Poe Springs

Poe Springs, an Alachua County park, is a Second Magnitude spring with an 18′ deep vent which is great for swimming. The spring run is 75′ long, emptying into the Santa Fe River. The spring basin is walled in with steps leading down from a sandy beach area into the spring.

Poe’s historic flowrate through the 1970’s was 72 cfs (cubic feet/second.) Currently, Poe’s discharge rate is approximately 42 cfs. A drought cumulating in 2012 saw a reduction in flow to 2 cfs which when followed by Tropical Storm Debbie, led to a spring reversal. A spring reversal happens when the river flood waters overwhelm the spring flow causing a backflow. Since then, the spring has gone from crystal blue color to muted green, affecting a poor water clarity. Increasing the flow of the spring could restore the spring clarity and color. A goal of restoring the spring has been set to increase the flow to 68 cfs.

The Springs Restoration goal as outlined in Florida Springs Institute’s Blueprint, evaluates a spring by its flow, water quality (Nitrates and clarity,) biology, and human carrying capacity. See the Blueprint for Santa Fe Springs Restoration for more details.

Nitrate levels at Poe are at .3 mg/l . The Fl-DEP established ‘safe’ level is .35 mg/l whereas natural background levels are .03 mg/l. Poe is within the state established legal limit therefore it is one of the few Outstanding Springs of Florida that is considered not ‘impaired.’ Impaired is the term used to indicate Nitrate levels above the .035 mg/l.

Aquatic plant life is absent in Poe Springs other than algae and some plants along the spring run. Plants ensure the health of the wildlife and improve water quality. The shores of Poe Springs Park have been improved since 2005 when the County began restoring the park and creating buffers with natives plants. See the Poe Springs County Park EPD Restoration Effort for more details.

Historical images collected from the Matheson Museum dating back to the early 1900’s demonstrate that Poe Springs was a recreational destination that included bath houses, a boardwalk, and bank erosion.

Blueprint for Santa Fe Springs Restoration , Florida Springs Institute, 2021.

Outstanding Florida Springs, Florida Springs Institute, 2024

Poe Springs County Park EPD Restoration Effort, 2023.

Springs of Florida (FGS : Bulletin 66), USGS, 2004.