Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/140592
Sarasota News Leader June 28, 2013 Page 26 COUNTY RESPONSE "It took a while, but we can go forward now, which has been the County Commission's intent all the time … so that the Springs wouldn't close," County Commission Chairwoman Carolyn Mason told the News Leader June 27, referring to the North Port vote. Regarding the pending closing of the resort, she added, "We all hope it will be as short as possible, so we don't lose any momentum." "It's a good start, and we need to put all the rest of the arguments behind us," County Commissioner Nora Patterson said of the North Port Commission action. "I'm very hopeful that we've turned a corner," said County Commissioner Christine Robinson. North Port City Manager Jonathan Lewis. Photo courtesy City of North Port Robinson was optimistic that the 60-day and 30-day clauses in the new interlocal agreement — which she proposed inserting last week — "will keep the closure [of Warm Mineral Springs] to a minimum." A copy of the flyer advertising the sale was forwarded to county officials on June 25. It says furnishings, wall décor, equipment and supplies will be offered to the public. "Own a piece of history!" the flyer proclaims. Patterson added of the North Port commissioners, "I think they had to swallow hard to accept the county [agreement] as written. I think it's a very positive sign that we should be able to work together." In a June 25 email to County Administrator Reid, Carolyn Brown, the county's Parks and Recreation Department director, indicated staff had verified that only items owned by Cypress Lending would be offered for sale. She "It's too bad it boiled down to 'us versus added that Cypress Lending representatives them,'" Mason said. "It's bad for the citizens." had asked whether the county would be inStill, Mason added, "I think it's all going to terested in purchasing anything. She planned to discuss that with North Port city officials, work out now." she noted. 'EVERYTHING MUST GO!' As Warm Mineral Springs prepares to close, the current management firm, Cypress Lending, drew some raised eyebrows by announcing early this week that it was having an "Everything Must Go!" sale Saturday and Sunday, June 29 and 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Preisser, the county spokesman, told the News Leader on June 27 that county staff had obtained a detailed inventory list. "We have a pretty good handle on what is theirs and what is not," he added. "We feel very confident that whatever they are offering for sale is their property." %