Send us your Florida questions!

Ryan Smart, Executive Director of the Florida Springs Council, joins Cathy and Rick on the podcast to answer a listener's questions about Florida springs.

Q: If the springs naturally come to the surface, why would the bottled water companies need permits to pump out? 

A: We answer this more in-depth in the podcast, but it's because they don't scoop the water out of the springhead — they tap the spring with a well, and they need permission for that. 

Q:  When I lived in Orlando there was a Spring on the West bound lanes of Hwy. 17-92 in Longwood and people, including myself, would just stop with empty milk bottles and fill up with the spring water and drink it at home. They have since shut the location off from the public and I don’t know the current status.

 A: That's near the now-gone famous tree in Sanford, the Senator, and yes, you're correct, it is closed to the public. 

Q: Could you repeat the ways to help springs ? 

1. Stop drinking bottled water.

2. Plant Florida-friendly landscaping.

3. Turn off your irrigation or change to drip irrigation.

4. Don't fertilize.

5. Connect with and support with a group advocating for springs. A great start is the Florida Springs Council or any of Florida's  Riverkeepers. Get involved!

Things You Can Do To Make a Difference

Berkey water filters

Five-gallon water jugs and USB water jug dispensers

Links We Mentioned

Santa Fe Springs Celebration (April 27, 2024)

Support the show

Question or comment? Email us at [email protected].

Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Keep up with Rick at studiohourglass.blogspot.com and get his books at rickkilby.com.

Find Cathy on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy and everywhere else as @CathySalustri; connect with Rick Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Bluesky (@oldfla.bsky.social), and IG (@ricklebee).

NEW: Florida landscape questions — Send us your Florida plant questions and we'll have an expert answer them on the show! Use this link!