Warm Mineral Springs in North Port is one of those unique attractions that makes Florida so special. But now it's caught in a legal mess, and there's a chance the springs could be shut down. Some call it a fountain of youth. One visitor said, "It's different, it's so relaxing and it actually does take care of any pain that you have."
Warm Mineral Springs is the only place of its kind in all of Florida. Take a dip and you'll see- the water's constantly around 87 degrees and many say its highly mineralized water has healing properties. It's certainly been around a while- scientists say a human skull was found below dating back 10,000 years. But the attraction's future is in doubt. North Port Mayor Linda Yates said, "Unfortunately the clock is ticking." Yates says her city and Sarasota county jointly own the property.
But now North Port wants out, and in June the contract will expire for a private company that runs the springs. But Yates says the city and county can't agree on how the sale should go forward. "We're at a standstill, we can't act independently of the county," said Yates.
Sarasota county made an offer to buy the rest of the property, but Yates says the city didn't like the terms, so it was rejected. So now it's led to a mess- the private company's contract is set to expire, and North Port and the county can't agree on what to do next. Yates says it's possible the springs could shut down. "So now, the options are- do we shut it down, or do we maybe hire staff or even hire an independent contractor?" She asked. "What is gonna happen? I tend to keep an optimistic approach."
Yates says a short term solution is needed, but time is running short. A county spokesman says commissioners are exploring available options to deal with this dispute. Some ideas will be discussed at a meeting on February 26th.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:30:04 GMT
Laura Spaulding is used to crime scenes. Her company, Spaulding Decon, is often called in to clean up sites involving homicides, hoarding and other incidents. But this spring, she discovered signs
Laura Spaulding is used to crime scenes. Her company, Spaulding Decon, is often called in to clean up sites involving homicides, hoarding and other incidents.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:11 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:11:27 GMT
Frances Terry Evans faces charges of animal cruelty
Hernando authorities say they've arrested a woman on animal cruelty charges after finding 50 cats and three dogs inside an abandoned U-haul truck parked behind a Publix store near the county line of Pasco.
Hernando authorities say they've arrested a woman on animal cruelty charges after finding 50 cats and three dogs inside an abandoned U-haul truck parked behind a Publix store near the county line of Pasco.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:58 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:58:57 GMT
AP Photo: Navy un-manned drone
The Obama administration acknowledges for the first time that four American citizens have been killed in drone strikes in Pakistan and Yemen since 2009.
The Obama administration acknowledges for the first time that four American citizens have been killed in drone strikes in Pakistan and Yemen since 2009.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:35 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:35:08 GMT
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are launching a new "simplified" loan modification program. This is good news for some troubled homeowners who have long complained that mortgage companies reject their applications
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are launching a new "simplified" loan modification program. This is good news for some troubled homeowners who have long complained that mortgage companies reject their applications
Wednesday, May 22 2013 4:53 PM EDT2013-05-22 20:53:43 GMT
A wealthy Sarasota retiree was tired of air travel options in Sarasota, so he decided to fix the problem the only way he knew how- he's starting 'Sunrise Airlines.'
A wealthy Sarasota retiree was tired of air travel options in Sarasota, so he decided to fix the problem the only way he knew how- he's starting 'Sunrise Airlines.'
Wednesday, May 22 2013 4:45 PM EDT2013-05-22 20:45:43 GMT
Did 78 year old Audrey Mulligan die as a result of her injuries from a sexual assault, or did she die of other health issues? That's at the crux of the murder trial underway in Pinellas County this week.
Did 78 year old Audrey Mulligan die as a result of her injuries from a sexual assault, or did she die of other health issues? That's at the crux of the murder trial underway in Pinellas County this week.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:53 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:53:22 GMT
The state admits it dropped the ball, but 51 year old Wes Diebold lost his license over a 2 dollar mistake.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:30 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:30:01 GMT
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance. But under new legislation awaiting the signature of Governor Rick Scott it could
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:56 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:56:22 GMT
The weather is getting warm in the bay area and pest control experts say it's bringing out dry wood termites. "The phones are ringing off the hook now because the termites are swarming," said exterminator
The weather is getting warm in the bay area and pest control experts say it's bringing out dry wood termites. "The phones are ringing off the hook now because the termites are swarming," said exterminator
Friday, May 17 2013 7:36 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:36:31 GMT
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:00 AM EDT2013-05-17 09:00:46 GMT
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Friday, May 17 2013 4:58 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:58:08 GMT
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:50 PM EDT2013-05-22 18:50:34 GMT
An abandoned U-Haul trailer at a Publix parking lot in Spring Hill attracted attention of Pasco County Code Enforcement officials Tuesday because they thought it might be full of cats and dogs.
An abandoned U-Haul trailer at a Publix parking lot in Spring Hill attracted attention of Pasco County Code Enforcement officials Tuesday because they thought it might be full of cats and dogs.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:00 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:00:26 GMT
Fashion Expert Mickey Williams is back with this summer's hottest swimwear to suit every body type from www.BareNecessities.com. www.BareNeccesities.com carries the best brands for bra-sized swim up to
Fashion Expert Mickey Williams is back with this summer's hottest swimwear to suit every body type from www.BareNecessities.com. www.BareNeccesities.com carries the best brands for bra-sized swim up to
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:08 AM EDT2013-05-22 13:08:53 GMT
The Chicago Health Department's new teen pregnancy prevention campaign is sparking conversation. The new campaign features teenage boys shirtless and pregnant. "The ads are currently displayed on public
The Chicago Health Department's new teen pregnancy prevention campaign is sparking conversation. The new campaign features teenage boys shirtless and pregnant. "The ads are currently displayed on public
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:11 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:11:24 GMT
Going in for surgery
It's a typical story of a cat with a hairball, only the this cat weighs approximately 400 pounds, and what seems to be a giant hairball, is too big to be removed without surgery.
It's a typical story of a cat with a hairball, only the this cat weighs approximately 400 pounds, and what seems to be a giant hairball, is too big to be removed without surgery.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:30:57 GMT
A man being questioned by authorities in the Boston bombing probe was fatally shot when he initiated a violent confrontation, FBI officials said Wednesday.
A man being questioned by authorities in the Boston bombing probe was fatally shot when he initiated a violent confrontation, FBI officials said Wednesday.
