Spring Forward

The perils of government intersecting with business are on full display at Warm Mineral Springs.

The springs, in North Port, a south Sarasota County city, are one of the more unique tourist destinations on the Gulf Coast. The water, which springs executives say remains 87 degrees, day or night, contains more than 50 minerals. The firm that manages the springs, backed by 100,000 annual visitors, including many eastern Europeans, says the water is clean and pure, with restorative healing powers.

The destination, though, is at a crossroads — and 2013 will likely be a year of significant transition.