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Sarasota News Leader August 2, 2013 Page 42 Neither Mote nor The Florida Aquarium presented itself "as bringing significant capital improvement dollars to these projects," Reid pointed out in his email. Contacted on vacation this week, County Commissioner Christine Robinson told the News Leader, "I believe that involving local experts like Mote is a step in the right direction. Local experts will be sensitive to heritage and environmental concerns particular to our area, which is important for both springs." Robinson has been the point person for the County Commission regarding the future of Warm Mineral Springs. She represents South County interests on the board. THE BACKGROUND Warm Mineral Springs closed on June 30 after its co-owners — the City of North Port and Sarasota County — failed to reach an agreement about its future in time to negotiate a new management contract. June 30 was the last day of the management agreement with Cypress Lending, which sold the resort to the local governments in December 2010. Thom Stork is CEO of The Florida Aquarium in Tampa. Image courtesy of The Florida Aquarium After months of disagreements — and one facilitated meeting of the boards in April, under the guidelines of the state's conflict resolution statute — the City and County commissions finally approved an interlocal agreement in Although the city and county boards agreed June that will govern the short-term operation in July 2012 to seek an Invitation to Nego- of the resort. tiate for the long-term management of the resort, the election of two new members on SHORT-TERM PROPOSALS the North Port City Commission last Novem- Schult, the North Port assistant city manager, ber also led to a new majority on that board told the News Leader on July 29 that about 55 which was opposed to development. Mayor people showed up for his 1 p.m. tour that day Linda Yates and Commissioners Cheryl Cook of the facilities on the Springs' property. Noneand Rhonda DiFranco have said they would theless, the gathering was not mandatory for prefer to see Warm Mineral Springs operated those interested in submitting bids to serve as a short-term operator. more like a park.