Jackson Blue Springs is located approximately five miles east of Marianna. The spring, which is a listed First Magnitude Spring of Florida, supplies water to a 202 acre reservoir known as Merritt’s Millpond, a nationally known fishing site. More than forty years ago the Federal Government owned the Blue Springs site and operated an officer’s club for members of Graham Air Force Base. For approximately forty years the primary spring and headwater of the Millpond has been leased to Jackson County and managed as a recreation area with swimming, picnicking, and limited SCUBA training and exploration. Merritt’s Millpond serves as one of Jackson County’s most popular fishing and boating areas.

A variety of natural wooded growth indigenous to the area can be seen at the site, including ferns, Cypress stands, Pines, Magnolias and other hardwoods. Typical animals include those associated with upland hardwood forests, and certain bird species, such as Kingfisher, Rough-winged Swallow, and Bank Swallow. The Jackson Blue Springs cave complex provides a home for two rare obligatory aquatic cave dwelling animals: Georgia Blind Salamander and Doughterty Plain Cave Crayfish. Historically, this site has been used by the public for recreation, and can be accessed via the water or a County paved road.

Jackson County has completely revamped this beautiful recreational site. It is just stunning, one of the most beautiful places you will ever see, the water is clearer than Lake Tahoe, and the water temperature is perfect for swimming. If you need some time to relax, this is the place to go. It has volley ball courts, a new children's play ground, park benches, a beach to lay out on, new boating docks, and much much more.