Spring Hill, Florida facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Spring Hill, Florida
Census-designated place
The gateway entrance to Spring Hill along US 19 and Spring Hill Drive
Flag
Location of Spring Hill in Hernando County, Florida
Country	United States
State	Florida
County	Hernando
Founded	1967
Government
• Type	Unincorporated
Area
• Total	62.30 sq mi (161.36 km2)
• Land	59.92 sq mi (155.19 km2)
• Water	2.38 sq mi (6.17 km2)
Elevation	43 ft (13 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	113,568
• Density	1,895.39/sq mi (731.81/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes	34604-34610
Area code(s)	352
FIPS code	12-68350
GNIS feature ID	2402888

Spring Hill is a large suburban community located in Hernando County, Florida. It is classified as a census-designated place (CDP) because it is an unincorporated area without its own municipal city hall.

Spring Hill is part of Florida's famous Nature Coast along the Gulf of Mexico. It is also included in the greater Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area. The community is situated north of Tampa, east of Hernando Beach, and southwest of the historic city of Brooksville.

According to the official 2020 census, Spring Hill had a population of 113,568 people. It represents the largest population center in Hernando County. It is well known for its quiet neighborhoods, sunny weather, local parks, and close proximity to natural freshwater springs.

Discovering the History and Growth of Spring Hill

Early Origins and Historical Maps

Long before modern neighborhoods were built, the area that is now Spring Hill consisted of rolling sandhills, pine flatwoods, and dense oak hammocks. Native American groups lived throughout the region for thousands of years, taking advantage of the rich wildlife and freshwater springs nearby.

The name "Spring Hill" first appeared on official Hernando County survey maps around the year 1856. At that time, it was located near Fort Dade Avenue, just north of the historical settlement of Wiscon. During the nineteenth century, the area remained sparsely populated, consisting mainly of small farms, citrus groves, and timber operations.

The Modern Planned Community of 1967

The modern story of Spring Hill began in 1967 when the Deltona Corporation, led by the famous developers known as the Mackle Brothers, bought thousands of acres of land. They set out to design a large planned community for retirees and young families moving to Florida.

Originally, the Mackle Brothers planned to name the new town "Spring Lake." However, because another community in eastern Hernando County was already called Spring Lake, the developers revived the historic name "Spring Hill."

The developers created an organized street grid with curving avenues, residential circles, and commercial corridors. The layout was nearly identical to another popular master-planned community they built on Florida's east coast, called Deltona.

Rapid Suburban Growth and National Promotion

The Mackle Brothers launched massive advertising campaigns across the United States. They promoted Spring Hill in northern newspapers and on national television, offering inexpensive home lots in the sunny Florida climate.

Families and retirees from the northeastern and midwestern states moved to Spring Hill in large numbers. The main entrance was marked by a landmark stone waterfall fountain built at the intersection of Spring Hill Drive and U.S. Route 19.

During the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, Spring Hill expanded rapidly. The opening of the Suncoast Parkway toll road in 2001 made commuting to downtown Tampa and Tampa International Airport much faster, turning Spring Hill into a thriving bedroom community.

Geography, Terrain, and Climate of the Region

Geographic Location and Boundaries

Spring Hill is located in southwestern Hernando County along the central Gulf Coast of the Florida peninsula. It covers a large land area with distinct surrounding communities:

• To the west lies the retirement community of Timber Pines and coastal marshes leading to Hernando Beach.
• To the north are Weeki Wachee, North Weeki Wachee, High Point, Brookridge, and Wiscon.
• To the east are South Brooksville, Garden Grove, and Masaryktown.
• To the south, across the county border in Pasco County, are Shady Hills and Heritage Pines.

Total Land and Water Area

According to the United States Census Bureau, Spring Hill covers a total geographic area of 161.4 square kilometres (62.30 sq mi). Of this total:

• Land makes up 155.2 square kilometres (59.92 sq mi) (about 96.06% of the area).
• Surface water makes up 6.2 square kilometres (2.38 sq mi) (about 3.94% of the area).

The elevation of Spring Hill averages about 43 feet (13 meters) above sea level, although some sandy ridges reach higher elevations across the rolling terrain.

Geology and Karst Landscapes

Spring Hill sits on top of a porous limestone formation known as the Floridan aquifer. This geological setup creates what scientists call a karst landscape, which is famous for features such as:

• Natural freshwater springs that bubble up from underground caverns.
• Rolling sandhills formed by ancient coastal dunes millions of years ago.
• Natural depression basins that occasionally form small neighborhood lakes or ponds.

Because rainwater easily filters through the sandy soil into the limestone below, protecting the groundwater supply is very important for the local ecosystem.

Subtropical Weather and Seasons

Spring Hill experiences a humid subtropical climate, which brings two main seasons throughout the year:

Warm, Wet Summer Season

Summers run from late May through October. High temperatures regularly reach between 88°F and 93°F (31°C to 34°C). Afternoon thunderstorms occur almost daily due to sea breeze collisions between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Mild, Dry Winter Season

Winters run from December through February. Average daily highs range from 68°F to 74°F (20°C to 23°C). Freezing temperatures are rare, making the area a popular destination for seasonal visitors known as "snowbirds."

Local Nature, Wildlife, and Outdoor Environments

Habitats and Native Plant Life

Spring Hill features diverse plant communities adapted to sandy soil and warm weather. Longleaf pine, turkey oak, and saw palmetto grow in the sandy upland regions. In lower, wetter areas, you can find bald cypress trees, red maples, and southern live oaks draped with Spanish moss.

The Nature Coast Botanical Gardens in Spring Hill preserves native plant species and provides educational walking paths for visitors to learn about local plant life.

Animals and Marine Life of the Nature Coast

Because Spring Hill is located near untouched forests and coastal waterways, many animal species live nearby:

• Mammals: Florida black bear, white-tailed deer, gray fox, raccoon, opossum, and West Indian manatees in nearby spring waters.
• Birds: Osprey, bald eagle, sandhill crane, great blue heron, white ibis, and pileated woodpecker.
• Reptiles and Amphibians: American alligator, gopher tortoise, eastern box turtle, and green tree frogs.

The gopher tortoise is considered a keystone species in Spring Hill's upland habitats. Its deep underground burrows provide shelter for hundreds of other wildlife species.

Community Overview and Demographics

Population Growth Over Time

Spring Hill has grown steadily since its founding in 1967. The United States Census Bureau records show significant growth over the decades:

• 1980: 6,468 residents
• 1990: 31,117 residents
• 2000: 69,078 residents
• 2010: 98,621 residents
• 2020: 113,568 residents

Demographic Profile and Diversity

The 2020 United States census recorded 113,568 residents living in 44,029 households across Spring Hill. The median age of residents was 45.8 years. Young people under the age of 18 made up 20.1% of the population, while seniors aged 65 and older accounted for 24.2%.

Spring Hill includes a diverse population of various backgrounds and cultures:

• White: 74.5%
• Hispanic or Latino (of any race): 19.0%
• Two or more races (Multiracial): 12.3%
• Black or African American: 5.5%
• Asian: 1.8%
• American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4%
• Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander: 0.1%

Households and Neighborhood Living

Around 28.0% of households in Spring Hill have children under the age of 18 living in them. Approximately 49.8% of households are married couples living together. The community consists primarily of single-family homes with spacious yards, quiet residential cul-de-sacs, and community parks.

Educational Opportunities for Students

Public Elementary, Middle, and High Schools

Public education in Spring Hill is administered by the Hernando County School Board. The district operates elementary, middle, K-8, and high schools that offer strong academic, arts, and athletic programs.

High Schools

High schools serving the Spring Hill community include:

• Frank W. Springstead High School (home to the IB World School program)
• Nature Coast Technical High School (offering specialized career and technical training tracks)
• Weeki Wachee High School
• Central High School
• Hernando High School

Middle and K-8 Schools

Middle-grade students attend several dedicated schools:

• Fox Chapel Middle School
• Powell Middle School
• West Hernando Middle School
• Gulf Coast Academy of Science and Technology (a public charter school focusing on STEM fields)
• Challenger K-8 School of Science and Mathematics
• Explorer K-8 School
• John D. Floyd K-8 School of Environmental Science
• Winding Waters K-8 School

Elementary Schools

Younger children attend neighborhood elementary schools:

• Chocachatti Elementary School (featuring a center for the arts and micro-society program)
• Deltona Elementary School
• Pine Grove Elementary School
• Spring Hill Elementary School
• Suncoast Elementary School
• Westside Elementary School

Private and Specialized Schools

Spring Hill offers several private and faith-based educational choices:

• Notre Dame Catholic School (serving preschool through 8th grade)
• Spring Hill Christian Academy (serving preschool through 12th grade)
• Wider Horizons School (a Montessori school for early grades and college prep for older students)
• West Hernando Christian School
• Growing In Grace Preschool

Higher Education and College Degrees

Spring Hill residents have local access to college education and vocational training:

• Pasco–Hernando State College (PHSC) operates the Spring Hill Campus on US 19. The campus offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and technical certificates.
• Northwestern Christian University operates an online headquarters based in the community.

Public Library System

The Hernando County Library System supports lifelong learning with branches in Spring Hill:

• West Hernando Branch Library: Located on Blackbird Avenue, offering thousands of books, computer access, study rooms, and youth reading programs.
• Spring Hill Branch Library: Located on Spring Hill Drive, providing community events, homework help, and digital media access.
• The Little Red Schoolhouse: A historic schoolhouse that has been preserved and transformed into a community bookstore operated by the Friends of the Library.

Parks, Recreation, and Local Attractions

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Located right along the northern border of Spring Hill, Weeki Wachee Springs is one of Florida's oldest and most famous roadside attractions, open since 1947.

Key highlights of Weeki Wachee Springs include:

• Live Underwater Mermaid Shows: Performed inside a 400-seat submerged theater built into the natural limestone spring basin.
• Buccaneer Bay: Florida's only spring-fed water park, featuring thrilling water slides that empty into the cool, 74°F (23°C) spring waters.
• River Boat Cruises: Educational boat tours down the Weeki Wachee River where guests can spot manatees, turtles, and wading birds.
• Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Paddlers can navigate downstream through pristine forest waterways leading to the Gulf of Mexico.

Community Parks and Sports Complexes

Hernando County manages several parks throughout Spring Hill that provide outdoor sports and recreation:

• Anderson Snow Park: A massive 100-acre sports complex featuring multiple baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, and a large playground.
• Veterans Memorial Park: Offers basketball courts, walking trails, a skate park, and athletic fields for youth sports leagues.
• Delta Woods Park: Features shaded playgrounds, lighted tennis and pickleball courts, picnic pavilions, and paved nature walking loops.
• Pine Island Park: Located a short drive west on the Gulf Coast, offering a sandy beach, picnic shelters, and sunset views.

Botanical Gardens and Unique Architecture

Spring Hill is home to the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens, a peaceful 4.5-acre property with over 20 themed garden zones. Displays include an Asian garden, a butterfly garden, a rose garden, and a distinctive sculpture of Mother Earth.

Spring Hill is also known for whimsical roadside novelty architecture along US 19, including:

• Harold's Garage: A famous automotive repair shop built in the shape of a massive prehistoric dinosaur.
• The Pink Dinosaur: A giant pink apatosaurus statue standing near Windward Village that has greeted motorists for decades.

Transportation Networks and Getting Around

Public Transit: THE Bus

Hernando County Transit, known locally as THE Bus, operates fixed-route bus transit across Spring Hill and Brooksville six days a week.

Major bus routes include:

• Purple Route: Connects Brooksville to Spring Hill and continues south to Hudson in Pasco County, connecting with regional bus services.
• Green Route: Connects eastern Brooksville with the Pasco-Hernando State College Spring Hill Campus via Spring Hill Drive.
• Red Route: Serves central Spring Hill along Mariner Boulevard, Deltona Boulevard, and US 19.
• Blue Route: Operates along Mariner Boulevard connecting major shopping areas and healthcare facilities.

Door-to-door paratransit services are also provided by Trans-Hernando for residents who require specialized accessible transportation.

Major Roads and Thoroughfares

Spring Hill is connected by a well-organized system of county roads:

• CR 574 (Spring Hill Drive): The primary east-west commercial and residential boulevard through the center of town.
• CR 572 (Elgin Boulevard / Powell Road): A major east-west roadway in northern Spring Hill.
• CR 578 (County Line Road): Forms the southern boundary separating Hernando County from Pasco County.
• CR 587 (Mariner Boulevard): A major four-lane north-south road through central neighborhoods.
• CR 589 (Deltona Boulevard): An essential north-south route linking residential areas with main highways.
• CR 585 (Barclay Avenue / Anderson Snow Road): Connects eastern residential neighborhoods to sports parks and commercial centers.

Highways and Regional Travel

Several major highways connect Spring Hill to the wider state of Florida:

• U.S. Route 19 (Commercial Way): A wide commercial highway bordering the western edge of the community, lined with shopping centers, restaurants, and businesses.
• State Road 50 (Cortez Boulevard): Runs along the northern edge of the community, connecting Spring Hill directly to Brooksville, Interstate 75, and the Atlantic Coast.
• The Suncoast Parkway (State Road 589): A modern, multi-lane toll road running north-south through eastern Spring Hill. It provides a direct express route south to Tampa and St. Petersburg.

Healthcare and Emergency Services

Residents of Spring Hill have access to modern medical facilities and emergency care within the community:

• TGH Spring Hill: A full-service acute-care hospital offering emergency room care, surgical services, cardiology, imaging, and intensive care units.
• Hernando County Fire Rescue: Provides emergency medical services (EMS), fire protection, and rescue operations through neighborhood fire stations located across Spring Hill.

Local News and Community Media

Spring Hill is kept informed by local and regional media outlets:

• Local Newspapers: The community is served by the local weekly newspaper The Hernando Sun and regional news coverage from the Hernando Times (a special edition of the Tampa Bay Times).
• Television and Radio: Spring Hill is part of the Tampa Bay television and radio broadcast market, which is the 12th-largest designated media market in the United States. Viewers receive news from major network affiliates based in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

Notable People Connected to Spring Hill

Several accomplished individuals have lived in or been associated with Spring Hill:

• Douglas Applegate – Former member of the United States House of Representatives from Ohio.
• Matt Breida – Professional football running back in the NFL.
• Ricou Browning – Film director, producer, and underwater stunt actor famous for portraying the Gill-man in classic creature films.
• Corey Hill – Professional mixed martial artist who competed in the UFC.
• Zachary James – Grammy Award-winning opera singer, Broadway stage performer, and television actor.
• Huey Whittaker – Professional football player who played wide receiver in several professional football leagues.

Images for kids

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  The iconic Spring Hill entrance waterfall located at the corner of US 19 and Spring Hill Drive

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  Entrance sign welcoming visitors to the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens

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  The Mother Earth living sculpture located inside the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens

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  The West Hernando Branch Library serving students and families in Spring Hill

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  The Spring Hill Branch Library on Spring Hill Drive

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  Harold's Garage on US 19, a famous local example of dinosaur-shaped novelty architecture

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  The famous Pink Dinosaur statue located along US 19 in Spring Hill

See also

In Spanish: Spring Hill (Florida) para niños