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The 12-acre site consists of three parcels two house lots, including one house, and 10 acres of undeveloped land off Bayshore Drive in Englewood. Habitat includes scrubby and pine flatwoods, mangrove wetland extending 550 feet along the Lemon Bay shoreline, and a cleared area. The 10-acre parcel is contiguous with the county’s Lemon Bay Park.

Importance
Protection of this land provides quality wetland and pine flatwoods habitat for existing eagle nests, as well as water quality benefits for Lemon Bay. Emergency access to the northwest portion of Lemon Bay Park in the event of a wildfire or other emergency is now possible.

Status
Acquisition of this site is complete. The program acquired 11 acres in February 2005 that provide over 550 feet of frontage along Lemon Bay. The remaining 0.9-acre contains a residence and will not be acquired by ESLPP.

Sarasota County Parks and Recreation is providing all land management activities within the site. Florida Communities awarded a 45% reimbursement ($1,186,342)
for acquisition costs.