Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/149186
Sarasota News Leader August 9 & 16, 2013 ed and built much of North Port. And Patterson believes university officials favor Sarasota County as a prospective new owner because the county has undertaken earlier initiatives to preserve land near the spring. Page 44 In June, the county commissioners voted to begin the acquisition process through the county's Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. Robinson is confident the university will try "I had the impression because we worked on to make the transaction happen. Because of [that] in the past, [the university] liked the the uniqueness of the spring, the deal would idea of working with us," Patterson told the not be a typical real estate sale. News Leader, referring to the county's effort "I have said, with University of Miami repreto purchase land across Price Boulevard from sentatives in the room, that this is about rethe spring. search and cultural history," Robinson pointed From 2004 to 2007, the county purchased 24 out. residential lots, which are now managed by County staff is negotiating with University of the Parks and Recreation Department. The Miami representatives on the acquisition cost, county-owned land is called Little Salt Slough. she added. But that does not necessarily mean the The discussion between Dr. Kumar Macounty will get the property at a bargain, hadevan, former CEO and president of Mote, Patterson said. and Reid — which could lead to Mote's over- An incised deer bone handle found at the spring appears to have been wrapped in twine for decorative purposes. Photo courtesy of Friends of Little Salt Spring