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.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:26 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:26:21 GMT
It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million.
It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:19 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:19:43 GMT
Hank Earl Carr
15 years ago the lives of Tampa Police detectives Randy Bell and Rick Childers, Florida Highway trooper James Crooks and 4-year-old Joey Bennett were cut short.
15 years ago the lives of Tampa Police detectives Randy Bell and Rick Childers, Florida Highway trooper James Crooks and 4-year-old Joey Bennett were cut short.
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:44 PM EDT2013-05-19 16:44:16 GMT
AP Photo
As many as 60 people were injured in Virginia Saturday when a car drove into a group of hikers marching in a parade. No fatalities have been reported, but injuries range from superficial to critical.
As many as 60 people were injured in Virginia Saturday when a car drove into a group of hikers marching in a parade. No fatalities have been reported, but injuries range from superficial to critical.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:18 AM EDT2013-05-19 14:18:18 GMT
Early English lottery ticket
According to the History of Lottery researchers, after the first English lottery approved by King James I in 1612 that granted the Virginia Company of London the right to raise money.
According to the History of Lottery researchers, after the first English lottery approved by King James I in 1612 that granted the Virginia Company of London the right to raise money.
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
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:00 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:00:27 GMT
They went to school on federally-backed student loans and have now defaulted on them to the tune of $111.5 million dollars. That means taxpayers are on the hook for that money. 895 doctors nationwide
They went to school on federally-backed student loans and have now defaulted on them to the tune of $111.5 million dollars. That means taxpayers are on the hook for that money. 895 doctors nationwide
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:25 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:25:15 GMT
Only two of 13 small SUVs are getting passing grades in front-end crash tests done by an insurance industry group. Popular models such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Jeep Wrangler received only "marginal"
Only two of 13 small SUVs are getting passing grades in front-end crash tests done by an insurance industry group. Popular models such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Jeep Wrangler received only "marginal"
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:26 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:26:21 GMT
It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million.
It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:04 AM EDT2013-05-19 13:04:58 GMT
Security camera image
Winter Haven Police are asking the public to help identify a suspect who robbed an off-duty Polk County Sheriff's Deputy Friday at a Winter Haven grocery store.
Winter Haven Police are asking the public to help identify a suspect who robbed an off-duty Polk County Sheriff's Deputy Friday at a Winter Haven grocery store.
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.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:18 AM EDT2013-05-19 14:18:18 GMT
Early English lottery ticket
According to the History of Lottery researchers, after the first English lottery approved by King James I in 1612 that granted the Virginia Company of London the right to raise money.
According to the History of Lottery researchers, after the first English lottery approved by King James I in 1612 that granted the Virginia Company of London the right to raise money.