With more sprawling subdivisions spreading east and development showing no sign of slowing down, Manatee County is prepared to spend $50 million on land conservation.

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The local population has grown rapidly in the past 20 years, but the amount of dedicated green space hasn’t. In 2020, local voters weighed in to solve that problem by approving a referendum directing county officials to create new parks and preserves.

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Among the properties under consideration is a massive Parrish farmland that could feature sustainable agriculture, hiking and fishing opportunities. Most of the land around that property has already been earmarked for future development.

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“We are all focused on the conservation of Manatee County’s environmental heritage to benefit today’s and future generations,” said Charlie Hunsicker, director of the county’s Natural Resources Department.

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With over 70% of the vote, Manatee County residents approved ballot language allowing county officials to use up to $50 million “to protect water resources, preserve fish and wildlife habitat, and provide parks.”

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Now, the Board of County Commissioners is moving forward with those plans, which could improve water quality, expand existing parks and provide refuge for endangered species.

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About 80 properties are up for consideration, but so far, county officials have only decided to move forward with “due diligence” on a handful of properties.

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During that due diligence period, county staff work to determine potential partnerships, complete a site appraisal and begin negotiating the purchase price. Final contracts will come back before the board for final approval.

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If approved, the board could turn the properties into new parks, preserves or environmental conservation areas.

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Terra Ceia State Park Addition

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County officials say they are interested in expanding the state-owned Terra Ceia State Park with a 90-acre parcel just south of SeaPort Manatee. Based on early conversations, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has said it may assist with the land purchase.

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The park expansion would add additional hiking trails, county staff said. State park rangers would continue to manage the park, providing a cost-saving opportunity for the county.

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“There’s great value in this. It’s protecting and restoring the coast,” said Debra Childs Woithe, the county’s environmental lands program manager.

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Florida Forever, the statewide conservation acquisition program, has also expressed interest in the property. If state funds are provided, the purchase could cost the county less than $1 million.

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Gospel Crusade + Gospel Crusade East

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Church-owned land that used to be a Christian retreat is up for grabs along the Manatee River. County staff said The Family Church in East Bradenton has put 64 acres of land for sale.

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Charlie Hunsicker, director of the Natural Resources Department, pointed out that the land is not far from Fort Hamer Boat Ramp, which could appeal to boaters or kayakers looking for a short adventure.

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There are campground sites on the two properties, but some of the structures would need to be replaced or refurbished, county staff said during a presentation.

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The offer intrigued board members, who said they wanted to see more additional campgrounds in Manatee County.

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Perico Bayou

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Perico Preserve could also be expanded with the addition of a 31-acre property on the north side of the county-owned park. The site, known as Perico Bayou, would “complete” the preserve, county staff said in a presentation.

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Over the years, Perico Preserve has been restored from farmland back to its original state as a coastal wetland habitat. The park features a bird sanctuary, hiking trails and boardwalks through mangroves at the mouth of the Manatee River.

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Parrish Farm Preserve

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The largest property under consideration is the 1,800-acre Parrish Farm Preserve, which is owned by the Whisenant family, longtime Manatee County farmers.

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In a signed letter, the Whisenant family explained that future generations do not plan to continue the agricultural tradition and they believe “preserving natural spaces such as our home can only benefit the many newcomers to our county.”

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Thanks to the massive size of the property, there are a ton of possibilities for the land, county staff said. Early plans call for walking trails, horseback riding areas, picnic shelters and other amenities.

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“We believe there’s a place for everything and everyone on this property,” Woithe said.

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Sustainable farming would remain active on the northern portion of the site, according to preliminary plans from county staff. The proposed Parrish Farm Preserve features 1,000 acres of crops and open pastures, 470 acres of natural wetlands and uplands and 280 acres of tree crops.

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The property owners have also identified 17 species of “greatest conservation need,” according to county staff.

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The Trust for Public Land, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating parks and protecting the environment, is also helping to research funding partnerships. County staff estimate that buying the property could cost anywhere from $17 to $25 million.

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What happens next?

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According to county staff, property acquisition could still be over a year away. After the land is purchased, it will also take time to restore the sites and prepare them for public use.

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Despite reviewing the process for land acquisition in February, board members expressed frustration at how many steps are required before properties are purchased.

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Hunsicker explained that county staff chose a process that would keep commissioners informed along the way before large expenditures were made to research each property.

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“We wanted this to be a very incremental process,” Hunsicker said.

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In an interview with the Bradenton Herald, Rusty Chinnis, a member of the 17-person ELMAC board that recommends properties to purchase, said he believes the relationship between the committee and the commissioners will be improved moving forward.

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“We’re hoping for better communication so that we’re all on the same page,” Chinnis said.

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Commissioners also praised county staff for seeking partnerships that would allow other organizations to share the costs associated with buying these properties.

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“I love the way you’re finding other funding sources. I think that’s really smart,” said Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge. “You’re paying pennies on the dollars in the end. Those are massive discounts and really stretching the $50 million that we have to the maximum possibility.”

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None of these properties have been approved for purchase just yet. The Manatee County Commission asked staff to investigate what each property would cost to acquire and come back with contracts at a later date.

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