PLACEMENT: Departmental
TITLE:
title
ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ACQUISITION OF A 315-ACRE PARCEL LOCATED BETWEEN PRATT WHITNEY ROAD AND SW TRAILSIDE PATH FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PURPOSES, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL LANDS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE AND APPROVED BY THE BOARD
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
This is a request for the adoption of a resolution approving and accepting the acquisition of a 315-acre parcel, located west of SW Pratt Whitney Road and east of SW Trailside Path in Stuart (Elise J. Parcel), from Elise J. LLC, a Florida limited liability company. This environmentally sensitive parcel is being acquired by the County with proceeds from the one-half cent sales surtax.
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DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PREPARED BY: Name: Carla T. Segura, FRP
Title: Real Property Manager
REQUESTED BY: John Maehl, Environmental Resources Administrator
PRESET:
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
1. Agreement/Contract drafted by:
Martin County
2. Parties to the Agreement/Contract:
Martin County - Grantee/Buyer
Elise J. LLC - Grantor/Seller
3. Purpose of the Agreement/Contract:
Purchase of a 315-acre parcel of environmentally sensitive lands
4. New/Renewal/Modification:
New
5. Duration:
Perpetual
6. Benefits to Martin County:
Addition of environmental lands for conservation purposes using conservation land sales tax
7. Cost to Martin County:
$3,400,000 plus due diligence and closing costs
On October 21, 2025, the Martin County Board of County Commissioners (Board) approved moving forward with the acquisitions of the top 16 priority parcels selected by the Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC), with funding to be provided from the 10-year Conservation Lands Sales Tax, which was approved in November 2024.
The Elise J. Parcel, which is approximately 315-acres, was ranked number two on the ELOC priority list. The vacant parcel was listed for $5.5 million and had an average appraised value of $3,075,000. Staff worked with the owner, Elise J. LLC, and agreed upon a final sale price of $3,400,000.
Pursuant to Florida Statute, Section 166.045(b), if the agreed purchase price exceeds the average appraised value of the two appraisals, the governing body is required to approve the purchase by an “extraordinary vote”. Florida Statutes define "extraordinary vote" as a two-thirds supermajority vote of a county governing body's total membership.
Real Property staff have reviewed title work and confirmed ownership of the Elise J. Parcel, with no known encumbrances. Once all documents have been reviewed and approved by the Legal Department, Real Property staff will move towards a closing, to take place on or before May 12, 2026.
In compliance with Florida Statutes, Section 286.23, a Beneficial Interest Disclosure, along with an Affidavit of No Conflict, were executed by the seller.
Sec. 139.31 and 139.32, General Ordinances, Martin County Code, require that any conveyance of an interest in land to Martin County for any public purpose shall be accepted and approved by resolution by the Board of County Commissioners of Martin County.
ISSUES:
Approval of this acquisition at the proposed sale price requires an “extraordinary vote”, meaning four County Commissioners must vote in favor.
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:
This item has been reviewed for legal sufficiency to determine whether it is consistent with applicable law, and staff have identified and addressed legal risks and developed strategies for legal defensibility, as applicable.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION
Move that the Board:
a) approve the Vacant Land Contract with Elise J. LLC in the amount of $3,400,000; and
b) adopt a Resolution approving and accepting the purchase of a 315-acre parcel from Elise J. LLC, for continued conservation purposes; and
c) authorize the Chair to execute the Resolution and the Vacant Land Contract; and
d) authorize the County Administrator, or designee, to execute all closing documents necessary to complete this acquisition.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Provide staff with an alternative recommendation for purchase.
FISCAL IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION
None
|
Funding Source |
County Funds |
Non-County Funds |
|
ELOC - Tax Referendum |
$3,400,000 |
|
|
Due Diligence not to exceed |
$20,000 |
|
|
Subtotal |
$3,420,000 |
|
|
Project Total |
|
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☐ Chair Letter ☒Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☒Resolution
☐Other: