETIN 66

505

Hill Springs

Figure 108A. Hill Springs (photo by A. Willet).

Figure 108B. Hill Springs (photo by A. Willet).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

506

Location – Lat. 30° 39’ 51.63” N, Long. 84° 55’ 34.62” W (NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 15, T. 3 N,

R. 7 W). Hill Springs is located on private land 0.5 miles (0.8 km) east of the intersection of

SR 286 and Hill Farm Road and is approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Sneads. 

Description – Hill Springs consists of two small springs 20 ft (6.1 m) apart at the base of

two separate limestone outcrops. Each vent is 0.6 ft (0.20 m) wide by 0.3 ft (0.10 m) in height

and produce a clear run about 0.2 ft (0.06 m) deep. The runs combine with waters from adjacent seeps to form a single run that is 2.5 ft (0.8 m) wide, 0.25 ft (0.075 m) deep and flows

southward for 350 ft (106.7 m) where it enters a small pond. The area surrounding the

springs is hardwood forest and private pasture land used for livestock grazing. 

Hole-in-the-Rock Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 47’ 00.20” N, Long. 85° 09’ 22.11” W (SW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 sec. 32, T. 5 N,

R. 9 W). From the intersection of SR 71 and CR 164 north of Marianna, travel east on CR

164 approximately 1.7 miles (2.7 km) to the intersection with Hunter Fish Camp Road.

Turn south (right) onto Hunter Fish Camp Road and travel approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km)

to the intersection with Lamar Drive. Turn west (right) onto Lamar Drive and travel

approximately 0.17 mile (0.27 km) to the boat ramp. Hole-in-the-Rock spring is located along

the southeastern edge of Merritt’s Mill Pond approximately 0.7 mile (1.1 km) downstream

from Blue Springs Recreation Area. 

Description – Hole-in-the-Rock Spring consists of a spring depression at the base of a limeFigure 109. Hole-in-the-Rock Spring (photo by R. Means).
BULLETIN 66

507

stone cliff. Merritt’s Mill Pond waters inundate the spring depression. A 10 ft (3.1 m) wide

spring vent is situated on the southeast side of the depression. The vent consists of a cavern leading into a cave system. Clear spring water discharges from this limestone opening

at barely detectable rates. The oval spring depression measures 30 ft (9.1 m) east to west

and 20 ft (6.1 m) north to south with a depth of 13.6 ft (4.2 m) near the center. A limestone

ledge juts out over the vent about 15 ft (4.6 m) from the cliff face. The spring is bordered by

the clear water mill pond to the north, west, and east. To the south rise steep, vegetation

covered banks, reaching 25 to 50 ft (7.6 - 15.2 m) above the spring. Hole-in-the-Rock Spring

is a swimming and cave diving hotspot. A small wooden platform for swimming and diving

access is on the northwest side of the pool. In June 2003, very little flow from the spring was

detected.

King Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 38’ 11.52” N, Long. 84° 55’ 10.25” W (SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 sec. 22, T. 3 N, R.

7 W). King Spring is located on private property about 5 miles (8 km) south of Sneads and

0.9 miles (1.5 km) southwest of the I-10 bridge over the Apalachicola River. 

Description – Spring water issues from a cavity in a limestone outcrop at the base of a 17

ft (5.2 m) high hillside. The open air cavity is 3.5 ft (1.1 m) wide and from it water flows

into a small adjacent spring pool. The pool gives way to a sand bottomed spring run 1.5 ft

(0.5 m) wide, 0.2 ft (0.06 m) deep, and flows 150 ft (45.7 m) east into the floodplain of the

Apalachicola River. Fragments of limestone containing fossilized coral and foraminifera can

be found in the spring pool and run. This spring is located on the western boundary of the

heavily forested Apalachicola River floodplain. 

Figure 110. King Spring (photo by A. Willet).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

508

Little Lagoon Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 37’ 14.50” N, Long. 85° 10’ 02.87” W (SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 31, T. 3 N,

R. 9 W). From the intersection of SR 71 and CR 278, drive west on CR 278 approximately

0.7 miles (1.1 km) to the boat landing on the east side of the Chipola River. The spring enters

the east side of the Chipola River approximately 0.6 miles (1 km) downstream from the CR

278 boat ramp. 

Description – Little Lagoon Spring occupies a circular, bowl-shaped depression with a

diameter of approximately 60 ft (18.3 m). The spring depth varies from 3 ft (0.9 m) to 15 ft

(4.6 m). The water is clear and slightly blue. The spring has 12 ft (3.7 m) high banks. An

8 ft (2.4 m) wide, 1 ft (0.3 m) deep spring run flows southwest approximately 125 ft (38.1 m)

until it enters into a small siphon in a limestone fissure. A 15 ft (4.6 m) wide land bridge

separates the siphon from the adjacent Chipola River. The spring and run are sand and

limestone bottomed. During higher river levels, the land bridge would become inundated

and the spring would connect directly with the river. The spring and run are surrounded by

private land within a pristine forested area along the Chipola River. 

Figure 111. Little Lagoon Spring (photo by R. Means).
BULLETIN 66

509

Maund Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 44’ 46.72” N, Long. 85° 12’ 55.80” W (NW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 sec. 15, T. 4 N,

R. 10 W). From the SR 71 exit off I-10, head south on SR 71 approximately 0.5 miles (0.8

km) to the intersection with CR 280A. Turn west (right) onto CR 280A and drive approximately 0.9 miles (1.5 km) to the boat landing on the Chipola River. Launch boat and travel approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) upriver (north). Maund Spring is located on the east side

of the Chipola River.

Description – Maund Spring has a 30 ft (9.1 m) diameter spring pool. Clear, bluish water

issues from a steep-sided limestone fissure near the center of the pool that is

approximately 10 ft (3.1 m) in length. Depth measured over the fissure is 29.6 ft (9.0 m).

Many tree limbs have collected within the spring. There was a very slight boil over the fissure in September 2003. The bottom is sand and limestone, and it is laden with algae.

Maund Spring has 5 to 8 ft (1.5 to 2.4 m) high clay banks. The spring run flows 200 ft (61

m) west into the Chipola River. It averages 1.5 ft (0.5 m) deep and 12 ft (3.7 m) wide, but

its width constricts to 5 ft (1.5 m) down near the river. There is an old, overgrown field to

the northeast a short distance from the spring. The spring is surrounded by heavily forested private property. 

Figure 112. Maund Spring (photo by R. Meegan).