North Port in Sarasota County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Prehistoric Man Lived Here/Spring Was Once a Cave
More than 10,000 years ago prehistoric man, sabre-tooth cats, giant sloths, mammoths and mastodons lived in this area of Florida which eons later became a part of Sarasota County. Warm Mineral Springs, here, and Little Salt Spring, which is approximately three miles away, have preserved scientifically accepted evidence of this. Carbon dating of human and animal skeletal remains, as well as wooden artifacts found in these springs since 1958 by underwater archaeologists and other divers has determined their antiquity. These explorations and scientific studies have resulted in much recognition being given to these springs. (OVER)
Spring Was Once a Cave
Lieut. Col. William Royal, underwater explorer and author, while diving in Warm Mineral Springs in 1958 discovered stalactites and stalagmites well below the water line which provided evidence this spring was a dry cave over a very long period of years, possibly during the last ice age. Other dives resulted in the finding of ancient human skulls, bones and animal remains which gave indications of the presence of human and animal life in this part of Florida long before written history. In 1977, the national significance of Warm Mineral Springs was recognized when it was placed on the National Register of Historical Places.
Erected by Sarasota County Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Paleontology • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 27° 3.514′ N, 82° 15.672′ W. Marker is in North Port, Florida, in Sarasota County. Marker is at the intersection of San Servando Avenue and Ortiz Boulevard, on the left when traveling east on San Servando Avenue. Marker is located in front of the Warm Mineral Springs attraction. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 12200 San Servando Avenue, North Port FL 34287, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Little Salt Spring (approx. 2.1 miles away); Southland Trail Cemetery (approx. 5.2 miles away); Loring Lovell (approx. 6˝ miles away); Myakka River Civil War Skirmish (approx. 6.9 miles away); Murdock (approx. 8.1 miles away); Woodmere (approx. 8˝ miles away); Town of McCall (approx. 9.1 miles away); Placida Bunk House (approx. 9.1 miles away).
Also see . . . Warm Mineral Springs. (Submitted on January 15, 2019, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 17, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2019, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 476 times since then and 139 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 15, 2019, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.