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Description – Markee Spring, also known as Mud Stone Spring, has an oval-shaped pool

22 ft (6.7 m) long and 10 ft (3.1 m) wide. Depth measures 2.1 ft (0.6 m). There is a slight

cone-like depression at the center of the pool. The vent is not discernable due to mud, leaves,

and organic debris covering the pool bottom. The water is tannic but clear. No aquatic vegetation or algae are present and no boil is visible. The run is 500 ft long (157.4 m), 10 ft (3.1

m) wide and 1 ft (0.3 m) deep. It splits and meanders as it flows north into the surrounding

floodplain and ultimately into the Sulphur Run. Like the spring pool, its bottom is covered

with mud and an abundance of debris. The area surrounding the spring is a publicly-owned

lowland hardwood forest. 

Moccasin Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 51’ 08.21” N, Long. 81° 26’ 34.46” W (NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 sec. 8 T. 19 S,

R. 29 E). Moccasin Spring is located within the Seminole State Forest approximately 7 miles

(11.3 km) west of Sanford. The spring is located along Seminole Creek and permission to

visit the spring can be obtained from the Seminole State Forest main offices in Leesburg.

Description – Moccasin Spring forms a pool of clear water 40 ft (12.2 m) long, 30 ft (9.1 m)

wide, and 3 ft (0.9 m) deep. The pebble strewn vent is roughly 1 ft (0.3 m) in diameter. The

pool bottom is sand and a prominent boil is visible. Abundant detritus is in and around the

Figure 151. Moccasin Spring (FGS photo archives).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

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spring pool and run. The run is approximately 9 ft (2.7 m) wide, 1 ft (0.3 m) deep, and flows

east into Blackwater Creek. The surrounding environment is heavily forested with hardwoods, palms, and palmettos. Nearby is a camping area for visitors of the Seminole State

Forest. The discharge of Moccasin Spring is 0.29 ft3/s (6). It is surrounded by public land.

Mooring Cove Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 45’ 00.42” N, Long. 81° 50’ 01.23” W (NE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 17 T. 20 S,

R. 25 E). Mooring Cove Spring is located on private land within the Lake and Springs

Estate, 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of Leesburg. The area is currently under development.

Description – Mooring Cove Spring has a circular spring pool 200 ft (61 m) in diameter and

4.5 ft (1.4 m) deep. Clear water issues from a few small sand boils in the algae-covered bottom. During the April 2003 visit, a mass of floating green algae nearly covered the spring

pool’s surface. Concrete steps lead down a steep grass bank to the spring. The spring run

is 3.5 ft (1.1 m) wide, 0.6 ft (0.1 m) deep, and flows north approximately 170 ft (51.8 m) into

a man-made canal that feeds into Lake Harris from the south. The spring is surrounded by

private land.

Figure 152. Mooring Cove Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
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Mosquito Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 02’ 11.33” N, Long. 81° 26’ 04.99” W (NE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 sec. 37, T. 17 S,

R. 29 E). Mosquito Spring is located within the Ocala National Forest approximately 8 miles

(12.9 km) west of Deland. From the SR 44 bridge over the St. Johns River, drive west on SR

44 approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) to the junction with SR 42. Turn north (right) onto SR

42 and drive approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) to the junction with Crow’s Bluff Road. Turn

east (right) onto Crow’s Bluff Road and travel approximately 0.2 miles (0.3 km) to the boat

landing on the St. Johns River. Launch boat and travel north (downriver) approximately 5.6

miles (9 km). The spring run enters the St. Johns River from the west near Deadman’s

Bend.

Description – Mosquito Spring discharges into an elongated pool 22 ft (6.7 m) long, 12 ft

(3.6 m) wide, and 2 ft (0.6 m) deep. Two limestone vents issue clear water creating separate

boils at the surface. Dark green algae intermingle with white sulfur-reducing bacteria along

the pool bottom, where fossil shell fragments can be found. There is a hydrogen sulfide odor.

There are two smaller sand boils downstream and one upstream of the spring pool. A run 4

ft (1.2 m) wide, 0.8 ft (0.2 m) deep, and 0.5 miles (0.8 km) long flows northeast into the St.

Johns River. The ravine around the pool and run slopes upward 8 ft (2.4 m) into a hardwood

forest. It is surrounded by public land. 

Figure 153. Mosquito Spring (photo by A. Willet).
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Palm Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 50’ 37.58” N, Long. 81° 27’ 00.34” W (NE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 18, T. 19 S,

R. 29 E). Palm Spring is located within the Seminole State Forest 7 miles (11.3 km) west of

Sanford. The spring flows into Blackwater Creek. Permission to visit this spring may be

obtained by visiting the Seminole State Forest offices in Leesburg.

Description – Palm Spring has no spring pool; it is composed of five or six sand boils that

flow from different points into one run. Water is clear and there is white sulphur-reducing

bacteria surrounding the entire area. The spring has a strong hydrogen sulfide odor. The

multiple boils form a run that is 4.5 ft (1.4 m) wide, 0.3 ft (0.1 m) deep, and flows east for

0.3 miles (0.5 km) into Blackwater Creek. The run has a sand bottom covered in a thin layer

of dark brown mud and various colored algae. For decades this spring was dammed into a

lake; however recently the dam was removed and the once-submerged terrain is now

exposed. As the ecology in the area changes, new grass and shrubs are growing in areas that

were once underwater. The surrounding publicly-owned land is a dense forest filled with an

array of trees, including sweet gums and palms. High ground rises 6 ft (1.8 m) above the

spring. 

Figure 154. Palm Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
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Sandy’s Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 44’ 42.11” N, Long. 81° 48’ 35.95” W (NE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 sec. 16, T. 20 S,

R. 25 E). Sandy’s Spring is located behind a private residence 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of

Leesburg. The spring run flows into Lake Harris from the south approximately 0.2 miles

(0.3 km) west of the intersection of Yalaha Cutoff and Lakeshore Drive, within the community of Yalaha.

Description – Sandy’s Spring pool is oval-shaped measuring 18 ft (5.5 m) long, 7 ft (2.1 m)

wide, and 4 ft (1.2 m) deep. The pool has a mud bottom with tree debris and other detritus.

The cloudy water is tinted greenish-brown. The spring run is 2 ft (0.6 m) deep, 3 ft (0.9 m)

wide, and approximately 150 ft (45.7 m) long. The run, which is 1 ft (0.3 m) deep, has a bottom similar to that of the spring pool. It flows in a northwestern direction, meanders to the

northeast, flows under Lakeshore Drive, and empties into Lake Harris. The ground slopes

down 2 ft (0.6 m) to meet the surface of the spring pool. A grassy area surrounds the spring

pool, while the run is bordered by dense palmettos and cypress trees. A private residence

lies 50 ft (15.2 m) to the north of the spring pool and private property surrounds the spring

and run. 

Figure 155. Sandy’s Spring (photo by SJRWMD).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

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Sharks Tooth Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 52’ 23.73”

N, Long. 81° 26’ 24.10” W

(SE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 sec. 32, T 18

S, R. 29 E). Sharks Tooth

Spring is located within the

Seminole State Forest 7.0

miles (11.3 km) west of

Sanford. Permission to visit

and directions may be obtained

from the Seminole State Forest

main offices in Leesburg. 

Description – Sharks Tooth

Spring begins at the base of a

hillside and flows from weathered limestone and clay. Clear

spring water creates a run 2 ft

(0.6 m) wide and 0.2 ft (0.1 m)

deep that flows northeast 800

ft (243.8 m) into Sulphur Run.

The run has a sand and pebble

bottom. A hardwood forest

with hiking and equestrian

trails surrounds the spring.

There is also a primitive campsite nearby. It is within publicly owned land.

Figure 156. Sharks Tooth Spring 

(photo by T. Roberts).
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Snail Springs

Location – Lat. 28° 49’ 25.84” N, Long. 81° 29’ 11.32” W (NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 23, T. 19 S,

R. 28 E). Snail Springs are located in the Seminole State Forest about 7 miles (11.3 km)

west of Sanford on SR 46A. Permission to visit and directions can be obtained from the

Seminole State Forest main office in Leesburg. 

Description – Snail Springs consists of three separate springs. The largest spring pool is

12 ft (3.7 m) in diameter and 0.2 ft (0.1 m) deep. Clear water issues from eight sand boils

within the pool; the largest of which is 4 ft (1.2 m) in diameter. The main spring run which

is 8 ft (2.4 m) wide and 0.2 ft (0.1 m) deep, flows northwest 0.6 miles (1.0 km) into Seminole

Creek. The subsequent springs feed this run. The second spring creates a narrow run filled

with small sand boils and flows north 65 ft (19.8 m) to the main spring run. The third spring

pool is 8 ft (2.4 m) long, 6 ft (1.8 m) wide, and 0.3 ft (0.1 m) deep. Clear water flows from a

1 ft (0.3 m) diameter pipe creating a prominent boil. The two latter springs have a strong

hydrogen sulfide odor and white sulfur-reducing bacteria in the water. Hardwood forest surrounds the spring, except for a small clearing to the south with an abandoned homestead. It

is surrounded by public land.

Figure 157. Snail Springs (photo by SJRWMD).
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Sun Eden Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 44’ 39.98” N, Long. 81° 49’ 11.60” W (sec. 16 (irregular section), T. 20

S, R. 25 E). Sun Eden Spring is located within a private residential area 5.5 miles (8.9 km)

southeast of Leesburg on the south side of Lake Harris. The springhead is approximately

300 ft (91.4 m) southwest of the intersection of Lakeside Drive and Orange Avenue in

Yalaha.

Description – Sun Eden Spring is comprised of several small sand boils in an oval-shaped

spring pool which measures 66 ft (20.1 m) wide and 75 ft (22.9 m) long. Maximum depth is

3.0 ft (0.9 m). The spring pool has a sand bottom with sparse amounts of algae and a thin

film of dark organic matter. Water clarity is excellent; however, the surface of the spring

pool is covered in a thin layer of algae. The spring run flows west, is diverted under a road,

and empties on the other side via a large pipe. The run is impounded by a 2 ft (0.6 m) high

retaining wall for almost its entire length. The run is 400 ft (121.9 m) long, 3 ft (0.9 m) wide,

and 0.4 ft (0.1 m) deep. The run flows into another man-made channel and travels 0.3 miles

(0.5 km) into Lake Harris. The bottom of the spring run is sand and is covered with some

leaf debris. Around the spring pool, the land gently rises to 1 ft (0.3 m) above the water surface. The spring is surrounded by a private residential area. The nearest house is 50 ft (15.2

m) to the north and Lake Harris is just beyond another 550 ft (167.6 m). A grass lawn with

one palm tree and a few small shrubs and sweet gums surround the spring pool 

Figure 158. Sun Eden Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
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LEVY COUNTY

Big King Spring

Location – Lat. 29? 06’ 59.12” N., Long. 82? 38’ 32.14” W. (SW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 sec. 1, T. 16 S.,

R. 16 E.). Big King Spring is located on private land 5.5 miles (8.9 km) north of Inglis. It is

adjacent to and on the northwest side of the Caruth Sherriff’s Youth Camp property and is

not publicly accessible.

Description – Big King Spring pool measures 75 ft (22.9 m) north to south and 45 ft (13.7

m) east to west with an estimated depth of 8 ft (2.4 m). Three small boils with 5 -8 ft (1.5 m

– 2.4 m) long rivulets emerge from limestone cracks at the base of a sand hill on the east

side of the spring pool. Another small vent with a visible boil issues from the pool center.

The spring pool was tannic during the August 2003 visit though water flowing from the

spring vents was clear. This wild spring sits in a dense hardwood lowland forest with sand

hills rising to 8 ft (2.4 m) on the east side of the spring pool. Flow from Big King and Little

King Springs flow through the Gulf Hammock region of the Big Bend into the Gulf of

Mexico, in or near Withlacoochee Bay. Other names for this spring are Big Spring or King

Spring. This spring is surrounded by private property.

Lancaster Spring (LEV97991)

Figure 159. Lancaster Spring (photo by A. Willet).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

560

Location – Lat. 29o 11’ 26.52” N, Long. 82o 59’ 17.42” W (SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec.10, T. 15 S, R.

13 E). Lancaster Spring, also referred to as LEV97991 (Hornsby and Ceryak, 1998), is located in the Waccasassa Bay State Preserve 4.5 miles (7.2 km) northeast of Cedar Key. This

spring forms the headwaters of Spring Creek, which flows into the Gulf of Mexico. It can be

accessed by boat.

Description – Lancaster Spring discharges into an elongated pool measuring 90 ft (27.4 m)

by 45 ft (13.7 m) with a depth of 8 ft (2.4 m). There were no vents visible during the June

2003 visit but a park official reported that vents are located on the north side and center of

the pool area. A slight boil is visible at the pool center. The water is clear with a hydrogen

sulfide odor and there are copper-colored stains on the bank and trees surrounding the

spring. The spring run is 10 ft (3.1 m) wide, 1 ft (0.3 m) deep and flows south for approximately 500 ft (152.4 m), where it forms the headwaters of Spring Creek. The spring and run

are tidally influenced and can become totally submerged. The area adjacent to the spring is

a cedar and palm hammock surrounded by marsh grasses. The spring is surrounded by public land. Discharge on September 7, 1999 was estimated at 5 ft3

/sec(4).

LEV719991

Location – Lat. 29° 27’ 03.70” N, Long. 82o 41’ 43.32” W (SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 sec. 10, T. 12 S,

R. 16 E). LEV719991 is located near Levy Blue Spring approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km)

west of Bronson in a county park. From the US Alt 27 and SR 24 intersection in Bronson,

travel 2.3 miles (3.7 km) northwest on US Alt 27 to CR 339A. Turn west then southwest

Figure 160 – LEV 719991 (photo by D. Hornsby).
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(left) on CR 339A (NE 94th Place or Blue Springs Road) and follow the road 2 miles (3.2 km)

down to the park. LEV719991 is located approximately 0.2 miles (0.3 km) due east of Levy

Blue Spring.

Description – LEV719991 has a circular spring pool 65 ft (19.8 m) in diameter and 12 ft

(3.7 m) deep. Brown algae and detritus litter the mud bottom. The water is bluish and

cloudy and the pool is encircled by lily pads and other aquatic vegetation. A slight boil forms

in the middle of the pool. A wooden dock extends halfway over the pool. The spring run is

10 ft (3.1 m) wide, 0.7 ft (0.2 m) deep and flows west 800 ft (243.8 m) into Blue Spring Run.

Forested lowlands surround the spring. Discharge on July 19, 1999 was estimated at 15

ft3

/sec(4). 

Little Fanning Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 35’ 11.03” N, Long. 82° 56’ 07.69” W (NW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 29, T. 10 S,

R. 14 E). This spring is located near the town of Fanning Springs, in Fanning Springs State

Park. The park entrance is located on the east side of the Suwannee River on US19/alt

27/98. It is approximately 0.2 miles (0.3 km) east of the bridge over the Suwannee River.

Little Fanning Spring is located approximately 0.1 miles (0.2 km) south of Fanning Spring.

Description – Little Fanning Spring was not flowing during the December 2002 visit. The

spring pool measures 75 ft (22.9 m) east to west and 25 ft (7.6 m) north to south and is 2 ft

(0.6 m) deep. Exposed limestone on the northeastern side of the pool may signify the locaFigure 161. Little Fanning Spring (photo by D. Hornsby).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

562

tion of the spring vent. The pool bottom is almost completely covered with algae and aquatic vegetation is present. The water is tinted green. The 350 ft (106.7 m) long spring run is

completely covered by aquatic vegetation. The banks rise 4 ft (1.2 m) above the surface of

the spring into mixed hardwood forest. The spring is located within Fanning Springs State

Recreation Area, a popular swimming area with picnic pavilions, restrooms, and concessions. The larger Fanning Springs, the focal point of this recreation area, is located 400 ft

(121.9 m) to the north. Discharge on August 18, 1997 measured 14.25 ft3

/sec(4). 

Little King Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 06’ 39.05” N., Long. 82° 38’ 52.14” W. (NW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 12, T. 16

S., R. 16 E.). Little King Spring is located within a dense hardwood swamp on the western

side of Caruth Camp, a Sherriff’s Youth Ranch. The property is on the west side of US 19/98

approximately 5 miles (8.1 km) north of Inglis. Permission to visit this spring must be

obtained from the camp office. 

Description – Little King Spring sits in a low banked bowl-shaped depression surrounded

by a wooden boardwalk. The spring pool is approximately 35 ft (10.7 m) in diameter. There

are two vents, one east and one on the west side of the pool with estimated depths of 15 to

20 ft (4.6 to 6.1 m). Limestone is present near each of the vents. The spring was tannic during the August 2003 visit but is reported to flow clear during drier times. The run averages

2 ft (0.6 m) deep and 10 ft (3.1 m) wide and flows west through the swamp, eventually reaching the Gulf of Mexico in or near Withlacoochee Bay. Wooden bleachers are built on the east

side of the spring for presentations. This spring is also known as Caruth Spring or Little

Spring. The spring is surrounded by the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch.

Figure 162. Little King Spring (photo by Springs Fever).
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Wekiva Springs

Location – Lat. 29° 16’ 49.49” N, Long. 82° 39’ 21.90” W (NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 sec. 7, T. 14 S,

R. 17 E). Wekiva Springs are located 2 miles (3.2 km) east of the intersection of CR 343 and

SR 326, approximately 11 miles (17.7 km) south of Bronson, adjacent to Goethe State Forest.

The springs are located on private property. 

Description –Wekiva Springs consists of three irregularly shaped pools in a complex of

limestone solution cavities. The southern-most pool contains the main spring vent and

measures 120 ft (36.6 m) by 60 ft (18.3 m) with a reported depth of 30 ft (9.1 m). Boils are

visible at the northeast and southwest sides of the pool. The elongated pool 120 ft (36.6 m)

northeast of the main pool measures 40 ft (12.2 m) by 20 ft (6.1 m) and is 8 ft (2.4 m) deep.

Two small vents with small boils are observed at the north and south sides of the second

pool. The third pool area is 75 ft (22.9 m) north of the main pool. It is 60 ft (18.3 m) by 80

ft (24.4 m) and contains several large boils. There are also several boils present in the run

between the main spring vent and the third pool area. The water is clear and bluish. Along

the southern side of the pool, a man-made stone wall containing a water wheel partially separates the pool from the spring run. All of the pools are connected by open channels in the

limestone and combine to form the headwaters of the Wekiva River. The spring run is

approximately 70 ft (21.3 m) long. The Wekiva River flows approximately 7 miles (11.3 km)

southwest into the Waccasassa River. The privately-owned area surrounding the spring has

a manicured lawn and trees. Discharge on July 30th 1997 was 26.28 ft3

/s (4).

Figure 163. Wekiva Spring (photo by A. Willet).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

564

MADISON COUNTY

Fara Spring (MAD922977)

Location – Lat. 30° 16’ 34.44” N, Long. 83° 14’ 08.95” W (SW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 sec. 29, T. 2 S, R.

11 E). From the Dowling Park boat ramp on the Suwannee River, the spring is approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) north (upriver) along the west bank.

Description – The Fara Spring (also known as MAD922977) pool measures 8 ft (2.4 m) east

to west and 15 ft (4.6 m) north to south. Water flows from a semi-circular gap in the exposed

limestone on the northwest side of the pool. The pool bottom is sand with a few exposed

rocks. The spring water is clear blue and there is a slight boil on the water surface. Sparse

aquatic vegetation and algae are present in the spring pool. The run is 5 ft (1.5 m) long, 3

ft (0.9 m) wide and 1 ft (0.3 m) deep with a limestone bottom. Banks surrounding the spring

pool slope up to 15 ft (4.6 m) above the spring pool. Exposed limestone near the vent rises

4 ft (1.2 m) above the water surface. This spring is surrounded by private property.

Discharge on September 22, 1997 measured 10.43 ft3

/sec(4).

MAD610981

Figure 164. MAD 610981 (photo by A. Willet).
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Location – Lat. 30° 24’ 53.86” N, Long. 83° 12’ 05.32” W (SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 10, T. 1 S, R.

11 E). MAD610981 is located 3.2 miles (5.2 km) upriver from the Suwannee River State

Park on the Withlacoochee River. Private property surrounds this spring. 

Description – MAD610981 was completely inundated by the Withlacoochee River during

the June 2003 visit. The muddy, tannic river water transformed this spring into a cove 70

ft (21.3 m) long, 30 ft (9.1 m) wide, and 8 ft (2.4 m) deep. Near the end of the inlet is a prominent boil 5 ft (1.5 m) in diameter with limestone exposed around the water’s edge. The

ground slopes steeply upward 30 ft (9.1 m) and levels off into a privately-owned hardwood

forest. The discharge of this spring measured 5.84 ft3

/s(4) on June 10, 1998.

MAD612982

Location – Lat. 30° 28’ 21.93” N, Long. 83° 14’ 36.31” W (SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 19, T. 1 N,

R. 11 E). MAD612982 is located approximately 1.4 miles (2.3 km) north of the CR 141 bridge

over the Withlacoochee River. The spring flows in from the west bank and is located just

below a power line.

Description – MAD612982 is a multiple spring vent system with at least three vents discharging from the bottom of a limestone bluff approximately 18 ft (5.5 m) high. Hornsby and

Ceryak (1998) reported nine discharge points at this spring. The vents range from 2-12 ft

(0.6-3.7 m) wide and depths range from 0.5 to 2.8 ft (0.1-0.9 m). Several boils are visible.

The water color is light blue with excellent clarity. A moderate amount of blue-green algae

covers the spring vents and runs. The spring runs flow southeast 3-4 ft (0.9-1.2 m) into the

Withlacoochee River. The spring is surrounded by ferns, moss, live oaks, and pines and is

on private land. Discharge on June 12, 1998 was estimated at 15 ft3

/sec(4).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

566

MANATEE COUNTY

Manatee Mineral Spring

Location – Lat. 27° 29’ 51.41” N, Long. 82° 32’ 57.04” W (NW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 25, T. 34 S,

R. 17 E). From the junction of US 41 and Manatee Avenue in Bradenton, head east on

Manatee Avenue approximately 0.9 miles (1.4 km) to the intersection with 14th Street. Turn

north (left) onto 14th Street and drive approximately 0.2 miles (0.3 km) and the spring will

be on the west (left) side of the street.

Description – Manatee Mineral Spring has been extensively altered since the 1940s and

the spring pool is currently beneath a 5 ft (1.5 m) diameter concrete slab. Under the concrete slab, the spring is ringed by a concrete retaining wall. This historic mineral spring

flows northward entering the Manatee River from the south. The flow has been diverted

into the neighborhood storm water drainage system. The spring was recently a city park

and playground equipment still remains. The Manatee River is visible through private

yards 650 ft (198.1 m) to the north. The new owners plan to restore the spring to its historic

condition. A state historical marker is located at the spring.

Figure 165 – Manatee Mineral Spring (photo by R. Means).
MARION COUNTY

Camp Seminole Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 30’ 21.79” N, Long. 81° 57’ 05.23” W (NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 sec. 25, T. 11 S,

R. 23 E). Camp Seminole Spring is located on private property 0.75 miles (1.2 km) west of

Orange Springs off of CR 21. 

Description – Camp Seminole Spring has been altered into a heart-shaped concrete pool 90

ft (27.4 m) wide, 114 ft (34.8 m) long, and 3 ft (0.9 m) deep. Clear water issues from a 4 ft

(1.2 m) wide sand boil located next to a wooden dock on the west side of the pool. Green

algae grows in the spring pool. Adjacent to the pool is a working gristmill which marks the

head of the spring run. The run is 5 ft (1.5 m) wide, 0.6 ft (0.2 m) deep, and flows 0.2 miles

(0.3 km) north into Orange Creek. The original owners created a resort for honeymooners.

The current owners use this property as a Girl Scout camp. The average discharge for 2000

was 0.79 ft3

/s (6).

Indian Creek Springs Group

At least four springs form the 0.4 miles (0.6 km) long Indian Creek, which enters the east

side of the Rainbow River directly across from Cave Spring. During the April 2003 visit, we

were unable to locate Indian Creek Spring No. 1, but SWFWMD has a GPS coordinate for

this spring (Lat. 29° 05’ 35.91” N, Long. 82° 25’ 06.35” W). The lowland forest was entirely

flooded during April 2003, which prevented locating this spring. Indian Creek Springs

Numbers 1-4 formerly were named Rainbow Swamp Springs Nos. 1-4. The land surrounding these springs is state-owned.

Indian Creek Spring No. 2

Location – Lat. 29° 05’ 35.59” N, Long. 82° 25’ 15.84” W (NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 18, T. 16 S,

R. 19 E). Indian Creek Spring No. 2 is 85 ft (25.9 m) northeast of Indian Creek Spring No.

4, up a narrow, small spring run. It is in a widened area of the Indian Creek channel. 

Description – Indian Creek Spring No. 2 discharges from two connected conical depressions in a widened area of the Indian Creek channel. Each depression is only about 6 ft (1.8

m) in diameter with a maximum depth of 4.2 ft (1.3 m). The 35 ft (10.7 m) diameter spring

pool is shallow with a sand bottom and is surrounded by a dense swamp forest. The water

flows clear but slightly brown. Indian Creek narrows and continues upstream from this

spring, presumably to Indian Creek No. 1 but during the April 2003 the forest upstream was

completely flooded. Downstream, the run flows with an average depth of 1.5 ft (0.5 m) and

a width of 5 ft (1.5 m) to Indian Creek Spring No. 4. 

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Indian Creek Spring No. 3

Location – Lat. 29° 05’ 34.64” N, Long. 82° 25’ 15.21” W (NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 18, T. 16 S,

R. 19 E). Indian Creek Spring No. 3 sits in a large cove that drains into the west side of

Indian Creek just downstream of where it narrows and flows over Indian Creek Spring No.

4 and No. 2.

Description – Indian Creek Spring No. 3 sits in a circular depression 35 ft (10.7 m) in diameter. Maximum depth is 10.2 ft (3.1 m). The bottom surrounding the vent is sand with fallen logs but detritus covers the rest of the pool. Clear, blue water issues with enough force

to create a small boil over the center of the vent. The spring is surrounded by a dense, lowland forest. The short spring run flows 40 ft (12.2 m) west into Indian Creek Spring No. 4

spring pool.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

568

Figure 166. Indian Creek Springs Group, Indian Creek Spring No. 2

(photo by R. Means).
Indian Creek Spring No. 4

Location – Lat. 29° 05’ 34.82” N, Long. 82° 25’ 16.23” W (NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 18, T. 16 S,

R. 19 E). Indian Creek Spring No. 4 is located at the top of the main channel of Indian Creek

where the stream appears to split. Indian Creek Spring No. 3 flows in from the east side

and Indian Creek Spring No. 4 is located in a pool to the west. The spring is easily identified by a staff gauge on the northeast side of the spring pool.

Description – Indian Creek Spring No. 4 discharges into a circular bowl-shaped depression

80 ft (24.4 m) in diameter. The spring issues from a 15.5 ft (4.7 m) deep sand vent strewn

with limestone boulders. Filamentous algae and detritus coat the pool bottom. During the

April 2003 visit, very little flow was discharging and no boil was visible. The spring is surrounded by a dense, lowland forest. A much narrower Indian Creek, with yellowish-green

water, flows from the northeast. To the south, Indian Creek Spring No. 4 combines with the

flow from Indian Creek Spring No. 3 and travels 0.4 miles (0.6 km) southwest to the

Rainbow River. 

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Figure 167. Indian Creek Springs Group, Indian Creek Spring No. 4

(photo by R. Means).
Morman Branch Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 11’ 32.83” N, Long. 81° 39’ 27.87” W (F.M. Arredondo Grant sec. 37, T.

14 S, R. 27 E). Morman Branch Spring is located approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) south of

Silver Glen Spring in the Ocala National Forest off of SR 19. From the junction of SR 40 and

SR 19 head north on SR 19 approximately 1.8 miles (2.9 km) to where Morman Branch passes under the road. The spring is located approximately 0.2 miles (0.3 km) west (upstream)

of SR 19.

Description – Morman Branch Spring consists of many seeps and sand boils. Clear water

also issues from a small root filled vent at the base of a tree. The spring run is 0.4 ft (0.1 m)

deep and is filled with soft mud and detritus. The average width of the run is 10 ft (3.1 m)

and it flows east 500 ft (152.4 m) into the tannic waters of Morman Branch. Another seepage run is nearby. Publicly-owned hardwood forest surrounds the spring and Morman

Branch as it flows toward Lake George. 

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Figure 168. Morman Branch Spring (photo by A. Willet).
Rainbow Springs Group

Rainbow Springs Group forms the headwaters of the Rainbow River. Several springs are

located in the uppermost portion of the river, within the Rainbow River State Park boundary, however, there are also springs downstream from the State Park that issue directly

from the limestone river bottom and produce significant boils on the river surface. The park

is located 3.5 miles (5.6 km) north of Dunnellon. From the intersection with CR 484 in

Dunnellon, drive 3.8 miles (6.1 km) north on US 41 to the large sign indicating the entrance

to Rainbow Springs State Park. Turn east (right) onto the access road and continue 0.8

miles (1.3 km) to the parking area near the head of the Rainbow River.

RAINBOW CAVE SPRING - Lat. 29° 05’ 24.89” N, Long. 82° 25’ 35.24” W (SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4

NE1⁄4 sec. 18, T. 16 S, R. 19 E). Rainbow Cave Spring is located on the west side of

Rainbow River less than 0.1 miles (0.2 km) upstream from the Rainbow River State Park

Campground. There are grass islands both above and below this spring in the river channel. Indian Creek enters the opposite side of the river approximately 150 ft (45.7 m) due

east of the spring. Rainbow Cave Spring issues from a cave on the north side of a bowl

shaped depression 50 ft (15.2 m) in diameter. The surrounding limestone bedrock is heavily fractured and small vents and sand boils are numerous. Native aquatic grass surrounds the 15.9 ft (4.9 m) deep vent. The spring flows from the bottom of the Rainbow

River and private residences with boat docks are located on the west bank. During the

April 2003 visit, Rainbow Cave Spring was issuing the most water of any spring visited on

the Rainbow River.

RAINBOW SPRING NO. 2 - Lat. 29° 06’ 08.35” N, Long. 82° 26’ 14.18” W (SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4

sec. 12, T. 16 S, R. 18 E). Rainbow Spring No. 2 is located 85 ft (25.9 m) southeast of

Rainbow Spring No. 1, east of the southeast corner of the swim area. Rainbow Spring No.

2 issues from the bottom of Rainbow River into the main head springs pool area. The vent

is a bowl-shaped depression 20 ft (6.1 m) in diameter identified by a dark blue hole visible

from the surface and measuring 9.5 ft (2.9 m) deep. Natural aquatic vegetation surrounds

the sand vent and some exposed limestone is present. A roped-in swim area is 30 ft (9.1

m) to the west and the land surrounding the spring is part of the Rainbow River State

Park.

RAINBOW SPRING NO. 3 - Lat. 29° 06’ 07.55” N, Long. 82° 26’ 13.98” W (SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4

sec. 12, T. 16 S, R. 18 E). Rainbow Spring No. 3 is 83 ft (25.3 m) south of Rainbow Spring

No. 2. The spring is easily located by a log lying across the vent opening. Rainbow Spring

No. 3 issues from a 20 ft (6.1 m) diameter depression at the bottom of the Rainbow River.

Depth over the vent measures 11.6 ft (3.5 m) and during the April 2003 visit no boil was visible. The water is clear and blue. A log lies across the vent opening and the bottom is sand

and limestone with large boulders and aquatic vegetation. The spring is surrounded by the

Rainbow River State Park.

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FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

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Figure 169. Rainbow Springs Group, Rainbow Spring No. 2 (photo by R. Means).

Figure 170. Rainbow Springs Group, Rainbow Spring No. 3 (photo by R. Meegan).
RAINBOW SPRING NO. 5 - Lat. 29° 05’ 54.61” N, Long. 82° 26’ 10.94” W (SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4

sec. 12, T. 16 S, R. 18 E). Rainbow Spring No. 5 is located farther downstream than the cluster of head springs, issuing from the bottom of the Rainbow River on the west side. The

spring is 0.25 miles (0.4 km) downstream from Rainbow Spring No. 4 and 50 ft (15.2 m)

upstream from the State Park boundary. Rainbow Spring No.5 discharges from an elongated bowl-shaped depression that is 40 ft (12.2 m) north to south by 20 ft (6.1 m) east to

west. The spring issues clear, blue water from many separate boils and vents clustered on

the bottom of the Rainbow River. Maximum depth measures 12.6 ft (3.8 m). The vents are

surrounded by native aquatic grass and limestone boulders. The spring is located within the

Rainbow River State Park. Land to the west is dense with vegetation and there is a walkway maintained by the State Park.

RAINBOW SPRING NO. 7 - Lat. 29° 05’ 32.13” N, Long. 82° 25’ 36.37” W (NW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4

sec. 18, T. 16 S, R. 19 E). Rainbow Spring No. 7 flows from the bottom of the riverbed on

the north end of a grass island that sits in the center of the Rainbow River. The spring is

approximately 0.1 miles downstream from Rainbow Spring No. 6 and 0.25 miles (0.4 km)

upstream from the Rainbow River State Park campgrounds. Rainbow Spring No. 7 emerges

from a bowl-shaped depression in the bottom of the Rainbow River. The vent is a dark-blue

hole 13.3 ft (4.1 m) deep with a visible boil. At least two fractures intersect at the vent. A

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Figure 171. Rainbow Springs Group, Rainbow Spring No. 5 (photo by R. Meegan).
mosaic of limestone boulders, aquatic grass, and white sand surround the vent. Scattered

houses are on the west bank of the river and the east bank is completely forested. 

RAINBOW SPRING NORTH - Lat. 29° 06’ 09.71” N, Long. 82° 26’ 16.36” W (SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4

sec. 12, T. 16 S, R. 18 E). Rainbow Spring North is located at the head spring area of the

Rainbow River within Rainbow River State Park. It sits in a small cove in the uppermost

spring pool and is just north of the roped swim area. The Rainbow Spring North spring pool

is 60 ft (18.3 m) from east to west and 45ft (13.7 m) north to south. The spring is comprised

of multiple boils issuing from two small bowl-shaped depressions, the west vent slightly

larger than the east vent. Maximum depth measures 5.9 ft (1.8 m). The spring flows directly into the headspring pool area. The land surrounding the spring on the west and north

sides is manicured lawn, to the south is the Rainbow River and a roped swim area. A wooden walkway with handrails runs along the west side of the pool and to the north the land

rises to a steep, high hill developed as part of the Rainbow River State Park.

RAINBOW UNNAMED SWAMP SPRING - Lat. 29° 05’ 36.50” N, Long. 82° 25’ 44.31” W

(NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 18, T. 16 S, R. 19 E). Rainbow Unnamed Swamp Spring is located up

a 150 ft (45.7 m) spring run that enters the Rainbow River across from Rainbow Spring No.

6 and 0.7 miles (1.1 km) downstream from Rainbow Spring No. 5. Rainbow Unnamed

Swamp Spring discharges into a 30 ft (9.1 m) diameter pool surrounded by pristine and

heavily-canopied swamp land. There are a few old fence posts in and around the pool and

the bottom is sand with some black detritus. The spring’s 150 ft (45.7 m) run is the same

width as the spring pool and flows into the Rainbow River in a grassy thicket that is overFLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

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Figure 172. Rainbow Springs Group, Rainbow Spring No. 7 (photo by R. Means).
BULLETIN 66

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Figure 173. Rainbow Springs Group, Rainbow Spring North (photo by R. Means).

Figure 174. Rainbow Springs Group, Rainbow Unnamed Swamp Spring

(photo by R. Meegan).
grown due to the low flow conditions. During the April 2003 visit, an almost imperceptible

amount of water was emerging from the spring.

WATERFALL SPRINGS - Lat. 29° 06’ 52.55” N, Long. 82° 26’ 08.39” W (SW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 SW1⁄4

sec. 7, T. 16 S, R. 19 E). The Waterfall Springs are located up a short spring run that enters

Rainbow River 400 ft (121.9 m) downstream from Rainbow Spring No. 4. The aquatic area

is closed due to the sensitive environment; therefore the springs must be viewed from land

only. They are located on the southeast side of Rainbow River State Park, at the foot of the

man-made waterfall. Waterfall Springs consists of two spring pools, running in a northsouth direction each contain dozens of small sandy boils. The boils are aligned along a

straight path 170 ft (51.8 m) long. The spring pool area is canopied by large oaks. Maximum

depth of the spring area measures 3.5 ft (1.1 m). The spring run flows 250 ft (76.2 m) southwest into the Rainbow River with an average depth of 2 ft (0.6 m). A clear stream cascades

from the north into the north pool and is composed of redirected water from the spring-fed

Rainbow River. Before entering the spring pool, the stream flows down a 25 ft (7.6 m) tall

man-made waterfall approximately 75 ft (22.9 m) from the pool. A walkway runs in and

around the stream and waterfall. The spring is located within Rainbow River State Park.

Uplands surrounding the spring pool are steep sloped and covered by hardwoods and palms.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

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Silver Springs Group

At least 16 springs give rise to the Silver River within the upper 0.6 mile (1.0 km) stretch.

The Silver River flows eastward from the Main Spring approximately 5 miles (8 km) into the

Ocklawaha River. The entire Silver River and its springs are owned by the Silver River

State Park. Some land around the head springs is leased to Silver Springs Adventure

Theme Park and is heavily developed. The rest of the Silver River basin is heavily forested

and protected. Glass-bottom boat tours occur daily along the upper Silver River. The river

system is a canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing hotspot. Clear water and bluish water

color is characteristic of the entire Silver River and its contributing springs. All the springs

can be accessed by boating 4.5 – 5 miles (7.2 – 8.0 km) upstream on the Silver River from a

boat ramp that provides access to the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers. The boat ramp is located off SR 40, 4 miles (6.4 km) east of the intersection of 58th Ave and SR 40 in Silver Springs.

The access road is just before the bridge over the Ocklawaha River on the south side of the

road. 

JACOB’S WELL SPRING - Lat. 29°

12’ 53.92” N, Long. 82° 03’ 06.56” W

(NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 sec. 6, T. 15 S, R.

23 E). Jacob’s Well Spring is located

on the south side of the upper Silver

River approximately 500 ft (152.4 m)

downstream from the head (Main)

spring. It is the first spring encountered downstream from the main boil.

Jacob’s Well also is known as Spring

of the Stars. Jacob’s Well Spring

occupies a conical depression with

sand slopes and is inundated by the

Silver River. Limestone is exposed

around the vent. Estimated depth is

20 ft (6.1 m). The spring has a sand

bottom and the water is clear and

bluish. A slight boil on the river’s surface is visible. Jacob’s Well Spring is

visited daily by glass-bottom boat

tours from the surrounding Silver

Springs Park. 

SILVER SPRING NO. 1 - Lat. 29° 12’

53.51” N, Long. 82° 03’ 47.74” W

(NE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 sec. 6, T. 15 S, R.

23 E). Silver Spring No. 1 is located

along the upper Silver River approximately 100 ft (30.5 m) north of

Reception Hall Spring. It is located

on the bottom of the river in a circular, bowl-shaped depression. Silver

Spring No. 1 is a small spring with a

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Figure 175. Silver Springs Group, Jacob’s Well

Spring (photo by R. Meegan).
circular, bowl-shaped depression. Depth measures 20.3 ft (6.2 m) over the vent. The spring

bottom is sand with some aquatic grass. Flow from the spring suspends sand and debris in

the water column. The spring also is known as Bridal Chamber (Odum, 1957).

SILVER SPRING NO. 2 - Lat. 29° 12’ 54.43” N, Long. 82° 03’ 03.41” W (NE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 SW1⁄4

sec. 6, T. 15 S, R. 23 E). Silver Spring No. 2 is located along the upper Silver River approximately 150 ft (45.7 m) northeast of Silver Spring No. 1 on the south side of the river. Silver

Spring No. 2 occupies a circular, bowl-shaped depression measuring 17.2 ft (5.2 m) deep.

The water is clear and bluish and aquatic grasses are abundant on the sand and limestone

bottom. This spring also may be known as Devil’s Kitchen or Alligator Hole (Odum, 1957).

SILVER SPRING NO. 3 - Lat. 29° 12’ 55.39” N, Long. 82° 03’ 00.70” W (SE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 NW1⁄4

sec. 6, T. 15 S, R. 23 E). Silver Spring No. 3 is located along the upper Silver River approximately 250 ft (76.2 m) east or downstream of Silver Spring No. 2, on the south side of the

river. There is a small spit of land between Silver Springs No. 2 and No. 3. It is also located approximately 100 ft (30.5 m) northwest of Blue Grotto. Silver Spring No. 3 issues from

the bottom of Silver River in a roughly circular depression. Several sand boils discharge

clear blue water from a depth of 18.0 ft (5.5 m). Aquatic vegetation surrounds the exposed

sand boils. Along the southern shore is a thin strip of hardwood and cypress trees and a

man-made channel beyond. The channel parallels the Silver River and is used for cruises

associated with Silver Springs Adventure Park. High ground rises beyond the channel up

to 15 ft (4.5 m) about the water surface. An exotic animal zoo is located on this hill. The

spring also is called Geyser Spring (Odum, 1957).

SILVER SPRING NO. 4 - Lat. 29° 12’ 58.17” N, Long. 82° 02’ 57.10” W (SW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4

sec. 6, T. 15 S, R. 23 E). Silver Spring No. 4 is located along the upper Silver River approximately 400 ft (121.9 m) northeast of Blue Grotto, within a cove on the north side of the

Silver River channel. Silver Spring No. 4 has at least three separate vents that discharge

into a small cove on the north side of the Silver River. Depth over the center of the spring

measures 15.7 ft (4.8 m). The bottom is sand with exposed limestone around the vent with

abundant aquatic vegetation and algae along the edges of the spring. The water is clear and

bluish. The spring produced a sizeable boil on the water surface in October 2003. There is

a sunken boat within the spring depression. A grass lawn and buildings associated with

Silver River Adventure Park are northwest of the spring. Odum (1957) refers to this spring

as Christmas Tree Springs 

SILVER SPRING NO. 5 - Lat. 29° 12’ 58.00” N, Long. 82° 02’ 54.58” W (SW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4

sec. 6, T. 15 S, R. 23 E). Silver Spring No. 5 is located along the upper Silver River approximately 200 ft (61 m) east or downstream from Silver Spring No. 4, within a cove on the

north side of the Silver River channel. This spring is immediately east of the jungle cruise

docks. Silver Spring No. 5 discharges into a cove on the north side of the Silver River. Depth

over the vent measures 17 ft (5.2 m). The spring has a sand bottom with exposed limestone

near the vent. Aquatic grass and algae are abundant in the spring pool. The water is clear

and bluish, and a boil was visible over the spring vent in October 2004. The spring is surrounded by Silver Springs Adventure Park.

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Figure 176. Silver Springs Group, Silver Spring No. 4 (photo by R. Meegan).

Figure 177. Silver Springs Group, Silver Spring No. 5 (photo by R. Meegan).
SILVER SPRING NO. 6 - Lat. 29° 12’ 56.04” N, Long. 82° 02’ 50.67” W (SW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4

sec. 6, T. 15 S, R. 23 E). Silver Spring No. 6 is located on the upper Silver River approximately 350 ft (106.7 m) east or downstream from Silver Spring No. 5. It is situated on the

south side of the Silver River on the river bottom. Silver Spring No. 6 occupies a roughly

circular depression on the bottom of the Silver River. Maximum depth is 23.9 ft (7.3 m)

deep. The spring bottom consists of sand, limestone, and aquatic grasses. Dark brown and

green filamentous algae cover most aquatic substrates in the spring and surrounding Silver

River. Odum (1957) refers to this spring as Sunfish Shelf. 

SILVER SPRING NO. 7 - Lat. 29° 12’ 56.14” N, Long. 82° 02’ 46.92” W (SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec.

6, T. 15 S, R. 23 E). Silver Spring No. 7 is located along the south side of the upper Silver

River approximately 320 ft (97.5 m) east or downstream from Silver Spring No. 6. Silver

Spring No. 7 occupies what Odum (1957) called No Name Cove. The spring pool within the

cove is circular and measures 14.2 ft (4.3 m) deep. The bottom is sand at the vent and covered with detritus elsewhere because of low energy flow conditions within the spring cove.

No boil was visible during the October 2003 visit. The spring is surrounded by forested

floodplain to the east, south, and west that is part of the Silver River State Park.

SILVER SPRING NO. 8 - Lat. 29° 12’ 57.74” N, Long. 82° 02’ 44.99” W (SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec.

6, T. 15 S, R. 23 E). Silver Spring No. 8 is located along the upper Silver River approximately 250 ft (76.2 m) northeast of Silver Spring No. 7. It is situated on the river bottom on

the north side of the river channel. Silver Spring No. 8 issues from the bottom of the Silver

River. Limestone boulders are exposed around the vent. The clear, bluish spring is 16.3 ft

(5.0 m) deep. There is a white pipe visible in the spring originating from land on the north

side of the spring. A fence is also present on the north side of the spring. Land around the

spring is forested floodplain. Odum (1957) refers to Silver Spring No. 8 as Second

Fisherman’s Paradise.

SILVER SPRING NO. 9 - Lat. 29° 12’ 56.16” N, Long. 82° 02’ 43.83” W (SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec.

6, T. 15 S, R. 23 E). Silver Spring No. 9 is located on the upper Silver River approximately

200 ft (61 m) southeast of Silver Spring No. 8. Silver Spring No. 9 flows from the bottom of

the Silver River. The spring vent is 19.6 ft (6.0 m) deep and there is limestone exposed in

the depression. The river and spring are clear and distinctly bluish. Aquatic vegetation and

algae are common in the area. The spring is located in the middle of the river channel and

is surrounded on all sides by the Silver River. A lowland forest extends along the river

banks. Odum (1957) refers to this spring as Catfish Hotel. 

SILVER SPRING NO. 10 - Lat. 29° 12’ 55.50” N, Long. 82° 02’ 42.52” W (SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4

sec. 6, T. 15 S, R. 23 E). Silver Spring No. 10 is located on the upper Silver River approximately 100 ft (30.5 m) southeast of Silver Spring No. 9, south of the western tip of a 250 ft

(76.2 m) long forested island. Silver Spring No. 10 issues from a rocky depression on the bottom of the Silver River. Maximum depth is 23.3 ft (7.1 m) and the spring and river waters

are clear and sky blue. Aquatic grass and algae abound in the area. A turbulent boil is produced on the river surface above the vent. The turbulence is caused by both spring flow and

river current deflection over limestone boulders located in the spring depression. Silver

Spring No. 10 occupies what Odum (1957) refers to as Paradise Park. 

SILVER SPRING NO. 11 - Lat. 29° 12’ 55.59” N, Long. 82° 02’ 38.06” W (SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4

sec. 6, T. 15 S, R. 23 E). Silver Spring No. 11 is located on the upper Silver River approxiFLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

580
mately 450 ft (137.2 m) east of Silver Spring No. 10 or about 150 ft (45.7 m) east of the eastern end of a 250 ft (76.2 m) long island in the river. Silver Spring No. 11 occupies a depression in the bottom of the Silver River. A sand boil issues from 17.9 ft (5.5 m) deep. Aquatic

vegetation surrounds the sand vent. Directly upstream from this spring there is a larger,

deeper section of the Silver River within which sits a sunken boat. This deep, blue section

of the river harboring the sunken boat is an attraction that is frequented by the glass bottom boat tours. Forested floodplain extends on both sides of the river. Silver Spring No. 11

is referred to by Odum (1957) as Catfish Convention Hall.

SILVER SPRING NO. 12 - Lat. 29° 12’ 56.97” N, Long. 82° 02’ 42.01” W (SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4

sec. 6, T. 15 S, R. 23 E). Silver Spring No. 12 is located on the northwest side of the forested island approximately 150 ft (45.7 m) north of Silver Spring No. 10. It is situated on the

bottom of the northern fork of the river channel that goes around the 250 ft (76.2 m) long

island. Silver Spring No. 12 discharges into a depression from the bottom of the Silver

River. Maximum depth is 20.2 ft (6.2 m). The spring bottom is sand with sticks and mollusk shells littered across the depression. Water is clear blue and aquatic vegetation is

abundant. A forested floodplain extends on both sides of the river. The spring also is called

Turtle Hook (Odum, 1957).

Sweetwater Springs

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Figure 178A. Sweetwater Springs (photo by T. Roberts).
Location – Lat. 29° 13’ 7.60” N, Long. 81° 39’ 35.53” W (F.M. Arredondo Grant sec. 37, T.

14 S, R. 27 E). Take SR 19 south from Silver Glen approximately 3.0 miles (4.8 km). The

road to Sweetwater Springs is on the right just before crossing Juniper Creek.

Description – Sweetwater Springs consists of two vents issuing into a spring pool 70 ft

(21.3 m) long and 60 ft (18.3 m) wide. Each vent is oval-shaped, 4 to 5 ft (1.2 m to 1.5 m)

long and 3 ft (0.9 m) wide. The pool bottom is sand with exposed limestone around the

spring vents and sparse aquatic vegetation. The vents produce two large boils, approximately 5 ft (1.5 m) across. The pool feeds into an 80 ft (24.4 m) long run, which flows northwest into Juniper Creek. The run averages 5 ft (1.5 m) wide and 2 ft (0.6 m) deep, and has

a bottom similar to that of the spring pool. The water in the pool and run is clear, light blue.

The banks of the spring pool are steep and ground level is 2 ft (0.6 m) above the surface of

the water. A moderately dense forest of oak trees, palm trees, and palmettos encircle the

spring pool. The spring, as well as a small rental cottage that is located on the bank of the

spring pool, is part of the Ocala National Forest. The average discharge between 1980 and

2000 was 12.70 ft3

/s (6).

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

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Figure 178B. Sweetwater Springs (photo by T. Roberts).
Tobacco Patch Landing Springs

Location – Lat. 29° 25’ 42.73” N, Long. 81° 55’ 26.09”W (NW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 sec. 20, T. 12 S,

R. 24 E). From Salt Spring, take SR 316 west to Eureka Dam boat ramp. From the ramp,

go down river (north) about 4 miles (6.4 km) and spring is on the east side of Lake

Ocklawaha. 

Description – Tobacco Patch Landing Springs, also known as a member of the Cannon

Springs Group, was flooded by the Rodman Reservoir at the time of visit in April of 2003.

Neither the spring pool nor the vent was discernible. SJRWMD reports that the vent is 12

– 15 ft (3.7 – 4.6 m) across; steep sided, with a limestone ledge exposed. The spring run is

650 ft (198.1 m) long, 25 ft (7.6 m) wide, and 4.4 ft (1.3 m) deep and flows southwest into

Ocklawaha Lake. Dollar Weed is abundant in the run. Floodplain forest surrounds the

spring pool and its run. Approximately 200 ft (61 m) to the southeast, high ground gently

rises to 30 ft (9.1 m) above the spring water level. According to the SJRWMD, all springs

within the group are exposed only when there is a draw-down in the reservoir. When the

spring was exposed in March 1999, the discharge measured 2.80 ft3

/s (6).

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Figure 179. Tobacco Patch Landing Springs (photo by T. Roberts).
Wells Landing Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 25’ 15.66” N, Long. 81° 55’ 10.85” W (NW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 29, T. 12 S,

R. 24 E). From Eureka, drive east on CR 316 approximately 1.2 miles (1.9 km) to the intersection with 160th Avenue. Turn north (left) onto 160th Avenue and travel approximately 3.4

miles (5.5 km) to the intersection with 187th Lane. Turn west (left) onto 187th Lane and travel 0.4 miles (0.6 km). The spring is located directly offshore beneath Ocklawaha Lake.

Description – Wells Landing Spring belongs to a group of springs called Cannon Springs

Group. These springs have all been inundated by Rodman Reservoir, which was created by

Eureka Dam on the Oklawaha River. Depth of the spring measures 9.3 ft (2.8 m). Some

aquatic vegetation grows around the edges of the tannic water, with cypress knees and willow trees growing on the bank. The ground gently slopes 2 ft (0.6 m) to the northwest into

a fairly dense upland hardwood forest. The spring is a local swimming hole.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

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Figure 180. Wells Landing Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
Wilson Head Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 58’ 47.14” N, Long. 82° 19’ 17.28” W (SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 sec. 29, T. 17 S,

R. 20 E). Wilson Head Spring is located 8 miles (12.9 km) southeast of Dunnellon. It flows

into the Withlachoochee River approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) upstream from the bridge in

Stokes Ferry. The spring is located on private property and is not accessible to the public.

Description – Wilson Head Spring pool is surrounded by an earthen berm 96 ft (29.3m)

north to south and 72 ft (21.9 m) east to west. Depth on the west side of the pool near the

vent is approximately 10 ft (3 m). A thick layer of algae covers approximately 90% of the

sand and limestone bottom. The water is slightly blue, and there are a few aquatic and

emergent plants along edge of the pool. A very slight boil is visible. A small, narrow spring

run flows from the south side of the pool through an old weir. It then flows generally southward through the privately-owned, forested floodplain into the Withlacoochee River.

Discharge on June 5th 1972 measured 2.40 ft3

/s (1).

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Figure 181. Wilson Head Spring (photo by R. Means).
ORANGE COUNTY

Sulfur Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 46’12.66” N, Long. 81° 30’ 33.06” W (NE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 9, T. 20 S, R.

28 E). Sulfur Spring is located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) northwest of Rock Springs.

From the intersection of SR 414 and Wekiva Springs Road in Altamonte Springs, travel

northwest on Wekiva Springs Road approximately 3.9 miles (6.3 km) to the Wekiwa Springs

State Park. Contact on-site state park rangers for assistance and further directions to

spring. 

Description – Sulfur Spring, also known as Kittridge Spring, has a peanut-shaped spring

pool that measures 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 15 ft (4.6 m) wide. Depth is 2.0 ft (0.6 m). The

pool has a sand bottom that is completely covered with a thin layer of dark green algae. The

water in the spring pool is clear and has a hydrogen sulfide odor. Tree debris is present in

the pool but no aquatic vegetation. An orange film coats the spring pool’s edge. A 5 ft (1.5

m) wide sand boil is visible in the center of the spring pool. The spring run is 5 ft (1.5 m)

wide, 0.2 ft (0.1 m) deep, and flows northwest 0.25 miles (0.4 km) into Rock Spring Run. The

run bottom is sand and void of algae and aquatic vegetation. The state-owned land surrounding the spring slopes up to 3 ft (0.9 m) above the water surface. The nearby sand hills

are forested with mixed hardwoods. 

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Figure 182A. Sulfur Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
Witherington Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 43’ 53.73” N, Long. 81° 29’ 23.67” W (NE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 sec. 23, T. 20 S,

R. 28 E). From the intersection of SR 414 and Wekiva Springs Road in Altamonte Springs,

travel northwest on Wekiva Springs Road approximately 3.9 miles (6.3 km) to the Wekiwa

Springs State Park. Witherington Spring is located approximately 800 ft (243.8 m) north of

a ranger residence within the state park boundary.

Description – Witherington Spring occupies an elongated pool 130 ft (39.6 m) long, 110 ft

(33.5 m) wide, with an average depth of 7 ft (2.1 m). A number of sand boils feed this spring,

but they were not discernible during the March 2003 visit due to poor water clarity.

Witherington Spring run is 1 ft (0.3 m) deep with an average width of 12 ft (3.7 m). The run

flows east forming the head of Mill Creek. A state-owned, dense hardwood forest surrounds

the spring. According to park rangers, two more springs are nearby. The average discharge

between 1972 and 1995 was 2.28 ft3

/s (6).

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Figure 182B. Sulfur Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

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Figure 183. Witherington Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
PASCO COUNTY

Horseshoe Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 23’ 51.18”

N, Long. 82° 41’ 23.83” W

(SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 15, T. 24

S, R. 16 E). Horseshoe Spring

is located on private property

approximately 2.8 miles (4.5

km) southwest of the town of

Aripeka on central Florida’s

Gulf Coast. It is approximately 0.8 miles (1.3 km) due east

(inland) from Horse Island.

Description – Horseshoe

Spring is so named because of

its distinct horseshoe-shaped

spring pool and upper spring

run section. The spring

emerges from an elongated,

curved fissure in the limestone

that measures 16.6 ft (5.1 m)

deep and is 100 ft (30.5 m)

long. The spring bottom is

limestone with a thin layer of

dark silt. The water was tannic and slightly turbid in

March 2003. The spring run

begins flowing eastward, then

it curves around and flows

northwest, creating a narrow

peninsula of land between the

upper spring run section and

the spring pool. There are

numerous karst features along

the bottom of the uppermost

portion of the spring run. The spring run meanders northwest through marsh 0.8 miles (1.3

km) into Fillman Bayou. Land east of the spring is heavily forested, and land to the west is

open marsh. 

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Figure 184. Horseshoe Spring (photo by R. Means).
PINELLAS COUNTY

Crystal Beach Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 05’ 03.96” N, Long. 82° 47’ 05.11” W. From the intersection of US Alt

19 and Crystal Beach Avenue in Crystal Beach, head west on Crystal Beach Avenue approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) to the intersection with Mayo Street. Turn south (left) onto Mayo

Street and travel approximately 0.4 miles (0.6 km) to the intersection with Florida

Boulevard. Turn west (right) onto Florida Boulevard and travel approximately 0.1 miles

(0.2 km) to a 90 degree bend in the road to the south. This road becomes Point Seaside

Drive. Drive south on Point Seaside Drive approximately 0.1 miles (0.2 km) and the submarine spring is located just 0.1 miles (0.2 km) offshore in St. Joseph Sound. It is directly

offshore from some private homes.

Description – Crystal Beach Spring occupies a roughly circular, bowl-shaped depression 40

ft (12.2 m) in diameter. Maximum depth is 25 ft (7.6 m). Some sea grass grows along the

edges. The bottom is sand with limestone and barnacles. The water at the vent opening is

clear but is surrounded by cloudy bay water and therefore the spring is only discernible by

the large boil visible on the surface. The spring is located off shore and has no associated

run. The developed coastline is directly east of the spring and the rest is surrounded by open

water associated with St. Joseph Sound. Discharge was estimated at 5 to 10 ft3

/sec(1).

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

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Figure 185. Crystal Beach Spring (photo by R. Meegan).