Jayda Maher, a New England native, stood on the small footbridge above the outlet of Warm Mineral Springs in North Port, Florida. She leaned against the railing and basked in the warmth of Southwest Florida's sun. She appeared to be taking in the sights of the lush natural landscape surrounding the spring -- a much different picture than that of her home state of Maine in early February. This was Jayda's first visit to the tranquil, picturesque Warm Mineral Springs, and it certainly would not be the last.
Florida is home to several natural springs throughout its peninsula shape, but nowhere else, other than the City of North Port, can claim it is home to the largest warm water mineral spring in the world, boasting the highest mineral content in America.
At a consistent temperature of 87 degrees, Warm Mineral Springs contains 9 million gallons of fresh water that replenishes itself every two hours. This natural resource is comprised of 51 minerals, the highest mineral content of any natural spa in the United States. When discovered by Juan Ponce de Leon in the 1400s, it was thought to be the Fountain of Youth due to it's healing properties, which still attracts visitors from all over the world each year.
"We would like to be the wellness capital of the world," said Gene Vacarro, the current manager of the facility. He believes that the unique qualities of the water and the large land area surrounding the spring give Warm Mineral Springs a foundation to create an internationally recognized, holistic wellness resort. Throughout the past 18 months, the spa has taken on new life and has developed into a full-service day spa offering a variety of therapeutic treatments. Under the direction of a new management team, the spring has started its transformation into a wellness center with a multitude of stress relieving services to ensure that guests leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
The spring also has historic value. Warm Mineral Springs has been added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places partly because it is considered by some to be one of the most important underwater archeological sites in America. During exploratory dives in the 1950s, the remains of a prehistoric hunter and seven other humans were discovered in a very well preserved state. Similarly, evidence of several creatures have been extracted from the spring, including saber tooth tigers, giant sloths, tortoises and even camels. "Scientists anticipate that future excavations may reveal findings that may date back as far as 30,000 years, to a time when Warm Mineral Springs was a dry cave," according to the Warm Mineral Springs' website.
Today, visitors can enjoy fresh, healthy, organic foods served in the quaint Café Evergreen. The café fare includes fresh fruits and vegetables grown in a Community Organic Garden onsite. The garden delights are used to create fresh fruit smoothies and flavorful salads. Visitors enjoy a beautiful view of the spring and its surroundings from ceiling-to-floor windows in the café. Those who prefer to be surrounded by nature will find several shaded tables provided on an outdoor patio.
The current spa offerings compliment the overall feeling of wellness from the water. Upon admittance to the spring, visitors will have a choice of free exercise classes, including Yoga, Flextasy, Pilates, Water Aerobics and Tai Chi. For those that are looking for relaxation, services include facials, massage, acupuncture, natural nail manicures and body treatments. There are also spiritual readings, energy service and healing services.
Jennifer Graham, Director of Spa Operations, shares Vacarro's vision and hopes that with time and needed resources, the spring will attract an international audience. "It will be the place to come for an overall wellness experience, from the organic food to the cleansing effects of the spring," she said.
Warm Mineral Springs is located between three international airports, with easy access to Interstate 75. From Exit 193 River Road, the spring is just a short 15 minute drive. Once visitors pass a large arrow on Ortiz Boulevard, they will find themselves in an area of old Florida sporadically dotted with colorful stucco homes. Drivers also will pass the Warm Mineral Springs Hotel, which was designed by Victor Lundy who studied under the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Other buildings along Ortiz Boulevard have similar 1960s architecture.
The City of North Port, in partnership with Sarasota County, recently purchased Warm Mineral Springs, creating a myriad of possibilities for the future of the facility. It is possible that the expansive area around the spring could one day be home to many other health and wellness services. There also is the possibility of protecting one of the United States' most valuable natural resources. In the coming year, the City of North Port and Sarasota County will be engaging the public and surveying what area residents want to see at the springs.
For more information about the City of North Port, visit www.cityofnorthport.com or call 1-800-North Port.
