When Sarasota County paid
$2.5 million for the Snook Haven property in 2006, it guaranteed public boating access to the Myakka River. But the real kicker was preservation of an Old Florida artifact: a funky, down-home riverfront fishing camp set beneath the towering oaks and Spanish moss of another era.

Snook Haven’s situation is similar to that of Warm Mineral Springs, which was purchased in 2010, also with public funds — in this case, a split of the $5.5 million price tag between Sarasota County and the city of North Port. Both preserved something rare. Both could draw residents and tourists to off-the-beach attractions.