When farmers started moving to this community it was known as Briggsville, with a close neighboring community of Indian Springs located close to the current intersection of SR 44 and SR 415.
The following newspaper articles talk about the development of both communities in the early days, including roads and drainage districts, and the work of an early farmer’s cooperative, the Briggsville Growers’ Association.
“F.V.M.B. in Favor,” The Ocala Evening Star, pg. 2, Oct. 14, 1914. Retrieved from University of Florida Digital Collections, Feb. 3, 2026. Permanent link: https://ufdc.ufl.edu/uf00075908/03902
“Developing the Indian Springs Section,” Florida Farmer and Homeseeker, ppg. 39-40, Feb. 1, 1915. Retrieved from University of Florida Digital Collections, Feb. 3, 2026. Permanent link: https://ufdc.ufl.edu/aa00087636/00011
Florida Farmer and Homeseeker, pg. 25, Feb. 1, 1915. Retrieved from University of Florida Digital Collections, Feb. 4, 2026. Permanent link: https://ufdc.ufl.edu/aa00087636/00011
“Monthly Meeting of the County School Board.” The Volusia County Record, pg. 1, July 9, 1915. Retrieved from University of Florida Digital Collections, Feb. 3, 2026. Permanent link: https://ufdc.ufl.edu/uf00087347/01367
“Daily News Notes,” The St. Augustine Evening Record, pg. 5, Sept. 15, 1915. Retrieved from University of Florida Digital Collections, Feb. 3, 2026. Permanent link: https://ufdc.ufl.edu/aa00085998/05883
This article describes the early stages of the Lake Ashby Drainage District, voted on and approved by the landowners who farmed the area (click to enlarge).
“Large Drainage District Incorporated,” Florida Farmer and Homeseeker, pg. 20, Nov. 1, 1915. Retrieved from University of Florida Digital Collections, Feb. 3, 2026. Permanent link: https://ufdc.ufl.edu/aa00087636/00020
