“Hop on, hop off and explore High Springs.”
That’s the encouragement from the new Springs Hopper shuttle beginning its first routes on Saturday, just in time for America’s semiquincentennial celebration.
Starting on the Fourth of July, Springs Hopper will service six different stops every hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. all for free for residents and visitors.
Stops include the downtown Chamber of Commerce serving as the hub, Florida Springs Institute, High Springs History Museum, Canoe Outpost, O’leno State Park and Poe Springs. The service will run for 21 Saturdays through peak tourism season and into the fall. The Springs Hopper will permit service animals.
“This is about creating a better visitor experience, supporting local businesses, and showcasing everything that makes High Springs such a special destination,” posted HoneyBee Ventures, who pushed to launch the shuttle, on Facebook. “We’re proud to help bring this exciting new program to life and can’t wait to welcome riders aboard the Springs Hopper Bus!”
Springs Hopper is a partnership between the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and John and Brad Millett, local business owners who also run Serendipity Vintage Soda & Sweets through HoneyBee Ventures.
During the December 2025 CRA meeting, John Millett said he got the idea for the shuttle as he learned about the ebbs and flows of High Springs tourism via feedback from people who stayed at his local Airbnb property.
He found that people came from all over the world to visit the springs, but they never made it to downtown because they had to stay at the parks once they reached capacity.
The Milletts wanted to create a way for people to tap into the entire city, which has 24 natural springs within a 12-mile radius as part of the state harboring the highest concentration of natural springs on earth.
“We had always come up with fun things to do in High Springs, it’s a great town, it’s why we live here. But you kind of have to know who to ask,” John said. “So the idea of being able to bring all these springs into downtown into one easily manageable place, people can enjoy all the nature up here.”
The City Commission finalized a $20,000 CRA grant in May for the $30,000 project, which aims to increase tourism, strengthen the CRA’s economy, improve visitor experiences, mobility and reduce the strain on parking.
The costs cover fuel, a driver and insurance for one year of service contracted through High Springs based Get Up & Go Transport LLC.
CRA Manager Amy Bohannon also said the shuttle was a great use of the entity’s funds and that many cities around Florida are starting similar shuttle services.
Advertising revenue will also be generated through sponsorship placements and digital displays onboard the shuttle.
