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Hydroelectric Power

Suniland Magazine

1925

The question of power is one of the greatest problems of Florida. A few years ago authorities conceded Florida a potential hydroelectric development of only 4,000 horsepower but today there is being developed in the state at least 10,000 horsepower, and many other projects are either being undertaken or are in process of formation. There is a great need at present for a thorough survey of the waterpower possibilities of Florida. Throughout the State, especially on the Gulf Coast, there are a myriad rivers that one day will be harnessed to man's need, and the sooner their possibilities have been determined the sooner the State will develop in an industrial way.

The largest hydroelectric development in Florida at present is that of the Florida Power Company, on the Withlacoochee River, a few miles from Dunellon, in Citrus County, where approximately 5,000 primary horsepower is being developed, and where by modifications to the power plant and the installation of an additional unit it is expected to more than double the present output. Power from this development is now being carried over high-power transmission lines to an extended territory in Citrus, Marion, Sumter, Hernando, Pasco. and Pinellas counties, some of the more important communities served being Ocala, Inverness, Leesburg, Dade City, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg. The Florida Power Company is now completing the studies for the development of yet other waterways to meet the ever increasingly power needs of this rapidly growing section of Florida, and also expects to develop immediately approximately 5,000 horsepower on the Ocklockne, to meet the needs of Tallahassee, the capital city of the State, and a wide section of Western Florida.

On the Hillsborough River, near Tampa, the Tampa Electric Company, a subsidiary of Stone Webster, of Boston, has a small installation that is developing about 900 horsepower, while in Jackson County, the City of Marianna is being furnished with its power needs from a hydroelectric development at Blue Springs. Plans have been consummated for a 10,000 horsepower development on the Santa Fe River, and a number of other projects are in contemplation.

Source:
Excerpt from: Agassiz, Garnault. "Florida in Tomorrow's Sun."
Suniland, Nov. 1925, Vol.3, No.2., Pgs. 37-45; 88-94; 113-133

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