PLACEMENT: Departmental
TITLE:
title
ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE ACQUISITION OF TWO PARCELS IN HOBE SOUND TOTALING 3.29 ACRES, 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 located on SE Cactus Trail in Hobe Sound totaling 3.29+/- acres (the Rogers Atlantic Ridge Property) from the Rogers Revocable Trust, 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 Resource Administrator
PRESET:
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
1. Agreement/Contract drafted by:
Martin County
2. Parties to the Agreement/Contract:
Seller/Grantor - R. Julian Rogers and Estaline A. Rogers, Co-Trustees of The Rogers Revocable Trust
Buyer/Grantee - Martin County
3. Purpose of the Agreement/Contract:
Purchase of 3.29+/- acres of environmentally sensitive land
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:
$200,000 plus due diligence and closing costs
On September 5, 2025, the ELOC identified 16 properties for acquisition, including the Rogers Atlantic Ridge Property, as part of the 2024 ten (10) year voter-approved tax referendum for environmentally sensitive lands. The Rogers Atlantic Ridge Property is the eastern-most property within the Loxa-Lucie acquisition zone currently identified by the ELOC, as #13 on the priority list, adjacent to and buffering the Atlantic Ridge. The 3.29 acres are made up of primarily undisturbed wetlands with a small area of scrubby flatwood.
On October 21, 2025, the BOCC approved the use of sales tax funds for the acquisition of the Rogers Atlantic Ridge Property.
An appraisal of the parcels was obtained, and the appraisal value for both parcels was $225,000. Staff worked with the property owner and entered into a conditional contract in the amount of $200,000 for the purchase of the two parcels.
Real Property has reviewed title work, confirmed ownership of the parcels, and determined there are no known encumbrances. Upon review and approval of all required documents by the Legal Department, Real Property will proceed towards closing on or before May 13, 2026, with the agreement that the Sellers may request an extension for the closing for up to 180 days from the original closing date by providing the County written notice of such extension. A survey and sketch & legal description are being prepared and reviewed by the County’s Survey Division.
In compliance with Section 286.23, Florida Statues, an executed Beneficial Interest and Disclosure Affidavit and executed No Conflict-of-Interest Affidavit were received from the Sellers prior to the execution of the conditional contract.
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 of 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 has 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 parcels totaling 3.29+/- acres from R. Julian Rogers and Estaline A. Rogers, Co-Trustees of The Rogers Revocable Trust;
2) authorize the Chair to execute the Vacant Land Contract in the amount of $200,000.00; and
3) authorize the County Administrator or designee to execute all closing 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 - Tax Referendum funds |
$ 200,000.00 |
|
|
Due Diligence not to exceed |
$ 10,000.00 |
|
|
Subtotal |
$210,000.00 |
|
|
Project Total |
$210,000.00 |
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☐ Chair Letter ☒Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☒Resolution
☐Other: