FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 14, 2017
Governor and Cabinet Approve Florida Forever Acquisition Crucial for Springs Protection
~Acquisition will enhance protection of four named springs
and continue recreational access~
 Blue Springs is home to an abundance of wildlife, including turtles.
Photo courtesy of John Moran.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –
Today, Governor Rick Scott and Cabinet members approved the purchase of the
Blue Springs parcel, a 407-acre property in Gilchrist County, for more than $5.2
million. The
property encompasses six natural springs and includes approximately one mile of
frontage along the Santa Fe River.
“I am thrilled by this opportunity to protect this property, and
the vital springs resources within it, for our future generations,” said DEP
Secretary Noah Valenstein. “I'm looking forward to working with Governor Scott
and the Cabinet and our partners in springs protection to complete more
acquisitions like this one."
The property will be purchased from Blue Springs Properties Inc.,
which has
managed it as a private park and campground facility, known as Blue Springs
Park, since 1958.
"For decades, my family
has worked to protect one of this
state's most beautiful natural treasures," said Kim Davis, Blue Springs Properties Inc.
"We're excited that this acquisition will allow this legacy to
continue."
The
property is located within the Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Florida
Forever project, ranked number 1 in the Florida Forever Partnerships and
Regional Incentives project category. With today's acquisition, more than 60
percent of this project has been acquired by the state of Florida.
“The Blue Springs project in Gilchrist County
is a terrific springs protection project with the added benefit of protecting
riverine habitat along the Santa Fe River,” said Eric
Draper, Executive Director of Audubon Florida. "We're looking forward to
working with Secretary Valenstein and DEP to complete more critical
acquisitions and projects to ensure Florida’s natural treasures are protected."
The
property contains a large second magnitude spring that produces an average of
over 44 million gallons of water per day. This spring, known as Gilchrist Blue, discharges water through a shallow
spring run about one-quarter mile to the Santa Fe River. The other named springs on-site are Little
Blue Spring, Naked Spring and Johnson Spring.
"The
state's purchase of Gilchrist Blue Springs on the Santa Fe River is
a success for public access to our watery natural resources," said Whitey Markle, chair of
Suwannee - St. Johns Sierra Club. "This type of
protection is supported by our organization."
"Gilchrist Blue Springs is one of the crown jewels along the emerald
necklace of North Central Florida,"said Tom Kay, Executive Director of
Alachua Conservation Trust. "Its protection has been the priority of many
organizations for years. This is a great day for Florida and all those that love
our springs."
"Our Santa Fe River is delighted at the purchase of Gilchrist Blue Springs by the state," said Pamela I. Smith, president of Our Santa Fe River Inc. "We look forward to working with DEP to establish a healthy management
plan for this unique and beautiful Florida spring."
"Gilchrist County is very appreciative of Governor
Scott, the Florida Cabinet, and DEP for the foresight to acquire Gilchrist
Blue Springs," said D. Ray Harrison, Jr., Gilchrist County Board of County Commission Chair. "This acquisition will ensure that this magnificent local jewel
will be protected and enjoyed by the public today and in the future."
"The Gilchrist County Tourist Development Council highly
supports the acquisition of the Gilchrist Blue Springs Park. We consider
Gilchrist County the 'Springs Capital of the World' with Gilchrist Blue Springs
in the forefront as one of our hidden gems," said Donna Creamer, Gilchrist County Tourist Development Council. "I have attended travel shows and
introduced visitors to our hidden wonders. Most people, even some native
Floridians, never knew this part of Florida exists. When I talk to them and
show them photos they are drawn into the magnificent beauty of the area.”
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