Description:
It is the second biggest warm water spring in the
western hemisphere. Over 9 million gallons of warm minerals issue from
the springs a day! Early native Americans revered the site as a special
place. In 1973 divers uncovered the remains of a nearly preserved 10,000
year old man at a depth of 155 feet, making Warm Mineral springs one of
the most important archaeological sites in the country. The Florida State
University archaeological diving expeditions have found remains in remarkable
condition due to the low oxygen content of the water. This site is now
a commercial bathing spa advertised as a relief for conditions such as
arthritis, rheumatism and skin disorders. Apparently people think the minerals,
consisting of high amounts of minerals including chloride, sodium, sulphate,
magnesium, potassium, bicarbonate, and calcium , give "fountain of youth"
qualities. Those that drink the water quickly find that the minerals also
work as a swift laxative. SCUBA diving is not permitted at this site. Swimmers
must stay within the shallow area the is roped off. General admission is
about $10. The web site for Warm Mineral Springs can be found here.
There is a group trying to end the commercial exploitation of natural resources
such as Warm Mineral Springs. Their web site can be found here.
Click here for Warm Mineral Springs
cutaway map
Click here for Warm Mineral Springs
cave map
Click here for Warm Mineral Spring
and Salt Sink Spring location map
Click here for a text from the cavers archive
about a little history of the sites
