OPEN FILE REPORT NO. 85


Homosassa Springs Group


Figure 17. Homosassa Springs Group (photo by J. Stevenson).


Group Location Lat. 280 47' 57.6" N, Long. 820 35' 17.2" W (NE 1 SW 1 NE 14 sec. 28, T.
19 S, R. 17 E). The springs are located in the town of Homosassa Springs on the Homosassa
River. From US 98 in Homosassa Springs, turn west on CR 490A, then south on access road
to Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. Spring vent, through which all three vents issue,
is just below the underwater viewing platform in the manatee rehabilitation area. Actual
spring vents are within a cave system.

Group Description Homosassa Springs Group forms the head of the Homosassa River,
which flows west approximately 6 miles (10 km) to the Gulf of Mexico. Downstream from
the head springs about a mile, Halls River flows in from the north. The entire river system
is tidally influenced.

HOMOSASSA SPRINGS NOS. 1, 2, and 3 All three vents issue out of the same spring pool.
The pool measures 189 ft (58 m) north to south and 285 ft (89 m) east to west. Depth for
each of the vents is 67, 65, and 62 ft (20.4, 19.8, and 18.8 m) for spring nos. 1, 2, and 3,
respectively. The springs issue from a conical depression with limestone outcropped along
the sides and bottom of the spring pool. Pool is teeming with saltwater and freshwater fish-
es. Water is clear and light blue. There is a large boil in center of pool. Surrounding land
is Gulf Coastal Lowlands with thick hardwood-palm forest cover. Approximately 1000 ft
(305 m) downstream, a fence spans across the river to keep boats out of the spring pool.