| Summary of Features
Scale—4th magnitude (est.)
Photo shows western end of spring pool and mouth of run |
 |
) |
|
|
Directions
Next to police station in the town of Crystal River along U.S. 19.
For maps, latitude/longitude data, driving directions, satellite imagery, and topographic representations as well as weather conditions at this spring, go to Greg Johnson's informative "Florida Springs Database" web site at the following address: http://www.ThisWaytothe.Net/springs/floridasprings.htm#Florida
Spring Description
The spring forms an oval pool that is about 80 by 40 feet in diameter.
A concrete retaining wall surrounds the pool and comes up above the water
from 2-4 feet, depending on the tide in nearby King’s Bay. At the south
end of the pool, the spring run exits beneath a small arching footbridge,
flows under U.S. 19, and eventually empties into King’s Bay. Water in the
pool is clear and appears to be 2-4 feet deep. However, the pool is filled
with exotic vegetation (appears to be elodea or hydrilla, and the location
of the vent or vents could not be determined. Land on the west side of
the pool is a park area with large oak trees and picnic areas. The police
station and parking lot is on the east side, and highway 19 is to the south.
Use/Access
There is no use of the pool itself. The adjacent park is used for picnics,
walking, and hanging out.
Local Springiana
Located as it is next to the Crystal River Police Station, Independence
Spring is without doubt the safest spring to visit in Florida, albeit nothing
like the most attractive.
Personal Impressions
The exotic plants could be removed from the spring with relative ease,
making it much more attractive than it currently is.
Nearby Springs
Other Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Artesian, Catfish, Gator [or
Gator Hole], Grand Canyon, Hunter, Idiot’s Delight, Jurassic, King’s, Little
Hidden, Mullet’s Gullet, Three Sisters, Unnamed Banana Island Springs,
Unnamed Spring Boils)
Homosassa Springs Group
Chassahowitzka Springs Group
Rainbow Springs Group
Other Nearby Natural Features
Rainbow Springs State Park
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
Withlacoochie State Forest