Springs up for discussion, again
NORTH PORT — Sarasota County commissioners recently informed North Port city officials they don’t want to further discuss a Warm Mineral Springs Day Spa agreement until they understand why three city commissioners objected to a 74-page proposal prepared by the two governments’ staffs after a lengthy July meeting.
In July, commissioners met jointly. They gave staff direction to create an invitation to negotiate, or ITN, for any business interested in running and developing the 81-acre Springs spa — which the city and county purchased together for $5.5 million in December 2010 — for an extended period. Talk of what to build on the property, which boasts a warm, mineral-rich lake popular with international bathers, has included a hotel and medical facilities. The Springs’ contract with Cypress Lending of Naples, which currently operates the day spa, ends on June 30, 2013.