CRYSTAL RIVER, FL (352today.com) – Hunter Springs Park has long been a downtown oasis in Crystal River, offering spring-fed waters manatee views and kayaking access to Kings Bay. In recent decades, it’s come to be associated with an unusual – and largely unfounded – local legend: that the springs were once home to leeches.
The story dates back to the early 2000s, when a handful of visitors reported itchy red bumps after swimming. Without easy explanations, rumors began. Some people whispered about pollution or parasites. Others fixated on leeches – even though no scientific tests or official alerts ever confirmed their presence.
Public health notices, issued around 2001, acknowledged the possibility of swimmer’s itch, a mild allergic reaction caused by microscopic parasites commonly found in freshwater. Signs encouraged post-swim showers but did not mention leeches. Over time, though, “leech stories” persisted – perhaps because they were scarier and more memorable than a corporate-issued advisory.
For many longtime locals, the legend became part of summer lore, even making its way into online comment sections and neighborhood social media threads – not a fact, but as neighborhood myth.
Despite the rumors, Hunter Springs remains a beloved destination. It’s clear, spring water continues to attract swimmers, kayakers and families – many of whom are unfamiliar with the old leech story. No updated warnings are in place, and no recent injuries or leech sightings have been reported.
Rather than reflecting poorly on the park, the story captures something more universal: how small uncertainties can grow into lasting myths. Hunter Springs continues to serve the public as a scenic and tranquil spot. And while the leech rumor still bubbles up from time to time, it’s clear – Hunter Springs was never the culprit.