PLACEMENT: Departmental
TITLE:
title
ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE ACQUISITION OF 20 ACRES ON SE BRIDGE ROAD FROM THE CONSERVATION FUND, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL LANDS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE AND APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
This is a request for the adoption of a Resolution approving and accepting the acquisition of two contiguous parcels, totaling 20 acres, located on SE Bridge Road in Hobe Sound (TCF Property) from The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit corporation (Conservation Fund), as previously recommended by the Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC) and approved by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).
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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:
Grantor/Seller - The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit corporation
Grantee/Buyer - Martin County
3. Purpose of the Agreement/Contract:
Purchase of 20+/- acres for environmentally sensitive lands
4. New/Renewal/Modification:
New
5. Duration:
Perpetual
6. Benefits to Martin County:
Addition of environmental lands for conservation purposes
7. Cost to Martin County:
$1,250,000 plus due diligence and closing costs
On September 5, 2025, the ELOC identified 16 properties for acquisition, including TCF Property, as part of the 2024 ten (10) year voter-approved tax referendum for environmentally sensitive lands. TCF Property was ranked #14 on ELOC’s list and consists of two contiguous parcels totaling 20+/- acres. The property is part of the Loxa-Lucie Acquisition Zone, and its possible future uses are to support the restoration of Kitching Creek and the potential link between Jonathan Dickinson and Atlantic Ridge State Parks.
On October 21, 2025, the BOCC approved the use of sales tax funds for the acquisition of TCF Property.
The parcels were purchased by The Conservation Fund in 2023 for $900,000. Two appraisals of the property were obtained, and the average of both appraisals is $2,375,000. Staff worked with the owner, The Conservation Fun, and entered into a conditional contract in the amount of $1,250,000 for the purchase of the two parcels. This is a fiscally responsible acquisition due to the agreed upon amount being well below the appraised value.
Real Property has reviewed title work, confirmed ownership of the parcel, and determined there are no known encumbrances. Once all documents have been reviewed and approved by the Legal Department, Real Property will proceed towards closing on or before January 15, 2027.
In compliance with Section 286.23, Florida Statutes, prior to conveyance of real property, the Seller executed a Beneficial Interest and Disclosure Affidavit, along with a No Conflict-of-Interest Affidavit.
Sections 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:
None
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 have developed strategies for legal defensibility, as applicable.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION
Move that the Board
1) adopt a Resolution approving and accepting the purchase of two (2) parcels, totaling 20 acres from The Conservation Fund;
2) authorize the Chair to execute the Vacant Land Contract in the amount of $1,250,000; and
3) authorize the County Administrator to execute any and all documents necessary to complete this transaction.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Provide staff with an alternative recommendation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION
None
|
Funding Source |
County Funds |
Non-County Funds |
|
ELOC funds - Tax Referendum (2180S) |
$1,250,000 |
|
|
Due Diligence & Closing costs not to exceed |
$15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subtotal |
$1,265,000 |
|
|
Project Total |
$1,265,000 |
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☐ Chair Letter ☒Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☒Resolution
☐Other: