Paradise Springs Update

[Ken Hill]

I was at the spring today and had a good day on my new O2ptima and expect to go back and get more time on it. I spoke with the owner Curt Chappelka and he authorized me to post this message to explain recent events at the site that involved its sale to investors looking to bottle water and or possibly the County.

From the onset Curt was undaunted in his efforts to keep the Spring open for diving. To that end he contacted me and asked me to contact the investors and I did. It could have been a win-win had they bought because the investors were looking for someone to manage the site and were impressed by the CDS track record for the property it owns.

I contacted Kelly Jessop and got the go ahead to talk to the potential buyers and Curt ... what could we lose??? After several conversations several of the purchaser wanted an "on site visit" at the last minute. It was also determined that it was fitting that the "Chairman" of this group meet with the CDS Chairman but Kelly (short of installing a JATO bottle on his car) would not be able to make the meeting on time, so Mike Poucher, a former Chairman, who also knows Curt stepped in and met with them. Mike said the meeting was productive and they’d get back to us.

As it turns out the spring will not be sold. No one has any correct speculation as to why one or more of the investors didn't have the desire to buy it. Also, the county turned it down for lack of funds. I also suppose some day the spring will come under enormous pressure to be sold. To prepare for that day Greg Flanagan, a cave diving pioneer and an Ocala based real estate lawyer has agreed to look out for the cave diver’s interests and make every effort to keep it open to diving with Curt's help should that day come.

It is of paramount importance to keep sites open and I am sure Paradise Springs will work with the CDS once again to let it be open to diving. There could be tax benefits to buyers if they let the land go to conservation usage. The assistance of not for profit organizations such as the CDS and the NACD could also be valuable.

These folks deserve your thanks .... now you know the rest of the story. All other versions are well, BS. /Ken

[giles45shop]

Ken,

Thanks for your help in coordinating these efforts be tween the various parties at Paradise! Also, does this mean that Paradise is currently open for business as usual?

John

[Ken Hill]

Hi John,
Yes, Curt said his plan is to keep it open and to keep it up and running. Yesterday, we made a few repairs to the "Grim Reaper " sign and looked it over from top to bottom.

Dive sites are the key to reduce overcrowding and training sites save wear and tear on caves. We need to go diving or shooting. /K

[temrich]

What is the price to dive at Paradise? I live right down the road from it and have never gone there to dive. Also, what is the max depth there? I have been debating that with a few people and the verdict is still out. Thanks and safe diving.

[Richard Atyeo]

The price to dive there is 30.00 i think and the max depth is 140 ft its a nice dive. I live close by too and only been there 1 time should go more though. Richard

[temrich]

Is it worth the $30?

[Corbett]

Paradise is a great dive site! Huge cavern, low key, and a great place to practice.
Kinda warm too 74-75 degrees.

I'm not on the inside, but I greatly appreciate your efforts!

[Richard Atyeo]

If your looking for a nice easy dive its well worth it. It coasts that much in gas to drive to lauraville frome here and you can get in a couple of dives and be home for supper. Richard

[temrich]

Does the owner allow solo diving? I just got my girlfriend OW certified and I dont think she is ready for a cavern.

[Gary]

Is it worth the $30?

Paradise has a smaller niche of the dive market then most sites. Like Blue Grotto and Devil's Den they allow OW divers to dive it with only a OW cert and a waiver. However, it is much more "cavern/cave like" then most sites that allow OW divers.

For Advanced OW divers who have already done Blue Grotto and Devil's Den and are looking for a site slightly more advanced Paradise is worth $30. Also any interested cavern/cave divers would probably find it worth $30 to check it out once or twice or a place to take an OW diver who is thinking about getting cavern trained.