Worthington Springs, Florida facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Worthington Springs, Florida
Town
Town of Worthington Springs
Motto(s):  "Gateway to Union County"
Location in Union County and the state of Florida
Country	United States
State	Florida
County	Union
Incorporated	1965
Government
• Type	Mayor-Council
Area
• Total	0.97 sq mi (2.51 km2)
• Land	0.96 sq mi (2.48 km2)
• Water	0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2)
Elevation	118 ft (36 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	378
• Density	394.16/sq mi (152.22/km2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP code	32697
Area code	386
FIPS code	12-78775
GNIS feature ID	0293538

Worthington Springs is a spring and town in Union County, Florida, United States. It is part of the North Florida region. The population was 378 at the 2020 census.

History

The community was named for early settler Sam Worthington, who arrived prior to the first Seminole War of 1814–1819. The mineral spring on the Santa Fe River was alleged to have medicinal benefits, attracting people from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. In the early years, swimming was segregated, with men and women assigned specific time intervals. In 1906, the new owner constructed a 12'×12' concrete box around the spring to divert water into a 90'×50' concrete pool with a wall dividing the bathing area into sections for men and women. The complex included a hotel, recreation hall and bathhouse for the spring pool.

Independence Day was always a big celebration at the springs. Thousands of people from surrounding communities would converge on the springs to picnic, swim, politic, and converse with friends and fellow Floridians. A special train transported people from Jacksonville for the holiday festivities.

An iron and timber bridge was built across the river in 1908, facilitating access to and from the south. It was replaced in 1937 with the present concrete structure. In the mid-twentieth century, the outflow from the spring declined, and then stopped flowing completely. Activity at the resort likewise curtailed, and the facility was abandoned. The area around the Santa Fe River is subject to periodic flooding, just as the flow at the spring varies widely. In 1972, flow was measured at 233,280 gallons per day.

The Town of Worthington Springs was incorporated in 1963 with a Mayor–council government. Street lights were installed, and a playground was created in the town park. In 1975, a Community Center was built the included government offices for a City Hall.

Geography

The exact coordinates for the Town of Worthington Springs is located at 29°56′2″N 82°25′28″W / 29.93389°N 82.42444°W / 29.93389; -82.42444 (29.933836, –82.424370).

The town is located along the Santa Fe River on the southern county line with Alachua.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.4 square miles (1.0 km²), all land.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the Town of Worthington Springs has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

Demographics

2010 and 2020 census

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 378 people, 126 households, and 89 families residing in the town.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 181 people, 46 households, and 42 families residing in the town.

See also

In Spanish: Worthington Springs para niños