Health Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 06’ 23.09” N, Long. 82° 46’ 20.09” W (NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 sec. 26, T. 27 S.,

R. 15 E.). From the intersection of US 19 (Alt) and Oceanside Court in Wall Springs, drive

north on US Alt 19 approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) to the intersection with Brevard Street.

Turn west (left) onto Brevard Street and Health Spring is located within Wall Springs

County Park on the west side of US Alt 19.

Description – Health Spring is encircled by a 2 ft (0.6 m) high concrete wall. The wall creates a spring pool 30 ft (9.1 m) in diameter and has a 3 ft (0.9 m) wide gap on the north side

of the pool that lets out the spring flow. In addition to the retaining wall, the spring is surrounded by double chain-linked fences. The water is murky-green. The spring run travels

north 60 ft (18 m) into a tidal creek inlet, eventually flowing into Boggy Bayou. Land surrounding the spring is developed into Wall Springs County Park with a large picnic pavilion. The spring also is known as Wall Spring. Discharge measured ranged from 0 ft3

/sec(1) in

1946 to 16.5 ft3/sec(1) in 1949.

BULLETIN 66

591

Figure 186. Health Spring (photo by R. Means).
POLK COUNTY

Kissengen Spring

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

592

Figure 187. Kissengen Spring old photo (anonymous).

Figure 188. Kissengen Spring (photo by T. Scott).
Location – Lat. 27° 50’ 33.50” N, Long. 81° 48’ 39.92” W (SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 28, T. 30S.,

R 25 E.) Kissengen Spring is located approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) southeast of Bartow

along the western side of the Peace River. From the intersection of SR 60 (Main Street) and

US 98 in Bartow, drive south on US 98 approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) to the intersection

of a small, unnamed road on the east (left) side of the road. The spring is surrounded by private property and land access is restricted.

Description - Kissengen Spring ceased flowing regularly in February, 1950. Cessation of

flow at Kissengen Spring was primarily due to over pumping of the aquifer systems within

the springshed which lowered the potentiometric surface such that flow stopped. Prior to

that, Kissengen Spring was a popular recreational area known to have been the site of political rallies and gatherings that were attended by thousands of people. Today the spring

basin is overgrown with dog fennel and other encroaching plants and its original dimensions

are hard to discern. When the spring flowed, it discharged into a spring pool that was

approximately 200 ft (61 m) in diameter and discharged from a cavern located in the center

of the pool. The depth recorded over the pool was 17.6 ft (5.4 m) on December 27, 1946. The

springhead was partially walled and contained a control weir. Large oak trees once surrounded the spring pool (Ferguson, et al, 1947). Discharge at Kissengen Spring averaged

approximately 20 million gallons per day (mgd) from the late 1890’s to the mid-1930’s

(Jackson, in prep). The maximum known discharge was recorded at 43.6 ft 3

/s(1) in October

1933. 

BULLETIN 66

593
PUTNAM COUNTY

Forest Springs

Location – Lat. 29° 27’ 31.68” N, Long. 81° 39’ 30.60” W (Land Grant section 40, T. 12 S, R.

26 E). From the intersection of CR 309 and State Forest Trail just south of Welaka, head

south on State Forest Trail approximately 1.3 miles (2.1 km). Forest Springs is located just

east of the road.

Description – Forest Springs, also known as Sulfur Spring, has an elongated spring pool

35 ft (10.7 m) by 7 ft (2.1 m). There are at least two vents. One of the vents is 2.5 ft (0.9 m)

in diameter and is on the northeast side of the pool. Spring depth is 1.9 ft (0.6 m). The pool

bottom is mud with tree debris and white film covering some of the debris. The water is

clear with a very notable hydrogen sulfide odor and a slight boil is visible. The spring run

meanders 2.5 miles (4.0 km) west and flows into the St. Johns River. The run is 1 ft (0.3 m)

deep and 3 ft (0.9 m) wide and has a mud bottom with tree debris, green algae, and a similar white film coating. The spring is located on state land amid a mixed forested wetland.

The average discharge between 1972 and 2000 measured 0.29 ft3

/s (6).

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

594

Figure 189. Forest Springs (photo by SJRWMD).
Mud Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 27’ 39.60” N, Long. 81° 39’ 41.40” W (Land Grant section 40, T. 12 S,

R. 26 E). From the intersection of CR 309 and State Forest Trail just south of Welaka, head

south on State Forest Trail approximately 1.1 miles (1.8 km). Mud Spring is located approximately 0.2 miles (0.3 km) west of the road and forms the head of Mud Creek.

Description – Mud Spring has an oval shaped pool 84 ft (25.6 m) long and 66 ft (20.1 m)

wide with an average depth of 3.5 ft (1.1 m). There is a retaining wall and drain on the

southwest side of the spring which impounds the natural flow of the spring. Aquatic plants

and green algae cover 80% of the spring’s sand bottom. The water was cloudy during the

January 2003 visit. Lily pads create an outer ring around a prominent boil in the center of

the pool. The spring run has an average width of 3 ft (0.9 m) and depth of 0.6 ft (0.2 m) as

it travels 1 mile (1.6 km) southwest into the St. Johns River. A grass bank around the

spring gives way to a dense, mixed forest. This spring is along a designated hiking trail and

is a popular picnic area within the State Forest. Between 1995 and 2000 the average discharge was 1.22 ft3

/s (6).

BULLETIN 66

595

Figure 190. Mud Spring (photo by SJRWMD).
Nashua Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 30’ 32.76” N, Long. 81° 40’ 37.20” W (sec. 11 (irregular section), T. 11

S, R. 26 E). Nashua Spring is located along the St. Johns River. From the intersection of

CR 309 and Gatlings Lane in Nashua, drive west on Gatlings Lane approximately 0.3 miles

(0.5 km) to its end near the St. Johns River. The spring is located approximately 0.1 miles

(0.2 km) southwest of the end of Gatlings Lane.

Description – Nashua Spring has an elongated spring pool measuring 84 ft (25.6 m) long

and 18 ft (5.5 m) wide, with an average depth of 2.5 ft (0.8 m). The water was murky during the January 2003 visit and the pool bottom could not be seen. Rosenau et al. (1977)

reported a salty taste and a hydrogen sulfide odor to the water. Green algae and various

aquatic plants grow in the spring. The run is 3 ft (0.9 m) wide, 0.4 ft (0.1 m) deep and flows

300 ft (91.4 m) west through dense shrubs and trees into the St. Johns River. The grassy

area around the spring gently slopes up towards a private residence. Fruit trees, palms, and

small shrubs grow around the spring. The average discharge between 1972 and 2000 measured 0.12 ft3

/s (6). 

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

596

Figure 191. Nashua Spring (photo by SJRWMD).
Satsuma Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 30’ 45.36” N, Long. 81° 40’ 31.80” W (sec. 28 (irregular section), T. 11

S, R. 26 E). Satsuma Spring is located along the St. Johns River. From the intersection of

CR 309 and Norton’s Fish Camp Road in Nashua, drive approximately 0.4 miles (0.6 km) to

the end of the road.

Description – Satsuma Spring occupies a cone-like depression 22 ft (6.7 m) in diameter.

Depth over the vent is 1.2 ft (0.4 m). The sand bottom is covered in a layer of leaves and

reddish-brown algae. The water is clear blue. A prominent boil is visible and there is a

strong hydrogen sulfide odor. The spring run flows 0.2 miles (0.3 km) northwest into the St.

Johns River. The run has a sand bottom and is covered by a thin layer of leaves and algae,

very similar to the spring pool. A dense mixed forest of palms and oaks surrounds the

spring. The average discharge between 1993 and 2000 measured 1.12 ft3

/s (6).

BULLETIN 66

597

Figure 192. Satsuma Spring (photo by SJRWMD).
SEMINOLE COUNTY

Clifton Springs

Location – Lat. 28° 41’59.54” N, Long. 81° 14’ 17.22” W (Land Grant 37, T. 20 S, R. 31 E).

Clifton Springs is located on the southeastern side of Lake Jessup. From the intersection of

CR 419 (Oviedo Road) and Spring Avenue, northwest of Oviedo, travel north on Spring

Avenue approximately 0.6 miles (1 km). The spring is located at the end of the road on the

left-hand side, behind a green house.

Description – Clifton Springs is composed of multiple vents that feed two separate spring

runs. The main spring pool is roughly circular with a diameter of 150 ft (45.7 m). Depth is

3 ft (0.9 m). The pool bottom is mud with algae coated leaves and tree branches. The water

is turbid and a prominent surface boil is visible. The run is 10 ft (3.1 m) wide and 4 ft (1.2

m) deep with bottom characteristics similar to the spring pool. The run flows northwest 250

ft (76.2 m) into Lake Jessup. The land surrounding the spring rises upward to a height of

3.5 ft (1.1 m) above the spring pool. East of the main pool, on the other side of Spring

Avenue, there are several more boils which feed a narrow spring run. The run flows 0.2

miles (0.3 km) northwest into Lake Jessup. The springs are located on a designated State

Historic Site surrounded by several homes, sable palms, and moss-covered oaks. The average discharge between 1972 and 1995 was 1.55 ft3

/s (6).

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

598

Figure 193. Clifton Springs (photo by T. Roberts).
Ginger Ale Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 41’ 33.57” N, Long. 81° 23’ 27.90” W (NE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 2, T. 21 S,

R. 29 E). From the junction of SR 414 and Markham Woods Road in northern Altamonte

Springs, drive north on Markham Woods Road approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) and the

spring will be in a wooded area on the west (left) side of the road.

Description – Ginger Ale Spring occupies a man-made spring pool surrounded by a 3.5 ft

(1.1 m) high concrete retaining wall. The pool is circular, 8 ft (2.4 m) in diameter, 3.5 ft (1.1

m) deep, with at least nine small sand boils. The pool bottom is sand near the boils but otherwise covered by thick brown algae, tree debris, and sulfur-reducing bacteria. The spring

water is clear, has a hydrogen sulfide odor and a large, prominent boil is visible. The spring

run is 0.3 ft (0.1 m) deep, 2 to 3 ft (0.6 m to 0.9 m) wide with 0.5 ft (0.1 m) high banks. It

flows 550 ft (167.6 m) northwest into the Little Wekiva River. Sparse algae and tree debris

are scattered along the bottom of the mostly sand spring run. White, sulfurous residue is

present on some of the algae mats. On the opposite side of the narrow river are small sand

boils and a small sand vent associated with Ginger Ale Springs. The spring is on countyowned property and ringed by seven palm trees. A thick forest of sable palms, palmettos,

oaks, and ferns surrounds the spring. 

BULLETIN 66

599

Figure 194. Ginger Ale Spring (photo by A. Willet).
Harden Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 49’ 17.00” N, Long. 81° 25’ 00.73” W (sec. 39 (irregular section), T. 19

S, R. 29 E). Harden Spring flows into the Wekiva River and is approximately 8 miles (12.9

km) west of Sanford. From the intersection of SR 46 and Wekiva Park Drive, just east of

the SR 46 bridge over the Wekiva River, drive north on Wekiva Park Drive approximately

0.4 miles (0.6 km) and the spring is located due west of the road near the Wekiva River.

Description – Harden Spring pool is encircled by cement blocks. The elongated spring pool

is 65 ft (19.8 m) by 50 ft (15.2 m), with an approximate depth of 6 ft (1.8 m). A small vent

on the west side of the pool issues clear water. Sulphur-reducing bacteria are present in the

pool and a hydrogen sulfide odor is detectable. The spring run is 3 ft (0.9 m) wide, 0.4 ft (0.1

m) deep, and flows 75 ft (22.8 m) into the Wekiva River. The spring owners report that the

spring pool becomes milky white during the late evening, night, and early morning hours.

After exposure to direct sunlight the spring water gradually turns clear again, presumably

due to the activity of the sulfur-reducing bacteria. It is surrounded by private property. 

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

600

Figure 195. Harden Spring (photo by A. Willet).
Miami Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 42’ 36.60” N, Long. 81° 26’ 34.91” W (SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 31, T. 20 S,

R. 29 E). This spring is located on private property within a gated community 6 miles (9.7

km) northwest of Altamonte Springs off of SR 434. 

Description – Miami Spring forms an elongated pool measuring 69 ft (21 m) by 27 ft (8.2

m), with an average depth of 3 ft (0.9 m). Three prominent boils are located on the west side

of the pool. The largest boil comes from a 5 ft (1.5 m) diameter vent that narrows as it deepens. Green algae and aquatic grass cover most of the white, sand bottom. The spring water

is clear and has a hydrogen sulfide odor. The spring run is 40 ft (12.2 m) wide, 2 ft (0.6 m)

deep, and flows 0.2 miles (0.3 km) north into the Wekiva River. Manicured lawns with an

occasional palm or hardwood tree surround the spring. The average discharge for Miami

Spring between 1945 and 2000 was 4.93 ft3

/s (6).

BULLETIN 66

601

Figure 196. Miami Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
Nova Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 49’ 03.02” N, Long. 81° 25’ 06.65” W (sec. 32 (irregular section), T. 18

S, R. 29). Nova Spring flows into the Wekiva River and is approximately 8 miles (12.9 km)

west of Sanford. From the intersection of SR 46 and Wekiva Park Drive, just east of the SR

46 bridge over the Wekiva River, drive north on Wekiva Park Drive approximately 0.15

miles (0.2 km) and the spring is located due west of the road along the Wekiva River.

Description – Nova spring is situated at the bottom of an 8 ft (2 m) deep man-made canal.

Coarse particulate organic matter is suspended in the water column. Residents report that

when the canal was created, water began to flow from the large sand boil. The canal flows

into the Wekiva River and has sulfur-reducing bacteria and sparse aquatic vegetation growing along the sides. The canal banks gently slope up 2 ft (0.6 m) into a flat residential area

with hardwoods and pines. The canal is surrounded by private property and is used for

swimming and canoeing.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

602

Figure 197. Nova Spring (FGS photo archives).
SUWANNEE COUNTY

Anderson Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 21’ 12.27” N, Long. 83° 11’ 23.01”W (SW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 sec. 35, T. 1 S, R.

11 E). From the intersection of US 90 and River Road in Ellaville, drive south on River Road

approximately 2.2 miles (3.5 km) to the intersection with the first road on the west side

(right) past the I-10 overpass. Turn west (right) and travel approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km)

to a dirt parking area. The spring is located north (right) of the parking area.

Description – Anderson Spring forms an oval spring pool that is 6 ft (1.8 m) long and 3 ft

(0.9 m) wide. Its depth is 3 ft (0.9 m). The spring vent discharges water directly into the

Suwannee River. The vent is located about 10 ft (3.1 m) down on the river’s bottom. Spring

water is clear and yellow-greenish. Limestone is exposed at the vent. There are variable

amounts of algae within the vent and the surrounding depression; however, there is no other

aquatic vegetation present. The state-owned area surrounding the spring is comprised of

limestone outcrops covered with lush ferns and moss. High ground rises to about 25 ft (7.6

m) above the spring. Discharge on September 22, 1997 was estimated to be 15 ft3

/sec(4).

BULLETIN 66

603

Figure 198. Anderson Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
Bathtub Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 05’ 30.22” N, Long. 83° 05’ 54.02” W (NE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 sec. 34, T. 4 S,

R. 12 E) From the boat landing at the SR 51 bridge over the Suwannee River south of

Luraville, travel downstream approximately 6.1 miles (9.8 km). The spring will be along the

north bank.

Description – Bathtub Spring has an oval-shaped pool measuring 12 ft (3.7 m) east to west

and 7 ft (2.2 m) north to south with a maximum depth of 4 ft (1.2 m). A single vent discharges from exposed limestone on the north side of the pool. The limestone pool bottom is

covered with algae in some places. The spring water is clear blue. The spring run averages

6 ft (1.9 m) wide, 1.5 ft (0.5 m) deep, and flows 10 ft (3.1 m) southwest, under a land bridge,

to the Suwannee River. Exposed limestone rises 8 ft (2.5 m) above the pool surface and the

privately-owned surrounding area is forested. At the intersection of the spring run and the

Suwannee River, a concrete retaining wall impedes the natural flow of the spring run.

Discharge on July 30, 1997 measured 11.5 ft3

/sec(4).

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

604

Figure 199. Bathtub Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
Betty Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 54’

53.20” N, Long. 82° 50’

23.84”W (NE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4

sec. 32, T. 6 S, R. 15 E).

From the bridge over the

Suwannee River in Branford,

drive east on US 27 approximately 4.2 miles (6.8 km) to

the intersection with US 129.

Turn south (right) onto US

129 and travel approximately 2.7 miles (4.3 km) to the

bridge over the Santa Fe

River. Launch boat at the

county boat ramp at the

bridge and boat upriver

approximately 1.4 miles (2.3

km). The spring is on the

north (left) side, just past the

site of an old bridge across

the river. 

Description – Betty Spring

forms an oval shaped pool

that measures 19.4 ft (5.9 m)

wide and 34.5 ft (10.5 m) long

and is enclosed by a limestone wall. Depth is 7 ft (2.1

m). Water is clear with a

greyish-brown color. No

spring boil was observed in

October 2002; however, the

spring was discharging

water. The sand-bottomed

spring flows about 4 ft (1.2

m) into the Santa Fe River from the south. Hydrilla and algae are abundant within the

spring. The privately-owned surrounding land is a swampy, forested lowland associated

with the Santa Fe River. Discharge on September 17, 1997 measured 2.50 ft3

/s(4). 

BULLETIN 66

605

Figure 200. Betty Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
Blue Sink Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 20’ 08.49” N, Long. 82° 48’ 30.39” W (NE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 10, T. 2 S,

R. 15 E). From the intersection of I-75 and CR 136, travel east on CR 136 approximately 0.5

miles (0.8 km) to the intersection with McClurg Lane. Turn north (left) onto McClurg Lane

and travel approximately 1.1 miles (1.8 km) to the intersection with 64th Terrace. Turn west

(left) onto 64th Terrace and travel approximately 0.6 miles (1 km). The spring will be located on the north side of the road.

Description – Blue Sink Spring forms an oval-shaped pool measuring 135 ft (41.2 m) northeast to southeast and 87 ft (26.5 m) northeast to southwest. A maximum depth of 60 ft (18.3

m) was measured from the side of the pool, although locals report a depth of 250 ft (76.2 m).

The surface of the pool is entirely covered by duckweed. No boil is visible. No run was

observed during the September 2002 visit; however, Hornsby and Ceryak (1998) report a

0.23 mile (0.4 km) spring run. On the east side of the pool, the banks rise approximately 40

ft (12.2 m) above the water surface. To the southwest, the land gently slopes 20 ft (6.1)

above the water surface. A two-level wooden observation deck is located on the northeast

side of the pool. The spring is within a dense forest on SRWMD land. Discharge on May 28,

1998 measured 43.87 ft3

/sec(4).

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

606

Figure 201. Blue Sink Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
Coffee Springs

Location – Lat. 29° 57’ 34.05” N, Long. 82° 46’ 31.18” W (NW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 sec. 13, T. 6 S,

R. 15 E.) Coffee Springs are located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) downriver from Mill

Pond Spring or 0.8 mile (1.3 km) below the midpoint tube launch on the Ichetucknee River.

Access to this spring is restricted.

Description - Coffee Springs form a semi-circular spring pool that measures 60 ft (18.6 m)

from north to south. The spring consists of two limestone seeps, one on the north end of the

spring pool and one on the east side. The pool has a sand bottom covered with aquatic vegetation and algae. The water is clear. The spring is a protected snail habitat area within

Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Access is prohibited and a fence runs across the spring run

where it meets the Ichetucknee River. The land surface surrounding the pool rises 8 ft (2.4

m) above the water level to a mixed hardwood forest.

BULLETIN 66

607

Figure 202. Coffee Springs (photo by T. Roberts).
Cow Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 06’19.02” N, Long. 83° 06’ 49.71” W (SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 sec. 28, T. 4 S, R.

12 E). From the intersection of SR 51 and 180th Street in Luraville, drive south on SR 51

approximately 1.6 miles (2.6 km) to the bridge over the Suwannee River. Launch boat at

the bridge boat landing and boat approximately 4.4 miles (7.1 km) downriver. Cow Spring

is located inland from Running Springs approximately 0.1 miles (0.2 km) northeast.

Description – Cow Spring has an oval shaped pool 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 18 ft (5.5 m) wide.

The circular vent is in the center of the spring pool and is approximately 25 ft (7.6 m) deep.

The pool bottom is limestone with aquatic vegetation and a small amount of algae. There is

no boil present on the blue-green water surface. The spring is currently flooded by the

Suwannee River, however a discernable dry spring run bed leads 0.1 miles (0.2 km) southwest to the Suwannee River. The run has abundant vegetation including shrubs and small

trees growing in its dry bed. The northwest, northeast and southeast banks of the pool have

exposed limestone extending up to 6 ft (1.8 m) above the water surface. The southwest side

of the pool slopes gently up into the surrounding woodlands. The spring is owned by the

National Speleological Society and has an extensive, mapped cave system. 

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

608

Figure 203. Cow Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
Devil’s Eye Springs 

Location – Lat. 29° 58’ 25.23” N, Long. 82° 45’ 36.03” W (SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 sec. 7, T. 6 S, R.

16 E) From Branford, drive southeast on US 27 approximately 10 miles (16.1 km) to the

intersection with SR 137. Turn north (left) onto SR 137 and take the first paved road on

right (CR 238) to the Ichetucknee Springs State Park entrance on the right. A canoe launching area is available, and the springs are on the west bank about 850 feet (259.1 m) downstream (about a three minute paddle) from Mission Springs.

Description – Devil’s Eye Springs is composed of two, attached spring pools. One pool is

200 ft (61 m) north to south and 160 ft (48.8 m) east to west, with an average depth of 12.4

ft (3.8 m). The bottom of the pool is limestone with some sand areas and has abundant

aquatic grass. The water is clear blue and a large boil is visible. The second spring vent is

located 120 ft (36.6 m) northwest of the first vent in a slightly smaller pool. Water issues

from a series of seeps along a nearly vertical limestone exposure in the spring pool. The

water is clear and light blue. The spring run is 30 ft wide (9.1 m), 2 ft (0.6 m) deep, and flows

20 ft (6.1 m) south to the Ichetucknee River. The spring is located within the Ichetucknee

Springs State Park in the densely forested riparian zone associated with the Ichetucknee

River. The spring is accessible from the river, but swimming and landfall are not permitted. This spring is also known as Boiling Spring.

BULLETIN 66

609

Figure 204. Devil’s Eye Springs (photo by T. Roberts).
Hidden Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 06’ 09.37” N, Long. 83° 06’ 50.40” W (NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 sec. 28, T. 4 S, R.

12 E) From the junction of SR 51 and 180th Street in Luraville, drive south on SR 51 approximately 1.6 miles (2.6 km) to the boat landing at the bridge over the Suwannee River.

Launch boat and travel downriver approximately 4.6 miles (7.4 km) to the spring. It is located along the east bank approximately 0.2 miles (0.3 km) below the southern most Running

Spring.

Description – Hidden Spring (also known as SUW919971) is a system of seeps that span a

horizontal distance of 15 ft (4.7 m) along the riverbank. The river bottom in front of these

seeps is composed of limestone with some overlying sand and is mostly covered by aquatic

vegetation and algae. The spring water is clear with a greenish hue. A distinct mixing zone

between the spring water and the tannic river water is visible near the vents. Exposed limestone rises 6 ft (1.8 m) above the surface of the spring, topped by approximately 5.5 ft (1.7

m) of mostly organic overburden. A dense mixed hardwood forest surrounds the spring.

Discharge on September 19, 1997 measured 2.62 ft3

/sec(4).

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

610

Figure 205. Hidden Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
Lime Run Spring (or Sink)

Location – Lat. 30° 23’ 20.39” N, Long. 83° 09’ 48.12” W (SW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 19, T. 1 S.,

R. 12 E.) From the boat landing in the Suwannee River State Park, follow the trail marked

“Dry Run” 0.7 miles (1.1 km) to the spring pool.

Description - Lime Run Spring, also known as Dry Run Spring, has a circular spring pool

129 ft (39.3 m) in diameter. The water is tannic and some aquatic vegetation grows around

the edges of the pool. The spring was not flowing during the November 2002 visit and the

spring run was dry. The run averages 20 ft (6.2 m) wide and is approximately 0.6 miles (1

km) long. Banks around the spring pool rise steeply 60 ft (18.3 m) from the water surface.

The spring is surrounded by private property but the run passes through the Suwannee

River State Park. The spring is surrounded by a dense hardwood forest. A trail leads to the

spring, crosses a bridge over the spring run, and continues through the park. Discharge on

May 14, 1998 measured 173.25 ft3

/sec(4).

BULLETIN 66

611

Figure 206. Lime Run Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
Lime Spring 

Location – Lat. 30° 23’ 28.39” N, Long. 83° 10’ 07.32” W (NW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 24, T. 1 S.,

R. 11 E.) From the boat landing in the Suwannee River State Park, cross over the wooden

bridge and follow to the riverside trail and the spring is on the left, approximately 250 feet

(76.2 m) west of the boat landing.

Description – Lime Spring, also known as Little Gem, forms an oval pool that measures 13

ft (3.9 m) by 16 ft (5.0 m). Depth of the pool is 12 ft (3.7 m). The spring flow was reversed

during the November 2002 visit and water was siphoning into the vent. The river water

flowing into the siphon was tannic. Duckweed was present on the pool surface. Limestone

bluffs rise approximately 25 ft (7.6 m) above the pool to an access trail. Wooden steps lead

down the eastern bank of the spring pool. Grasses, shrubs, and mixed hardwoods sparsely

cover the surrounding hillside. Behind the trail above the spring the hardwood forest

becomes denser. The spring is located within the Suwannee River State Park. Discharge on

September 23, 1997 measured 20.30 ft3

/sec(4).

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

612

Figure 207. Lime Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
Luraville Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 07’ 10.40” N, Long. 83° 10’ 01.65” W (SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 sec. 24, T. 4 S.,

R. 11 E.). From the junction of SR 51 and Luraville Road in Luraville, drive east on on

Luraville Road to the dive shop about 0.25 miles (0.4 km) on the right. The spring is on private property to the right and behind the dive shop. It is about 600 feet (182.9 m) southeast

of the junction of CR 51 and Luraville Road.

Description – Luraville Spring has an oval-shaped spring pool that is approximately 10 ft

(3.1 m) wide and 20 ft (6.1 m) long. It discharges from the base of an overhanging limestone

bank that is about 8.0 ft (2.4 m) high. The spring depth at the vent is 23.1 ft (7.0 m), but

the rest of the spring pool averages about 0.5 ft (0.1 m) deep. The water is clear and bluish.

The spring bottom is exposed sand with a thin layer of algae. No spring boil is observed.

The spring is surrounded by a privately-owned, densely-forested land. Limestone and sand

banks directly above the vent rise to about 20 ft (9.1 m) above the spring. Luraville Spring

is connected to the Peacock Spring underwater cave system, which has been mapped for several miles underground. Discharge on May 7, 1998 measured 6.74 ft3

/s(4). Rosenau et al.

(1977) reported two springs. Hornsby and Ceryak (1998) report only one spring.

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Figure 208. Luraville Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
Orange Grove Spring

Location – Lat. 30? 07’ 38.14” N, Long. 83? 07’ 50.75” W (SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 20, T. 4 S.,

R. 12 E.). From the junction of SR 51 and Luraville Road in Luraville, drive east on

Luraville Road and Orange Grove Spring is located about 3.0 miles (4.8 km) in Peacock

Springs State Park.

Description – Orange Grove Spring is a karst window. Its spring pool measures about 44

ft (13.4 m) wide and 80 ft (24.4 m) long. Depth is approximately 45 ft (13.7 m). The spring

water had relatively poor visibility of about 4 ft (1.2 m) and the water was greenish colored.

A slight boil was observed on the water surface in July 2003. Thin layers of algae are along

the spring bottom and a sparse layer covers the spring pool. Orange Grove Spring apparently flows into a nearby sinkhole during times of higher water levels. Scalloped limestone

crops out around the spring. The spring is within a forested area, and private land to the

north rises gently to15 ft (4.6 m) above the water. 

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Figure 209. Orange Grove Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
Peacock Springs

Location – Lat. 30° 07’ 23.62” N, Long. 83° 07’ 59.35” W (SW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 20, T. 4 S, R.

12 E). Peacock Springs is located 2 miles (3.2 km) east of Luraville in Peacock Springs State

Park and is a popular place for cave diving. From the junction of SR 51 and Luraville Road

in Luraville, drive east on Luraville Road approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) to the Peacock

Spring State Park entrance.

Description – Peacock Springs has three vents in a pool that measures 150 ft (45.7 m) long

and 90 ft (27.4 m) wide. Depth of the spring is variable, averaging 5 ft (1.5 m) deep in much

of the pool but reaching depths of 40 ft (12.2 m). The cave entrance, near the north end of

the pool, is distinguished by wooden steps leading to a limestone shelf where the water is

20 ft (6.1 m) deep. The spring water is clear and blue. The elongated pool gives way to a

run 15 ft (4.6 m) wide, 1 ft (0.3 m) deep, and flows south approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km)

into the Suwannee River. A steep 5 ft (1.5 m) limestone ledge surrounds the pool, and levels out into a state-owned hardwood forest where a number of sinkholes can be found.

Peacock Spring has an extensive cave network that connects to nearby sinkholes and

springs. Discharge on July 30, 1997 measured 8.87 ft3

/s(4). 

BULLETIN 66

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Figure 210. Peacock Springs (photo by A. Willet).
Royal Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 05’ 01.36” N, Long. 83° 04’ 29.21” W (SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 1, T. 5 S, R.

12 E). From the junction of US 129 and CR 349 in O’Brien, drive northwest on CR 349

approximately 8.9 miles (14.3 km) to the intersection with 198th Terrace. Turn west (left)

onto 198th Terrace and travel approximately 0.7 miles (1.1 km) to the intersection with 157th

Lane. Turn south (left) onto 157th Lane and travel approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) to the

spring.

Description – Royal Spring forms a spring pool 160 ft (48.8 m) northwest to southeast and

105 ft (32 m) northeast to southwest. The maximum depth is approximately 42 ft (12.8 m).

The spring was not flowing during the September 2002 visit and the entire pool surface was

covered with duckweed. The dry spring run forms on the northeast side of the spring pool,

travels approximately 200 ft (61 m) and enters the Suwannee River from the north. On the

north and east sides of the pool, limestone and clayey sand walls rise 25 ft (7.6 m) above the

water surface. A set of wooden stairs leads down to the water on the north side of the pool.

To the east are the remnants of an old cement retaining wall. The spring is surrounded by

county-owned forested riparian corridor associated with the Suwannee River. Discharge on

September 17, 1997 measured 6.23 ft3

/s(4).

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Figure 211. Royal Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
Shingle Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 56’ 03.82” N, Long. 82° 55’ 13.62” W (SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 28, T. 6 S.,

R. 14 E.). From the US 27 bridge over the Suwannee River in Branford, drive east on US 27

approximately 1.4 miles (2.3 km) to the intersection with 79th Road. Turn south (right) onto

79th Road and travel approximately 1.8 miles (2.9 km) to the intersection with 288th Street.

Turn west (right) onto 288th Street and travel approximately 1.2 miles (1.9 km) to the boat

landing on the Suwannee River. Launch boat and travel approximately 0.9 miles (1.4 km)

north (upriver) to the spring run which enters the river from the east side.

Description – Shingle Spring forms a circular pool 22 ft (6.7 m) in diameter. The depth

reported by Hornsby and Ceryak (1998) is 60 ft (18.3 m). The spring was barely flowing during the December 2002 visit and the water was tannic. The run averages 9 ft (0.3 m) wide

and 2 ft (0.6 m) deep and travels 500 ft (152.4 m) to enter the Suwannee River from the east.

The land around the pool is privately owned and gently rises 25 ft (7.6 m) above the water

surface to a dense hardwood forest. Discharge on July 21, 1997 measured 12.13 ft3

/s(4).

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Figure 212. Shingle Spring (photo by D. Hornsby).
Shirley Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 12’ 39.63” N, Long. 83° 14’ 41.35” W (SW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 20, T. 3 S.,

R. 11 E.). From the bridge over the Suwannee River in Dowling Park, take CR 250 west

approximately 0.7 miles (1.1 km) to the intersection with CR 251. Turn south (left) onto CR

251 and travel approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to the intersection with Sand Pond Road.

Turn east (left) onto Sand Pond Road and drive approximately 1.1 miles (1.8 km) to Sims

Landing. Travel south (downstream) approximately 0.7 miles (1.1 km) to the spring which

is on the east bank. 

Description – Shirley Spring has an oval shaped spring pool that measures 10 ft (3.1 m)

wide and 12 ft (3.7 m) long. Spring depth is 8.9 ft (2.7 m). The spring is impounded by a

limestone retaining wall. The water is brown and murky. No spring boil was observed on

the spring surface in December 2002. At this time, the spring was not flowing, and there

was a dry rocky area about 5 ft (0.6 m) wide separating the spring from the Suwannee River.

When flowing, the spring would discharge into the Suwannee River. Limestone crops out

at the edge of the spring pool. The pool is full of aquatic vegetation. Shirley Spring is within the forested riparian corridor associated with the Suwannee River. River banks above the

spring rise to about 15.0 ft (4.5 m) above current water level. Discharge on September 29,

1997 measured 1.67 ft3

/s(4). 

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

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Figure 213. Shirley Spring (photo by T. Roberts).
Stevenson Spring (SUW 923973)

Location – Lat. 30° 25’ 01.52” N, Long. 83° 09’ 10.62” W (NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 34, T. 7 S.,

R. 16 E.) From intersection of U.S. 27 and State Road 51 in Mayo, drive north on SR 51

approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) to the bridge over Suwannee River. Turn right (east) into

the public park at the bridge (on the southeast side), which is equipped with launching facilities. Boat down river approximately 0.25 miles (0.4 km) to the spring on the right (east)

side of the river. (Looking back upriver from the spring, the boat ramp and edge of the highway are visible, but not the bridge structure.)

Description – SUW 923973 occupies a small, circular cove along the south side of

Suwannee River that measures 15 ft (4.7 m) in diameter. The pool bottom slopes downward

to a 10 ft (3.1 m) wide cave opening on the south side of the pool. Maximum depth is 5.1 ft

(1.6 m). The limestone bottom of the pool has some algae present while the surface of the

water is completely clear of algae and aquatic vegetation. The water is clear blue and a

prominent boil is visible. Exposed limestone rises 3 ft (0.9 m) above the pool surface. The

spring is surrounded by private property. The pool banks slope up to 12.0 ft (3.7 m) into a

dense mixed hardwood forest. Discharge on September 23, 1997 measured 92.81 ft3

/s(4). This

spring has an extensive cave system that is mapped and is called Line Eater Cave by cave

divers.

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Figure 214. Stevenson Spring (SUW 923973) (photo by T. Roberts).
Suwannee Blue Springs

Location – Lat. 30° 04’ 53.30” N, Long. 83° 04’ 08.48” W (NW1⁄4SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 1, T. 5 S., R.

12 E.). From the junction of US 129 and CR 349 in O’Brien, drive northwest on CR 349

approximately 8.9 miles (14.3 km) to the intersection with 198th Terrace. Turn west (left)

onto 198th Terrace and travel approximately 0.7 miles (1.2 km) to the intersection with 157th

Lane. Turn south (left) onto 157th Lane and travel approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) to the

boat landing at Royal Spring. Launch boat at Royal Spring and go downstream approximately 0.25 miles (0.4 km), and the spring is located on the northeast side of the river.

Description – Suwannee Blue Springs is a system of interconnected vents and pools spanning over 160 ft (47.8 m) in length. Natural limestone bridges separate the pools. The pool

furthest north measures 13.5 ft (4.1 m) north to south, 4.0 ft (1.2 m) east to west and 6.5 ft

(2.0 m) deep. Water flows from a limestone outcrop on the north edge of the pool. The pool

bottom is limestone and the water is clear green. Algae and algae-coated aquatic vegetation

are abundant in the pool. The spring water flows into the second pool, due south of the first

pool. The second pool is oval and measures 23 ft (7.0 m) north to south and 6 ft (1.8 m) east

to west. Water flows from various small cavities in the limestone around the pool. The

water is clear blue and the pool does not have as much algae or aquatic vegetation as the

first pool. The third pool, due south of the second pool, measures 32 ft (9.8 m) by 15 ft (4.6

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

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Figure 215. Suwannee Blue Springs (photo by T. Roberts).
m). Water flows from cavities in the limestone on the east and west sides of the pool. The

sand bottom pool has aquatic vegetation and sparse algae. The fourth and largest pool,

measures 93 ft (28.3 m) north to south and averages 7 ft (2.1 m) wide. This pool appears to

be discharging the most water though no boils are visible on any of the pool surfaces. Water

from this last pool passes underground and feeds into the river by three different runs. The

most significant run measures 10 ft (3.1 m) long and averages 5 ft (1.6 m) wide and 3 ft (0.9

m) deep. High ground slopes up 4 ft (1.2 m) above the spring pool surfaces and trails run

along side the spring. The spring is surrounded by private land with a dense hardwood forest. Discharge on September 17, 1997 measured 35.46 ft3

/s(4).

SUW718971

Location – Lat. 30° 03’ 50.56” N, Long. 83° 03’ 43.19” W (NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 sec. 7, T. 5 S.,

R. 13 E.) From the junction of US 129 and CR 349 in O’Brien, drive northwest on CR 349

approximately 8.9 miles (14.3 km) to the intersection with 198th Terrace. Turn west (left)

onto 198th Terrace and travel approximately 0.7 miles (1.1 km) to the intersection with 157th

Lane. Turn south (left) onto 157th Lane and travel approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) to the

boat landing at Royal Spring. Launch boat at Royal Spring and go downstream approximately 1.8 miles (2.9 km) and the spring is located along the northeast bank.

BULLETIN 66

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Figure 216. SUW718971 (photo by T. Roberts).
Description – SUW718971 has an oval shaped spring pool that measures 10 ft (3.1 m) wide

and 12 ft (3.7 m) long. Depth is 3.1 ft (0.9 m). The water is a light, yellowish-brown with

excellent clarity. The spring pool has a sand bottom with sparse amounts of algae and some

tree debris. Limestone is exposed at the vent, which is located on the north side of the pool

where a prominent boil can be seen. The sand-bottomed spring run is canopied by low tree

branches. The run is 1.1 ft (0.3 m) deep, 8 ft (2.4 m) wide, and flows south about 35 ft (10.7

m) into the Suwannee River. The private land around the spring is generally low and the

spring is within the heavily forested Suwannee River floodplain. Discharge on July 18, 1997

was measured at 7.27 ft3

/s(4). 

SUW725971

Location – Lat. 30° 03’ 43.26” N, Long. 83° 03’ 26.30” W (SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 sec. 7, T. 5 S., R.

13 E.) From the junction of US 129 and CR 349 in O’Brien, drive northwest on CR 349

approximately 8.9 miles (14.3 km) to the intersection with 198th Terrace. Turn west (left)

onto 198th Terrace and travel approximately 0.7 miles (1.1 km) to the intersection with 157th

Lane. Turn south (left) onto 157th Lane and travel approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) to the

boat landing at Royal Spring. Launch boat at Royal Spring and go downstream approximately 2.1 miles (3.4 km) and the spring vents from the west bank.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

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Figure 217. SUW725971 (photo by T. Roberts).
Description – SUW725971 forms a semi-circular pool 8 ft (2.4 m) northeast to southwest

and averages 7 ft (2.1 m) wide. The vent is a submerged limestone dissolution feature on

the north side of the pool approximately 2.7 ft (0.8 m) deep. The limestone bottomed pool

has sparse aquatic vegetation but is covered with algae. The water is clear with a slight blue

hue and a prominent boil is visible. Exposed limestone surrounds the pool. The banks rise

up to 10 ft (3.1 m) above the pool surface to a densely wooded area. Limestone crops out

around the pool. A man-made limestone wall dams the spring pool at its confluence with

the Suwannee River. Discharge on July 25, 1997 measured 8.65 ft3

/s(4).

SUW917971

Location – Lat. 29° 55’ 56.61” N, Long. 82° 48’ 02.70” W (SW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 sec. 27, T. 6 S.,

R. 15 E.) From the US 129 bridge over the Santa Fe River, put in at Sandy Point landing

(at the bridge) and travel upriver approximately 4.6 miles (7.4 km). The spring is located

on the north side of the river just before the confluence of the Ichetucknee and Santa Fe

Rivers.

Description – SUW917971 forms a circular spring pool 18 ft (5.6 m) in diameter and 1.9 ft

(0.6 m) deep. The spring was not flowing during the December 2002 visit though the water

was clear. Aquatic plants cover most of the pool bottom and algae are present. The small

spring run is 1 ft (0.3 m) wide, 0.3 ft (0.1 m) deep, 12 ft (3.7 m) long and enters the Santa Fe

River from the north. The banks of the spring pool rise 3.0 ft (0.9 m) above the water surface to a forested floodplain. Discharge on September 17, 1997 was estimated at 3.0 ft3

/s(4).

BULLETIN 66

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Figure 218. SUW917971 (photo by D. Hornsby).
SUW922971

Location – Lat. 30° 17’ 08.69” N, Long. 83° 13’ 51.70” W (NW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 28, T. 2 S.,

R. 11 E.). From the Dowling Park boat landing on the Suwannee River, boat upriver approximately 4.2 miles (6.8 km) and the spring will be on the east (right) bank of the river.

Description – SUW922971 discharges from a 5.0 ft wide (1.5 m) vent located beneath the

south Suwannee River bank. Clear blue spring water flows directly into the tea-colored

river. Limestone is exposed at the vent and is covered with a thin layer of algae. Very little flow was noted. Directly above the vent, a steep, limestone bluff rises to approximately

5.5 ft (1.7 m) above current water levels. The surrounding environment consists of the

Suwannee River and its forested riparian corridor. Discharge on September 22, 1997 was

estimated at 1.0 ft3

/s(4).

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

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Figure 219. SUW922971 (photo by D. Hornsby).