Island Spring, Sanford, Florida

## Overview Island Spring is a natural spring located along West State Road 46 in Sanford, Florida, within Seminole County. This continuously flowing spring reaches an impressive depth of approximately 90 feet, making it a notable feature in the region's karst landscape — a geology shaped by the dissolution of underlying limestone that gives rise to many of Central Florida's celebrated springs. The spring features a narrow opening with a silt bottom, characteristic of many smaller Florida springs where the aquifer pushes water upward through a confined vent. The continuous flow suggests a reliable connection to the Floridan Aquifer, one of the most productive aquifer systems in the world, which underlies much of the Florida peninsula and supplies water to countless springs throughout the state. ## Directions 1. From downtown Sanford, head west on West State Road 46 (W SR-46). 2. Continue along SR-46 toward the area near the 8300 block of W State Road 46. 3. The spring is located at or near **8300 W State Road 46, Sanford, FL 32771**. 4. GPS coordinates: **28.815024, -81.405709** — use these for precise navigation, as the spring's narrow opening can be easy to miss from the road. ## What to Expect Visitors will find a spring with a relatively narrow opening set into a silt bottom. Despite its modest surface appearance, the spring extends to a depth of around 90 feet and flows continuously, a testament to the steady pressure of the underlying aquifer. The silt bottom may shift and cloud the water near the vent, especially if disturbed, so approach carefully if you want to observe the clarity of the spring flow. Because the opening is narrow, access to the water may require some careful footing. The surrounding area along State Road 46 in western Seminole County is a mix of rural and semi-developed land, with the Wekiva River basin and several other notable springs nearby — making this a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring Central Florida's spring corridor. Water from this spring has historically been categorized as a public drinking spring, and the area has a long tradition of residents and travelers collecting spring water. However, water quality can vary over time, and visitors should be aware that no guarantees of potability can be made without current testing. The spring is accessible year-round, though water levels and flow may vary slightly with seasonal rainfall patterns. The area can be warm and humid, especially in summer months, so plan accordingly.