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Sarasota News Leader November 1, 2013 Page 23 administrative staff to proceed with discus- Yet, a media representative at the University of Miami sent The Sarasota News Leader sions on those points. a statement on Monday, Oct. 28, that read: Commissioners talked about how little the "Discussions have commenced, but there county should pay upfront for the 112-acre have been no discussions between the parties spring and surrounding property, because as to purchase price." the county, as the new owner, would have to cover annual costs of maintenance, upkeep The statement continued: "The University of Miami remains committed to the successful and security. conveyance of Little Salt Spring to the County "[The spring] was a gift to them," Commissioner of Sarasota as a potential steward to conCharles Hines said on Oct. 23, referring to the tinue its preservation for future generations university. "I know we haven't negotiated a of Floridians." price. I don't see why we should pay anything. There will be a cost to the county to maintain The university's media representative did not comment directly on a question from it." the News Leader about whether the univerRobinson said she did not support "offering a sity was aware of the County Commission's recent offer. large sum of money" for the property. From my discussion with local universities, there are no buyers there. Last spring, I explored the possibilities, and from those discussions I don't think any university in the area has the faculty and infrastructure or the resources to do it. Lawry Reid President Friends of Little Salt Spring Researchers believe Little Salt Spring may hold keys to answering important questions about Florida's history. Contributed photo by Steve Koski, University of Miami