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Frame The Importance of

Commercial Truck Insurance in White Springs, FL

  • Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
  • Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
  • That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.

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percent The Commercial Truck

Insurance Agency in White Springs, FL You Can Trust

Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.

As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.

Commercial Truck Insurance White Springs, FL

We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't

 Truck Insurance White Springs, FL

Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.

At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.

One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.

Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.

If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:

  • Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
  • Exemplary Customer Service
  • Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
  • A+ Carriers Across the Country
  • Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
  • Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
  • Truck Insurance for New Ventures

Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.

chart The Commercial Truck

Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in White Springs, FL

At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.

As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.

Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.

For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.

While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.

Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.

Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.

Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:

  • Business Interruption Insurance
  • Reefer Breakdown Insurance
  • Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
  • Rental Reimbursement Insurance
  • Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
  • Towing Insurance
  • Electronics Insurance
  • Much More

Three plus 3 Safe Driving Tips to

Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in White Springs, FL

Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.

Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.

Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

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 Trucking Insurance White Springs, FL

Practice Defensive Driving

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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 Commercial Liability Insurance For Truckers White Springs, FL

Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

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 Commercial Truck Insurance Quote White Springs, FL

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

 Low Priced Commercial Truck Insurance White Springs, FL phone Call Now

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Commercial Truck Insurance White Springs, FL phone Call Now

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

 Truck Insurance White Springs, FL phone Call Now

check light FAQs About

Independence Insurance Agency

If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.

Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.

Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.

We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.

Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.

Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry

There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in White Springs, FL that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.

 Trucking Insurance White Springs, FL

Latest News in White Springs, FL

Rising above the storm: Nutrien's White Springs phosphate facility rolls up their sleeves after Hurricane Idalia

In the wake of Hurricane Idalia's devastating impact, Nutrien's White Springs phosphate facility rallied to help employees and the community get back on their feet.On August 30, Idalia made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast as a powerful Category 3 storm. It was the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the Big Bend region in more than 125 years and caused flooding, downed trees, electricity outages and widespread destruction to homes and businesses.Volunteers from the White Springs phosphate facility stepped up to form ...

In the wake of Hurricane Idalia's devastating impact, Nutrien's White Springs phosphate facility rallied to help employees and the community get back on their feet.

On August 30, Idalia made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast as a powerful Category 3 storm. It was the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the Big Bend region in more than 125 years and caused flooding, downed trees, electricity outages and widespread destruction to homes and businesses.

Volunteers from the White Springs phosphate facility stepped up to form a rapid action strike team to support their colleagues, many of whom had their homes damaged, and helped the community get back on its feet.

The group began by assisting Hamilton County with clearing important public roads for access to the site and supplying clean water to keep everyone hydrated. That quickly evolved to providing large amounts of ice to keep refrigerated food from spoiling.

Rachel Garland, Government and Industry Affairs Manager at White Springs, was part of that effort. “We spread the word that we were here to help,” she says. “We brought in an ice truck and provided bottled water and ready-to-eat meals – it was one less thing for employees and neighbors to worry about as they dealt with clean-up efforts.”

The White Springs team didn't stop there. They also helped employees with widespread power outages. “With the support of Nutrien's management, we were able to source and distribute several generators, which made a world of difference as the power company struggled to keep up with downed power lines,” says Rachel. “The team also set up mobile showers for staff and their families who were without water and electricity, and provided supplies, such as tarps.”

“This was a prime example of our Culture of Care in action,” says Jeff Joyce, General Manager at White Springs. “We look out for each other and our community, and it shows what can be achieved when a group of determined individuals come together to make a positive impact. I’m proud of our team for rising to the occasion, and I thank them all.”

We also thank the American Red Cross who provided the community with meal and clean-up kits as well as shelters and other resources to aid in the recovery. Nutrien has made a $15,000 donation to the American Red Cross.

6 Things To Do in White Springs, Florida in 2024

White Springs, Florida, is a quintessential small Florida town. There are fun things to do in White Springs, including attending the annual Florida Folk Festival.Considered to be “Florida’s Original Tourist Destination”, this area attracted well-heeled tourists in search of the relaxing, medicinal waters of the White Sulphur Springs.There’s not a lot remaining from its heyday in t...

White Springs, Florida, is a quintessential small Florida town. There are fun things to do in White Springs, including attending the annual Florida Folk Festival.

Considered to be “Florida’s Original Tourist Destination”, this area attracted well-heeled tourists in search of the relaxing, medicinal waters of the White Sulphur Springs.

There’s not a lot remaining from its heyday in the early 1900s, but we have pulled together a list of the six best things to do in White Springs today.

Things To Do in White Springs

Visit Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

In 1851, composer Stephen Foster wrote the popular tune “Old Folks at Home,” and White Springs became a destination “Way Down Upon the Suwannee River.”

Nowadays, the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center and Park, known for its carillon-playing melodic Stephen Foster tunes, is home to the annual Florida Folk Festival and an antebellum museum that pays homage to Foster and his music.

Check out: Celebrate the 70th Annual Florida Folk Festival Memorial Day Weekend

Shop and Stroll Down Spring Street

While there is no longer a bubbly spring, Adam’s Country Store has reopened as Suwannee Hardware and Feed.

We recommend a stop at this historic store followed by a stroll around this small town to absorb its charm.

If you plan to attend the 2024 Florida Folk Festival at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center, don’t miss the Memorial Weekend Festival at the Suwannee Hardware & Feed Store.

The event features live bands, clogging, food, arts and crafts, a kid zone, and the soap box derby.

Suwannee Hardware & Feed Address: 10572 Bridge Street, White Springs, FL 32096.

You will see churches dating back to the late 1800s and several historic homes that stand as authentic reminders of the past.

Bike, Hike, Paddle & Bird Watch

White Springs is an eco-tourism destination, as hikers and bikers enjoy nearby Florida trails and paddlers also enjoy the rivers and springs.

White Springs is celebrated for its extensive array of hiking, biking, and paddling trails, excellent navigation, hospitable locals, and a rich blend of amenities and history.

Bird watchers flock to traipse through the woods where Eagles, Osprey, Pileated Woodpeckers, and Owls call home.

Outside White Springs, along the Suwannee River, is Big Shoals, State Park. This is home to Florida’s largest whitewater rapids.

Hike the trails that lead to the shoals (shallow, rocky rapids). The well-laid-out trail is in the pine Flatwoods, along wetlands, and beneath towering longleaf pines.

White Springs, renowned as the Florida Trail’s initial Gateway Community, has earned the prestigious title of a Trail Town by the Florida Office of Greenways and Trails.

This achievement is a testament to the dedicated efforts of the local community.

Stop at the Old Bathhouse

In 1908, the bathhouse was a four-story building with dressing rooms, examination and treatment rooms, and a concession stand. The circular balconies surrounded a 20 x 30-foot bathing pool cut from solid rock.

By the 1930s, the popularity of the resort had dwindled. The spring, which once flowed at a rate of about 47 million gallons a day, dried up in 1990.

Today you can visit the old bathhouse for free and learn about its historic past.

Lodge in a Slice of Old Florida

The White Springs Bed ‘n Breakfast is an original 1905 Boarding House located in the Historic District of White Springs. Even today, guests love to gather on the front porch and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Back in the day, several fancy hotels provided lodging as the railroad brought visitors to the town.

A fire destroyed most of the hotels, but The Telford Hotel has tried to remain open throughout the years and most recently served as a Bed and Breakfast.

Sadly, in 2020 there was a handwritten For Sale sign on the front door of The Telford Hotel.

Camping and lodging are also available at Suwannee River State Park, O’Leno State Park, and Spirit of the Suwannee to name a few.

For a comprehensive list of local public and private campgrounds, cabins, and also motels, visit Suwannee Valley.

Dine at Fat Belly’s Bar-B-Que & Grill

There are not a lot of dining options in White Springs. We did enjoy a meal (the fried shrimp was excellent) and sweet tea at Fat Belly’s Bar-B-Que & Grill.

We heard they have a good Southern bar-b-que, so we plan to try it the next time we’re in White Springs.

If you want to find other places to eat, Lake City is not too far away and offers many choices.

Looking for other recommendations for things to do and places to visit? See below.

White Springs, Florida: Hiking, Biking and Paddling Wonderland

White Springs, population 776.Sited between Jacksonville and ...

White Springs, population 776.

Sited between Jacksonville and Tallahassee in North Central Florida, White Springs is Florida's version of a mountain town, where music, culture and outdoor recreation come together to form a celebration of the true heart and soul of the Sunshine State.

- Hamilton County Office of Tourism & Economic Development

During a regular week, things are typically pretty sleepy. Visit during an event (the Florida Folk Festival comes to mind) and you'll see the small town swell up into a sea of music lovers and fans of old Florida, riding bikes, peeking in the windows of the Suwanee Hardware and Feed store and imagining what this place looked like way back when.

Looking around, things haven't changed all that much since those early days.

A good portion of the day-to-day traffic in White Springs comes from outdoor enthusiasts, and you'll commonly see long-distance hikers, backpacks fully loaded for the long haul, passing through or resupplying for the journey ahead.

- Hamilton County Office of Tourism & Economic Development

Vehicles make the slow turn into Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park to set up basecamp for a multi-day, multi-activity adventure, first stopping to marvel at the 200-foot carillon tower before heading to the campground.

Here's how to do the big three – hiking, biking and paddling – in White Springs. Afterward, treat yourself to some downtime around a campfire. You deserve it.

On Foot

With excellent views, plenty of services and just-rugged-enough topography, the Suwannee River section of the Florida National Scenic Trail is one of the most popular destinations for hikers in the state.

- Hamilton County Office of Tourism & Economic Development

Follow the orange "blazes" – dollar-sized painted symbols that mark the trail's route – heading into Stephen Foster Folk Culture State Park and along the Suwannee River Corridor. You'll have excellent views of the river from atop high banks, along with the occasional freshwater spring and small waterfall. At day's end, camp right on a sandbar (water levels permitting, of course) or in one of the state-owned river camps that dot the whole section. For maps and additional planning information, see www.floridatrail.org.

By Pedal

You might not know it, but White Springs has one of the strongest bike cultures in Florida. The town has attracted cyclists of all types to the area since the 1970's to tour lesser-traveled scenic back roads and ride wild off-road single-track trails. Each year, the Suwannee Bicycle Association hosts several organized rides and events, drawing in enthusiasts from all over the southeast. Choose your weapon – cruisers are great for seeing the historic buildings and houses downtown, road bikes can hit several routes along secondary roads with little traffic, and mountain bikes can bomb down over 50 miles of area off-road trails. See www.suwanneebike.org for maps and details.

- Hamilton County Office of Tourism & Economic Development

With a Paddle

No trip here is complete without a kayak or canoe trip on the legendary Suwannee River. Start things off at the launch at Stephen Foster Folk Culture State Park, the official start of the 170-mile Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Here, paddlers embark on the adventure of a lifetime, camping on sandy river beaches or living it up in one of the state's river camps, complete with showers and screened-in platforms.

- Hamilton County Office of Tourism & Economic Development

The Suwannee's scenery is top notch, with huge outcroppings of limerick, high banks and ancient bald bypress trees. You've surely heard the name, now it's time to get out there and experience it for yourself.

When you go…

White Springs is located directly along U.S. 41, just a few minutes from I-75 and I-10 near Lake City and Live Oak. For more information on the town's history and other things to do while there, take a look at www.whitesprings.org.

Sinkhole near White Springs prompts well tests

Wells near White Springs in Hamilton County are being tested for contamination after 84 million gallons of water from a fertilizer plant flooded a sinkhole, a state spokeswoman said Sunday.Tests so far haven't found any evidence of tainted water beyond the property of PCS Phosphate Company's Swift Creek chemical complex, said the spokeswoman, Dee Ann Miller of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.Tests are also looking for water seeping into the Floridan aquifer.PCS makes phosphate fertilizer...

Wells near White Springs in Hamilton County are being tested for contamination after 84 million gallons of water from a fertilizer plant flooded a sinkhole, a state spokeswoman said Sunday.

Tests so far haven't found any evidence of tainted water beyond the property of PCS Phosphate Company's Swift Creek chemical complex, said the spokeswoman, Dee Ann Miller of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Tests are also looking for water seeping into the Floridan aquifer.

PCS makes phosphate fertilizer at the complex east of US 41, about 10 miles northwest of White Springs. The complex is also used to stack phosphogypsum, a byproduct of processing phosphate ore.

The sinkhole affected one of five distinct cells the gypsum stack is divided into, said Mike Williams, a company spokesman.

An employee inspecting the stack discovered the hole Thursday and the company contacted state and local agencies. Williams said the area around the sinkhole has been sealed off, but work has continued at the rest of the complex, which employs about 700 people.

Miller said an initial estimate described the hole as being 100 feet across, narrowing to about 40 feet. Williams said an Orlando engineering firm is trying to establish the exact size of the hole and the way to fix it.

Water used in phosphate processing drained into the sinkhole, and at least part of it then flowed into wells that PCS uses for its operation.

Much of the land around the sinkhole is owned by PCS, and the nearest drinking water wells are about two miles away. Tests over the weekend didn't find any evidence of contamination at those, Miller said.

Tests to measure saltiness and acidity are being used as an immediate gauge of whether an underground plume of the spilled water has reached a well, Miller said.

Water samples are being checked for levels of radioactivity, arsenic, sulfate and other factors, but those will be measured in lab analyses that take more time.

Phosphogypsum is radioactive, with levels varying by the location where the ore is mined. While federal regulations ban selling gypsum with radiation above certain levels, Williams said his company is allowed to sell its material as a soil supplement to farmers who grow crops including peanuts and mushrooms.

If tests find household wells are contaminated, arrangements will be made to provide clean water, Miller said. She said people concerned about their drinking water supply should call the Hamilton County Health Department at (386) 792-1414.

Sinkholes happen in Florida after acidic water seeps into underground limestone formations and erodes them. Most rainwater is slightly acidic, and that increases when it's exposed to decaying plant debris, according to a DEP primer on sinkholes.

Phosphate mining is a leading industry in Hamilton County, located off Interstate 10 along the Suwannee River about 80 miles west of Jacksonville.

Williams said he could only recall one other sinkhole developing at his company's facilities around White Springs, and said the earlier one did not involve gypsum stacks.

Around the Banks: White Springs housed a German POW camp

With the death of President George H.W. Bush this week, my thoughts turned to that “Greatest Generation.” The President was one of the nation’s youngest aviators during the Second World War.Again, I am going to turn to some history about Hamilton County and share with you some information I garnered from “Those Were the Days,” a personal narrative history done by the late Mr. John C. “Buddy” Camp, and the late Mrs. Virginia Johnson Daniel, both were born in 1915, and their book is a treasure....

With the death of President George H.W. Bush this week, my thoughts turned to that “Greatest Generation.” The President was one of the nation’s youngest aviators during the Second World War.

Again, I am going to turn to some history about Hamilton County and share with you some information I garnered from “Those Were the Days,” a personal narrative history done by the late Mr. John C. “Buddy” Camp, and the late Mrs. Virginia Johnson Daniel, both were born in 1915, and their book is a treasure.

Robert B Billinger, Jr., wrote a book entitled “Hitler’s Soldiers in the Sunshine State,”

“The last of the branch POW camps in Florida opened in the spring of 1944 at White Springs, Florida. It was one of twenty-six (26) POW camps in the Florida. The German POWS housed in White Springs were shipped from Fort McClellan, Alabama. A company of two hundred and fifty (250) German POWS arrived at Camp Blanding, on April 18, 1944, and immediately were shipped to White Springs.

“Like most other branch camps the workers furnished labor in the piney woods. They were employed exclusively in the cutting and loading of pulpwood and in the repairing of firebreaks for R.W. Hillcoat, a New Orleans Timber Company.

“The German POW Branch at White Springs was a tent camp providing temporary housing for the POWs. According to research done on these branch camps there were usually one large tent for kitchen and mess hall, smaller tents housed two latrines, a shower house, an infirmary, a canteen, and barracks.

“Wooden guard towers rose above the fence at intervals at each corner.

“By the end of 1946 all prisoners of war housed in Florida had been shipped back to their respective countries.”

The late Mr. John C. Camp stated in his personal narrative “I don’t know why White Springs was selected as the site for the German Prisoner of War Camp, but I suspect since electricity was not common in rural area, they needed to be adjacent to water and power. Since my father had enough land inside the White Springs city limits, the War Department rented land from my father and erected a temporary camp on part of my grandfather’s farm near the city limits of White Springs.

“The government had a certain amount they were allowed to pay land owners for rent, so my father never did get rich from these fees. By the time the war ended the temporary prisoner of war camp had been abandoned and the buildings and fence were left intact.”

The Prisoner of War Camp was located where the old VFW Building, Post 150, was located for many years. Tracy and Woody Woodard own part of the property on which the POW Camp was situated.

One story related to the Prisoner of War Camp in White Springs is one regarding the late Mr. Ray Morgan, who was a guard at the German Prisoner of War Camp.

During that time, Mr. Morgan developed an association that became a friendship with one of the German Prisoners named Karl Planko. During the years, after Karl’s release from the prisoner of war Camp the two corresponded and even after Karl’s death, his wife continued writing to the late Aunt Nancy Morgan.

Morris Williams, a valued and longtime friend, Lake City, renowned and revered Columbia County educator, author, and historian, taught in Germany in a Department of Defense School. While he was there, he visited with Mr. and Mrs. Karl Planko who regaled him with stories about White Springs and the late Mr. Ray Morgan.

One other story, Mildred Morgan Miller, stated that one of the men who was a prisoner of war asked Mr. Ray if Mrs. Nancy might have some material and thread. She supplied an old flour sack and some thread and a needle, and he embroidered a heart for her with the words “Sunshine in Your Heart” in German.

Very little remains of this temporary POW camp in White Springs to document this time in history — only a few concrete racks which once held tanks of water and gasoline.

During this time of year when we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, we do recall a time in our history when peace seemed very elusive to many; whether you were a German Prisoner of War in White Springs, Florida, or an American prisoner of war, such as the late Clyde Hillhouse in a Japanese Prisoner of War Camp in the Philippine Islands.

An interesting account of a time when many people were longing for peace, as we still long for it today. Don’t forget to say a special prayer for all the young men and women serving in our nation’s military service. We appreciate you.

From the Eight Mile Still on the Woodpecker Route north of White Springs, wishing you a day filled with joy, peace, and, above all, lots of love and laughter.

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