Springs Fever: A Field & Recreation Guide to 500 Florida Springs.

Jurassic Spring

Citrus County

Summary of Features

  • Scale - 3rd 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

Springiana

Jurassic is the most polluted- and unpleasant-looking spring the authors have ever visited, which is saying a lot. In the backwater of the Hunter Spring run, the spring is not adequately flushed out by the tide. One of the big, floating, plant-tearing machines had been working in the vicinity earlier in the day, which may explain the fluorescent green color of the water. Water that got onto JF’s hands while he was paddling left a burning sensation on his skin.

Nearby Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features