SARASOTA COUNTY — County officials took action recently to help ensure that a bill currently in the Florida Legislature does not prevent authorized excavation for archaeological purposes across the state, including diving at the Warm Mineral Springs Day Spa.

A bill proposed by Rep. Larry Metz, R-Yalaha, expands the area where unauthorized archaeological activity is prohibited to now include land owned by cities and counties. The bill also authorizes the Division of Historical Resources to issue permits for archaeological research at these locations.