Charlie Hunsicker

Director, Natural Resources Dept.

ext. 4601

Adoption of Resolution No. R-12-193, approving and authorizing execution of documents for the Robinson Preserve Expansion.

Pursuant to Section 125.01, Florida Statutes, the County owns and operates an environmental preserve known as Robinson Preserve, to provide educational, passive recreational and environmental benefits to the public.

A 200-acre parcel adjacent to Robinson Preserve is presently owned by Robinson Farms, Inc. and the County wishes to acquire 150 acres of said property for the expansion of Robinson Preserve to provide the public with enhanced educational, recreational and environmental benefits, such as  restoration, construction of an environmental center, trails, boardwalks, pedestrian bridges, parking lot, restrooms, age specific thematic playgrounds, kayak and paddle trails, kayak storage facilities and signage.

The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Inc. (CFGC), a Florida not-for-profit corporation, works with landowners, businesses and governments to protect and preserve the beauty and natural integrity of the bays, beaches, and barrier islands of the Florida Gulf Coast Region. They purchase natural areas, hold land preservation agreements, and provide education for responsible stewardship, directly and through collaborative relationships with local governments. On August 21, 2012, the Board approved a motion to direct County staff to partner with the County and the County Attorney's Office to negotiate a Cooperative Agreement with CFGC and acquire the 150 acre parcel and convey it to the County.

It is in the best interest of the public health, safety and welfare for the County enter into a Cooperative Agreement with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Inc. to (1) acquire approximately 150 acres of property from Robinson Farms, Inc. to be conveyed by Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Inc. to the County for the Project; (2) execute and deliver a Quitclaim Deed conveying its existing interest in the property to the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast as an inducement to Robinson Farms to sell the expansion property to the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast; and (3) enter into a Fill Removal Agreement with Robinson Farms, Inc. concerning such property, as an inducement to Robinson Farms to sell the expansion property to the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Inc. This agreement does not grant Robinson Farms, Inc. or any other party the right to any special development approvals on the remaining 50 acres of the 200 acre parent parcel withheld from sale to CFGC. Any future development approvals will be subject to the limitations and proceedures of the County's Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code.

In consideration for the conveyance of the 150 acre parcel, CFGC requests that naming rights be granted to CFGC and grant providors to the environmental center to be constructed on the expansion property by the County. CFGC will further require that future development of the parcel be consistent with improvements supporting an environmental preserve, as set forth in the form of a restrictive covenant or easement to be approved by the Board.

Staff recommends that the County enter into this Agreement with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Inc. to work together in partnership and to make applications for land acquisition grants from private foundations and donors to obtain grant fund dollars to purchase approximately 150 acres of property from Robinson Farms, Inc., and upon acquisition convey the property to the County for use as an environmental preserve and passive recreational area. The closing upon the property, and future improvements for the project, are subject to and contingent upon obtaining necessary funds.