Staff to evaluate existing dock and boardwalk for repairs, replacement and public use
The Sarasota County Commission this summer approved a contract for yet another purchase of property through the county’s Land Acquisition and Management Program, which encompasses the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP) and the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program (NPP).
In unanimously approving their July 9 Consent Agenda of routine business matters, the board members agreed to buy approximately 4.38 acres located at Lemon Bay Drive in Venice, in unincorporated Sarasota County.
The property is south of Shamrock Park and across the Intracoastal Waterway from Casperson Beach Park, a county staff memo said.
The purchase price, the staff memo pointed out, is $350,000. Altogether, the memo added, with initial expenses included for “start-up work” for a project that would lead to public use of the site, the total expense for the county budget is $443,150.
“The Site includes a boardwalk and dock, which would be evaluated for repairs, replacement, and use,” the memo explained. Among the potential improvements could be “a wildlife viewing area, small picnic shelters and parking,” it added.
“The habitat is predominantly mangrove swamp with some mesic hammocks and remnant scrub habitat,” a county news release noted. Among the native vegetation is slash pine, saw palmetto, cabbage palm, live and laurel oak, and red, black and white mangroves. Species such as the brown pelican, the roseate spoonbill, the little blue heron, green and brown anoles, and gopher tortoises call the property home, the release added.
“The acquisition is expected to be completed by December,” the release said.
In April 2023, the members of the county’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Oversight Committee (ESLOC) agreed by consensus that staff should pursue the purchase of the property, the July 9 staff memo noted.
The land acquisition programs, which are funded by annual, voter-approved tax assessments, “have been instrumental in acquiring and protecting more than 110 properties, totaling more than 41,000 acres since ESLPP began in 1999 and NPP began in 2005,” the release pointed out.
“The program enhances biodiversity, protects species and habitats, establishes wildlife corridors and provides nature-based recreational areas,” the release noted. “Neighborhood parkland acquisitions have successfully provided community access, preserved natural and cultural resources, and increased recreational water and trail access opportunities throughout Sarasota County,” the release said.
Sarasota County staff “encourages residents and visitors to participate in these efforts by nominating land for protection,” the release continued. A video explaining the program may be viewed here. Interested individuals may complete a land nomination form by visiting SarasotaCountyParks.com/LandAcquisitions.
For more information about Sarasota County’s land acquisition programs or to submit a land nomination, call 311 or visit SarasotaCountyParks.com/LandAcquisitions, the news release said.