NORTH PORT, Fla. (WFLA) — Warm Mineral Springs Park in North Port is the state’s only warm mineral spring. The site draws visitors from around the globe to the area.
During Hurricane Ian, historic buildings on the property were significantly damaged. Tuesday, city leaders discussed whether to restore those structures or demolish them.
They have an existing $8.5 million budget set aside for the site, but many commissioners indicated that figure just isn’t enough to restore the structures and build a new building for admissions, restrooms, and showers for visitors.
“We are trying so hard to do the right thing. Stuff is just so expensive today,” said Commissioner Barbara Langdon.
Commissioners approved a motion directing city staff to bring back a proposal with the cost of demolishing those historic buildings and building that new amenity structure with admissions, showers, and restrooms.
After a public-private partnership negotiation fell through last month, the city is working to figure out what’s next for the 62 acres of green space surrounding the park. Residents have been vocal in the past about protecting the area from development but felt city leaders didn’t hear them out.
“They just continue to be ignored in the name of economic development. Well, enough already, we don’t want it. We spoke up, and we continue to speak up, and we will continue and continue and continue until they hear us,” said Robin San Vicente.
San Vicente hopes to see the city move forward with a master plan from 2019 that would include walking trails and minimal development on the site.
“There is a whole lot at stake because if you allow them to do this to this property, what is going to hold them back from doing it to other parks? And to our other wetlands?” said San Vicente. “Everything just keeps getting fragmented within our city, within our state.”
“I particularly would rather see it a state park or protected for generations to come,” said resident James Strawser.
City leaders seemed open to limiting development on the site, but some commissioners brought up possible financial challenges the city might have maintained the area long-term.
Ultimately, city leaders did not take any action on Phase 2, which includes the possible development of the area surrounding the springs. They did, however, say they’re open to hearing from development partners with ideas for the site.
There are also plans to eventually connect the Legacy Trail to Warm Mineral Springs Park. The city manager was directed to continue discussions with local groups on how to make that happen.