Location:
Jackson Blue Springs is about 5 miles east of the
city limits of Marianna in the northeast end of Merritts Mill Pond. From
Marianna, drive 1 mile east on U.S. Hwy 90, 1.1 miles north on State Hwy
71, and 3.3 miles east on State Hwy 164. The spring is centered on the recreational
park.
Description:
Numerous springs feed Merritts Mill Pond. The main
spring is at the head of the pond, a second is about 300 ft downstream,
and a third about 1,000 ft downstream. Numerous small springs and sinks
are reported to border the four mile long southwest trending pond that
discharges through the base of the dam at U.S. Hwy 90. The springs are
tributary to the Chipola River in an area of clay hills, farms, and woodlands,
with limestone at or near the surface. The main spring vent is near a concrete
diving platform at the head of the pool. Water depths are 15 to 20 ft below the
diving board. Jackson Blue is closed during the summer months to allow
recreational swimmers access to the water. One must have full cave certification
before diving this site. The magnesium gives the entrance an incredible blue
color. WKPP team members Scott Hunsucker and Heather Choat have fought hard
to keep access open for cave divers as the site has been opened and closed
many times. Currently is costs $25 to get in for a single day or you can
purchase an annual pass for $150. It is open for cavern and cave divers (must
get key from sheriff's office) only until Memorial day at which time it will
close to divers during park hours. Call ahead and check to see if diving can be
conducted after the park closes for the day. Check in and pay at the Jackson
County Sheriff's office just west of downtown Marianna. Jackson County
government continues
to make it harder for cave divers to access the site. Parking is no longer
permitted near the bath house and all cave divers must park on top of the
hill above the spring. The Jackson County Commissioners proposed in May of 2001
to increase the prices to $30 per day and $300 for a year pass.
This increase only affects cave divers and is being used to fund improvements
(that will undoubtedly not help the diver in any way), though as of yet pricing
has not changed. Contact the board
and let them know of your opinion and include information such as how often
you dive in Jackson County and how much you usually spend on each trip.
If anyone has a good map or surface picture, please pass it along.
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