Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth: Warm Mineral Springs

June 20, 5:03 PMTampa Yoga ExaminerDanielle Hope Hier

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Warm Mineral Springs  (Credit: Danielle Hier)

Thought to be Ponce de Leon's original fountain of youth, the Warm Mineral Springs in North port, can boast as being the world's 3rd highest in healthy mineral content, and number one in the US.

The 230 foot deep, almost 1 1/2 acre spring gives way to a sinkhole that rushes in 9 million gallons of rich mineral water. Considered one of the most important Floridian archaeological sites, this historic place houses more than just a reservoir of natural healing through water, but under new ownership, the Springs is expanding to include more acupuncture, massage, retail stores, restaurants, and even a natural healing institute.

Rural myth is that a wheelchair-bound man taken here, where he soaked in the constant 87 degree water, every day, for 21 days, and walked out on his own two feet.  Locals will tell you that within 20 minutes of swimming in the springs and you'll feel a difference. 

Recommended usage for new people are 20 minutes every hour throughout the day, and increase 10 minutes each day.  A detoxifying spring, it's been known to help those with sinusitis, skin diseases, allergic reactions, back and neck aches, and gastrointestinal stress. 

Visitors can also partake in free aqua yoga and water aerobic classes (with the cost of admission), and purchase a bottle of the famous water to take home with you, as a daily mineral supplement, or as a spray for the skin.  

A Word to the Wise: While under construction, the showers and changing rooms are temporarily closed.  Wear your bathing suit, and expect to smell a bit like sulphur when you leave.  And no, you're not going crazy, everyone is speaking a different language.  For some reason, locals haven't caught on to how powerful the Warm Mineral Springs are, but it's a hot spot for European tourists.  Once again, first time in?  Only soak for twenty minutes at a time, get out, sit on a comfy lawn chair and see how you feel. 

For more information, visit:  www.warmmineralsprings.com

Location:  12200 San Servando Avenue. North Port, FL.  34287.  Phone:  941-0426-1692.  Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily, 362 days a year (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years).