Aging is inevitable, and for many, it signals the beginning of a new chapter - one where you cross off bucket list items and live life to the fullest, on your own terms. However, for some men, aging is a horrible prospect, filled with chronic fatigue, irritability, and inability to perform in the bedroom. If you're concerned about life in middle age and beyond, we've got great news: there are easy, proven steps that you can take to help stop the negative effect of aging.
Global Life Rejuvenation was founded to give men a new lease on life - one that includes less body fat, fewer mood swings, and more energy as you age. If you're ready to look and feel younger, it's time to consider TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), and growth hormone peptides. These therapies for men are effective, safe, and customized to fit your goals, so you can keep loving life as you get older.
TRT, and growth hormone peptide therapies bridge the gap between your old life and the more vibrant, happier version of you. With a simple click or call, you can be well on your way to a brighter future. After all, you deserve to be the one in charge of your wellness and health. Now, you have the tools to do so - backed by science and applied by our team of TRT and HRT experts with more than 13 years of experience.
For men, getting older comes with its perks, like living life on their own terms and not having to "sweat the small stuff" day in and day out. At the same time, there are aspects of aging that men dread, like hormonal changes. Yes, you read that right â men, not just women, go through hormonal changes as they age. For men, the biggest change involves a drop in testosterone.
Lower levels of testosterone can wreak havoc on a male's mind and body and when left untreated, can result in symptoms like:
Those symptoms are concerning, but with testosterone replacement therapy and anti-aging medicine, many males improve their quality of life with age. The good news is that TRT and anti-aging meds aren't only reserved for "old guys." In fact, there's no magic age at which men should start thinking about hormone replacement therapy. Everyone's body is different, so if you're experiencing the above conditions in your mid-30s, TRT could be a viable solution when you consult with a doctor.
Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men and plays an important role throughout the male lifespan. Most of a male's testosterone is produced through the testicles. Also called the male sex hormone, testosterone starts playing its part during puberty.
When a male goes through puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
As boys turn to men and men grow older, testosterone levels deplete naturally. Sometimes, events like injuries and chronic health conditions like diabetes can lower testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much T, it results in hypogonadism. When this happens, the testosterone must be replaced, or the male will suffer from symptoms like muscle loss, low libido, and even depression.
TRT is exactly what it sounds like: a treatment option for men that replaces testosterone so that your body regulates hormones properly and restores balance to your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates the symptoms that men experience with low T.
Originally lab-synthesized in 1935, testosterone has grown in popularity since it was produced. Today, TRT and other testosterone treatments are among the most popular prescriptions in the U.S.
Without getting too deep into the science, TRT works by giving your body the essential testosterone it needs to function correctly. As the primary androgen for both males and females, testosterone impacts many of the body's natural processes â especially those needed for overall health. For example, men with low T are more prone to serious problems like cardiovascular disease and even type-2 diabetes.
When your body quits making enough testosterone, it causes your health to suffer until a solution is presented. That's where TRT and anti-aging medicine for men can help. TRT helps balance your hormones and replenish your depleted testosterone. With time, your body will begin to heal, and many symptoms like low libido and irritability begin to diminish.
For men, aging is the biggest contributor to lower testosterone levels, though there are other causes like obesity, drug abuse, testicular injuries, and certain prescribed medications. Sometimes, long-term health conditions like AIDS, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease can lower testosterone levels.
When a man's testosterone levels drop significantly, it alters his body's ratio of estrogen and testosterone. Lower testosterone levels cause more abdominal fat, which in turn results in increased aromatase, which converts even more testosterone into estrogen.
If you're concerned that you might have low T, you're not alone. Millions of men in the U.S. feel the same way. The best way to find out if your testosterone is low is to get your levels tested.
For sustainable testosterone replacement therapy benefits, you must consult with hormone doctors and experts like those you can find at Global Life Rejuvenation. That way, you can find the root cause of your hormone problems, and our team can craft a personalized HRT plan tailored to your needs.
Are you used to blasting through a productive day and accomplishing all your daily goals? Do you find yourself losing muscle mass and the craving to be intimate with your partner? Does your partner complain about how irritable you have become? If you're not usually a curmudgeon, your body could be giving you a sign. It could be time to speak with a doctor about TRT and anti-aging medicine for men in Sarasota Springs, FL.
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might be battling against low testosterone:
One of the most common reasons that men choose TRT is because they have lost that "spark" with their partner. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not performing like they used to. Intimacy is a powerful part of any relationship. When a once-healthy sex life dwindles, it can cause serious relationship issues.
The good news is that low libido doesn't have to be a permanent problem. TRT and anti-aging medicines help revert hormone levels back into their normal range. When this happens, many men have a more enjoyable life full of intimacy and sex drive.
Weak erections â it's an uncomfortable subject for many men in the U.S. to talk about. It's even worse to experience first-hand. You're in the midst of an intimate moment, and you can't do your part. Despite being perfectly normal, many men put blame and shame upon themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while the inability to perform sexually can be caused by poor diet, obesity, and chronic health conditions, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, weak erections are a treatable condition. The best way to regain your confidence and ability in bed is to speak with your doctor. Once any underlying conditions are discovered, options like TRT may be the best course of treatment.
Hair Loss
Do you find it harder and harder to work out and lift weights in the gym? Are you having problems lifting heavy items that you once had no problem lifting?
Recent studies show that when men are inactive, they lose .5% of muscle strength every year, from ages 25 to 60. After 60, muscle loss doubles every decade. While some muscle loss is common as men age, a significant portion can be tied to low testosterone levels. When a man's T levels drop, so does his muscle mass.
Testosterone is a much-needed component used in gaining and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors prescribe TRT Sarasota Springs, FL, for men having problems with strength. One recent study found that men who increased their testosterone levels using TRT gained as much as 2.5 pounds of muscle mass.
Whether your gym performance is lacking, or you can't lift heavy items like you used to, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
If you're like millions of other men in their late 20s and 30s, dealing with hair loss is a reality you don't want to face. Closely related to testosterone decline and hormone imbalances, hair loss is distressing for many men. This common symptom is often related to a derivative of testosterone called DHT. Excess amounts of DHT cause hair follicles to halt their production, causing follicles to die.
Because hair located at the front and crown is more sensitive to DHT, it grows slower than other follicles and eventually stops growing permanently. Thankfully, TRT and anti-aging treatments for men in Sarasota Springs, FL, is now available to address hair loss for good.
While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone on your body. Whether you're suffering from thinning hair or hair loss across your entire head, TRT and other hormone therapies can stop hair loss and even reverse the process.
Also called "man boobs," gynecomastia is essentially the enlargement of male breast tissue. This increase in fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances and an increase in estrogen. For men, estrogen levels are elevated during andropause. Also called male menopause, andropause usually happens because of a lack of testosterone.
If you're a man between the ages of 40 and 55, and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
Decreased energy was once considered a normal part of aging. Today, many doctors know better. Advances in technology and our understanding of testosterone show that low T and lack of energy often go hand-in-hand.
If you're struggling to enjoy activities like playing with your kids or hiking in a park due to lack of energy, it could be a sign of low T. Of course, getting tired is perfectly normal for any man. But if you're suffering from continual fatigue, a lack of enjoyment, or a decrease in energy, it might be time to speak with a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish activities you used to love, TRT could help.
A study from 2011 showed that men who lose a week's worth of sleep can experience lowered testosterone levels â as much as 15%, according to experts. Additional research into the topic found almost 15% of workers only get five hours of sleep (or less) per night. These findings suggest that sleep loss negatively impacts T levels and wellbeing.
The bottom line is that men who have trouble sleeping often suffer from lower testosterone levels as a result. If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, you might have low T.
TRT and anti-aging medicines can restore your T levels back to normal, which can help you sleep better with proper diet and exercise.
You're feeling down about everything, and there's no solid explanation for why you're in such a crummy mood. Your daily life is great and full of success, but you can't help but feel unexcited and unmotivated. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed â and it may stem from low testosterone.
A research study from Munich found that men with depression also commonly had low testosterone levels. This same study also found that depressed men had cortisol levels that were 67% higher than other men. Because higher cortisol levels lead to lower levels of testosterone, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option gaining in popularity is TRT for depression. Studies show that when TRT is used to restore hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more improved mood. That's great news for men who are depressed and have not had success with other treatments like anti-depression medicines, which alter the brain's chemistry.
Ask anyone over the age of 50 how their memory is, and they'll tell you it wasn't what it used to be. Memory loss and lack of concentration occur naturally as we age â these aren't always signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.
However, what many men consider a symptom of age may be caused by low testosterone. A 2006 study found that males with low T levels performed poorly on cognitive skill tests. These results suggest that low testosterone may play a part in reducing cognitive ability. If you're having trouble staying on task or remembering what your schedule is for the day, it might not be due to your age. It might be because your testosterone levels are too low. If you're having trouble concentrating or remembering daily tasks, it could be time to talk to your doctor.
Why? The aforementioned study found that participating men experienced improved cognitive skills when using TRT.
Even though today's society is more inclusive of large people, few adults enjoy gaining weight as they age. Despite their best efforts, many men just can't shed the extra pounds around their midsections, increasing their risk of heart disease and cancer.
Often, male weight gain is caused by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism and cause weight to pile on. This phase of life is called andropause and happens when there is a lack of testosterone in the body. Couple that with high cortisol levels, and you've got a recipe for flabby guts and double chins.
Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
The benefits of hormone replacement therapy for men are numerous. TRT not only grants relief from low-T symptoms but can help give protection against age-related diseases. Additionally, doctors now recognize male testosterone as an important role in alleviating depression.
Some of the most exciting benefits of TRT can include:
Because men do not go through a specific period of hormonal changes like women do (called menopause), many doctors refer to "male menopause" as androgen decline. This is just another term for low testosterone, but like female menopause, the symptoms can be serious and affect your quality of life.
The best way to fight back against male menopause is with male HRT treatment from Global Life Rejuvenation. We provide the following HRT treatments for men:
Our treatment options are personalized for your body and are available as creams, gels, injectables, and implantable pellets. To find out if testosterone replacement therapy is safe for you, contact Global Life Rejuvenation today to schedule your comprehensive testing and anti-aging treatment consultation.
Growth hormone peptides are an innovative therapy that boosts the natural human growth hormone production in a person's body. These exciting treatment options help slow down the aging process and give you a chance at restoring your youth.
Sermorelin is a synthetic hormone peptide, like GHRH, which triggers the release of growth hormones. When used under the care of a qualified physician, Sermorelin can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and help you feel much younger.
Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been used for years to treat hormone deficiencies. Unlike HGH, which directly replaces declining human growth hormone levels, Sermorelin addresses the underlying cause of decreased HGH, stimulating the pituitary gland naturally. This approach keeps the mechanisms of growth hormone production active.
Benefits of Sermorelin include:
Ipamorelin helps to release growth hormones in a person's body by mimicking a peptide called ghrelin. Ghrelin is one of three hormones which work together to regulate the growth hormone levels released by the pituitary gland. Because Ipamorelin stimulates the body to produce growth hormone, your body won't stop its natural growth hormone production, which occurs with synthetic HGH.
Ipamorelin causes growth hormone secretion that resembles natural release patterns rather than being constantly elevated from HGH. Because ipamorelin stimulates the natural production of growth hormone, our patients can use this treatment long-term with fewer health risks.
One of the biggest benefits of Ipamorelin is that it is suitable for both men and women. It provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies, boosting patients' overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life. When growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland using Ipamorelin, clients report amazing benefits.
Some of those benefits include:
Whether you are considering our TRT services, HRT for women, or our growth hormone peptide services, we are here to help. The first step to turning back the hand of time starts by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation.
Our friendly, knowledgeable TRT and HRT experts can help answer your questions and walk you through our procedures. From there, we'll figure out which treatments are right for you. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to looking and feeling better than you have in years!
Quick service location offers foods for breakfast, lunch and dinnerLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Some delicious new food and drinks have raced into Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.On Wednesday, Disney rolled out some new offerings to the menu at The Artist’s Palette. The quick service location offers something for everyone during its breakfast, lunch and dinner....
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Some delicious new food and drinks have raced into Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.
On Wednesday, Disney rolled out some new offerings to the menu at The Artist’s Palette. The quick service location offers something for everyone during its breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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“Whether you like sweet, savory, or a little of both, you’ll want to check out this location on your next visit or once you see what the talented culinary team has in store for you,” Disney described on its blog.
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In This Playlist
Owner of Dancing Empanada ready to sell business he started out of trunk of his car
Husband, wife behind Pho Wheels dish out Asian street food all across Central Florida
Owner of Winter Park’s Hen & Hog battles serious health issues while keeping his business open
Universal Orlando shows off impressive menus for Minion Café, Halloween Horror Nights
Pandemic-induced boredom led to success of Central Florida bakery Stackd Brownies
Owners of Orlando’s Kaya mix fun, fine dining and traditional Filipino meals
First Responder’s Coffee Company supports those who serve their communities
Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando sees a growing need for food assistance
Norman Van Aken went from blue-collar beginnings in the Midwest to fine dining in Florida
‘I’ve sacrificed for this place:’ Owner of Alex’s Fresh Kitchen fights to keep dream alive
For breakfast, the chefs have whipped up an all-new avocado toast and the sweet French toast strata – complete with a crème anglaise and bacon or sausage.
If you’re looking for a savory option for lunch, Disney said the foodie spot will be offering a turkey BLT with house-made pimento cheese, a tuna salad sandwich and a margherita pizza. The Artist’s Palette will also offer an all-new charcuterie that includes cheeses, crackers, cured meats and so much more.
After 4 p.m., the location will be serving up dinner which includes options like a homestyle meatloaf, garlic shrimp and an herb-roasted chicken.
Finishing the meal on a sweet note, the bakery team is serving up two new treats including the Artist’s Palette cookie, complete with a strawberry stick “paintbrush,” and the racetrack inspired Derby Day Pie.
Find every episode of Florida Foodie on YouTube:
Click here to read more about Artist’s Palette and to see its menus.
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The end is nigh.After softball finishes in the next few days or weeks — Sarasota High (21-4) is still alive as of May 15 — and the Florida High School Athletic Association's track and field championships are held this week in Jacksonville at the University of North Florida, the spring high school sports season will be over, and thus, so will the 2022-2023 high school season.This time of year always fills me with a mix of emotions. It's always nice to be done with the rush of a season for a few months each summer, bu...
The end is nigh.
After softball finishes in the next few days or weeks — Sarasota High (21-4) is still alive as of May 15 — and the Florida High School Athletic Association's track and field championships are held this week in Jacksonville at the University of North Florida, the spring high school sports season will be over, and thus, so will the 2022-2023 high school season.
This time of year always fills me with a mix of emotions. It's always nice to be done with the rush of a season for a few months each summer, but by the end of it, I'll be yearning for the hustle and bustle of high school sports once again. Before I take a breath and check out on high school sports, though, I wanted to put together a final under-the-radar list for the spring sports season.
Like always, these players are not the only ones who deserve recognition and haven't received it (to this point, anyway). There are plenty out there. But these are the ones that caught my eye for one reason or another. Most of them played on teams that struggled. To me, a strong statistical season that occurs in the middle of a tough team season has some extra spice on it. It means that the player in question didn't give in, didn't stop pushing, even when they could have and no one would notice (or blame them).
Here's the players that earned my attention this spring season.
The Rams had a disappointing season by their recent standards, finishing with a 9-17 record, but junior pitcher William St. Onge did work whenever he took the mound. St. Onge pitched 29.2 innings, tied with sophomore Caden Sladek for the team lead, and had a 2.12 ERA. The details get even more interesting: St. Onge had a batting average against of just .205.
There's room for him to improve in 2024, too. St. Onge allowed 25 walks, nearly one per inning, which occasionally got him into trouble when he otherwise would not have been. If he can clean up the accuracy a bit, he has a chance at a huge 2024 season.
The Cougars had the epitome of an all-or-nothing season. The team finished 4-8, and all but two of those games were decided by 10 runs or more, including all four wins. So when they were good, they were quite good, and when they weren't, well, it was the opposite.
Junior infielder Madison Duncan was a steadying force in that chaos, playing like the exact type of player these columns are designed to highlight: the "if you don't know, now you know" players, as the late, great Biggie Smalls would say.
Duncan finished the season hitting a whopping .700 at the plate. That mark is good for seventh-best in Florida, according to MaxPreps data. Duncan also had five doubles, two triples and 17 RBIs.
So, if you don't know, now you know.
I'm an easy mark. If I see a goaltender attempt to score a goal — in any sport — I give them extra points in my mind.
Cardinal Mooney junior goaltender Jacob Brown not only attempted to score multiple times this season, he succeeded: on April 21 against Saint Stephen's Episcopal in the Class 1A regional quarterfinals, Brown netted one in a 19-6 win. Yes, he scored in a playoff game. You have to respect it.
But Brown is also a good goalie in a traditional sense. Mooney allowed just 175 goals in 2023, and Brown was a big part of that.
Yes, I'm awarding this one to an entire team, but the Tornadoes deserve the love. Since I took on this beat in 2016, the Tornadoes tennis program hasn't had much success, including in 2022, when they finished fifth out of seven teams in their Class 2A district tournament.
The 2023 season showed signs of things changing. The team went 9-9, a big improvement on its recent history, and took second place at its district tournament. Junior Mia Dickey, who held a 15-4 individual record, reached the No. 1 singles finals before losing to Lemon Bay High sophomore Parker Zautcke (6-0, 6-2). Dicky also reached the No. 1 doubles finals with senior Lesa Snipes-Williams but lost to Zautcke and junior Rosey Lowder (6-3, 2-6, 1-0 (10-40)).
Props to the Tornadoes for fighting through the hard times and finding some success. It could be nothing but up from here.
Talk about running an offense.
Sailors sophomore Ava Kozicky was involved in 67 of the team's 129 goals in 2023; that's 52% of the offensive output. Kozicky's goal total of 60 is tied for 56th in Florida, but her average of 4 goals per game is higher than many of the players ahead of her on the goals list, so efficiency-wise, Kozicky was easily a top-40 player in the state.
On an inexperienced Sailors team, Kozicky still found a way to play her game. And with two more years of high school lacrosse to go, massive results could be in her future.
Weightlifting generally does not get as much publicity as other sports this time of year, but when an athlete performs well at a state meet, it deserves some space.
Rams senior Dabian Reitz finished second at the FHSAA state meet, held April 14-15 in Lakeland, in the Class 3A 139-pound traditional weight class with a total score of 535 pounds. Ending a high school career with a silver medal is always something to celebrate.
author
Ryan Kohn is the sports editor for Sarasota and East County and a Missouri School of Journalism graduate. He was born and raised in Olney, Maryland. His biggest inspirations are Wright Thompson and Alex Ovechkin. His strongest belief is that mint chip ice cream is unbeatable.
SARASOTA, Fla. - With spring break upon us officials are working fast to clear the beaches of dead fish from red tide.In the past week, FWC reports high concentrations of red tide from Clearwater Beach to Sarasota.The latest map fr...
SARASOTA, Fla. - With spring break upon us officials are working fast to clear the beaches of dead fish from red tide.
In the past week, FWC reports high concentrations of red tide from Clearwater Beach to Sarasota.
The latest map from Florida Fish and Wildlife shows high concentrations of red tide in Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, and parts of Sarasota.
"The fear is that this is like another 2018 coming up and hopefully that doesn't happen but we can't guarantee it," Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Director Mike Tomasko said.
READ: See where red tide is along Gulf Coast Beaches
As Tomasko explains, persistent winds over the last few weeks have pushed much of the red tide closer to the beaches.
In just the last few days, Manatee County officials say they've picked up around 7,000 pounds of dead fish.
READ: Red tide forces Indian Rocks Beach community to cancel annual Beach Fest event
"It is a concern that we're having some issues with right now. As it is now, it's kind of a day-to-day situation. It kind of comes and goes with the wind," Indian Rocks Beach Homeowner's Association Vice-President Mike Fowler said.
Fowler says officials are worried hotels and restaurants gearing up from spring break won't see the boom in business they're used to seeing.
READ: What is causing red tide along Florida's Gulf coast?
"March is our busiest month of the year and there's not really a close second, so to have this in a time of year where both for the guests' purposes and for our business purposes, it's just unfortunate," Fowler said.
Meanwhile, Tomasko hopes residents do their part to help.
"What we need to do is we need to get better control of our wastewater infrastructure, our stormwater retrofits. People need to do a better job of protecting the mangroves, not cutting them down. We need to do more oyster reef restoration projects, and we need people to do their own part, which is like, don't put your grass clippings out into the water, into the storm drain, pick up after your dog," Tomasko stated.
Once thought to be the Fountain of Youth when it was discovered by explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, Warm Mineral Springs – an hourglass-shaped sinkhole primarily fed by an underground stream that pumps in 20 million gallons of 86 degree water per day – was closed Sept. 27 during Hurricane Ian's approach.The 21.6-acre Springs Activity Center, surrounded by another 61.4 acres of parkland, has ...
Once thought to be the Fountain of Youth when it was discovered by explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, Warm Mineral Springs – an hourglass-shaped sinkhole primarily fed by an underground stream that pumps in 20 million gallons of 86 degree water per day – was closed Sept. 27 during Hurricane Ian's approach.
The 21.6-acre Springs Activity Center, surrounded by another 61.4 acres of parkland, has remained closed ever since its three historic structures were condemned because of damage from the storm.
North Port city commissioners will weigh a short-term plan for reopening public access for bathers at a special meeting scheduled for 1 p.m., Dec. 8.
Related: North Port commission sets long-term goals for landmark park
Meanwhile, an ongoing debate about public ownership and private development continues over the springs, which many users believe offers healing properties.
Here are five things to know about the history and significance of Warm Mineral Springs.
In the late 1950s, Warm Mineral Springs had been documented as an ancient Native American burial site, after retired Lt. Colonel William Royal reported discovering portions of seven human skulls and other human bone fragments. In 1972, Carl Clausen, an underwater archaeologist with the state of Florida, found human remains and charred wood about 45 feet below the surface that were radiocarbon dated to roughly 10,000 years ago. W.A. "Sonny" Cockrell, an underwater archaeologist with Florida State University, recovered several fragments of human bone as well as small animal bones in 1973.
The springs site was named to the National Register of Historic Places on Nov. 28, 1977.
Warm Mineral Springs was developed as a spa shortly after World War II. In 1955, a family group that included Samuel Herron Jr. purchased the larger 83-ace Warm Mineral Springs property, including land around the springs, in conjunction with selling 3,000 lots in the community now known as Warm Mineral Springs.
"Those people who appreciate the benefits of mineral water compare Warm Mineral Springs to the other mineral springs in the world," Herron told the Herald-Tribune in 1991.
"People outside the U.S. have a much greater appreciation for mineral water than Americans," he said. "They think you should go on holiday to rest, relax and recharge your battery."
Herron hired Victor Lundy of the Sarasota School of Architecture to design the Warm Mineral Springs Motel, which opened in 1958. The three buildings that now have historical designation – a sales building, a spa and an accompanying cyclorama – are believed to have been designed by Jack West, another member of the Sarasota School of Architecture.
Those three buildings were built for the Florida Quadricentennial Celebration, which ran from December 1959 to March 1960.
Sarasota County and the city of North Port teamed up in December 2010 to buy Warm Mineral Springs from Cypress Lending Group Ltd. for $5.5 million.
That purchase came more than two decades after a failed 1986 referendum that would have seen Sarasota County spend $4.5 million to buy the 83-acre site from Sam and Doris Herron of Venice, Mary Alice Wheeler of Venice and Fred Daley of Hanover, New Hampshire.
Cypress took possession of the park site from Golden Springs LLC, a group spearheaded by Ed Ullman and Sam Levy that purchased the site in 1999 for $3.75 million from the Herrons, Wheeler and Daley.
Ullman and Levy wanted to build a resort community with 270 residential units, 21 retail stores, restaurants, a conference center and "Fountain of Youth Institute for Natural Healing." That plan fell victim to the Great Recession.
They were successful in convincing the North Port City Commission to annex the property in the early 2000s – at the same time the board annexed the Thomas Ranch property west of the Myakka River.
The city of North Port and Sarasota County could never agree on a vision to proceed with the park – an impasse that caused the facility to close from July 2013 to April 2014
North Port bought Sarasota County’s interest for $2.75 million in September 2014 and the springs reopened for swimming, under a management agreement with National and State Park Concessions, Warm Mineral Springs Inc.
The three Sarasota School of Architecture buildings that occupy the Springs Activity center along with the 2 ½-acre springs-fed site were originally envisioned as temporary structures and were moved to their current locations subsequent to the completion of the quadricentennial.
The sales and spa buildings – once connected to each other by a covered walkway or pergola – were designed to echo the hourglass shape of the 205-foot deep springs.
The cyclorama, essentially a circular exhibition hall with interior murals that tell a version of the story of Ponce de Leon’s quest for the Fountain of Youth, is believed to be one of only three left in the United States and 30 in the world.
The City Commission created the city’s Historic Register specifically for the three buildings, in part so they could land on the National Register for Historic Places and be eligible for grants to help pay for their restoration.
Once the spa, sales building and cyclorama were secure on the National Historic Register, North Port contracted with consultant Kimley-Horn & Associates, which hosted a series of public meetings in late 2018 and early 2019 while crafting a $19.5 million plan to develop the larger overall site in phases.
The city earmarked as much as $9.4 million in March to complete the first phase but scrapped that plan in favor of pursuing a public-private partnership once bids to complete the first phase came in almost twice what was anticipated. Currently the city is exploring one proposal, by WMS Development Group, to renovate the historic buildings on the 21.6-acre site and use the remaining 61.4 acres to develop a variety of amenities.
Under that proposal, WMS would lease the springs activity center and acquire ownership of the 61.4-acres for – among other things – a 250-unit resort hotel and 300 multi-family homes marketed to Eastern Europeans who frequent the springs, as well as a 22-acre recreation and community zone and a Native History Museum and restaurant. The city would still solicit competing proposals, as per an ordinance governing pursuit of a public-private partnership.
Information from Herald-Tribune archives was used in this report. Earle Kimel primarily covers south Sarasota County for the Herald-Tribune and can be reached at [email protected]. Support local journalism with a digital subscription to the Herald-Tribune.
The dog days of Florida’s summer are upon us. The heat is thick, and our brains are bubbling in our skulls like a hardboiled egg. Meanwhile we’re hibernating indoors to avoid the scorching temperatures, and our air-conditioning bills have spiked to maybe I should just jump into the shower with my clothes on heights.Yes, September is the month of our seasonal affective disorder. But Florida is also home to more than 1,000 freshwater springs, the densest concentration of springs in the world, with 19 billion gallons...
The dog days of Florida’s summer are upon us. The heat is thick, and our brains are bubbling in our skulls like a hardboiled egg. Meanwhile we’re hibernating indoors to avoid the scorching temperatures, and our air-conditioning bills have spiked to maybe I should just jump into the shower with my clothes on heights.
Yes, September is the month of our seasonal affective disorder. But Florida is also home to more than 1,000 freshwater springs, the densest concentration of springs in the world, with 19 billion gallons of water flowing through them every day.
So, take a day off, head north and float down a lazy river in a low-tech inner tube. You don’t have to pack any special gear, as each park offers tube rentals and provides transportation. Each spring is different, appealing to nature lovers to partiers to families, but the water is always a refreshing 68 to 74 degrees. I had the tough task of exploring four of our state’s coolest hot spots for tubing.
Photo by Peter Pontone
It’s a little like Deliverance, but instead of hearing dueling banjos you’ll hear “Old Town Road” blasting from someone’s Bluetooth speakers.
And you’ll share the water with a lot of critters.
09/01/2019 By Isaac Eger
It’s an ideal spring to bring the kiddos, with three huge slides that shoot swimmers into the clear water of Buccaneer Bay.
09/01/2019 By Isaac Eger
In 1970, the state of Florida turned what would have been a polluted phosphate mine into the crown jewel of Florida’s springs.
09/01/2019 By Isaac Eger