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 De Leon Springs State Park was home to Florida’s first water-powered sugar mill, which was constructed in 1832. During the Civil War, Union troops devastated the plantation that stood in the area, and by the end of the century the region was renamed to Ponce de Leon Springs, or The Fountain of Youth, and became a tourist destination. Alain weaves through the park’s lush flora and combative history. Photo: Jennifer Denis

It all started with a cold snap at the end of October. Halloween was only a few days away when the temps began to drop. By the time trick-or-treaters...