A Historical Trust Just Urged Saving FL's Historic Mineral Springs Park, But Its Future Is Uncertain

Photo bytate of Florida, photo by R. Means, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Florida is not a state that one typically associates with hot springs in the way that say Colorado is. Some Floridians may not be aware that Florida does in fact have one warm mineral spring park - in North Port - that some refer to as a hot spring. Some believe it has healing and historical properties and should be protected, but its future remains uncertain.

What's So Special About Florida's Warm Mineral Springs Park?: The public warm spring park in North Port is the only warm spring in the entire state of Florida and 150,000 people visit it each year - some of whom believe it has healing properties because of its high mineral content.

The spring also has historical value because of the ancient artifacts found there and it is on the National Register of Historic Places. The spring has not escaped the attention of mainstream media. The website The Discoverer calls the spring a "must-see" and the Huffington Post has included it on a worldwide list of hot springs to visit.

The water averages around 85 degrees visitors like to relax and soak up the 51 different minerals.

An Urge To Save The Spring And Spa For Historical Reasons: The Florida Trust For Historic Preservation recently released its list entitled "Florida's 11 to Save" in late July of 2024. The list is comprised of 11 historic buildings that the Trust feels are endangered and should be preserved. The springs and some of its buildings - including the Spa & Cyclorama - were on that list. The buildings were damaged in 2022 after Ian came through Florida. However, the cost of restoration has concerned some city commissioners.

Previous Talks Of Commercial Development Around the Spring: In July of 2023, The City Of North Port Commissioners voted 4-1 in favor of a deal that would pave the way to develop a commercial spa and wellness center around the spring. Some residents expressed opposition and concerns about development around the springs. That deal has reportedly now fallen through.

The Uncertain Current Status Of The Springs: In late May of 2024, county commissioners voted to research rebuilding costs. However, some expressed concerns about the costs being too high once the cost of insurance is also considered.