BRADENTON—Manatee County Commissioners voted unanimously to proceed with preparing a sale contract to purchase 97 acres of environmentally sensitive land for the expansion of the Emerson Point Preserve.
During Tuesday’s BOCC meeting, county staff informed commissioners that a recently updated appraisal returned figures much closer to the seller’s asking price of $15.5 million. The most up-to-date appraised value returned at just over $14.6 million.
The 97-acre property—which includes more than 40 acres of wetlands and waterways—has been on the Florida Forever project’s map of properties in crucial need of protection for more than three decades.
The agenda item’s attachments included nearly 200 pages of written public comments submitted in support of the proposed land acquisition. Many residents who wrote expressed concern that a developer would likely purchase the land if the county failed to conserve it through public purchase. Several citizens also addressed commissioners in chambers on Tuesday, speaking favorably of the proposed purchase for Emerson’s expansion.
Mason Gravely was one such citizen who addressed the board from the chamber podium. Gravely shared with commissioners how much the Emerson Preserve means to him and his two sons, and how they regularly witness other families exploring and enjoying the preserve when visiting.
“My son has had a lot of firsts out there,” Gravely told commissioners. “His first time catching a fish, first time paddle boarding, first time kayaking, and seeing manatees and dolphins. All of those firsts have been there, so I was very excited when I heard there was an opportunity to expand this property.”
Tuesday’s unanimous vote moves the land acquisition forward with a purchase price of $15.5 million. A contract for the purchase will be drafted and then reviewed by the county attorney before returning to the BOCC for final approval.
Funding for the property's purchase will partially come from funds collected through the Conservation and Parks Projects Referendum, a measure passed by 72 percent of Manatee voters in 2020. The referendum was championed through a grassroots effort and supported by voters who agreed to tax themselves to collect funds needed for the purchase of land for parks and conservation.
The measure calls for a 0.15 mill ad valorem tax and up to $50,000,000 in general obligation bonds. Partnerships with many other organizations result in additional funds and resources that support the success of the program.
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kmskepton
Well I'll be ... who knew they had it in them to do the right thing?!?! I have to eat crow on this one.
Wednesday, March 13 Report this
Cat L
That's awesome. :)
Wednesday, March 13 Report this
lib224
Even a blind hog occasionally finds an acorn in the forest.
Wednesday, March 13 Report this
misty
I’m very happy to hear about this purchase. Good job Manatee County!
Wednesday, March 13 Report this
historicalnewyork
What a relief to see that Manatee County Commissioners took such a step--at last! So grateful that this beautiful landscape will be saved and added to my very favorite county park.
Wednesday, March 13 Report this
ruthlawler
I attended this meeting and also spoke, among other citizens, to encourage the BOCC to go forward with the County Attorney to put together a contract for purchase of this Emerson Point Preserve addition. I was a bit concerned when KVO said in the meeting that it should NOT include the provision for the 4 acre parcel on the northeast corner to be retained by the seller. I'm leery of this statement, as that was a condition the seller wanted as part of the sale. Watch them closely!! Of course Crooked River Ranch that was recently acquired through ELMAC had a parcel that the seller retained. Ruth Lawler
Wednesday, March 13 Report this
Dianna
Emerson Point expansion is not a done deal until the last vote. 6 of these commissioners never wanted this expansion- they have said it out loud at numerous meetings. This is just another tactic they are using against the public to make them think that the land will be purchased. Only Commissioner Kruse regularly represents the citizens in Manatee County.
Wednesday, March 13 Report this
sandy
Today on "Real Conservatives" website they published an article crediting leadership of KVO and Satcher for approving the purchase of the property. KVO wanted to include the 4 acre carve out in the approval, but backed down claiming (once reminded of carve out in Crooked River Ranch) that as it was along Amberwynd with the access to that 4 acres was totally along the eastern boundary it was okay. KVO claims accomplishments that originally he was against or "not sure of" and Satcher is a bumbling fool who shows no leadership ability. Remember KVO called T2T a homeless shelter in his ad for the town hall, he got shamed into having not even mentioning that it was for vets.
Friday, March 15 Report this
WTF
Not over until the at lady sings…i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed
Wednesday, March 20 Report this