Voter supported Environmental Land Bond results update

news release

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is proud to announce the real estate closings on three properties purchased with the funds from the $50M Environmental Bond approved by Indian River County voters in November 2022. The Bond was approved with the goal of acquiring and permanently preserving environmentally significant lands to restore the Indian River Lagoon, protect water resources, natural areas, wildlife habitat, drinking water, and more.

“The citizens of Indian River County should take pride in the legacy they have chosen to leave for future generations,” said County Commission Chair Deryl Loar.

The three properties purchased were: 1) Hale Grove, a 21.89-acre property located on US Highway #1, approximately 1-mile north of the Wabasso Causeway (S.R. 60). Purchase price, $2,540,000.00; 2) Durrance Place, an 11.74-acre property located east of US Highway #1 and approximately 1-mile north of the Wabasso Causeway (S.R. 60). Purchase price, $1,260,000.00; and 3) Osprey Estates, a 15.47-acre property located south of the Gifford dock on 45^th Street, abutting the Indian River Lagoon. Purchase price, $1,640,000.00. The County intends to provide habitat enhancement to benefit the Lagoon, as well as public access improvements for passive public recreation on each site.

“A debt of gratitude goes to the Environmental Land Acquisition Panel (ELAP), a nine-member BOCC appointed group that dedicated personal time and energy to the review all of the nominated properties,” said Beth Powell, Director of Parks, Recreation and Conservation.

The BOCC established the Environmental Land Acquisition Panel (ELAP) as a nine-member group to review information provided during the application process and provide recommendations to the Board regarding the prioritization of the acquisitions.

“It is hard to put into words the joy it brings to work with the caliber of staff we have in this county. This is a great accomplishment, and residents will enjoy the benefits for years to come,” said County Administrator John Titkanich.