Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/97647
'DISTURBED' AND 'DISCOURAGED' A Sarasota County map shows the location of the Warm Mineral Springs in South County. Image courtesy of Sarasota County; Inset: The Sarasota County Commission voted unanimously Dec. 5 on the wording of a letter it is sending to the North Port City Commission. Letter courtesy of Sarasota County COUNTY COMMISSION TAKES AIM AT NORTH PORT COMMISSION'S BACKTRACKING ON WARM MINERAL SPRINGS AGREEMENT By Cooper Levey-Baker Associate Editor Upset with how the process to solicit plans to redevelop Warm Mineral Springs has "unraveled" as a result of the North Port City Commission's abrupt 180-degree turn on the issue, the Sarasota County Commission this week denied a request for a joint meeting with the North Port commissioners. Instead, the County Commission asked the city leaders to outline their objections in writing before considering a get-together. sioners, voted to stall the Invitation process and instead request a meeting with the County Commission to discuss the future of the springs. The city and the county jointly purchased the property — whose waters are known internationally for their alleged healing prowess — in 2010, so any decisions about the springs' future must be approved by both boards. The current agreement to manage the springs runs The North Port Commission last week put the out next June; the county hoped to have a brakes on the Invitation to Negotiate process long-term plan in place by that point. that both the city and the county approved unanimously back in July. Mayor Linda Yates, But the North Port Commission heard public joined by two newly elected city commis- testimony questioning the hydrological health