Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/203490
Sarasota News Leader November 1, 2013 Page 26 classification as a protected site for geological or environmental use only, causing several commissioners and county staff to question the $2.11 million appraised value obtained by the university. Certain facilities for educational use or scientific research can be added to the property, and tours of the spring may be conducted, but any additional development is prohibited under the agreement in which the University of Miami acquired the 112 acres in 1982. Little Salt Spring was donated to the university in 1982 by the developer who platted much of North Port. Initial media reports after the university announced its intention to sell the spring quoted university officials as stating that the impetus for finding a buyer was the Rosenstiel School's decision that it no longer could afford the $100,000 annual cost for a full-time caretaker and maintenance of the property. Because of cuts in funding to the university's Rosenstiel School's Division of Marine Affairs program — which managed research at the spring — the university is looking to sell the property. Robinson noted she did not want to see the state take over permanent control of the spring. Commissioners seemed perplexed at the possibility that the university could be seeking something in the range of the $2.11 million appraisal. That amount would drain nearly a quarter of the remaining funding in the county's County staff also had concerns about the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection restrictions on the property. For instance, Program. restrooms cannot be built on the land near the spring, even though only the spring and According to the University of Miami's Oct. 28 creek are considered environmentally sensi- statement: "At this time, we are in the process of complying with the requirements of the tive property. Environmentally Sensitive Land Acquisition "With the deed restrictions intact the poten- Program (ESLAP), for which the County tial uses of the site are limited," wrote Amy Commission unanimously recommended the Meese, director of natural resources for the land." county, in agenda paperwork for commissioners. "The commission has voiced [its] interest County staff told the commissioners that a in ensuring public access to ESLPP sites. No state organization would have to oversee unmonitored access would be available for transfer of the property from the University of Miami to the county, because of stipulapublic access and recreation." tions in the 1982 transfer of Little Salt Spring A BIG UNKNOWN to the university. "I do not believe the state of Florida will come into North Port and look at the needs of the University of Miami officials have not com- community. I believe local government knows mented publicly on what sale price they what's best [for the spring]. I am adamantly opposed to the state taking it over." are seeking.