The purpose of the Florida Communities Trust's Preservation 2000 Program is to assist local governments to implement the conservation, recreation and open space, and coastal management elements of local comprehensive plans through grant awards to local governments for land acquisition for the purposes of natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation.

FACTS

• 239 grants have been awarded to local governments for land acquisition
  
  
• 197 project sites are located within urban areas
  
  
• 42 project sites are located in rural areas
  
  
• 83 grants were to counties
  
  
• 130 grants were to municipalities
  
  
• 26 grants were for joint municipal and county projects
  
  
• 78 grants were to small local governments (municipalities with populations under 10,000 and counties with populations under 50,000)
  
  
• 124 project sites create or contribute to greenways
  

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The most common grant requests from the local government were for projects between 1 and 50 acres. The Florida Communities Trust funded 130 projects of this size.

As of June 30, 1998

217 Real Estate Closing Transactions have been completed by FCT

Negotiations for the 217 transactions:
FCT conducted 69
Local government conducted 148

143 Project sites have been acquired through these transactions

Total acres closed 24,510 acres
Total FCT dollars delivered $113,216,829
Total local government match $106,211,721
Total dollar impact $219,428,550


For further information, contact:
Anne Peery, Executive Director
Florida Communities Trust
2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100
(850) 922-2207
SunCom 292-2207
Fax (850) 921-1747


Florida Department of Community Affairs
James F. Murley, Secretary
2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100
 

 

92-020-P2A
Osborne Site
Applicant: City of Boca Raton

The 24.145-acre project is located in western Boca Raton off Palmetto Park Road between I-95 and the Florida East Coast Railroad. The purposes of the project are to protect natural resources and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. The site is vegetated by sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, oak hammock and wetland communities. Listed animal species using the site include the gopher tortoise and scrub jay. Recreational improvements to the site will include hiking trails and interpretive signage. The total project cost was $3,508,780.50.

92-023-P2A
Indian River Lagoon Preserve
Applicant: City of New Smyrna Beach

The 73.9332-acre project is located off Saxon Drive along the Indian River Lagoon. The purposes of the project are to protect surface water quality and protect wildlife habitat and historic resources. Vegetation on the project site includes mangrove swamp, maritime hammock, and coastal strand communities. Several listed animal species use the site as habitat including the snowy egret and brown pelican. The preserve will also provide outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities, as well as a scenic vista along the roadway. Recreation facilities will include boardwalks, wildlife observation areas, a bike path and a canoe launch. The total project cost was $959,951.

93-018-P3A
Blackwater Creek Preserve
Applicant: Hillsborough County

The 1,779.16-acre preserve is located in northeastern Hillsborough County. Acquisition of the preserve assists in creating a wildlife corridor along the Hillsborough River linking the Lower Hillsborough Flood Detention Area and the Green Swamp. The site contains dry prairie, pine flatwoods, hardwood hammock, hardwood swamp, cypress swamp, freshwater marsh, and wet prairie vegetative communities. The preserve provides habitat for several listed animal species, including the limpkin, snowy egret, tricolored heron, little blue heron, and wood stork. The preserve will be managed to protect and enhance listed species and listed species habitat while providing resource-based recreational uses. Total project cost for this portion of the multi-parcel project was $3,673,919.85.

94-003-P4A
Kings Island Preserve
Applicant: St. Lucie County

The site is located on north Hutchinson Island, 1.5 miles north of Fort Pierce, and is bounded on the west by the Indian River Lagoon and on the south by Jack Island State Preserve, while the Avalon Preserve is just north of the site. The purposes of the acquisition are to restore hydrology, improve surface water quality, protect wildlife habitat, close a gap in a greenway network, buffer adjacent park areas from development impacts, and provide outdoor recreational opportunities. The169.65-acre project site is vegetated by maritime tropical hammock and mangrove swamp communities. Seagrass beds occur adjacent to the site. Listed wildlife species using the project site include the manatee, common snook, Atlantic salt marsh snake, wood stork, peregrine falcon, and American kestrel. Recreational improvements to the site will include a dike trail along the Indian River Lagoon, boardwalks, wildlife observation platforms, a fishing dock and interpretive displays. The total project cost was $663,127.52.

94-004-P4A
Brooker Creek Preserve Enhancement
Applicant: Pinellas County

Purchase of the 40.53-acre parcel during FY 97-98, together with over 86 acres in the same project in preceding years, provided an additional buffer around the County's existing Brooker Creek Preserve (over 4,800 acres). The preserve provides water quality protection to the Brooker Creek watershed and the wellfields located within the watershed. The preserve will be developed to assure the preservation, enhancement, restoration, and maintenance of native plant communities and wildlife habitat. The preserve contain cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, hydric hammocks, xeric hammocks, and floodplains. Pinellas County will provide resource-based recreational opportunities and develop an environmental education center in the preserve. With the $440,950.09 spent in FY 97-98, the total project cost of the Enhancement portion of the Brooker Creek project was $1,432,345.50.

94-009-P4A
Blackwater Hammock
Applicant: City of Tampa

The 6.7190-acre site is located on the east bank of the Hillsborough River in the central section of the City. The purposes of the acquisition are to provide resource-based recreation and urban greenspace. Activities proposed for the site include a bike/hiking trail that will link into a larger greenway network along the Hillsborough River. Total project cost was $210,147.01.

94-012-P4A
Riverwalk Expansion
Applicant: City of Milton

The 10.88-acre project is located along the Blackwater River on the bank opposite the City's existing Riverwalk Park. The purpose of the projectise to enhance public access, provide outdoor recreational opportunities, and conserve the natural floodplain of the Blackwater River. The project site is vegetated by floodplain swamp and floodplain forest communities. Recreational improvements to the site will include walking trails, picnic areas, fishing areas, and boating access. The total project cost was $142,245.60.


94-020-P4A
Amberjack Slough
Applicant: Charlotte County

Located in western Charlotte County, the 182.53-acre preserve will protect natural resources and provide recreational opportunities in an urban setting. Facilities will include a parking area, bike racks, nature trails, a biking/roller blade trail, boardwalks, observation areas, and interpretive displays. The site contains sand live oak, xeric oak, pine flatwoods, and sawgrass marsh. These vegetative communities provide habitats several listed animal species, including gopher tortoises, indigo snakes, and scrub jays. The total project cost was $1,575,735.70.

94-024-P4A
Manatee Headwaters at Duette
Applicant: Manatee County

Located in northeastern Manatee County, the purchase of the 878.87-acre parcel in FY 97-98 completes the acquisition of the Manatee Headwaters at Duette, a 2,214.6-acre conservation area. The primary purpose of the acquisition is to protect the Lake Manatee Watershed and the drinking water supply of the County. Acquisition of the site prevented phosphate mining at the site and the potential impact such an activity may have on drinking water supply of theCounty. provide outdoor recreational opportunities. The site contains predominately native vegetative communities, including pine flatwoods and wetlands. These communities provide habitats for numerous listed animal species, including the sandhill crane, white ibis, little blue heron, and wood stork. With the $832,076.50 spent in FY 97-98, the total project cost was $2,128,507.08.

94-025-P4A
Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park - Phase IV
Applicant: City of North Port

The project sites are located on Myakkahatchee Creek in the northeastern portion of the City The purposes of the acquisitions is to expand the Myakkahatchee Creek Greenway. The six parcels, totaling 1.6474-acres, will assist the City in protecting the creek that serves as the potable water source for the community. The park will enhance the development of a 4.6-mile long creek-oriented greenway linking Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park with the future Butler Park and Myakkahatchee Creek Native Habitat Preserve. Facilities proposed at the Environmental Park include a canoe trail, hiking trails, nature study areas, a primitive campground, and picnic areas. Total project cost for FY 97-98 was $29,072.00.

94-042-P4A
Sun'n Lakes Preserve
Applicant: Highlands County

Located in western Highlands County along the boundary with Hardee County, the primary purpose of the acquisition is to assist in the creation of a 13-mile greenway corridor along the western boundary of Highlands County. The project extinguishes a large number of platted lots within an approved Development of Regional Impact. The County will manage the preserve for resource-based outdoor recreation, conservation, and water quality protection. Proposed activities include hiking, wildlife observation, photography, and nature study areas. The preserve contains predominately native vegetative communities, including mesic flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, wet flatwoods, basin marsh, and basin swamp. These communities are recognized as providing habitat for listed animal species, including the black bear, sandhill crane, wood stork, white ibis, and bald eagle. To date, the total project cost for 1,310.4785 acres is $2,441,230.00, with $$820,230 spent toward the project in FY 97-98..

95-001-P56
South Pasadena Habitat Extension
Applicant: City of South Pasadena

The purpose of the acquisition is to expand the existing South Pasadena Habitat Park. The site consists of a 2.91-acre vacant lot and 15.6 acres of submerged lands located on Boca Ciega Bay in a highly urbanized area in southwestern Pinellas County. The City will implement an extensive restoration effort of the highly distrubed urban parcel by first removing an asphalt parking lot, seawall, and vacant building, then restoring the area through recontouring and replanting the site to recreate a beach berm and coastal community. Facilities will include a nature trail, shorebird nesting area, and observation deck. An education program will be developed and conducted by the City horticulturist. Total project cost was $979,407.67.

95-009-P56
Scott Springs
Applicant: City of Ocala

Located in the western part of the City, acquisition of the 23.74-acre parcel will protect a sinkhole and the associated natural resources. Scott Springs is believed to have a direct link to the aquifer and has been designated as an environmentally sensitive area in the Ocala Comprehensive Plan. The publicly-owned water retention area adjacent to the project site will be incorporated into the overall site design to ensure a cohesive management plan for the protection of the water quality of Scott Springs. Development of the site will be done in a manner to protect the geological feature and water resource, while providing outdoor recreational opportunities. Facilities will include nature trails, picnic areas, and interpretive displays. Total project cost was $996,175.50.


95-011-P56
Lake Lizzie Recreation Park
Applicant: Osceola County

Located east of St. Cloud on U.S. 192, the 918.7-acre regional park is located between Lake Lizzie, Trout Lake, and Bay Lake. The park will contribute to the Upper Econ Mosaic wildlife/greenway corridor. The project site contains a mix of relatively undisturbed vegetative communities including scrub, scrubby flatwoods, pine flatwoods, and wetlands. Facilities proposed for the park include nature horseback riding trails, a boat ramp, and interpretive displays. Long-range plans for the site include a visitor center, museum, and lab classrooms. Environmental education programs coordinated with the County school system will be offered. Additionally, the park will provide a site for implementing a Sheriff's Adventure Camp program that targets juveniles at risk of entering the juvenile justice system. Total project cost was $2,817,895.18.


95-013-P56
Silver Lake Park
Applicant: City of Flagler Beach

The 47.59-acre project is located west of S.R. A1A and borders the Intracoastal Waterway. The purposes of the acquisition are to protect wildlife habitat, provide public access to the Intracoastal Waterway,close a gap in a coastal greenway network, and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. The project site is vegetated by coastal scrub and saltwater marsh communities and contains threatened fern, orchid and cactus species. Listed animal species using the site include the wood stork and least tern. Recreational improvements to the site will include elevated walkways, foot bridges, overlooks, interpretive signage and bike racks. The total project cost was $231,182.25.

95-014-P56
Jones Swamp Wetlands Preserve
Applicant: Escambia County

The project site is located in southwestern Escambia County in an undeveloped wetland area known as Jones Swamp. The site is part of a multi-parcel acquisition within the Bayou Chico watershed. The purposes of the project are to protect the headwater wetlands of Bayou Chico, prevent development in a flood-prone area, and provide recreational and environmental education opportunities. The project site contains a mosaic of undisturbed pine flatwoods, seepage slopes, wet prairies, floodplain forest and floodplain swamp. The project will contribute to a regional network of other state and federal conservation lands. Recreational improvements to the site will include nature trails and boardwalks. The total project cost of 46.45 acres of the multi-parcel project is $288,025.00.


95-015-P56
Wallace Brooks/Lake Henderson
Applicant: City of Inverness

The project site is located northeast of the Withlacoochee State Trail on Lake Tsala Apopka, two blocks from downtown Inverness. Acquisition of the 4.01-acre parcel expanded the existing City-owned Wallace Brooks Park. The park addition site will provide additional recreational amenities to residents, visitors, and users of the Withlacoochee State Trail, including nature trails, scenic overlooks, observation areas, and picnic areas. Total project cost was $415,186.57.

95-016-P56
Cooter Pond
Applicant: City of Inverness

Located southwest of the Withlacoochee State Trail on Cooter Pond one block from downtown Inverness, acquisition of the 0.94-acre parcel will expand the city ownership around Cooter Pond. The additional waterfront around the pond will provide expanded recreational opportunities to residents, visitors and the users of the Withlacoochee State Trail including nature trails, scenic overlooks, observation areas, and picnic areas. Restoration activities proposed for the Cooter Pond waterfront include replanting the previously cleared areas with native vegetation to recreate a natural vegetative community on the project site. Total project cost was $208,765.

95-017-P56
Lake Avalon County Park
Applicant: Collier County

The 117.062-acre park is located in East Naples west of U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail). The park will preserve open space in an urban area. Environmental and historic educational programs are proposed, along with traditional recreational activities such as swimming, picnicking, and hiking. The applicant will restore approximately 25% of the disturbed uplands and wetlands by removing Australian pine and Brazilian pepper and replanting with native vegetative species, thereby improving the natural resource value of this urban park. The total project cost was $2,163,065.36.

95-018-P56
Seaside Park
Applicant: City of Fernandina Beach

The 2.655-acre project is a beachfront tract located on Amelia Island between U.S. Highway A1A and the Atlantic Ocean. The purposes of the project are to provide additional beach access and protect the beach/dune system that exists on the project site. Recreational improvements to the site will include a picnic area, dune crossover and parking. The project site will expand a City-wide network of beach access points with parking. The total project cost was $963,278.63.

95-020-P56
Twin Rivers II Preserve
Applicant: City of Oviedo

The 34.369-acre project is located in the southeastern portion of the City. The purposes of the project are to protect the floodplain of the Little Econlockhatchee and provide public access to the river. The preserve is vegetated by xeric oak, sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods and wetland hardwood communities. Prescribed burning will be used to manage the pine communities on the site. Listed animal species using the site as habitat include the gopher tortoise. Several threatened fern and orchid species exist on the site. Improvements at the preserve will include hiking trails, boardwalks, a fishing pier and canoe launch, and a wildlife observation deck. The total project cost was $1,155,947.43

95-022-P56
Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve
Applicant: City of Indian Rocks Beach

The 8.803-acre site is located on Sand Key between Gulf Drive and Clearwater Harbor. The purposes of the acquisition are to provide open space and preserve a mangrove forest in a highly urbanized island community in Pinellas County. The City will restore the degraded portions of the preserve in terms of biological composition and ecological function.
Facilities proposed include picnic areas, nature trails, boardwalks, observation platforms, and interpretive displays. An educational program is proposed that would consist of bi-monthly tours by the Parks and Recreation Department and tours and seminars for children participating in the summer recreation program. Total project cost was $1,289,734.19.


95-033-P56
Dunnellon Municipal Park
Applicant: City of Dunnellon

Located in the center of the town, the 2.77-acre park will provide additional recreational opportunities while preserving critical open space in a built-up commercial area. Facilities proposed for the neighborhood park include a multi-purpose bike, jogging, and in-line skating track, picnic area, basketball court, children playground, and restrooms. Total project cost was $200,535.82.

95-034-P56
Governor's Park
Applicant: City of Tallahassee

The 335.226-acre project is located near downtown Tallahassee immediately adjacent to a regional mall. The purpose of the proposed acquisition is to protect open space in a highly urbanized area. Acquisition of the park also protects natural resources and provides for outdoor recreation opportunities. The project site contains a mix of relatively undisturbed vegetative communities including hardwood swamp and upland forest. Recreation improvements to the site will include a network of hiking and bicycle trails and other outdoor recreation facilities, including a playground a ball field. The project site will serve as a hub for a larger community-wide trail network. The total project cost was $6,939,734.00.


95-039-P56
Oleta River Corridor
Applicant: Miami-Dade County

The 2.055-acre project is located near U.S. 1 and 163rd Street in North Miami Beach and borders the Oleta River, which is part of the Biscayne Bay-Card Sound Aquatic Preserve. Oleta River State Park and East Greynolds Park are in close proximity to the project site. The purposes of the acquisition are to provide additional public access to the Oleta River and enhance a recreational blueway on the river. A juvenile crime mitigation program will also be implemented on the project site. The project site is vegetated by maritime hammock and mangrove swamp communities. Listed animal species using the site include the manatee and various wading birds. Recreational improvements to the site will include a canoe launch and fishing pier. The total project cost was $1,113,137.78

95-041-P56
Lake Dora Recreation Park
Applicant: City of Tavares

The 102.3-acre community park is located east of S.R. 561 on Lake Dora.
Acquisition of this site preserves one of the few remaining natural areas along Lake Dora. The City will remove invasive exotic vegetation from the project site and replant the area with native vegetation to restore the area in terms of biological composition and ecological function. Facilities at the community park will include picnic areas, boardwalks, nature trails and a docking pier. Total project cost was $701,641.05.

95-053-P56
Minnehaha Park Canal
Applicant: City of Maitland

The 1.88-acre park addition is located adjacent to Lake Minnehaha. The park addition will protect natural resources and provide outdoor recreational opportunities in the urbanized Orlando metropolitan area. Vegetative communities on the site include red maple, sweet bay and cypress swamp communities. Listed plant species on the site include the Rein Orchid. Recreational improvements on the site will include an elevated walkway and observation area, a picnic area and a fishing pier.
The total project cost was $65,942.93

95-046-P56
Juno Hills Oceanfront
Applicant: Town of Juno Beach/Palm Beach County

The 42.43-acre project is located east of S.R. A1A in the Town of Juno Beach and borders the Atlantic Ocean. Juno Hills Natural Area lies directly west of the site, Loggerhead County Park borders the site to the south, and Juno Ocean County Park is located north of the site. The purposes of the acquisition are to protect and restore natural resources and provide additional public access to the Atlantic Ocean. The project site is vegetated by oak scrub, beach dune, coastal strand and maritime hammock communities. Listed animal species using the site as habitat include gopher tortoises, scrub jays, and marine sea turtles. Listed plant species include Curtiss' milkweed and burrowing four o'clock. Recreational improvements to the site will include a nature trail and dune crossover. The total project cost was $15,966,884.

95-052-P56
Indrio North Savannahs
Applicant: St. Lucie County

The project site is located west of U.S. 1 on Indrio Road, near the Town of Indrio. The purposes of the project are to protect wildlife habitat, close the gap in a local greenway network and provide outdoor recreation and environmental educational opportunities. A significant number of platted lots will be extinguised with the acquisition. A juvenile justice mitigation program will be developed and implemented on the project site. The site is vegetated by pine scrub, scrubby flatwoods, pine flatwoods and freshwater marsh communities and several wading birds use the site as habitat. Recreational improvements to the project site will include nature trails, bike trails, boardwalks, an observation tower, picnic areas, fishing platforms and educational displays. With the 7.22-acre acquisition in FY 97-98, the total project cost to date for this multi-parcel project is $246,193.50.

95-055-P56
Island City Park Preserve
Applicant: City of Wilton Manors

The 1.722-acre project is located south of Oakland Park Boulevard on the North Fork of the Middle River in the City of Wilton Manors. The purpose of the preserve is to provide urban open space in a highly urbanized area. The preserve will provide additional public access to the North Fork of the Middle River and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. The City will also implement a juvenile crime mitigation program on the project site. Manatees use the river adjacent to the site as habitat. The City will restore and enhance the shoreline by replanting native vegetation. Recreational improvements to the site will include a bike path, picnic areas, a tot lot, and a community recreation center in an existing building. The total project cost was $754,775.50

95-058-P56
Dutton Island Intracoastal Waterway Park
Applicant: City of Jacksonville/City of Atlantic Beach

The 37.77-acre project is located in the City of Jacksonville, just west of the City of Atlantic Beach and near the east bank of the Intracoastal Waterway. The purposes of the project are to protect and restore natural resources and habitat and provide outdoor recreation and education opportunities. A juvenile crime mitigation program will also be developed and implemented on the project site. The project site is vegetated by coastal hammock, pine flatwoods and saltmarsh communities. Listed animal species using the site as habitat include the manatee and various wading birds. Recreational improvements to the site will include nature trails and wildlife observation areas. A small fishing pier and boat ramp currently exist on the project site. The total project cost was $1,135,649.27.

95-064-P56
Ais Lookout Point
Applicant: City of Palm Bay

The 3.45-acre project is located on U.S. 1 adjacent to the Indian River Lagoon. The Florida Department of Transportation acquired the parcel directly north of the project site and the St. Johns River Water Management District owns the parcel north of the FDOT property. All three contiguous parcels are to be developed and managed as a city park. A stormwater retention facility will be constructed on the middle FDOT parcel. The combined project will protect wildlife habitat, provide access to the Indian River Lagoon for outdoor recreation, protect historic resources and improve surface water quality. Acquiring the site will close a gap in the Indian River Lagoon Greenway network. A juvenile crime mitigation program will also be developed and implemented on the project site. The project site is vegetated by a hardwood hammock community and seagrasses are found adjacent to the site. Listed animal species using the site as habitat include the bald eagle, least tern, and various wading birds. Recreational improvements to the site will include nature trails, a lagoon overlook, park benches, and a small fishing pier. The total project cost was $529,204.75.


95-065-P56
Middle Cove Park
Applicant: St. Lucie County

The 107.42-acre project borders the Indian River Lagoon on South Hutchinson Island, just south of Ft. Pierce . The site is directly south of Bear Point Sanctuary, another FCT project site. The purposes of the acquisition are to provide outdoor recreational opportunities, improve surface water quality and protect natural resources and wildlife habitat. Acquiring the site will close a gap in the Indian River Lagoon Greenway network. The project site is vegetated by mangrove swamp and saltmarsh. Estuarine seagrass beds adjoin the site. Listed animal species that use the site as habitat include the manatee, peregrine falcon, roseate spoonbill and other wading birds. Recreation improvements to the site will include a dike trail along the Indian River Lagoon and boardwalks into the saltmarsh. The total project cost was $172,178.50.

95-077-P56
Merritt's Mill Pond
Applicant: Jackson County

The 29.85-acre project is located in central Jackson County just east of Marianna on Merritt's Mill Pond. The purposes of the project are to protect the water quality and habitat of Merritt's Mill Pond, restore and protect adjacent uplands and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. The project site is vegetated by slope forest, upland mixed forest, bottomland forest and floodplain forest communities. The forest communities include features that increase diversity such as limestone outcrops/ledges and a north-facing slope. Recreational improvements to the site will include nature trails and picnic areas. The project site links with a conservation easement and the Blue Springs CARL acquisition to protect much of the eastern shoreline of Merritt's Mill Pond. The total project cost was $408,282.40.

96-002-P7A
Nature Coast Marine and Environmental Science Center
Applicant: City of Crystal River

The 12.421-acre project site is located on S.R. 44 and the Salt River. The project site contains several structures located in a relatively undisturbed tidal marsh and maritime hammock. Acquisition of the site provided buildings and facilities for the Nature Coast Marine and Environmental Science Center. The Center will be managed by the Citrus County School System. The Center will provide environmental educational programs including environmental workshops and lecture series. When education programs are not being conducted, the site will be open to allow use of the nature trails and wildlife observation areas. Total project cost was $603,552.32.

96-004-P7A
Oak Tree Park
Applicant: City of Mary Esther

The 13.85-acre project site fronts on U.S. 98 and will provide open space in a congested urban area. The project preserves archaeological resources and will be used for educational and recreational purposes. The southern portion of the property contains a Florida Master Site File archaeological site. The City will develop an archaeological demonstration site with associated parking, nature trails and archaeological displays. The total project cost was $2,112,630.

96-006-P7A
Parker Environmental Exploratorium
Applicant: City of Parker

The 12.028-acre project is located in coastal Bay County, is centrally located within the City and is adjacent to Lake Martin and an active recreation sports complex. The purposes of the project are to protect natural resources and provide open space for resource-based recreation and environmental education. The project site contains upland hardwood forest and floodplain wetland communities. Recreational improvements to the site will include walking trails, a boat and canoe launch, and a fishing pier. The total project cost was $484,757.60.

96-008-P7A
Charlotte Harbor Flatwoods Addition
Applicant: Charlotte County

Acquisition of the 486.5-acre parcel will assist in creating a wildlife corridor and will protect a high quality old-growth South Florida slash pine flatwood for wildlife management and outdoor recreation. Located along U.S. 41 south of Punta Gorda and north of North Ft. Myers adjacent to the Webb/Babcock Wildlife Management Area, the project site will expand and enhance a regional network of conservation lands by assisting in linking the Webb/Babcock Wildlife Management Area, Charlotte Harbor Flatwoods, and Charlotte Harbor Reserve into a regional wildlife corridor. The project site contains a mix of relatively undisturbed vegetative communities including hydric pine flatwoods, pine flatwoods, and freshwater marsh. Total project cost was $2,320,349.80.

96-010-P7A
Sterling Downs Greenway
Applicant: Hillsborough County

The 445.86-acre park is located in central Hillsborough County, near the community of Riverview, south of the Alafia River along Bell Creek. Acquisition of this parcel will expand the County greenway system, protect an endangered plant species, and provide a recreational sports field for the community. The site contains freshwater marsh, mesic hardwood hammock, pine flatwoods, oak scrub, and sand pine scrub communities. The scrub area contains a regionally significant population the threatened Florida golden aster plant species. Proposed facilities include nature trails, interpretative displays, playground, baseball and soccer fields. The recreation sport field will be located in previously disturbed areas and designed to minimize impact on the natural resources on the project. Total project cost was $2,682,895.73.

96-011-P7A
Frenchman's Forest
Applicant: Palm Beach County/City of Palm Beach Gardens

The 149.086-acre project is located on Prosperity Farms Road in the City of Palm Beach Gardens. The purposes of the project are to protect upland vegetative communities and wildlife habitat, restore hydrology and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. The project site is vegetated by mesic and scrubby flatwoods, hydric hammock and strand swamp communities. Several listed fern species also exist on the site. The gopher tortoise uses the project site as habitat. Improvements to the site will include a nature trail and educational kiosk. The total project cost was $5,741,178.38

96-026-P7A
McKay Creek Greenway
Applicant: Pinellas County

The 54.94-acre park expansion is located in central Pinellas County adjacent to the McKay Creek Greenway on 119th Street North. Acquiring the project site will assist in creating a wildlife corridor in a highly urbanized area of Pinellas County. The greenway addition contains mesic flatwoods, wet flatwoods, xeric hammock and scrub communities. Facilities proposed for the site include nature trails and interpretive displays. Total project cost was $3,142,447.74.

96-037-P7A
County Line Scrub
Applicant: Miami-Dade County

The 15.02-acre site is located at NE 215th Street and 4th Avenue in northern Dade County. The purposes of the project are to protect natural resources and provide recreational and environmental educational opportunities in a highly urbanized area. The project site is vegetated by oak scrub and scrubby flatwood communities. Listed animal species on the site include the gopher tortoise. Recreational improvements to the site will include nature trails. The total project cost was $1,820,788.50.

96-038-P7A
FIT Site
Applicant: Martin County

The 54.42-acre project is located at the north end of Sewell's Point adjacent to the Indian River Lagoon. The Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) project site was last used as a college campus in 1986. The purposes of the project are to protect the Indian River Lagoon and historical features, provide public access to the lagoon and provide environmental educational opportunities. Acquiring the site will close a gap in the Indian River Lagoon Greenway network. Proposed management of the site includes removing or renovating existing structures on the site. The project site includes a mangrove fringe along the Lagoon and manatees use the waters adjacent to the site as habitat. Recreational improvements to the site will include nature trails, bike paths, boardwalks and a playground. The total project cost was $5,085,965.62.

96-043-P7A
St. Sebastian PUD
Applicant: Indian River County/City of Sebastian

The 310.89-acre project is located in the City of Sebastian and is adjacent to a previously funded FCT project site (AGC Industrial Tract, # 95-025-P56). The purposes of the project are to protect listed upland vegetative communities and wildlife habitat, provide outdoor recreation and expand the adjacent conservation area. The project site is vegetated by xeric oak scrub, sand pine scrub, scrubby flatwoods and freshwater wetland communities. Listed scrub jays and gopher tortoises use the project site as habitat. Improvements to the site will include nature trails, a wetlands boardwalk, observation areas and informational displays. The total project cost was $1,112,676.24.

96-050-P7A
Tree Hill Nature Center Addition
Applicant: City of Jacksonville

The 10.3-acre project site is located within the urbanized Arlington District of Jacksonville and is adjacent to the existing 40-acre Tree Hill Park and Nature Center. The addition will enhance the management and environmental education objectives of the Nature Center and protect natural resources. Improvements on the addition will include nature trails,nature center and parking. Total project cost was $360,573.03.

96-052-P7A
Julington Creek Headwaters Park and Preserve Phase I
Applicant: City of Jacksonville

Located in southeastern Duval County near the intersection of I-95 and I-295, the 203.23-acre park protects a portion of the the headwaters of Julington Creek. The park contains predominately native vegetative communities including bottomland swamp, cypress swamp and upland mixed forest. The park will also provide opportunities for active and resource-based recreation and environmental education. Proposed improvements include ball fields, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Active recreational improvements will be located in previously disturbed areas and be designed in a manner not to impact the natural resources of the park. Total project cost was $3,856,804.00.

96-058-P7A
Sandy Ridge Sanctuary
Applicant: City of Coral Springs

The 37.91-acre project is located in the City of Coral Springs. The purposes of the project are to protect upland vegetative communities and wildlife habitat, and provide outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities in a highly urbanized community. The project site is vegetated by a pine flatwood community. Laurel oak and cypress trees also exist on the site, as do several listed fern species. While no listed animal species currently inhabit the project site, the City proposes to reintroduce gopher tortoises on the site. Improvements to the site will include nature trails, boardwalks, picnic areas, wildlife observation platforms and interpretive signage. The total project cost was $3,385,009.