Sulphur Springs, Seffner, FL, 33584

## Overview Sulphur Springs is a historic natural spring located in central Tampa, Florida. Once a beloved recreational destination, the spring and its surrounding area were home to an arcade and amusement center that has been called one of the first indoor malls in the United States. During its heyday in the early-to-mid 20th century, Sulphur Springs was a major attraction, drawing visitors who came to swim in the spring-fed pool and enjoy the vibrant entertainment district that grew up around it. The spring is named for its characteristic sulphur content, which gives the water a distinctive mineral smell. Over the decades, water quality declined due to contamination filtering in from neighboring sinkholes and urban runoff, leading the City of Tampa to restrict public access to the spring pool. Restoration efforts have been underway to return Sulphur Springs to a healthier, more natural state, and reports indicate the spring is gradually recovering. **Note:** The GPS coordinates and address listed for this entry (pointing to Live Oak in Suwannee County) do not match the known location of Sulphur Springs, which is situated in the Sulphur Springs neighborhood of Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL. Visitors should navigate to the Sulphur Springs area of Tampa near the Hillsborough River, not to the Live Oak address. ## Directions 1. From downtown Tampa, head north on **N Nebraska Avenue (US-41)** for approximately 4 miles. 2. The Sulphur Springs neighborhood and the spring itself are located near the intersection of **N Nebraska Avenue and E Bird Street**, along the **Hillsborough River**. 3. Look for **Sulphur Springs Park** and the distinctive spring pool area adjacent to the river. Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. 4. The spring pool is currently restricted from public swimming, but the surrounding park area and river walk may be accessible depending on the status of ongoing restoration projects. ## What to Expect Sulphur Springs sits along the Hillsborough River in a historic Tampa neighborhood that bears its name. The spring itself is a second-magnitude spring that once produced millions of gallons of water per day. The water has a noticeable sulphur odor, characteristic of springs with elevated hydrogen sulfide content. Public access to the spring pool has been restricted for years due to water quality concerns — contamination from neighboring sinkholes and urban sources prompted the city to close swimming access. However, the City of Tampa has invested in restoration efforts aimed at improving water quality and potentially reopening the spring for public enjoyment in the future. Visitors can still explore the surrounding area, which includes remnants of the once-thriving commercial district. The neighborhood retains a sense of its storied past, and the Hillsborough River provides a scenic backdrop. Check with the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation for the latest information on access and restoration progress before planning your visit. The water at Sulphur Springs has historically been used as a recreational water source rather than a drinking water source, and public access remains limited. Visitors should not enter restricted areas or consume the water.