The springs along the central Gulf coast—from Crystal River to Weeki Wachee—include some of the largest, most beautiful and pristine—as well as most developed or fouled—springs in Florida.  Most in this group, including Crystal River, Rainbow, Homosassa, and Chassahowitzka, are actually clusters of springs that feed a river, bay, or estuary system.  Between them, the four groups are home to over 60 large and small springs.  These springs, along with Weeki Wachee Springs, discharge mostly ground water but have higher concentrations of sea water in their runs nearer the coast and at high tide.   A canoe or small boat is the best way to visit the springs, but and all have easy access off U.S 19, the primary north-south corridor on Florida’s central Gulf coast.

Weeki Wachee is the most famous spring in the region; since the late 1940s it has presented live mermaid shows—young women who cavort, dance, sing, and act out soggy sagas in the spring basin to the delight of crowds who view the spectacle from an underwater theater.  Crystal River and Homosassa Springs are world-renowned sites where people can observe and swim with the endangered West Indian Manatee.  Homosassa is also a state wildlife park with a permanent population of wounded or sick manatees and an underwater observation room.  Crystal River also has several very popular dive sites.

Rainbow Springs was, for many years, a spring attraction with glass-bottom boat rides, a zoo, gardens, and parrot shows.  It is now a state park with a state campground a short distance downriver.  The Chassahowitzka is much less known and much less developed than its spring neighbors a few miles to its north.  Much of its run is protected as a national wildlife refuge, and it teems with wildlife.

All these springs are large first-magnitude systems, and all but Weeki Wachee have several spectacular springs as described in the following narrative.  All these springs, unfortunately, also suffer in varying degrees from pollution and blight brought on by development, runoff, leaking or otherwise inadequate septic systems, nitrate build-up, and exotic plant infestation.  Nitrate is an especially difficult problem because it not only promotes accelerated plant and algae growth, but also is very stable and longlasting.   Of the group, Rainbow and the Chassahowitzka are probably the least damaged, and Crystal River is easily the worst, being almost completely developed and with only a few corners remaining where the water is consistently clear and not filled with exotics or algae blooms.  According to Champion & Starks (May, 2001, p. 3) nitrate has leached into the aquifer during the last 20 years and is now flowing out from the springs in ever-larger quantities.

Protecting Florida's Springs, produced by the Florida Departments of Community Affairs and Environmental Protection, notes that the dominent source of nitrate discharging from the Homosassa, Chassahowitzka, Weeki Wachee, and Aripeka spring groups/complexes is inorganic--that is, it is primarily from residential and golf course fertilizers.  Research shows that the rise in nitrates in this springs exactly parallels the rise in population of the surrounding areas (2002, pp. 8, 12).  At Crystal River, the primary sources of nitrate are lawn and golf course fertilizers, septic tanks, and effluent disposal from sewage treatment.  The document goes on to note,

Ground water enriched in nitrogen from both development-related and natural sources is moving toward the coast in well-defined plumes.  Within 20 years, this nitrogen will reach the King's Bay springs and likely increast nitrogen concentrations significantly (2002, p. 12).

Part IX Contents

          A.  Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs Group
               Artesian Spring
               Black Spring
               Catfish Spring
               Gator (or Gator Hole or Crystal or Magnolia) Springs
               Grand Canyon Spring
               Hunter (or Hunter's or American Legion) Spring
               Idiot’s Delight
               Independence Spring
               Jurassic Spring
               King’s (or Tarpon or Tarpon Hole) Spring
               Little Hidden Spring
               Mullet’s Gullet
               Three Sisters
               Unnamed Banana Island Spring #1
               Unnamed Banana Island Spring #2
               Unnamed Banana Springs #3-5
               Unnamed Spring Boils

          B. Homosassa Springs Group
               Homosassa Spring
                    An Essay on Homosassa Springs
               Pumphouse Spring
               Echo (or perhaps Trotter, or McClain or Abdoney?) Spring
               Bluebird Spring
               Hidden River Head Spring
               Hall's River Head Spring

          C.  Chassahowitzka River Springs Group
                    An Essay on the Chassahowitzka
               Chassahowitzka (or Devil's Punchbowl) Spring
               Solution Holes (or Chassahowitzka #1) Springs
               Unnamed Spring behind Solution Holes
               Crab Creek (or Crab) Springs
               Lettuce Spring
               Houseboat Spring
               Blue Spring
               The Crack (or Miss Maggie's Crack or Baird) Spring
               Salt Creek Springs
               Potter Spring
               Ruth Springs
               Beetejay Spring
               Blue Run Spring

          D.  Rainbow Springs Group
                    An Essay on Rainbow Springs
               Rainbow Springs (12+ springs including Waterfall and Bubbling)
               Rainbow Swamp (or Indian) Springs
               Rock Spring

          E. Other Central Gulf Coast Springs
               Big King Spring
               Blue Spring
               Harvey Spring
               Jenkins Spring
               Little King Spring
               Mud River Spring
               Salt Spring
               Vogt Spring
               Twin Dees Spring
               Weeki Wachee Spring
               Wekiva Springs
 
 

A. Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs Group
Crystal River flows from a spring-fed bay in Citrus County on Florida’s west coast.  For a relatively small area—King’s Bay is about 1.25 miles long and a mile across—it is perhaps the greatest concentration of springs in the state.  As far as the authors could glean from published sources, about 30 springs have been formally identified in and around King’s Bay.  However, local residents informed the authors that there were many more small springs in the bay, along Crystal River, and in the inlets that feed the bay and river along its course to the Gulf of Mexico.  One resident, a manatee tour outfitter, opined that there were over 100 springs.

In sum, the flow from the springs in King's Bay averages 567 million gallons per day, making it the second largest spring group in Florida (Champion and Starks, May 2001, p. 49).

The bay has five larger (1,000+ feet in length) and several smaller islands.  Water flows north from King’s Bay into Crystal River and thence about five miles northwest to the Gulf.  Most of the identified "Crystal River" springs are actually in King’s Bay, on the eastern side on a very rough north/south line about a mile long.  The majority are along the eastern edges of the bay and/or in the vicinity of Banana Island.  Curiously (and unlike other coastal submarine springs in Florida), the flow of the Crystal River/King’s Bay springs diminishes during the summer (when rainfall is heavier) and at high tide (Rosenau et al., 1977, p. 83).

Crystal River/King’s Bay is famed as both a dive and manatee mecca.  Several of the larger springs have cavern systems and are very popular with divers. There are dive outfitters in the adjoining town, which is named for Crystal River.  Because the bay and river are so rich in springs—which maintain a constant temperature—they attract manatees in large numbers from October-March.  Over 200 manatees have been counted in the bay on a single day, or nearly 7% of the total estimated remaining population.  These slow-moving, plant-eating mammals can also be seen in the bay and river throughout the year, albeit in smaller numbers during warm weather.

As there are for divers, there are also several local outfitters offering opportunities to "swim with the manatees."  Pontoon boats take people to spots where manatees congregate, and visitors can enter the water for a possible close encounter.  Rules govern human/manatee interaction: one may touch a manatee that approaches on its own, but people are not allowed to chase/follow aggressively, feed/lure, ride, rope, or otherwise harass the manatees.  From October through March, areas around several springs are roped off from all boats to protect the manatees that congregate in springs to keep warm.

Since they have no natural enemies, manatees are unafraid of people.  Man is, however, their only threat, and the combination of habitat loss, pollution, and collisions with boat propellers has reduced their numbers to about 3,000 total.  Manatees are officially protected as an endangered species.

RB visited Kings/Mullet’s Gullet/Grand Canyon springs in 1999, and JF joined RB on a systematic spring search in King’s Bay in May 2001.  We were both delighted and shocked by what we saw.  Some of the springs—especially Hunter, Three Sisters, and Kings/Mullet’s Gullet/Grand Canyon—are spectacular sights.  King’s Bay offers sweeping views and excellent opportunities for recreation.  However, the bay, river, and springs are badly polluted and infested with both exotic water plants and algae growth/blooms.  Water clarity is dramatically reduced from historic levels, and native flora and fauna populations have fallen.

Sources of the problems include fertilizer and road runoff, and leaking/seepage from inadequate septic systems.  Nearly every inch of land around the bay is developed for housing or commerce, and many of these structures have old sewer systems.  Natural inlets have been extended via numerous canals to provide watercraft access to homeowners, and these seawall-lined backwaters are generally the most badly polluted and plant-choked areas.  Oil and gas runoff from the adjacent U.S. Highway 98 runs directly into Kings Bay.

In addition to rising pollution levels, overall flows from the springs in King's Bay are 25% below historic levels, according to Champion & Starks (May 2001).  Reasons for the reduced flow likely include increased human extraction of water in the area by the rising population and a drought during the period of 1998-2001.

At the public park at Hunter (or American Legion) Spring, signs warn swimmers to shower off immediately after swimming to avoid getting rashes or skin lesions from the polluted water.  Only a small percentage of the houses in Crystal River are on a city sewer system.  A bill to pay to expand the sewer system was vetoed by Florida Governor John "Jeb" Bush in 2000.

When the authors visited the area in May 2001, they found only one spot that had very clear water and that was not infested with exotic plants or algae—the Three Sisters/Idiot’s Delight area.  Local residents told the authors that the bay and Crystal river were much clearer in the past, and are also clearer in the mornings, at low tide, when the wind is calm, and during periods when there are not so many boats and divers stirring up the water.

A short story exemplifies conditions in parts of King’s Bay.  While paddling in the Hunter (or American Legion) Spring run near Jurassic Spring in May 2001, the authors passed directly over 1-2 manatees that were probably resting or napping on the bottom.  They had seen a mother manatee and its young earlier in the day in the area.  The water was an unnatural—almost fluorescent—green, with visibility only about 6 inches.  Even though the bottom was only 4-5 feet deep, and a manatee actually struck the authors’ canoe and lifted it partially out of the water, they were only able to identify it when it briefly broke the surface.

A $400,000 investment of city, county, and state funds for clean-up in 1997 purchased machinery to attack and remove aquatic vegetation.  The contraption in the photo below tears plants from the bottom and also has a conveyor belt to remove vegetation.  The authors did not see the conveyor belt in use, but observed the machine churning up the bottom.  This approach may help but is clearly not a long-term solution.  The churning/harvesting machine may also be exacerbating the problem, as they cut the exotic plants up into small pieces that float into other areas of Kings Bay and establish themselves there.

Besides the plant-clearing machines, some other steps have been taken to help protect the Crystal River area.  The large islands in King’s Bay have been included in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, and there are seven other manatee sanctuaries during the winter months.  Most recently, Three Sisters Springs was declared a manatee refuge from November 15-March 31 each year.  At the same time, however, the owners of the land adjacent to Three Sisters sought permits to extract as much at 426,000 gallons of water from the springs each day.  The issue is not resolved.

Crystal River is one of the world’s great sites for springs, manatees, diving, and recreation, but its health is bad and deteriorating.  It is in critical need of action to attenuate and ameliorate the problems caused by development, pollution, and exotic infestation.  Visitors must already dive through a poison layer to reach Hunter (or American Legion) Spring, and Jurassic Spring is the most polluted-looking spring the authors have ever seen.  Unless action—in the form of stricter regulations, better clean-up, exotic removal, and support for expanding modern sewer systems—the crown jewels of King’s Bay (like Three Sisters) may soon suffer a similar fate.
 
 

Summary of Features
Scale—3^rd magnitude (estimated)
Scenery—poor
How Pristine?—flowing well, enclosed as hotel swimming pool
Swimming—fair-good
Protection—unknown
Crowds—heavy on warm weekends
Access—private, only for use by hotel guests
Facilities—fine
Safety—very good
Scuba—no
Cost—must stay at adjacent hotel

Directions
At King’s Bay Lodge in Crystal River. See map for location.

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 is an artesian, flowing well* used to fill a hotel swimming pool in a NE corner of King’s Bay.  The pool is rectangular and about 15 by 40 feet. Water in the pool is clear, and there were plants (either elodea or hydrilla) and rocks along the bottom.  The maximum depth is about 8 feet.  There was no visible boil, and the authors could not determine the location of the flow point.  The spring is partially canopied by a large oak tree on one end and additional trees on the other end, where there is an outflow point.  One side of the concrete pool wall also serves as a retaining wall to the adjoining King’s Bay.  The King’s Bay Hotel is immediately upland from the pool.

Use/Access

• Access is restricted to patrons of the King’s Bay Lodge.  The pool is used for swimming and has a slide.
• The pool may be viewed from King’s Bay, as canoers can paddle right up to the pool/retaining wall and peer over into it.

Personal Impressions
The site is interesting and worth a look, regardless of whether it is an actually spring or just a flowing well.  It is one of the few springs in King's Bay where one can actually see the bottom clearly.

Nearby Springs

• Other Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Catfish, Gator [or Gator Hole], Grand Canyon, Hunter, Idiot’s Delight, Independence, 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

Summary of Features
Scale—3^rd magnitude (estimated)
Scenery—fair-good
How Pristine?—near homes and canal, algae in water
Swimming—no
Protection—unknown
Crowds—small-none
Access—entrance blocked
Facilities—none
Safety—very good
Scuba—no

Directions
At southern tip of King's Bay at latitude 28.52.38.628, lingitude 82.35.57.196.  The spring is at the back end of a canal in an area of homes along the water.

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 authors attempted to locate this spring in May 2001 but were unsuccessful.  They rely therefore on the description provided by Champion & Starks:

The spring lies in several feet of water, and may produce a boil at the surface of the canal.  The spring is one of several vents in the area, and is tidally influenced (May 2001, p. 51).

Their photograph shows a small canopied pool with a plastic pipe strung across the mouth of the pool to prevent access.

Use/Access

• There does not appear to be any access to or utilization of the spring or its pool..

• Other Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Catfish, Gator [or Gator Hole], Grand Canyon, Hunter, Idiot’s Delight, Independence, 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

Summary of Features
Scale—unknown
Scenery—fine underwater, fair around spring
How Pristine?—at end of dock in developed area
Swimming—fair, fine skin-diving
Protection—unknown
Crowds—some divers
Access—fine from boat, need permission from land
Facilities—excellent nearby
Safety—very good
Scuba—yes
Cost—free from water

Directions
See map. The spring is at the end of a dock just west of the boat ramp at the Best Western Hotel.

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
On date of visit, with only fair clarity, the spring appeared to be a hole about 3 feet in diameter at a depth of 15-20 feet.  No flow was visible on the surface, but the water was clearer around the spring than the surrounding water.  The spring opening was free of plants.  According to DeLoach, the spring opening widens to a small cavern that is full of catfish (1997, p. 111).

Use/Access

• The spring is popular with scuba divers and can also be explored by skin-divers and snorkelers.
• There is a small house on land adjacent to the spring with a dock that extends to a point nearly directly over it.
• Land to the east of the spring is a hotel/restaurant/dive/excursion complex.

Nearby Springs

• Other Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Artesian, Gator [or Gator Hole], Grand Canyon, Hunter, Idiot’s Delight, Independence, 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

Summary of Features
Scale—unknown
Scenery—poor from surface, fine from underwater
How Pristine?—in developed housing area
Swimming—fair, fine snorkeling and skin-diving
Protection—unknown
Crowds—some scuba divers
Access—good, boat only
Faclities—none
Safety—very good
Scuba—yes
Cost—free

Directions
In a neighborhood in a natural inlet near Three Sisters and Idiots’ Delight Springs.  Gator Spring is in the NE corner of the inlet, near the shore and adjacent to the back yard of a house.  The second spring (Magnolia) is smaller and located about 150 feet south of Gator Spring adjacent to the undeveloped east bank near a cedar tree. See map.

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
Two springs are in a developed inlet that feeds the central part of King’s Bay on the east side of the bay.  The spring forms a circular bowl that appeared to be 20 feet deep.  In and near the center of the bowl were light spots suggesting points of clear flow and that are vegetation-free.  There was no boil visible on the surface.  This spring appears to be what Rosenau et al. (1977, p. 82) and DeLoach (1997, p. 111) refer to as Gator Hole.  According to Rosenau, Gator Hole once had an extensive cave system with rock spires, but it collapsed around 1963.

The second spring, which a resident called Magnolia Spring, is next to the east bank not far from the main channel.  The limestone bottom drops away and out of sight to the spring, and a boil was visible on date of visit in May 2001. Water was clearer over the spring than the surrounding water.

Use/Access
The springs are explored by scuba divers, skin-divers, and snorkelers.

Personal Impressions
The authors did not explore and photograph the springs from underwater.  As with Catfish Hole, Gator Spring was very difficult to photograph or even to see clearly in the somewhat murky water.

Nearby Springs

• Other Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Artesian, Catfish, Grand Canyon, Hunter, Idiot’s Delight, Independence, 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

Summary of Features
Scale—flow unknown, large spring area
Scenery—excellent
How Pristine?—very pristine
Swimming—fair, excellent skin-diving and good snorkeling
Protection—unknown
Crowds—heavy on weekends
Access—good, boat only
Facilities—none
Safety—good
Scuba—yes
Cost—free

Directions
About 250 feet south of alcove on south side of Banana Island in King’s Bay. The spring is adjacent to King’s (or Tarpon) Spring and Mullet’s Gullet Spring.

For maps, latitude/longitude data, driving directions, satellite imagery, and topographic representations as well as weather conditions at this spring, go to Greg Johnson's informative "Florida Springs Database" web site at the following address:  http://www.ThisWaytothe.Net/springs/floridasprings.htm#Florida

Spring Description
The spring forms a crevice in the limestone about 30 feet long and at a depth of about 30 feet.  Water flows strongly from an opening at one end.  No boil was visible on the surface on the dates the authors visited, and viewing conditions were poor due to wind, high tide, and divers stirring up the water with their fins. The authors were told by a scuba diver that the water was clear on the bottom.

Use/Access

• This spring, along with nearby King’s (or Tarpon) Spring and Mullet’s Gullet, are perhaps the most popular scuba spots at Crystal River. They can be very crowded on weekends.
• Because of their depth and distance from shore, the sites are not well suited to general swimming.
• Access to this area is restricted during winter months to protect manatees.

Nearby Springs

• Other Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Artesian, Catfish, Gator [or Gator Hole], Hunter, Idiot’s Delight, Independence, 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

Contact Information
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
1502 SE King’s Bay Drive
Crystal River, FL 34429
352-563-2088
 
 

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude (estimated)
Scenery—fair (surface) to fine (underwater)
How Pristine?—polluted to unhealthful levels
Swimming—good, fine snorkeling
Protection—poor
Crowds—large on warm weekends and in summer
Access—excellent, land or water
Facilities—fine
Safety—lifeguard, water bad for skin
Scuba—yes
Cost—free

Directions
Just offshore at Hunter Spring Municipal Park in Crystal River. The spring is about 100 feet offshore in the middle of Hunter Spring Run on the north side. The run is on the east side of King’s Bay—see map.

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 is a limestone opening at a depth of about 15 feet. Water flows strongly out of the hole, which is 2-3 feet in diameter, and forms a mild slick on the surface.  The spring creates a bowl in the middle of Hunter Spring Run, which is about 100 yards across at this point. Water in the run is greenish, but was clear and blue over the spring on date of visit in May 2001.  The spring was less clear later in the day when it was crowded with swimmers.  The vent and surrounding area were covered in algae and silted easily when stirred.  A floating dock is moored next to the vent for swimmers and sunbathers. Land to the north of the spring is a public park; the rest of the land is developed for housing and apartments.  In addition to having algae, the spring and run are thick with exotic vegetation.  When visited in the late afternoon, the back part of the run was bright green with visibility of less than 6 inches.  Fish and manatees were seen at the spring, and herons were seen along the run.

Use/Access

• The spring is the site of a public park that includes picnic areas, swimming, a floating dock at the spring, bathrooms/changing rooms, and showers. A sign at the park warns bathers to shower immediately after swimming because of pollution in the water.
• Despite the pollution and warnings, the spring remains a very popular swim spot.
• The spring may be accessed by road or from Pete’s Marina, which is 5-10-minute paddle from the west.

Personal Impressions
Hunter is a beautiful spring that is grossly polluted.  One can dive through the polluted layer near the surface to the clear and lovely spring below—the flow from the spring is still clean—or at least clear—and creates a bubble of transparent water beneath the fouled water above.  Were it not for the pollution, Hunter would be one of the more attractive springs in Florida.

Nearby Springs

• Other Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Artesian, Catfish, Gator [or Gator Hole], Grand Canyon, Idiot’s Delight, Independence, 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

Summary of Features
Scale—1^st magnitude (estimated)
Scenery—fine
How Pristine?—near houses built along the natural inlet
Swimming—fine, excellent snorkeling
Protection—unknown
Crowds—large on warm days
Access—good, water only
Facilities—none
Safety—very good
Scuba—yes
Cost—free

Directions
Located near Three Sisters Springs in a natural inlet/canal on the east side of King’s Bay, due east of Buzzard Island—see map.

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 authors somehow managed to miss this spring complex, although they were apparently within a few feet of it at Three Sisters Spring.  According to Rosenau et al. (1977, p. 82), there are three spring vents in the canal/inlet, and they are about 20 feet deep.  DeLoach notes that the water is very clear around the vents and that the largest has an opening of about 4 feet (1997, p. 111).  The surrounding canal is not as clear and flows about 1,000 yards into King’s Bay. There is development (houses) around the spring and run.

Use/Access
Swimmers, snorkelers, and divers frequent the springs, and boats often anchor nearby.

Personal Impressions
The authors are chagrined at having missed this spring. While at nearby Three Sisters, they asked other swimmers and boaters about Idiot’s Delight but did not get any firm intelligence on the location. Some said additional springs were just outside the mouth of the Three Sisters run, but the authors could not see any vents and the water was only about 6 feet deep.

Nearby Springs

• Other Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Artesian, Catfish, Gator [or Gator Hole], Grand Canyon, Hunter, Independence, 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

Contact Information
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
1502 SE King’s Bay Drive
Crystal River, FL 34429
352-563-2088
 
 

Summary of Features
Scale—4^th magnitude (estimated)
Scenery—fair
How Pristine?—concrete retaining wall, in urban park next to highway and police station
Swimming—no
Protection—poor
Crowds—popular picnic/gathering area
Access—excellent
Facilities—good
Safety—outstanding (next to police station)
Scuba—no
Cost—free

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

Summary of Features
Scale—3^rd magnitude (estimated)
Scenery—poor
How Pristine?—grossly polluted, adjacent to large buildings
Swimming—no
Protection—poor
Crowds—small
Access—boat only
Safety—unhealthy
Scuba—not recommended
Cost—free

Directions
Located adjacent to an apartment/condominium complex near the eastern end of the Hunter Spring run in Crystal River—see map.

For maps, latitude/longitude data, driving directions, satellite imagery, and topographic representations as well as weather conditions at this spring, go to Greg Johnson's informative "Florida Springs Database" web site at the following address:  http://www.ThisWaytothe.Net/springs/floridasprings.htm#Florida

Spring Description
The spring forms a circular pool about 60 feet in diameter that opens directly into the Hunter Spring Run from the east side. The depth of the pool could not be determined, as visibility was only about 6 inches. There was no boil on the surface. Water in the spring and surrounding run was a bright and unnatural green, and the water had an unpleasant smell when visited in the late afternoon in May 2001. There is a beach area on the east side of the pool, and a plastic tube/pipe is strung across the mouth of the pool to prevent boat access from the Hunter Spring Run. A pole near the spring has a sign calling it Jurassic Spring, with a small plastic T-Rex on top.

Use/Access

• The spring is adjacent to an apartment or condominium complex, and access is restricted to residents.
• The spring is or was apparently used for swimming, although the water was so disgusting on date of visit that it is difficult to believe anyone would ever venture into it.

Nearby Springs

• Other Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Artesian, Catfish, Gator [or Gator Hole], Grand Canyon, Hunter, Idiot’s Delight, Independence, 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

Summary of Features
Scale—1^st magnitude (estimated)
Scenery—excellent-outstanding
How Pristine?—excellent-outstanding
Swimming—poor, excellent snorkeling/skin-diving
Protection—unknown
Crowds—heavy with divers on weekends
Access—good, boat only
Facilities—none
Safety—good
Scuba—yes
Cost—free

Directions
About 250 feet south of alcove on south side of Banana Island in King’s Bay. The spring is adjacent to Grand Canyon Spring and Mullet’s Gullet Spring—see map.

For maps, latitude/longitude data, driving directions, satellite imagery, and topographic representations as well as weather conditions at this spring, go to Greg Johnson's informative "Florida Springs Database" web site at the following address:  http://www.ThisWaytothe.Net/springs/floridasprings.htm#Florida

Spring Description
The spring forms a depression about 200 feet in diameter and 30 feet deep.  An opening in the limestone splits and then goes further down another 30 feet or so in two caverns.  There is a good flow from the opening, which can forms a mild boil on the surface under calm conditions at low tide.  Water flowing from the hole is clear and clean, and the area is abundant with fish as well as with manatees during the winter months.

No boil was visible on the surface on the dates the authors visited, and viewing conditions were poor due to wind, high tide, and divers stirring up the water with their fins.  They were told by a scuba diver that the water was clear on the bottom.  This spring is the largest of all the springs in King's Bay.

Use/Access

• This spring, along with nearby Grand Canyon Spring and Mullet’s Gullet, are perhaps the most popular scuba spots at Crystal River. They can be very crowded on weekends, and this spring is the largest of the three.
• Because of their depth, the sites are not well suited to general swimming.
• Access to this area is restricted during winter months to protect manatees.

Nearby Springs

• Other Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Artesian, Catfish, Gator [or Gator Hole], Grand Canyon, Hunter, Idiot’s Delight, Independence, Jurassic, Little Hidden, Mullet’s Gullet, Three Sisters, Unnamed Banana Island Springs, Unnamed Spring Boils)
• Homosassa Springs Group
• Chassahowitzka Springs Group
• Rainbow Springs Group

Contact Information
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
1502 SE King’s Bay Drive
Crystal River, FL 34429
352-563-2088
 
 

Summary of Features
Scale—3^rd magnitude
Scenery—excellent
How Pristine?—very natural and unspoiled
Swimming—no
Protection—excellent
Crowds—small
Access—good, boat only
Facilities—none
Safety—very good
Scuba—no
Cost—free

Directions
At the northern tip of an island (GET NAME) in SE King’s Bay and part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. The island is just north of Buzzard Island and Paradise point on the mainland. Look for the mouth of the run across from tall reeds where the channel around the island opens up into King’s Bay—see map.

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 in an area of dense jungle-like vegetation and forest. Water flows from 3 small limestone opening at depths of 2-3 feet. The pool is about 25 by 45 feet and then narrows into a run of about 60 feet to the edge of King’s Bay. Water in the spring is shallow—from 1-3 feet—and clear. The spring and run and canopied by palms and hardwoods, and small fish may be spied in the water. The authors saw a raccoon by the spring run on date of visit in May 2001.

Use/Access
The island where the spring is located is protected as part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. No landfall can be made, and not many people know about the spring. Most come in on small motorboats and hang out or wade in the shallows.

Local Springiana
A long-time visitor at the spring told the authors the spring was called "Little Hidden Spring." It may not have a formal name. This spring was marked in the 1977 Springs of Florida, but was not described or named (Rosenau et al., p. 81).

Personal Impressions
Of all the springs the authors saw in Crystal River, this one was the most pristine and untrammeled. Because it is small, however, more than three people feels like a crowd.

Nearby Springs

• Other Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Artesian, Catfish, Gator [or Gator Hole], Grand Canyon, Hunter, Idiot’s Delight, Independence, Jurassic, King’s, Mullet’s Gullet, Three Sisters, Unnamed Banana Island Springs, Unnamed Spring Boils)
• Homosassa Springs Group
• Chassahowitzka Springs Group
• Rainbow Springs Group

Contact Information
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
1502 SE King’s Bay Drive
Crystal River, FL 34429
352-563-2088
 
 

Summary of Features
Scale—3^rd magnitude (estimated)
Scenery—excellent
How Pristine?—very pristine
Swimming—poor, excellent snorkeling/skin-diving
Protection—unknown
Crowds—large on weekends
Access—good, boat only
Facilities—none
Safety—good
Scuba—yes
Cost—free

Directions
About 250 feet south of alcove on south side of Banana Island in King’s Bay. The spring is adjacent to King’s Spring and Grand Canyon Spring—see map.

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
Water flows from several small openings in the limestone bottom at a depth of 20-25 feet. Water is clear and clean, and fish and manatees may be seen. No boil was visible on the surface on the dates the authors visited, and viewing conditions were poor due to wind, high tide, and divers stirring up the water with their fins. They were told by a scuba diver that the water was clear on the bottom.

Use/Access

• This spring, along with nearby King’s Spring and Grand Canyon, are perhaps the most popular scuba spots at Crystal River. They can be very crowded on weekends.
• Because of their depth, the sites are not well suited to general swimming.
• Access to this area is restricted during winter months to protect manatees.

Nearby Springs

• Other Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Artesian, Catfish, Gator [or Gator Hole], Grand Canyon, Hunter, Idiot’s Delight, Independence, Jurassic, King’s, Little Hidden, Three Sisters, Unnamed Banana Island Springs, Unnamed Spring Boils)
• Homosassa Springs Group
• Chassahowitzka Springs Group
• Rainbow Springs Group

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude
Scenery—excellent-outstanding
How Pristine?—house by one spring, fringe of trees around other springs
Swimming—good, outstanding snorkeling
Protection—unknown
Crowds—can be heavy in all seasons
Access—good, swimming or canoe/kayak only
Facilities—none
Safety—very good
Scuba—yes
Cost—free

Directions
In a modified natural inlet/canal on the east side of King’s Bay, at the head of a run blocked by concrete pilings—see map.

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
Three Sisters is a complex of three spring areas with several large and small vents and sand boils. The springs share a run along a mainly N/S line, with the common run exiting to the main canal between the two lower springs. See drawing identifying the springs as #s 1-3.

Spring #1 is the most northerly or furthest to the left as one enters the system from the mouth of the spring run. The spring forms an oval pool about 40 by 30 feet in diameter and is canopied and shaded. Water in the spring is clear and blue, and the silty bottom is covered with sand, fallen branches, and tree roots. Water flows from one or more small limestone openings near the center-back of the pool at a depth of about 15 feet. There is a mild boil on the surface. The pool is bowl-shaped and has a general depth of about 10 feet. Water exits the pool to the south in a canopied run that is 5-8 feet deep and 10-15 feet wide. After about 75 feet, the run widens/opens as it is joined by the flow from the middle spring or Spring #2.

Spring #2 is the central and largest spring, forming a circular pool nearly 100 feet across and up to 20 feet deep. Water flows from limestone openings among sand, silt, and tree roots/branches and is very clear and clean. The spring is bright blue. There are large boils on the surface. The fringes of the pool are 4-6 feet deep, and the bottom is sandy, silty, and/or muddy depending on the location. A submerged tree above the spring vent serves as a perch for tall visitors. A line of trees surrounds the spring. Water flows directly into the run from Spring #1 and toward the run exit near Spring #3.

Spring #3 is much like Spring #2 in character, albeit somewhat smaller and with a more sandy and unobstructed bottom. It forms a circular and funnel-shaped pool about 45 feet across and 15-18 feet deep. Water flows from a couple of small limestone opening, and like the other springs is very clear and blue. The bottom is more sandy and firm than the other two springs. Land around this spring is semi-cleared and the site of a private residence.

The authors saw a couple of other small flow points/sand boils near the main springs or in the run, including one where the spring runs join to flow into the main canal. This combined spring run is about 10 feet wide, 3-5 feet deep, and flows about 100 feet to the main canal.

Use/Access

• The land around the springs is private and posted; no landfall or boat tie-up may be made.
• The mouth of the Three Sisters run is blocked by concrete posts to prevent boat access; only swimmers, canoers, and kayakers can enter.
• The area around the springs has been extensively channelized to allow homes to be built along channels and have access to King's Bay.
• The three springs are very popular with swimmers, snorkeler, paddlers, and divers, who come to swim and to see manatees.
• The spring is one of several manatee sanctuaries in Crystal River, and access is restricted from November 15-March 31 each year.

Personal Impressions
The Three Sisters are among the authors’ top ten springs in Florida. Like a string of blue sapphires, they are spectacular blue oases of pristine water in an area that has become foul with pollution, algae blooms, and exotic plants. Although federal protection may mean the end of access for swimmers and divers, it would be worth it to preserve this unique site for manatees and for observation. The proposed water extraction might not hurt the manatees, but would be one more slip down the slope of development that has ravaged so many other springs in King’s Bay and elsewhere. Efforts should continue to work with the landowners to continue to preserve the site as much as possible.

Nearby Springs

• Other Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Artesian, Catfish, Gator [or Gator Hole], Grand Canyon, Hunter, Idiot’s Delight, Independence, 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

Contact Information
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
1502 SE King’s Bay Drive
Crystal River, FL 34429
352-563-2088
 
 

Summary of Features
Scale—3^rd magnitude (estimated)
Scenery—poor (spring) to fine (adjacent island)
How Pristine?—completely covered in exotics and algae
Swimming—no
Protection—excellent
Crowds—none
Access—good, boat only
Facilities—none
Safety—very good
Scuba—no
Cost—free

Directions
Located in a small alcove at the NE corner of Banana Island, just below the narrow pass between Banana and (NAME?) island to the NE. The spring is also almost directly west of Paradise Point—see map.

Spring Description
The spring forms a semicircular alcove on the NE end of Banana Island. The spring area is about 45 feet across, and two small (1-2 feet in diameter) boils were observed at the surface through the thick exotic vegetation and algae. The depth of the vents could not be determined due to the vegetation and algae, but appeared to be around 4 feet outside of the spring area.

Use/Access
There is no use of the site. The nearby narrow channel between Banana Island and (NAME?) Island is a youth hangout. Youth anchor their boats and drink and cavort in the shallow water.

Personal Impressions
Another of several springs in King’s Bay that are polluted and damaged by exotics to the point that they bear almost no resemblance to their historic conditions.

Nearby Springs

• Other Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Artesian, Catfish, Gator [or Gator Hole], Grand Canyon, Hunter, Idiot’s Delight, Independence, Jurassic, King’s, Little Hidden, Mullet’s Gullet, Three Sisters, Other Unnamed Banana Island Springs, Unnamed Spring Boils)
• Homosassa Springs Group
• Chassahowitzka Springs Group
• Rainbow Springs Group

Contact Information
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
1502 SE King’s Bay Drive
Crystal River, FL 34429
352-563-2088
 
 

Summary of Features
Scale—unknown
Scenery—good
How Pristine?—algae and exotics in water
Swimming—unknown
Protection—unknown
Crowds—none
Access—good, boat only
Facilities—none
Safety—very good
Scuba—yes
Cost—free

Directions
The spring site is purported to be about 100 feet offshore from the SE tip of Banana Island, near the large National Wildlife Refuge sign—see map.

Spring Description
The authors could not pinpoint this spring, to which they were directed by boaters/divers at nearby King’s Spring. Conditions at date and time of visit (afternoon in May 2001) were windy and the water was not very clear. The authors were told the spring was "straight out" from the wildlife refuge sign at the SE tip of Banana Island. The water in this area was generally 4-5 feet deep, and no holes or clear spots were seen.

Use/Access
None apparent.

Personal Impressions
If there is a spring at this site, it is not described in Springs of Florida (Rosenau et al., 1977).

Nearby Springs

• Other Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Artesian, Catfish, Gator [or Gator Hole], Grand Canyon, Hunter, Idiot’s Delight, Independence, Jurassic, King’s, Little Hidden, Mullet’s Gullet, Three Sisters, Other Unnamed Banana Island Springs, Unnamed Spring Boils)
• Homosassa Springs Group
• Chassahowitzka Springs Group
• Rainbow Springs Group

Contact Information
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
1502 SE King’s Bay Drive
Crystal River, FL 34429
352-563-2088
 
 

Summary of Features
Scale—unknown
Scenery—good
How Pristine?—algae and exotics
Swimming—fair
Protection—within wildlife refuge
Crowds—none
Access—good, boat only
Facilities—none
Safety—very good, in no-wake zone
Scuba—yes
Cost—free

Directions
In a cluster just north of Banana Island within the no-wake zone and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. The springs are nearest the little point of land that extends the furthest north from Banana Island—see map.

Spring Description
The authors paddled over the area where these springs are supposed to be located, but could not see them. Conditions were windy, and the water was not very clear. The three springs are marked (but not named or described) on a map in Springs of Florida (Rosenau et al., 1977, p. 81).

Use/Access
None apparent. IF they still flow, the spring lie within a no-wake zone at the northern end of Banana Island. On date of visit, the authors observed that this restriction was widely ignored by boaters and waverunners.

Personal Impressions
As always, it is frustrating to be right where you know a spring to be but unable to see it. A visit under calm conditions and at low tide would probably be more fruitful.

Nearby Springs

• Other Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Artesian, Catfish, Gator [or Gator Hole], Grand Canyon, Hunter, Idiot’s Delight, Independence, Jurassic, King’s, Little Hidden, Mullet’s Gullet, Three Sisters, Other Unnamed Banana Island Springs, Unnamed Spring Boils)
• Homosassa Springs Group
• Chassahowitzka Springs Group
• Rainbow Springs Group

Contact Information
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
1502 SE King’s Bay Drive
Crystal River, FL 34429
352-563-2088
 
 

Summary of Features
Scale—3^rd magnitude (estimated)
Scenery—fair
How Pristine?—exotics and algae in water
Swimming—no
Protection—unknown
Crowds—none
Access—good, boat only
Facilities—none
Safety—very good
Scuba—no
Cost—free

Directions
In alcove on east side of King’s Bay about 100 yards NW of bridge over canal that leads SE to Three Sisters Springs and Idiot’s Delight Springs—see map.

Spring Description
At least five sand boils form and are located in a circular alcove adjacent to King’s Bay. The boils are easy to spot as cleared sandy circles in the pool, which is about 90 feet in diameter. The boils are cleared sandy areas, from 1-3 feet in diameter, and are in various areas of the pool. Except for the boil area, the bottom is covered in algae and exotic vegetation. The water is about 4 feet deep and fairly clear. The boils are not strong enough to create a slick on the surface.

Land behind (to the east of) the pool is developed housing, and a dock extends from houses along one side of the pool.

Use/Access
It appears that the pool is a transit area for boats from the house into King’s Bay.

Personal Impressions
The springs, alcove, exotic vegetation, algae, and adjacent development are not attractive.

Nearby Springs

• Other Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Artesian, Catfish, Gator [or Gator Hole], Grand Canyon, Hunter, Idiot’s Delight, Independence, Jurassic, King’s, Little Hidden, Mullet’s Gullet, Three Sisters, Unnamed Banana Island Springs)
• Homosassa Springs Group
• Chassahowitzka Springs Group
• Rainbow Springs Group

B. Homosassa Springs Group

Summary of Features
Scale—1^st magnitude
Scenery—fine
How Pristine?—former private attraction, now state wildlife park with underwater view platform, native animals, paths, and garden
Swimming—no
Protection—excellent
Crowds—occasionally large, usually small
Access—excellent
Facilities—excellent
Safety—excellent
Scuba—no
Cost—$9 per adult, $5 for children age 3-12

Directions
Located along U.S. 19 in Homosassa (main entrance to Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park). Alternatively, go directly to the spring by turning west onto Highway 490 (Halls river road in Homosassa. Go about ½ mile, then turn left (SW) unto Fish Bowl Drive and proceed less than a mile to the spring on the right.

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 main source of the Homosassa River, Homosassa Spring forms a semicircular pool about 75 feet in diameter. Water flows from three limestone openings around a collapsed cavern at respective depths (as measured by Scott et al., 2002, p. 35) of 67, 65, and 62 feet.  Each of the three vents has a distinct chemical composition (Champion & Starks, May 2001, p. 57).  There are wide boils in the spring pool.  A circular limestone ledge is visible on the perimeter of the pool. Water in the spring, which is somewhat tidally affected, is clear and blue.  Fish are exceptionally abundant in the spring pool and include many marine species such as Crevalle Jack, catfish, striped bass, and sheepshead.  Several manatees are permanent residents of the spring as part of on-site rehabilitation and education programs.  An underwater observatory is built over the springhead.

The spring forms a run that flows nine miles to the Gulf of Mexico.  The upper part of the run is flanked by housing and other development.  The lower portion gives way to pine islands and salt marshes as it nears the Gulf.  The run widens, diffuses, becomes more salty, and has reduced visibility as it flows to the west.  According to Cherry et al. (1970), the various springs near Homosassa vary widely in chloride (salt) concentrations, suggesting there are several sources for the different flow points.  The chloride amounts in the spring flows also varies with the tide.

After flowing a short distance, the flow (104 cfs) from the main spring at Homosassa is joined by a nearly equal amount (89 cfs) of water flowing from several springs that form the Southeast Fork of the Homosassa River.  About a mile below the main spring, Halls River flows into the Homosassa River.  This spring-fed river has flow total of 162 cfs.  The Southwest Florida Water Management District combines all these springs and flows into the Homosassa Springs Group.  Nitrate levels at the spring have risen steadily over the past 30 years (Champion and Starks, May 2001, pp. 55-59).

Use/Access

• The spring is the site of a state wildlife park and offers underwater observation at the spring, a zoo, manatee feedings, gift shops, restrooms, docks for park's pontoon boat operation and tram station (not for public use), picnic areas, trails, handicapped access, a first aid station, a garden, museum/education center, and animal education programs/presentations.
• Wild manatees cannot actually come up into the main spring.  There is a barricade outside the spring pool that the resident manatees in the rehabilitation program confined, and the wild manatees from entering.
• The wildlife park at the site focuses on Florida wildlife and includes alligators, bears, otters, raptors, bobcats, panther, deer, Key deer, and other animals.
• Visitors who enter the wildlife park at the U.S. 19 entrance are transported to the main park area by boat. The entrance along Fish Bowl Drive is right by the spring, which can be seen from the road through a chain-link fence.
• The wildlife park features an exhibit room of paintings by famous artist Winslow Homer, who spent time at the spring in the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century and who painted the natural scenes at Homosassa.
• Manatees visit the spring area in the winter as well as a wide area in the spring run just outside the park boundary, which is 1,000 feet downstream from the spring itself. This site is heavily visited by swim-with-the-manatees excursion pontoon boats. JF saw a dolphin in this area on one visit in the mid 1990s, approximately nine miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico in water that is almost entirely fresh.

• Homosassa became a state park in 1989, after years of being privately owned.  In years past, and going back to the late 19th Century, the spring was a private attraction which people visited to seek cures in the water, to observe nature, and for other recreation.
• The flow at Homosassa is decreasing, probably the result of increased human extraction/use of water in its watershed/catchment basin.
• In addition to its collection of native Florida animals, the wildlife park also has, incongruously, a hippopotamus.  According to the park manager, the hippo has been at the site for most of his life.  In the 1990s, when the park service was looking for another home for the hippo, the local newspaper started a letter-writing campaign to the governor. Thousands of letters were written in favor of keeping the hippo, and then Governor Lawton Chiles responded by making the hippo an "honorary citizen of the State of Florida" and allowing him live out his life here.

Nearby Springs
Other Homosassa Headwaters Springs
Echo (perhaps Trotter or McClain or Abdoney?) Spring
Bluebird Spring
Crystal River/King’s Bay 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

For more information:
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 S. Suncoast Blvd.
Homosassa, Florida 34446
(352) 628-5343
Web site: www.HomosassaSprings.org
 

An Essay on Homosassa Springs
One March in the late 1990s, my family and some friends drove to Homosassa to see the manatees. We brought canoes and rented a boat, and after the weather cleared made our way upriver to a wide shallow area outside the Homosassa springhead and wildlife state park. There were about 15 manatees there, and we had a glorious time watching and getting into the water with them. Several of us were able to get close enough to touch one.

We learned that Homosassa is one of a decreasing number of winter sanctuaries for manatees. Despite all their blubber, manatees cannot tolerate water temperatures below about 65 degrees. So they have for eons wintered in Florida springs, which maintain more or less constant temperatures.

Manatees look slow from a boat, but are uncomfortably swift when you’re in the water and suddenly see one heading your way. At such times their great bulk--up to 13 feet and 3,000 pounds--commands your undivided attention. They are placid but not tame, and paid us little mind, eating and napping as if we weren’t there.

Evolving over millions of years, manatees are now condemned by the traits that served them so well until we came along. With no natural predators, they have no defenses. They did not need to worry about propellers in the past, and so never developed rapid flight mechanisms to get out of harm’s way. They are not like squirrels or pigeons who adapt to having their habitat transmogrified into human work and leisure spaces.

We returned to see the manatees this winter. The weather was pleasant, and we headed to the springhead in the morning. The nice weather attracted another big mammal to the spring; people were everywhere. Outfitters were bringing folks to see the manatees by the pontoon boat-full. Starting at dawn, an unending string of watercraft made their way to the spring to disgorge snorkelers in rented wet-suits as part of weekend "swim-with-the-manatees" package deals.

There were only 2-3 manatees in the area. They can be hard to spot, but today all you had to do was look for the crowd. Each was engulfed by people determined to lay their hands on the placid giants. We were told not to chase, corner, ride, grab, herd, block, separate, or otherwise harass the manatees. The groups in the water were doing nearly all these things.

We had several children along, and I paddled them over to get a look at a mother and baby manatee that were encircled by a phalanx of divers about 45 feet away. Excited, the children jumped into the water. The person in charge of the pontoon boat shouted at the kids: "Don’t jump into the water. You’ll scare the manatees away!" She said it a second and then a third time, raising her voice over the tumult of her group, who were doing everything but copulating with the two manatees they had surrounded.

I yelled back that her people were harassing the manatees. She replied it was all right to put one hand on them, but if 15 people do it at once, a one-hand restriction is meaningless. She then got in, chasing the mother and baby until they got around her into the sanctuary of the state park. She then sanctimoniously raised her hands and said no one must follow them. "They know they’re safe in there," she intoned.

We moved off. Those of us who had seen the manatees a year before felt sick to our stomachs. This then, is the gauntlet the manatees face every winter weekend in the springs. Perhaps not every outfitter was as bad as the one we saw. Perhaps the manatees don’t mind being mobbed and it is a conceit to anthropomorphise them. But it did not look right. The manatees were being loved to death.

I thought again. A year ago I had done the same thing. I had gotten in the water with manatees and I had been thrilled to touch one. I was dressed as the other people in the water were and had come out on a rented boat as they had. What we saw was merely a large-scale version of what we had done ourselves a year before.

So what is the answer? First, people need to observe the rules of interaction with manatees and not let their enthusiasm overtake them. There are several captive manatees in the Homosassa Wildlife Park that can be seen up close year ‘round. Seeing them so close and vulnerable makes one want to protect them. Protection can take many forms, including supporting preservation efforts and motoring slowly in manatee zones. It also means not developing every inch of land surrounding manatee habitat.

Ultimately, we are responsible for the fate of the manatee. We can ensure our grandchildren’s grandchildren will see them 100 years hence, or we can pleasure ourselves now and have only stories about manatees to tell in the future.
 
 

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude
Scenery—very good
How Pristine?—next to road in residential neighborhood, adjacent to pumphouse
Swimming—no
Protection—unknown
Crowds—none
Access—on private property, but may be viewed from the
Facilities—none
Safety—excellent
Scuba—no
Cost—free

Directions
From U.S. 19 in Homosassa, turn west onto Highway 490 (Halls River Road). After about ½ mile, turn left onto Fish Bowl Road. Go about 1 mile, passing entrance to Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, continuing over a spring run on a small bridge. 100 yards after the bridge, turn left onto Spring Cove Road. The spring is on the left, adjacent to a small building/pumphouse, at 9299 Spring Cove Road.

Spring Description
The spring is in a low spot in a deep subtropical forest area that is mostly developed for residential housing.  The spring is 15-20 feet in diameter and surrounded on three sides by a low concrete retaining wall that forms it into a ¾ s quare. Water flows strongly from at least two points from crevices between exposed limestone rocks/boulders.  There is algae on the limestone, and the water is 1-2 feet deep, clear, and has a sulfur odor.

The spring forms a run slightly wider than the spring that flows under Fish Bowl Road and into the Homosassa River.  The run is joined by the flow of Echo Spring nearby.  The spring is canopied by hardwood trees, and there is a small structure immediately adjacent to the spring that appears to be a building for pumping water.

Rosenau et al., refer to this spring and nearby Echo (perhaps Trotter or McClain or Abdoney?) Spring as the Southeast Fork of Homosassa Springs (1977, p. 84). The average combined flow of this spring and Echo (perhaps Trotter or McClain or Abdoney?) was 69.1 cubic feet per second, or about 45 million gallons per day.

Use/Access

• The building next to the spring looks like a pumphouse, although JF did not hear the sound of pumping on date of visit in April 2001. The spring is in a neighborhood, and homeowners with houses along the run use it to access the Homosassa River. The water is probably too shallow at the springhead to support a boat, but the run is deeper and supplemented with the flow from Echo Spring nearby.
• There is a chain-link fence in front of the building and spring, but the fence is not locked and the site is not posted.

Nearby Springs

• Homosassa Spring
• Echo (perhaps Trotter or McClain or Abdoney?) Spring
• Bluebird Spring
• Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs Group
• Chassahowitzka Springs Group
• Rainbow Springs Group

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude
Scenery—poor
How Pristine?—surrounded by houses, docks in spring and run
Protection—unknown
Access—no land access

Directions
From U.S. 19 in Homosassa, turn west onto Highway 490 (Halls River Road). After about ½ mile, turn left onto Fish Bowl Road. Go about 1 mile, passing entrance to Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, continuing over a spring run on a small bridge. The spring is on the left, about 80 yards past the bridge, in the back yard of several houses. The spring can also be viewed from Spring Cove Road. 100 yards after the bridge, turn left onto Spring Cove Road. The spring is on the left, behind two houses, at 9491 Spring Cove Road.

Spring Description
The spring is surrounded by private property and there is no land access. From the road, it appeared to be a semicircular pool about 40 feet in diameter. The depth and clarity of the water could not be determined. The spring forms a run of the same width as the pool that flows a short distance (perhaps 300 feet) and then joins the run of the other Homosassa Headwaters Spring. This combined run then flows under Fish Bowl Road and into the Homosassa River.

Rosenau et al., refer to this spring and the other Homosassa Headwaters Spring as the Southeast Fork of Homosassa Springs (1977, p. 84). The average combined flow of this spring and the other Headwaters Spring was 69.1 cubic feet per second, or about 45 million gallons per day.

Use/Access
The spring and run may be used for swimming by the houses that surround it. Its run is used like a canal for boats from the houses to access the Homosassa River. JF was not able to get a good view of the spring to photograph it, even when he stood on his car.

Local Springiana

• A sign in the yard of one of the houses along the spring declares it to be Echo Spring.  However, JF can find no other published source with this name for a spring at this site.  Other possible candidates for the spring include Trotter, Trotter Main, McClain, or Abdoney Springs.
• The spring can be accessed by boat from the Homosassa River, but no landfall can be made.

Nearby Springs

• Other Homosassa Headwaters Spring
• Homosassa Spring
• Bluebird Spring
• Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs Group
• Chassahowitzka Springs Group
• Rainbow Springs Group

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude (estimated)
Scenery—fair
How Pristine?—exotics in water, retaining wall, land cleared for park
Swimming—no
Protection—unknown
Crowds—can be large on warm weekends
Access—excellent
Facilities—very good
Safety—very good
Scuba—no
Cost—free

Directions
From U.S. 19 in Homosassa, turn south onto Highway 480 (Yulee Drive). Continue about a mile, then turn left onto Blue Bird Springs Road. There is a sign for the park at the turn.

Spring Description
The spring forms a large oval pool that is about 225 feet long and 120 feet wide.  One side of the spring has a low concrete retaining wall, and a portion is also fenced in one corner by the retaining wall.*  The flow point or points in the pool could not be determined, as the pool was filled with exotic vegetation and there was no boil on the surface.  The depth could not be determined with any accuracy, but the water was clear to a depth of 4-5 feet.  There were herons and turtles in the pool.  Land around the pool has been cleared to create a municipal park.

There is some trash in the pool and run.  Water flows from the main pool area to form a run that is initially about 100 feet wide.  After about 200 feet, the run narrows to about 15 feet across and 2-3 feet deep.

Use/Access

• The spring is the site of a city park and has picnic pavilions, grill areas, picnic tables, and restrooms.
• *The fenced corner also had an area that was walled in concrete, but JF did not know what it was for.

Personal Impressions
The spring and park are not attractive.

Nearby Springs

• Homosassa Spring
• Other Homosassa Headwaters Spring
• Echo Spring
• Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs Group
• Chassahowitzka Springs Group
• Rainbow Springs Group

Summary of Features
Scale—unknown
Scenery—excellent
How Pristine?—very pristine
Swimming—no
Protection—unknown
Crowds—small-none
Access—by water only
Facilities—none
Safety—unknown
Scuba—no
Cost—free

Directions
The authors have not visited this spring and cannot provide directions.  The latitude is 28.46.07.357 and the longitude is 82.34.59.689.

Spring Description
Having not visited this spring, the authors rely on the description provided by Champion & Starks:

Hidden River Head spring is found at the upstream end of Hidden River, approximately four beet below the water surface in a small circular depression, five feet in diameter.  The spring is located about two miles south of Homosassa Springs.  Hidden River flows overland approximately two miles before sinking underground and entering the Homosassa River downstream from Homosassa Springs.  The spring is tidally influenced (May 2001, p. 62).
 

Nearby Springs

• Homosassa Spring
• Other Homosassa Headwaters Springs
• Echo Spring
• Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs Group
• Chassahowitzka Springs Group
• Rainbow Springs Group

Summary of Features
Scale—unknown
Scenery—fine
How Pristine?—pristine, but near major highway and development
Swimming—no
Protection—unknown
Crowds—small
Access—fair, boat only
Facilities—very good nearby
Safety—good
Scuba—no
Cost—small launch fee

Directions
From intersection of SR 490A and U.S. 19 in Homosassa, go north on U.S. 19 for approximately (not measured) 2 miles.  Look for sign for Riversport Kayaks at 2300 S. Suncoast Boulevard.  Put in at boat launch and take canal to main channel of Hall's River; proceed upriver to headwaters, a total distance of perhaps a mile.  Lat. 28.49.36.509, Long. 82.34.49.176.

Spring Description
The authors have not yet visited this spring, so rely on the description provided by Champion & Starks:

Hall's River Head Spring is located at the upstream end of Hall's River, a 2.5 mile long tributary of the Homosassa River.  Many springs in Hall's River are hard to locate due to the width, shallowness, and vegetation in the river.  The spring pool is approximately 200 feet across and contains a few sand boils, but no obvious vent or boil at the water surface.  The spring is tidally influenced (May 2001, p. 63).

Use/Access
Due to the difficulty of reaching the headwaters, the site is little-visited.  However, it is not a great distance from the boat launch, which also rents canoes and kayaks for either half a day or all day.  The rental site also had a good map of the area that could be used for reference.

Nearby Springs

• Homosassa Spring
• Other Homosassa Headwaters Springs
• Echo Spring
• Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs Group
• Chassahowitzka Springs Group
• Rainbow Springs Group

For more information:
Riversport Kayaks
2300 S. Suncoast Boulevard
Homosassa, FL  34448
352-621-4972
Toll-free 877-660-0929
www.flakayak.com
 

C. Chassahowitzka River Springs Group

An Essay on the Chassahowitzka
At the southern tip of Florida’s Big Bend is the Chassahowitzka River and National Wildlife Refuge.  Halfway between Crystal River and Weeki Wachee, the Refuge is a sprawling 31,000 acres of marshes, swamps, springs, estuaries, islands, and bays.

Imagine Crystal River and Panama City before the people.  Imagine springs creating a clear jungle river to the Gulf and hosting bear, eagle, falcon, otter, bobcat, manatee, sea turtles, and gators. Picture multiple inlets feeding the river--each born from a deep-woods spring--and 100 islands in the river delta.  This is the Chassahowitzka (pronounced "Chaz-wits’-kuh"), preserved for all and accessible only by boat.

The Chassahowitzka River Wildlife Refuge begins about four miles downriver, and this area is exceptionally pristine.  The upper and more accessible portion is also beautiful, but has more human traffic. In addition, there is increasing pollution in the springs from nearby septic tanks.  There is no public water or sewer system in the area, and some sewage percolates into the aquifer that feeds the springs.  If the situation worsens, swimming will have to be restricted—the situation needs to be addressed here as well as near the Homosassa and Crystal Rivers.

When a business trip took me from Tallahassee to St. Pete, I decided to leave early, canoe the Chas., then change and make my 2:00 appointment.  I departed at 5:30 a.m. and was at the Chassahowitzka River Campground three hours later renting a canoe for four hours.

Armed with a map from the camp store, I pushed off.  The main spring is in the river by the ramp, about 30 feet down, and kind of hard to see. Just upriver in a little run, however, is one of the most unique spring groups in Florida.  Framed by trees and about 40 by 150 feet, the shallow spring pool reveals a series of interconnected, glowing blue limestone solution holes.  Kids were diving into them and swimming underwater from one to another, popping up like that gopher in Caddyshack.

Promising myself I’d come back to the holes, I headed downstream.  The foliage is dense and tropical, and wild rice waves in the morning breeze.  Three more pretty springs lay at the head of another run 100 yards downriver.  There is another just past there, although it is a vigorous paddle in the canopy for 15 minutes through shallow water to reach it.

I was in heaven! In 30 minutes I had photographed 10 springs.  I plowed downriver for more, not realizing the easy part was over. The Chas had provided free samples; questing for more would exact a price.  Entering a small cove, I ported over a fallen tree blocking a spring run, polling upstream until the water became too shallow.  I stepped out; my shins disappeared into mud.  The springhead couldn’t be far, I figured, and concentrated alternately on placing on my next step and looking far ahead for the spring vent.

In the middle space, a five-foot moccasin was roused.  I did not see it rear up a foot above the muck like a cobra, but did see it poised that way from 12 feet.  We contemplated each other for a moment, then it broke away and I scrambled for a paddle.  I continued forward another 50 feet before giving up and heading back to the river.

The next inlet was more promising.  Undulating for 20 minutes through marshes and oak, it led to a 40-foot long spring vent shaped like a lightening bolt. It had the perfect name—"the Crack"—and its pale blueness offered stark contrast to the brown and green around it. I changed film and paddled back to the river and downstream.

Salt Creek inlet promised more springs.  The river here—just outside the refuge—is shallow and clear. Fisherman and families relaxed in the spectacular scenery.  In fact, everyone was having a good time but me, as I obsessed on finding springs. The creek branched off.  I tried one route, but wound up in a bug-filled dead-end.

Then I saw a spring run.  More mud, and my previous herpetological encounter made me cautious.  But I had to photograph the spring. Spying a topless and leaning sabal palm, I shimmied 10 feet up and tried to see the springhead from altitude.  As I stood, I heard "crick-crick."  The trunk was about to snap.  I tried to back down but was too slow.  The trunk broke; the mud beckoned below—full of rotting vegetation and gases.  I landed with a flatulent plop.  The camera was ruined; nearby birds and bugs were stunned into silence.

I had to hustle back, so I paddled out the creek and the 45 minutes upriver without cleaning off.  I looked and smelled like I had rolled in manure.  People in other boats looked but made no comment.  The tide was now out, and the water was shallow and difficult paddling.  Now the solution holes became my bathtub, and I scrubbed clean in the upwelling flow.  I made the meeting with one minute to spare, and forgot to mention the tree episode.  When you visit the Chassahowitzka, relax and enjoy the sights.  That’s what I’ll do, next time.
 
 

Summary of Features
Scale—1^st magnitude
Scenery—good-excellent
How Pristine?—near developed area; spring pristine
Swimming—no, lies in boat lane
Protection—very good
Crowds—boat traffic over spring
Access—very good
Facilities—excellent
Safety—fine
Scuba—no
Cost—$1.50 to park; more for canoe/boat rental

Directions
From intersection of U.S. 19 and U.S. 98, go west on Highway 480, a.k.a. Miss Maggie's Drive. Follow 1.7 miles to the end, passing small homes and the Chassahowitzka River Lodge on the right. Turn right at signs for the Chassahowitzka River Campground and follow to headwaters. From the boat ramp, go upstream about 100 feet to the spring, in the middle upper portion of the basin.

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
This spring is the headwaters of the Chassahowitzka River.  The opening appears to be about 25 feet deep, and the water is fairly clear.  Flow from a long (about 20 feet) vent creates large, mild boils on the surface, and large fish may be seen swimming in the water.  The spring forms an oval pool that is about 100 feet across and 175 feet long.  Behind the spring (to the east), another spring run and a manmade canal enter the spring pool.  Land to the north, west, and southwest of the pool is undeveloped and is marsh, hardwood swamp, floodplain forest, and abundant in wildlife.  The depth and freshness of the water vary with the tide.  There is housing and development to the east and south.

Use/Access

• The spring is the site of a campground that includes primitive and modern camping, a camp store, boat rentals, a telephone, and restrooms.
• The Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge begins 3-4 miles below the main spring.  It is accessible only by boat, and is closed to human visitors from October 15-February 15 each year to protect wildlife.  The refuge provides sanctuary for 250 species of birds, over 40 types of reptiles and amphibians, and more than 25 types of mammals ("Chass. National Wildlife Refuge," U.S.F.W.S., n.d.).
• JF saw a manatee in the spring in September 2000.
• Swimming and snorkeling are not allowed in the main spring basin because of motorboat traffic.
• There is a $1.50 fee to park at the site and there are additional fees to rent canoes or motorized john-boats.
• Levels of nitrate emanating from the spring have doubled since the 1970s (Champion & Starks, May 2001).

• At one time during the prohibition era, the Chassahowitzka was used by bootleggers to transport illegal liquor.  During this period, the river was sometimes referred to as the "Case-o-Whiskey" River (Bergen & Bergen, 1997, p. 60).
• Mobster Al Capone owned a house along the river.
• The name of the river is derived form the Indian words for "hanging pumpkin."  This variety of edible pumpkin can still be found in the area.
• The area is abundant in wildlife, and the authors have seen several types of heron, vultures, hawks, osprey, kingfishers, mullet by the thousands, needlefish, jacks, a manatee, and other animals when visiting.
• In a book published in 1876, Charles Hallock described a visit to this spring:

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

We soon reached the head of the stream, and found an enchanting spot, one worthy of the pencil of an artist.  The basin of the spring of the Chisiowilski is about one hundred feet in diameter, and the depth of the water in the spring thirty-eight feet.  The water is as pellucid as air, and the most minute object can be plainly seen on the clear white bottom.  From appearances, the water issued from an opening several feet wide and four high.  Looking over the side of the boat, we noticed hundreds of sheepshead, cavalli, bream, trout, and read and black groupers swimming in the basin (p. 331).

Nearby Springs

• Other Chassahowitzka River springs (Solution Holes, Crab Creek Springs, Lettuce Spring, Houseboat Spring, Salt Springs, Potter Spring, Ruth Spring)
• Blue Spring
• Crystal River
• Homosassa Springs
• Weeki Wachee Spring
• Rainbow Springs

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude
Scenery—excellent
How Pristine?—development nearby, springs pristine
Swimming—fine
Protection—unknown
Crowds—some on warm weekends
Access—good, boat only
Facilities—excellent nearby
Safety—bottom slippery and sharp, otherwise very good
Scuba—no
Cost—$1.50 to park nearby, more to rent canoe or boat

Directions
From intersection of U.S. 19 and U.S. 98, go west on Highway 480, a.k.a. Miss Maggie's Drive. Follow 1.7 miles to the end, passing small homes and the Chassahowitzka River Lodge on the right. Turn right at signs for the Chassahowitzka River Campground and follow to headwaters. From the boat ramp, go upstream to the right (east) behind the main spring basin and into the manmade channel about 50 feet. Turn left into run and the solution holes are in the run.

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
There are two series of interconnected solutions holes in the limestone bottom of the spring run.  The first series is about 75 feet into the run, just off the center of the run (on the west side), which is 40-50 feet wide and 1-2 feet deep in most places.  The first series has about 6 circular holes in a general line along 30 feet in the run.  The diameters of the holes range from two to six feet.  The main flow appears to be from the largest hole, but the authors did not determine how many of the holes had actual vents and how many were flowing because they were connected beneath the surface.  Underwater tunnels connects several of the holes at a depth of about 6 feet, and the diameter of the tunnel ranges from 2-4 feet.

A second series of solution holes lies in the back of the run, about 75 feet behind the first set.  Two holes are flowing, with the largest one appearing to be the main flow point.  These holes are also connected by an underwater passageway which is about 5 feet deep.  Champion & Starks refer only to these two holes at the head of the run and state that the vent is located between them (May 2001, p. 69).  However, water is clearly flowing out of several other holes in the run as much as 75-100 feet away.  There are other flow points in the run, particularly between the sets of solution holes on the east side.

Water flowing from the springs is clear and the holes fairly radiate and can glow a deep blue in the sunlight.  Boils can be seen from several of the holes.  The authors could not determine the actual number of flow points, but there are nearly 10 solution holes and 2-3 other visible vents.  Depending on conditions and the time of year, the bottom can be bare limestone, partially vegetated, or heavily vegetated. There is also algae in the run.  A PVC pipe runs along the bottom of the lower part of the run and appears to be drawing water from the springs.

The total run length is about 175 feet and flows into the back of the Chassahowitzka Spring main basin.  The land around the run is dense floodplain forest and swamp habitat.  There is another spring run that feeds into the Solution Holes run at the back (north) end. Its clear water suggests it is also from a spring (see Unnamed Spring behind Chassahowitzka Solution Holes).

Use/Access

• The springs are accessible by canoe only, as the run is very shallow.  Canoes can be rented at the Chassahowitzka River Campground nearby for a reasonable fee.
• The campground includes primitive and modern camping, a camp store, boat rentals, a telephone, and restrooms.
• The Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge begins 3-4 miles below these springs.  It is accessible only by boat, and is closed to human visitors from October 15-February 15 each year to protect wildlife.  The refuge provides sanctuary for 250 species of birds, over 40 types of reptiles and amphibians, and more than 25 types of mammals ("Chass. National Wildlife Refuge," U.S.F.W.S., n.d.).
• The holes are used like hot tubs (i.e., people sit/stand in them), are explored by foot, and some swimmers will swim from hole to hole underwater.  The entire first series of holes can be swum underwater.  Some young boys who showed JF how to do it assured him it was a lucrative activity, as they collected lots of change that had fallen from others’ pockets.
• Algae make footing slippery, and some of the limestone surfaces are sharp, so care should be take upon leaving the canoe.
• Biting bugs can be bad in the summer—no-see-ums, mosquitoes, and horseflies are common.  Repellent is a must at this time of year.

• These springs are called "Unnamed Springs" in Springs of Florida (Rosenau et al., 1977, p. 91).

Nearby Springs

• Other Chassahowitzka River springs (Chassahowitzka Main Spring, Crab Creek Springs, Lettuce Spring, The Crack, Houseboat Spring, Salt Springs, Potter Spring, Ruth Spring, Blue Run Spring, Beteejay Spring)
• Blue Spring
• Crystal River
• Homosassa Springs
• Weeki Wachee Spring
• Rainbow Springs

Summary of Features
Scale—3^rd magnitude (estimated)
Scenery—outstanding
How Pristine?— completely pristine
Swimming—no
Protection—unknown
Crowds—none
Access—arduous
Facilities—none
Safety—unknown
Scuba—no
Cost—$1.50 to park at nearby campground, fee to rent canoe

Directions
From intersection of U.S. 19 and U.S. 98, go west on Highway 480, a.k.a. Miss Maggie's Drive.  Follow 1.7 miles to the end, passing small homes and the Chassahowitzka River Lodge on the right.  Turn right at signs for the Chassahowitzka River Campground and follow to headwaters.  From the boat ramp, go upstream to the right (east) behind the main spring basin and into the manmade channel about 50 feet.  Turn left into the spring run with the solution holes. The mouth of this spring’s run is at the back end of the solution holes.  Walk up or along run an undetermined distance (more than ¼ mile) to spring.

Spring Description
The authors have not yet reached the head of this spring, the mouth of which is at the back of the spring run for the Chassahowitzka Solution Holes.  JF waded up the run approximately ¼ mile before turning back, and the spring was not in sight.  The run is only a few inches deep in most places, with a few deeper holes, and is not navigable due to shallowness as well as frequent obstructions and tight turns.  The bottom of the run is sandy, muddy, and often very soft.  The land around the run is dense floodplain forest and swampy.  Water in the run is clear.  The authors estimate the flow to be either low 2^nd magnitude or high 3^rd magnitude.

Use/Access

• Reaching the spring will require canoeing to the mouth of the run and then walking in or along the spring run.  JF was in beach shoes and shorts and made poor headway walking in the run.  The people at the camp store had no information on the length of the run.  Check with the camp store about hunting season dates; during this period it may be dangerous to traverse the spring run.
• The nearby Chassahowitzka River Campground includes primitive and modern camping, a camp store, boat rentals, a telephone, and restrooms.  Canoes can be rented for a reasonable fee.
• The Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge begins 3-4 miles below this spring.  It is accessible only by boat, and is closed to human visitors from October 15-February 15 each year to protect wildlife.  The refuge provides sanctuary for 250 species of birds, over 40 types of reptiles and amphibians, and more than 25 types of mammals ("Chass. National Wildlife Refuge," U.S.F.W.S., n.d.).

Personal Impressions
The authors would very much like to see this spring.  It would be useful to know whether the run is 1/3 mile, ½ mile, 1 mile, or 5 miles in length.  JF's estimate is that it is less than a mile unless the run turns north away from U.S. 19.

Nearby Springs

• Other Chassahowitzka River springs (Chassahowitzka Main Spring, Crab Creek Springs, Lettuce Spring, Houseboat Spring, The Crack, Salt Springs, Potter Spring, Ruth Spring, Beteejay Spring, Blue Run Spring)
• Blue Spring
• Crystal River
• Homosassa Springs
• Weeki Wachee Spring
• Rainbow Springs

Summary of Features
Scale—2^nd magnitude
Scenery—very good
How Pristine?—houses and dock adjacent to springs
Swimming—fair-poor
Protection—unknown
Crowds—occasional boaters
Access—boat only, no land access
Facilities—excellent nearby
Safety—very good
Scuba—unknown
Cost—$1.50 to park nearby, more to rent boat or canoe

Directions
From intersection of U.S. 19 and U.S. 98, go west on Highway 480, a.k.a. Miss Maggie's Drive. Follow 1.7 miles to the end, passing small homes and the Chassahowitzka River Lodge on the right. Turn right at signs for the Chassahowitzka River Campground and follow to headwaters. From the boat ramp, go downriver about 250 feet and then go right or north into Crab Creek and about 200 feet to the springs on the west side and at the back of the run.

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
Three spring vents are located at the back end of Crab Creek. Each is a limestone opening amid aquatic vegetation.  The depths of the vents vary but appear to be 6-10 feet.  There are strong slicks or boils from each opening, and fish swim in the vent areas.  The water is milky, and there are chalky deposits on the vegetation around the springs.  Champion & Starks note that one of the vents formed in the 1980s (May 2001, p. 70).

The springs create a short run called Crab Creek, which is about 80 feet wide and 300 feet in length. The depth and salinity of the run varies with the tide.  The run is richly vegetated and the surrounding land is dense forest and swamp.  Two houses are located adjacent to the springs, and there is a dock near the back spring.  Herons, vultures, kingfishers, and other birds are commonly seen.

DeLoach (1997) calls these springs the Three Sisters and notes that they may be dived to depths of up to 20 feet (p. 115).

Use/Access

• With the springs so close to the houses (20-30 feet), visitors feel like intruders and typically do not linger at the site. One can jump out of a boat/canoe and snorkel or dive the springs as long as no landfall is made.
• The nearby Chassahowitzka River Campground includes primitive and modern camping, a camp store, boat rentals, a telephone, and restrooms. Canoes can be rented for a reasonable fee.
• The Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge begins 3-4 miles below these springs. It is accessible only by boat, and is closed to human visitors from October 15-February 15 each year to protect wildlife. The refuge provides sanctuary for 250 species of birds, over 40 types of reptiles and amphibians, and more than 25 types of mammals ("Chass. National Wildlife Refuge," U.S.F.W.S., n.d.).

Nearby Springs

• Other Chassahowitzka River springs (Chassahowitzka Main Spring, Solution Hole Springs, Lettuce Spring, Houseboat Spring, The Crack, Salt Springs, Potter Spring, Ruth Spring, Beteejay Spring, Blue Run Spring)
• Blue Spring
• Crystal River
• Homosassa Springs
• Weeki Wachee Spring
• Rainbow Springs

Summary of Features
Scale—3^rd magnitude (estimated)
Scenery—excellent in run, fair at spring
How Pristine?—pristine run, house at spring
Swimming—no
Protection—unknown
Crowds—none
Access—difficult, boat only
Facilities—none
Safety—unknown
Scuba—no
Cost—free

Directions
From intersection of U.S. 19 and U.S. 98, go west on Highway 480, a.k.a. Miss Maggie's Drive.  Follow 1.7 miles to the end, passing small homes and the Chassahowitzka River Lodge on the right.  Turn right at signs for the Chassahowitzka River Campground and follow to headwaters.  From the boat ramp, go downriver 1-2 minutes from the mouth of Crab Creek, past stand of wild rice on the left, and look for small entrance/mouth of Lettuce Spring run. Paddle up run ½ mile or so to spring.

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 is in a cleared area after a run through dense floodplain forest and subtropical vegetation.  The spring forms an oval pool about 20 by 40 feet.  The spring issues from a small vent at the back right corner of the pool as you enter from the run.  There is a rock retaining wall on the developed side of the spring.  Water flows from a small opening that appears to be 4-5 feet deep.  On the two times the authors visited (in 1999 and 2000), the pool was filled with aquatic vegetation except at the vent.  Water in the pool is milky and bluish at the vent only.  A small house is adjacent to the spring and about 30 feet from the pool.  The run is 4-10 feet wide, varies in depth with the tide from a few inches to 2 feet, and is somewhat obstructed.  The run splits just outside the spring pool, and the smaller, unnavigable run seems to join the main run further downstream.  Heavy vegetation at the mouth of the run can make spotting the run and access to it somewhat difficult.

Use/Access

• The spring is in the backyard of a house, and the authors felt like intruders and were concerned about the homeowners’ reaction if they were at home.
• The nearby Chassahowitzka River Campground includes primitive and modern camping, a camp store, boat rentals, a telephone, and restrooms.  Canoes can be rented for a reasonable fee.
• The Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge begins 3-4 miles below this spring.  It is accessible only by boat, and is closed to human visitors from October 15-February 15 each year to protect wildlife.  The refuge provides sanctuary for 250 species of birds, over 40 types of reptiles and amphibians, and more than 25 types of mammals ("Chass. National Wildlife Refuge," U.S.F.W.S., n.d.).

Nearby Springs

• Other Chassahowitzka River springs (Chassahowitzka Main Spring, Crab Creek Springs, The Crack, Houseboat Spring, Salt Springs, Potter Spring, Ruth Spring, Beteejay Spring, Blue Run Spring)
• Blue Spring
• Crystal River
• Homosassa Springs
• Weeki Wachee Spring
• Rainbow Springs

*Note:  While DeLoach calls this spring "Houseboat" and the main spring at the back of Baird Creek "Blue," other sources reverse the names.  The authors of this document have not determined which name is the correct one for each of the two springs.

Summary of Features
Scale—unknown
Scenery—fine
How Pristine?—very pristine
Swimming—fair, fine snorkeling
Protection—unknown
Crowds—boats and fishermen in small numbers
Access—very good, boat only
Facilities—excellent nearby
Safety—very good
Scuba—yes
Cost—$1.50 to park nearby, more to rent canoe or boat

Directions
From intersection of U.S. 19 and U.S. 98, go west on Highway 480, a.k.a. Miss Maggie's Drive. Follow 1.7 miles to the end, passing small homes and the Chassahowitzka River Lodge on the right. Turn right at signs for the Chassahowitzka River Campground and follow to headwaters. From the boat ramp, go downriver about 1/3 mile and look for spring basin opening on the left (south).

For maps, latitude/longitude data, driving directions, satellite imagery, and topographic representations as well as weather conditions at this spring, go to Greg Johnson's informative "Florida Springs Database" web site at the following address:  http://www.ThisWaytothe.Net/springs/floridasprings.htm#Florida

Spring Description
The spring forms a circular cove or bay that is about 150 feet in diameter and over 20 feet deep.  Flow is clear and from small limestone openings on the bottom, but is not sufficiently strong or great to make the bottom visible from the surface.  JF was told by a diver that this spring reverses when the tide is high.  There is aquatic vegetation in the pool, and fish, including mullet and needlefish, are abundant.  There was no visible boil on dates of visit in 1999 and 2000.  The pool opens directly to the river.

At the back (SW) end of the spring basin, another spring run enters the cove.  On dates of visit