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the property, without a doubt the primary friction point between the county and North Port. While county commissioners have gen- erally favored plans to aggressively update the facilities around the Springs and to even allow amenities such as a hotel, the city has pushed to maintain a simple park-like envi- ronment there. That disagreement hasn't significantly shifted despite years of debate. So, with no resolution in sight, the County Commission decided to offer to sell its 50-per- cent share in the springs. The county and city together paid $5.5 million for the property in 2010. A letter drafted by the county and sent to the North Port board this week offers to sell the county's stake for its original worth, $2.75 million, "plus the costs associated with the sale." Response to the sale proposal from the pub- lic was divided. North Port's Ken Maturo urged the County Commission, "Do not sell it to the incompetent City of North Port," and asked the commissioners to wait till after the November elections to see if the North Port board changes. But Lorenzo Whitehead, currently cam- paigning for outgoing North Port Mayor Jim Blucher's seat on the City Commission, argued the county should sell its share. "There's really no surprise," he said. "Anyone with any political savvy could see this impasse coming years and years ago." Of course, the question remains: Does the current North Port board even want to buy the county's stake? And can it afford it? Although Warm Mineral Springs has scenic grounds, city and county staffs say the buildings are in dire need of repair. Photo courtesy City of North Port` Sarasota News Leader July 11, 2014 Page 27