Unbeknown to the citizens and officials of White Springs, a nudist resort has been planned near their town on the banks of the Suwannee River. Even though Suwannee Valley Campground is located in Columbia County, many believe it will directly impact the Town of White Springs.

It was a shock to many and a lot of them spoke out in opposition, including Stephen Williams, a local resident who is up in arms about the proposed nudist resort so close to his residence. Williams has been contacting officials and the media since he learned of the venture.

Randy Ogburn, county commissioner for District 4 in which White Springs lies, is adamantly opposed to the planned resort.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate for this community,” he said. “Even though it’s in Columbia County on the Suwannee River, I believe it will adversely affect the Town of White Springs, the state park (Stephen Foster) and tourism.”

Ogburn said a lot of people won’t come to the park or to White Springs because of the presence of a nudist resort so close to the town.

“It degrades society, it degrades our morals that all our forefathers brought here to this country,” he added, however, he went on to say, “I don’t know if there’s anything that can be done about it.”

White Springs Mayor Helen Miller has been out of town due to a family illness, and as a result, she hasn’t had the opportunity yet to speak with the new owners.

“The Suwannee Valley Campground has been struggling for several years due to the economic downturn,” Miller said. “As we are all painfully aware, the economy has severely impacted tourism and related industries in North Florida. I am hopeful that when any investors are planning historic and eco-tourism developments that they will consider the unique features we have here in the Suwannee River basin.”

Susan Ramsey from the Hamilton County Economic Development Authority said, “My first reaction is I’m surprised.”

Ramsey stated she was not officially aware of the planned resort along the Suwannee River near White Springs.