INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — County officials say they are nearing the purchase of several environmentally sensitive properties along the county’s coastline and inland areas, a move that could safeguard hundreds of acres from development and bolster efforts to restore the beleaguered Indian River Lagoon.
The county has extended offers totaling about $12.9 million for six parcels under the voter-approved Environmental Lands Acquisition Program, with closings potentially just months away on at least three of them, according to Beth Powell, the county’s director of parks, recreation and conservation.
The initiative stems from a 2022 referendum where 76% of voters authorized borrowing up to $50 million over 20 years to buy and protect lands with habitats for protected species and wetlands that filter stormwater.
Among the pending deals is a $5.9 million agreement for nearly 20 acres near the historic Jungle Trail, a scenic byway along the lagoon. Officials said the former citrus farm could be restored as herbaceous wetlands to ease local flooding and enhance biodiversity. County commissioners unanimously advanced the purchase last month.
Wendy Swindell, the county’s assistant director for parks, recreation and conservation, called it a strong opportunity for wetland restoration that could even help reduce flooding around Captain Forster.
Another key acquisition targets the old Hale Groves site, a 22-acre former farm store and packing house north of the Wabasso Bridge, plus an adjoining 11.7-acre parcel known as Durrance Place. The combined $3.8 million buy would create a conservation area with public access for kayaking, trails through pine hammocks, and a restored salt marsh to improve water quality in the lagoon.
Hale family representative Susan Hale said the family agreed to the sale with a stipulation that the site’s public name include ‘Hale’ to honor their legacy. She said the sale will preserve their history while protecting the environment. The Hale family operated the citrus business since 1947.
Other offers include $1.59 million for 36 acres at Winter Beach 73rd Street, $1.64 million for 12.7 acres at Osprey Estates, and a pending $6.67 million bid for a massive 1,094-acre easement at Padget Branch along State Road 60.
Properties are nominated by the public, then vetted by a nine-member advisory panel that ranks them based on factors like habitat quality and size — at least 5 acres required. Due diligence, including environmental assessments and title reviews, is underway for several sites.
The purchases come amid broader challenges for the lagoon, which has suffered from algae blooms and seagrass loss. County leaders say conserving these lands will prevent further degradation by limiting runoff and development.
If all deals close, they would add to the roughly 20,000 acres already protected through past programs, providing passive recreation like hiking and birdwatching while prioritizing ecological health.
