Springs Fever: A Field & Recreation Guide to 500 Florida Springs.
3rd Edition by Joe Follman and Richard Buchanan

Independence Spring

Citrus County

Summary of Features

  • Scale—4th magnitude (est.)
  • 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. 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.

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 Nearby Natural Features