Lineater Spring USA

Stevenson Spring, nestled on the eastern bank of the Suwannee River, just north of Suwannee River State Park, invites you to uncover its unique charm. This guide unravels the mystery behind its name, the site’s geological significance, and the recent renaming in honor of a dedicated conservationist.

• Region: Florida
• Coordinates: 30.4167, -83.1528
• Depth:
• Remarks: Suwannee River
• Type: Cave

Location: Riverside Wonder

Stevenson Spring graces the eastern bank of the Suwannee River, offering a tranquil and picturesque location for nature enthusiasts. It distinguishes itself with a powerful flow of water that emerges from a cavern opening within the limestone bank.

Geological Marvel: Falmouth Spring Connection

Recent research has unveiled a remarkable connection – Stevenson Spring is believed to serve as the outflow point of Falmouth Spring, a karst window located several miles to the south. With an impressive average output of 92 cubic feet per second, equivalent to nearly 60 million gallons daily, Stevenson Spring plays a significant role in the region’s hydrology.

Name Origins: Lineater to Stevenson Spring

The story behind Stevenson Spring’s name is an adventure in itself. Originally known as “Lineater,” this spring earned its distinctive name after an extraordinary diving expedition. Guy Bryant and Lee Sams, intrepid explorers, christened it during their second dive at this uncharted site. As they emerged from the depths, Guy exclaimed to Lee, “Man, this place is a real line eater,” referring to the substantial length of line they had deployed in just two dives in this untouched underwater system.

Both divers found the name endearing, and it stuck. When the spring was under the ownership of Bernice Warner, Guy Bryant approached him for permission to bestow this unique name upon the spring. To Warner’s delight, he had no objections and welcomed the name “Lineater.”

A Tribute to Conservation: Stevenson Spring

In more recent times, Stevenson Spring underwent a meaningful transformation in its nomenclature. It was renamed “Stevenson Spring” to pay tribute to Jim Stevenson, a prominent figure who chaired the Florida Springs Task Force and made significant contributions to the state’s conservation initiatives.

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