With the Sarasota County Commission on
its summer recess until Aug. 18, Chairman
Charles Hines has confirmed to the North
Port City Commission that the board will dis-
cuss the city's offer to purchase Warm Mineral
Springs when it holds its next budget work-
shop, which is set for Aug. 20.
The letter adds that the county board "will
be able to take action on a purchase contract
should the City Commission approve a con-
tract for our consideration."
On July 21, Mayor James Blucher of North
Port sent Hines a letter saying the City
Commission had agreed to purchase the coun-
ty's interest in the Springs for $2.75 million,
including all closing costs, subject to the fol-
lowing conditions:
• The city must follow all state statute
requirements for such transactions by
a municipality.
• A final resolution and contract for the pur-
chase and sale will be brought to the City
Commission with authorization to close on
the deal after the County Commission con-
siders the offer.
• The county "will grant/assign/empower
the City to continue the current contract
with National and State Park Concessions
pending a sale and closing of Warm Mineral
Springs to the City."
Chairs for visitors surround the body of water at Warm Mineral Springs. Photo courtesy Sarasota County
ANOTHER STEP FORWARD
ON AUG. 20, THE COUNTY COMMISSION WILL BE PREPARED TO DISCUSS
THE SALE OF WARM MINERAL SPRINGS TO THE CITY OF NORTH PORT
By Rachel Brown Hackney
Editor