High Springs CRA Explores Shuttle Linking Springs to Downtown

HIGH SPRINGS – The High Springs Community Redevelopment Agency on Thursday reviewed three business items and explored a new proposal aimed at strengthening the connection between the city’s popular natural springs and its downtown core.

During the Dec. 11, 2025, meeting, the CRA heard a presentation outlining a potential free shuttle service that would transport visitors between several nearby springs and downtown High Springs during peak tourism months. The concept was presented by John Millett, one of the owners of the recently opened Serendipity Sodas & Sweets.

Millett noted that 24 springs are located within 12 miles of High Springs, drawing thousands of visitors to the area each year. However, once visitors enter the springs on busy weekends, they often remain there for the day rather than venturing into town.

“Once someone gets to the springs, they are not able to leave and come back again during the weekend,” Millett said.

The proposed shuttle would operate on weekends from March through September, running from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Millett outlined two routes — a western loop serving Poe, Blue and Ginnie springs, and a northern loop serving Ichetucknee Springs and Rum Island. Shuttles would return to downtown approximately every 30 minutes, stopping in front of the High Springs Chamber of Commerce.

“Every half hour they would be returning to downtown High Springs in front of the Chamber building to drop off people,” Millett said. “People could come to town for shopping or lunch and then hop back on the shuttle and get back to their cars and the parks.”

CRA Manager Amy Bohannon expressed support for the idea, saying it could help draw visitors into the downtown area and support local businesses. She said there may be sufficient funding within the CRA budget to initiate the project.

“There might be enough money in the CRA to get this project started,” Bohannon said.

Millett said the estimated cost for the shuttle service ranges from $15,000 to $20,000, with additional plans to offset expenses by selling advertising space on the sides of the shuttle vans. He said several downtown business owners have expressed interest in contributing financially.

“I have talked with several business owners in town and they are into chipping in to help carry the financial burden,” Millett said.

Millett said the shuttle vehicles would be owned by the organizers, with insurance under their name, but he requested reimbursement for insurance costs. He estimated that $30,000 would cover fuel, driver salaries and insurance for one year. Both Millett and Bohannon noted that similar shuttle programs are already in place in other CRA districts throughout Florida.

City Manager Jeremy Marshall said he wanted direction from the CRA Board before staff devoted further time to developing the proposal. Board members responded favorably, signaling interest in exploring the concept further. The proposal is expected to return to the board once details and financing are refined.

In other business, the CRA unanimously approved a Commercial Façade Grant application from the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute, located at 18645 High Springs Main Street. The institute plans to paint the front of the building, repair trim and install a Florida Springs Welcome Center sign previously discussed by the board.

The total project cost is estimated at $7,500, with a requested grant of $3,750, representing 50 percent of the total. Bohannon said approval is contingent upon the project also receiving a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Board.

The board also unanimously approved a second Commercial Façade Grant request from the GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club. The project includes the design and installation of a two-sided sign and construction of a 7-foot-by-7-foot deck with stairs, handrails and a bench at the rear entrance of the building. The total project cost is $4,977, with a requested grant of $2,488.64.

Additionally, the board approved an updated interlocal agreement related to an innovative policing initiative first approved in September. The agreement allows for an increased cost of an electric bicycle dedicated to policing efforts within the CRA district and enhanced police services during peak hours. The cost of the electric bike increased from $5,500 to $5,800 and was approved unanimously.

At the close of the meeting, board members acknowledged the retirement of High Springs Police Department Sgt. Gary Moore, who was working his final shift. The board thanked him for his service to the community and wished him well.

Earlier in the meeting, the board also recognized the recent death of Sonny Tillman, offering a moment of silence and condolences to his family.

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