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MIRACULOUS WATERS The Springs of Alachua County
Florida is home to over 1,000 artesian springs. Over the last 140 years or so, people have utilized these springs in various ways. Here in Alachua County, they have been used for recreation and drinking water. “The miraculous waters of Florida were said to cure everything from consumption and jaundice to rheumatism and syphilis,” historian Rick Kilby wrote in his award-winning book, “Finding the Fountain of Youth: Ponce de León and Florida’s Magical Waters.” W R I T T E N B Y J O A N N A G R E Y TA L B O T
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MAY/JUN 2024