HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA


REPORT TO THE
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS





Recommendations Concerning:
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY’S
JAN K. PLATT
ENVIRONMENTAL LANDS ACQUISITION
AND PROTECTION PROGRAM
(ELAPP)

2021 ANNUAL REPORT




ELAPP Site Assessment Team
ELAPP Site Review Team
ELAPP Site Selection Team
ELAPP General Committee

CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL LANDS MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT


December 2021


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TABLE OF CONTENTS









Page

Staff Recommendation....................................................................... 3

Executive Summary ........................................................................... 4

Report ................................................................................................. 9

Special Sites ....................................................................................... 18

Essential Sites .................................................................................... 18

Important Sites ................................................................................... 20

Desirable Sites ................................................................................... 22

Merged Sites ...................................................................................... 24

Acquired Parcels ................................................................................ 25

Substantially Acquired Sites .............................................................. 27

Provisionally Suspended Sites ........................................................... 46

Suspended Sites ................................................................................. 47

Appendices ......................................................................................... 56


ELAPP information and files are available at the main office of the Hillsborough County
Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department, 10940 McMullen Road,
Riverview, FL 33569, telephone number (813) 672-7876.

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STAFF RECOMMENDATION

The Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department Staff and Parks,
Recreation and Conservation Advisory Board recommend that the Board of County
Commissioners accept the information presented in this 2021 Annual Report and approve the
category listing and proposed methods for acquisition and protection.


IMPLEMENTATION

Upon approval of the Board of County Commissioners, the County’s Conservation and
Environmental Lands Management Department’s ELAPP Acquisition Manager will proceed to
protect and acquire sites according to the acquisition policy and available funds. The County’s
Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department’s Environmental Lands
Management Section manages preserved properties according to adopted Site Management
Plans. Additionally, all approved and new nominations have been re-ranked in accordance with
the ELAPP Site Ranking and Acquisition policies that were amended as part of the 2018 ELAPP
Annual Report. In accordance with these polices, 2019 was the last year for citizens to submit
new ELAPP nominations to Conservation and Environmental Lands Management staff.
Nominations subsequent to 2019 have been presented to the ELAPP General Committee before
being reviewed.

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2021 ANNUAL JAN K. PLATT ELAPP REPORT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Through ordinances approved by the Board of County Commissioners which presented
referendums to the citizens, Hillsborough County has established the Jan K. Platt Environmental
Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP) to preserve environmentally significant
properties. On March 3, 1987, a referendum providing for the collection of a .25 mill tax for
four years for the purchase or protection of environmentally sensitive lands, was approved by the
voters of Hillsborough County. A subsequent referendum in 1990 extended this tax for another
20 years. On November 4, 2008, the voters approved a third referendum (79%) for the issuance
of up to $200 million in bonds. ELAPP is a voluntary preservation program and the County will
not use eminent domain to acquire lands for preservation through ELAPP. Property does not
become environmentally sensitive because it is approved for preservation through ELAPP; it is
approved for preservation through ELAPP due to its environmental significance.

Since its inception, the ELAPP Teams and ELAPP General Committee have completed
approximately 419 reviews and identified 139 sites as meeting the ELAPP criteria for protection
or acquisition. Fifty-seven sites are now considered as acquired.

In recognition of the fiscal challenges facing the County regarding ongoing operating costs,
including those for preservation lands, staff, working with the ELAPP General Committee,
established a Strategic Plan to guide the program into the future. The objective of the Strategic
Plan is to show how ELAPP can best achieve its preservation objectives while meeting the
financial goals of the County. As part of this strategic plan, staff worked with the ELAPP
General Committee to revise the site ranking policy to focus on the most critical properties. The
nomination policy was also revised to provide one last opportunity for public nominations and
staff changes to project boundaries due to the fact that after thirty years of nominations, very few
new nominations meet the program criteria and the majority of additional acreage approved are
boundary modifications to existing preserved lands. Submissions after 2019 have been presented
to the ELAPP General Committee at a regular meeting to receive their support to be added to the
program.

Additionally, in an effort to provide more negotiating latitude on important properties, staff
recommended that the acquisition policy address situations when going beyond appraised value
is permitted. The revised Ranking and Acquisition Policy approved by the ELAPP General
Committee was presented and approved by the Board as part of the 2018 ELAPP Annual Report.

As part of the 2019 nominations, in accordance with the new Ranking and Acquisition Policies,
all ELAPP sites that were approved for preservation and not ranked as Acquired or Suspended
were reranked in accordance with the new policy as “Special”, “Essential”, “Important”, or
“Desirable”. A summary list of the sites and their recommended ranking is provided at the end
of this summary. Nominations subsequent to 2019 were presented to the ELAPP General
Committee in accordance with this policy.


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In 2021, the classification of “Acquired” was revised to “Substantially Acquired” to reflect that
nearly all “Acquired” sites still had parcels approved for preservation. Suspended sites were
reclassified into two categories; Suspended (no longer eligible for preservation, primarily
because they have been developed to the extent that they are no longer meet the program’s
criteria, that the habitat has been fragmented to the point where cannot be effectively managed,
and/or most of natural habitat is protected through existing regulations) and ‘Provisionally
Suspended (the owner of the core parcel is not willing to have their property considered for
preservation at this time or staff was not able to negotiate the preservation of the “core parcel” of
the project). While an “Agricultural Buffer” classification was established in 2011, all of these
sites have been either developed (primarily with solar farms) or have been added to approved
sites for acquisition and restoration.

For the 2019 nomination cycle, there were ten nominations; three were nominations of land
already approved for preservation, four were adjacent to existing preserves and qualified as
boundary modifications to Pam Callahan, Cypress Creek, and Rocky Creek Coastal Preserve and
three sites qualified for a full assessment. Of those three, the Site Selection Team recommended
ranking the Walton Acquisitions and Simmons Hammock Greenway, but since the owner of
Egmont Key did not indicate an interest in being in the program, it will be ranked as
Provisionally Suspended. In conjunction with staff recommendations for the 2019 application
cycle, the Site Selection Team also recommended boundary modifications to expand the Alafia
North Prog, Alafia South Prong, Balm Boyette Preserve (which included adding the Pringle
Branch site), Cockroach Creek Greenway, Fish hawk, Little Manatee River Corridor, Little
Manatee River Corridor Addition,, as well as boundary reductions to New Tampa Flatwoods,
Port Tampa Restoration, Rocky/Brushy Creek Greenway, River Crest Park Addition, and Town
and County Preserve. Sites reclassified as Suspended (due to development or fragmentation by
development) include Cypress Lakes Flatwoods, Gray Road, Hoedt Road, Valrico Fire Tower
and Williams Road. While there were no sites submitted for consideration in 2020, there was
one Nomination (the USF Property), one reranking in accordance with the new policy (Buckhorn
Springs) and one boundary modification (Violet Curry/Cypress Creek).

From October 1, 2018 (the effective date of the last Annual Report) to September 30, 2021, the
program preserved (acquired or under contract) sixteen parcels totaling 1,472 acres with a total
purchase price of $44.09 million. Notable acquisitions include the ELAPP portion of the AgMart
Property (441 acres for $21 million) as part of the Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve, two parcels
totaling 542 acres in the Brooker Creek Buffer Addition Preserve with a total purchase price of
$11.6 million, and two acquisitions (56 acres) within the Fish Hawk Portion/South Hillsborough
Wildlife Corridor for $2.66 million. Under contract for $3.6 million as of the effective date of
this report is the 84.5-acre Riverton Parcel in the Bahia Beach Coastal Restoration Site. Since the
effective date of this report, the County has closed on these contracts and staff is working on a
$3.25 million reimbursement of the grant through the Gulf Consortium/RESTORE (funding from
the Deepwater Horizon Settlement).

As of October 1, 2021, the program has acquired, contracted, or participated in the preservation
of about 63,210 acres at a cost of approximately $303.93 million. ELAPP has been very
successful in receiving joint acquisition funding, which has provided over $87.1 million (or
approximately 28%) toward the purchase price of these properties. In addition to the RESTORE

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Grant for the Riverton Parcel, the County has a pending $825,000 grant reimbursement from the
Florida Communities Trust Program (FCT) for recent acquisitions in the Rocky Creek Greenway
site. Because the State has either not funded or only provided very limited funding for Florida
Forever since 2008, the County has not been able to pursue acquisition funding from the
Southwest Florida Water Management District or, with the exception of the pending grant,
grants from FCT, both of which have provided the vast majority of the ELAP Program’s joint
funding.

As of October 1, 2021, ELAPP has approximately $19.7 million in bond proceeds available for
acquisition (not committed to contracts). Unallocated ad valorem funds associated with the 1990
referendum are currently budgeted for capital acquisition and management costs. Since annual
allocations are no longer associated with the program and staff costs are funded through general
revenue, this report will only provide a financial summary as of the end of the fiscal year, which
will include the available bond funds and the balance of the bond authorization that has not been
issued.

Since the last Annual Report, the Environmental Lands Management Section successfully
applied prescribed burns to 21,481 acres, installed 7.9 miles of security fencing, maintained
approximately 455 miles of fire lanes, restored and monitored 416 acres of imperiled habitat,
treated 15,613 acres of
invasive plants, as well as maintained 160 miles of
hiking/equestrian/biking trails and 98 public access points, 31 of which include public parking
areas. Additionally, the Environmental Lands Management Section initiated the third and final
phase of the hydrological restoration at Lower Green Swamp Preserve which will restore 382
acres of forested and non-forested wetlands; received approval for the first Carbon Mitigation
Bank at the Lower Green Swamp Preserve; and established the Trail CATS (County Associated
Trail Steward) Volunteer program to help maintain hiking trails on preserved lands.






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New









Previous Rank Ranking
Special Sites








Score


Blackwater Creek






A


Lower Green Swamp Addition (F.K.A Cone Ranch Addition)
B

Essential Sites (Top Five scores)

USF Preserve





*

62
Alafia North Prong





A

55
Little Manatee Corridor Addition



A

50
Brooker Creek Buffer Addition



A

41
Cockroach Creek Greenway



A

40



Important (Next Ten Highest Ranked)

Balm Boyette Addition




A

38
Varn /Cone Ranch Greenway



B

35


Buckhorn Springs



Provisionally Suspended
35
Knights Griffin Property




B

32


McIntosh/Zack Tract




B

32


Walton Acquisitions FL LLC



*

30


Wimauma Scrub





A

29


Ekker Addition





B

27


Nye Park Addition





B

27


Baker Creek and Tributaries



B

26







Desirable


Golden Aster Scrub/Kitchen Connection


D

24
Sydney Dover Trails




*

24


Cow House Creek





C

23


Lake Stemper





C

23


Old Morris Bridge Road




B

23


Pemberton Creek





B

23


Alafia River






C

19


Fish Hawk Park Portion




C

19


Simmons Hammock Greenway



*

18


Bullfrog Creek – Nundy




D

14


Georgetown






B

14
*new nomination/no previous rank


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PROVISIONALLY SUSPENDED (Owners not willing to Sell at this time)
1. Egmont Key
2. Lake Park Conservation Park
3. Lake Rogers Conservation Park
4. Lithia Springs

NEW SUSPENDED SITES:

Site Name



Reason for Suspension

Cypress Lake Flatwoods

Mostly developed/wetlands protected
Dug Creek



Mostly developed
Gray Road



Partly developed/habitat fragmented
Hoedt Road



Uplands mostly developed/wetlands protected
Williams Road


Mostly developed/ habitat fragmented







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JAN K. PLATT
ENVIRONMENTAL LANDS ACQUISITION
AND PROTECTION PROGRAM
(ELAPP) REPORT

PURPOSE

The Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP) provides
the funding, policies, and procedures for the County to identify, acquire, and manage
environmentally significant lands for preservation and compatible recreation. ELAPP is not a
regulatory program and properties approved for preservation through ELAPP do not become
environmentally sensitive by being approved for the ELAP Program; properties are in the ELAP
Program due to their environmental significance. ELAPP is a voluntary preservation program
and the County will not use eminent domain to acquire lands for preservation through ELAPP.

BACKGROUND

In the early 1980s, certain lands within Hillsborough County were identified for preservation
under Florida’s Conservation and Recreational Lands (CARL) Program. Due to competition for
the limited state funds, there was not much progress on these acquisitions until the County
offered to provide some of the funding toward the purchase of these lands.

Based on the success of these projects, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) directed
staff to investigate the potential of an environmental preservation program for Hillsborough
County. Staff worked closely with volunteer citizens in reviewing options, investigated other
local programs, and provided recommendations to the BOCC.

On January 7, 1987, the BOCC approved an Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance that
took effect upon the passage of a referendum. On March 3, 1987, the voters of Hillsborough
County passed the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Referendum with 71% of the total votes for
a .25 mill tax over a four-year period “for the purpose of acquiring, preserving, and protecting
endangered and environmentally sensitive lands, beaches, parks, and recreational lands in
Hillsborough County”. This Ordinance was used as the foundation for the Environmental Lands
Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP or ELAP Program).

The ELAP Program was founded on the basis of citizen involvement. Volunteer citizens, as the
Environmentally Sensitive Lands Committee, worked with staff to develop the nomination
criteria (Appendix “A”), program policies, and procedures. This group eventually became
known as the “ELAPP General Committee” and monitors the program, provides for program
policies, and addresses special issues or requests.

In order to proceed with the implementation of ELAPP Ordinances, based on the
recommendations of the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Committee, and to ensure citizen
involvement through the process with limited government agency guidance, the Committee’s

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structure was extended to the key program function. Teams were established for the purpose of
assessing nominations (Site Assessment Team).

These citizens provided recommendations for the first eighteen sites that were approved for
preservation through ELAPP in 1987. Staff with the County’s Real Estate Department initiated
actions to acquire properties. In an effort to expedite acquisition the position of ELAPP
Acquisition Manager was created and the position was filled in February 1989.

In response to the number of properties identified for preservation through ELAPP far exceeding
the available funding, the BOCC adopted a second ordinance to present a second referendum to
the voters. In 1990, the voters approved another ELAPP referendum with 73% of the total votes.
This referendum authorized the County to issue bonds up to $100 million that would be retired
by the levy of ad valorem taxes not to exceed .25 mill in any one year for up to twenty years.
This ordinance also designated a portion of such funding for site restoration and management
and to permit the conveyance of such lands to other public agencies for the purpose of
preservation, provided the proceeds were used to acquire additional lands or retire bonds.

In 1993, the BOCC approved amendments to the two ELAPP ordinances to address special
issues. Both ordinances were amended to permit the sale of property rights not essential to the
preservation of the land. This allowed the sale of water rights, density credits, or other rights
through the appropriate approval processes. As part of some acquisitions, certain property rights
not needed to accomplish the preservation objective were included in the purchases, such as
easements. The proceeds from these sales were to be returned to the ELAP Program to fund site
management and additional acquisitions.

These ordinances were also amended to permit the sale of property to a public or quasi-public
entity for purposes other than preservation, as settlement of actual or potential litigation,
provided there was evidence that no feasible alternative existed, that the property rights were
essential to the project, that environmental concerns of the BOCC were sufficiently addressed,
and that the proceeds were returned to the ELAP Program for acquisition and management. Both
ordinances were also amended to affirm that voters approved funding for these acquisitions in
order to accomplish the preservation of environmentally sensitive lands for the benefit of the
public, this being their highest public purpose. This affirmation helps ensure that these lands are
preserved.

Additionally, the ordinance for the $100 million referendum was amended to permit the sale of
property identified as an “Acquisition of Convenience”. This permitted the County to sell
property acquired for purposes other than preservation, provided the property was not required
for preservation or part of the approved ELAPP site. Eligible property was to be identified
before the County acquired title and, in the event the property was to be sold to a private party,
the ELAPP General Committee was to be consulted regarding any restrictions on the property
after the sale. All proceeds from the sale were to be returned to the ELAP Program to fund
acquisition and site management activities. Copies of all ordinances and related amendments are
included in Appendix “I”.


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While the purpose of acquiring such lands will be for resource protection, all lands shall be open
for public use and enjoyment to the extent that the County finds such use compatible with the
preservation and protection of these lands.

In an effort to stretch the local funding, the ELAP Program aggressively pursued other funding
sources. ELAPP was the first local government to do a joint acquisition with SWFWMD.
Shortly before the approval of the second referendum in 1990, the state established Preservation
2000, which provided $300 million annual to a variety of State preservation programs. At the
end of Preservation 2000, the State established the successor program, Florida Forever. Funds
from Preservation 2000/Florida Forever are distributed to Florida Communities Trust [FCT]
(originally with the Department of Community Affairs and currently with the Department of
Environmental Protection), the Southwest Florida Water Management District [SWFWMD]
(Save Our Rivers Program), and Florida Forever, the successor program to the Conservation and
Recreational Lands (CARL) Program, as well as several other land preservation programs.

The approval of Preservation 2000 and the successor program Florida Forever proved essential
to the success of ELAPP. The vast majority of ELAPP acquisitions have been completed with
some type of joint funding. Joint funding has also included mitigation from the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission and wetland mitigation through preservation for the Florida
Department of Transportation. Unfortunately, in 2009 the State was experiencing financial
challenges due to the severe economic downturn and since 2009, the Florida Legislature has
either not funded, or provided very limited funding for Florida Forever-related programs.
Without funding opportunities from Florida Forever, it is doubtful that any recent or upcoming
acquisitions will have joint funding.

Through the ELAP Program, the County has also cooperated with the City of Tampa, City of
Temple Terrace, and Plant City for funding applications on ELAPP sites. Typically, ELAPP
sites within these jurisdictions are also managed by the associated municipality.

Except for agricultural buffers, the adopted ranking policy scores a site on eight factors
(Appendix “C”). The majority of the factors are concerned with environmental characteristics of
the site but several factors address practical aspects. These factors include ease of acquisition,
cost relative to size, and threat of development. Once all factors have been assessed, the site’s
total score is determined. The score a site receives determines its classification. Each
classification has a priority, but no site within that group is given priority over others within that
group. The original policy was designed to permit multiple acquisition efforts and does not
restrict negotiations but provides guidelines so the program proceeds in a sensible and effective
manner.

Additionally, once a site has been classified, it is not re-ranked due to additional sites entering
the program. A site can be re-ranked due to changing conditions, new information, or other
factors that affect the site itself. There are currently 45 sites that have been ranked as
“Suspended” due to the owners’ unwillingness to sell, the property being developed or altered, or
other factors as detailed in the acquisition policy. ELAPP is strictly a voluntary program. It has
been formerly established that ELAPP will not use the power of eminent domain to acquire
property.

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As relayed in the next section, after twenty-five years it was necessary for the program to change
several policies to address the changes and challenges facing the County.

RECENT MAJOR EVENTS

In FY2009, the BOCC stopped assessing the balance of the .25 mill due to the fiscal limitations
caused by a significant economic slowdown and other events, as well as the fiscal practicality of
funding capital projects with funds from the County’s operating assessments. In an effort to
establish an alternate funding source, the BOCC adopted an Ordinance to present a referendum
to the voters of Hillsborough County. The purpose of this referendum was to allow for the
issuance of up to $200 million in bonds for acquisition and management of ELAPP sites.

Unlike prior referendums, there is no limitation on the millage and there is no limitation on the
term to issue the bonds. The millage limitation was eliminated to address the requirements of the
bond underwriters. The term limit was removed so that the bonds would be issued when the
funds were needed. Due to the term limitation in the second referendum, it was not financially
practical to issue bonds after 2000. There was also no limitation on the funding toward
management or restoration. This Ordinance acknowledged that the bond proceeds could be spent
on capital-related costs, such as initial fencing, initial fire lane installation, and restoration. The
balance of the 2008 Ordinance essentially mirrored the prior ordinances as amended.

The referendum from this Ordinance was presented to the voters on the November 4, 2008
General Election Ballot and passed with the approval of nearly 79% of the voters. This
referendum had the highest number of voters of the three referendums and had the highest
approval percentage. With the passage of this referendum and the issuance of the associated
bonds, the ELAP Program will have the funding to continue preserving lands in Hillsborough
County for many years. The BOCC issued a total of $59.43 million in 2009, of which a portion
was capitalized interest, so approximately $56 million of bond proceeds were available for
acquisition and other capital costs.

On September 18, 2013, the Board voted to consider renaming ELAPP in honor of Jan K, Platt
for her significant contributions to creating the program. This was unanimously supported by the
ELAPP General committee at their meeting on September 23, 2013. On October 16, 2013, the
Board adopted a resolution renaming ELAPP to the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands
Acquisition and Protection Program.

In recognition of the fiscal challenges facing the County with ongoing operating costs, including
those for preservation lands, staff worked with the ELAPP General Committee and executive
staff to establish a Strategic Plan to guide the program into the future. The objective of the
Strategic Plan is to show how ELAPP can best achieve its preservation objectives while meeting
the financial goals of the County. The 2014 Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and
Protection Program Strategic Plan has been updated to include recommendations from the 2018
ELAPP Audit and the policy revisions outlined in this report.


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In an effort to have the ELAPP ranking and acquisition policies align with the ELAPP Strategic
Plan, staff presented a recommendation to the ELAPP General Committee to review these
policies, provided key elements that would be addressed, and provided certain elements that staff
felt were necessary to improve the program’s performance.

One element that staff recommended related to ending the annual nomination process. In recent
years the program was receiving few, if any, qualified nominations. Additionally, there was no
way to incorporate the objectives of the strategic plan in the review process. Under the policy
provided in the 2018 ELAPP Annual report, 2019 was the last full assessment cycle and any
future nominations will be presented to the ELAPP General Committee, by the property owner
or authorized representative, to request a full assessment.

In an effort to be more competitive in negotiations, the acquisition policy allows for going
beyond appraised value for certain properties. While there was no documented policy on paying
beyond appraised value, historically the program had never presented a contract to the Board that
was above the highest appraised value. This policy provides for limited opportunities to go above
appraised value. With the Board’s approval of the 2018 ELAPP Annual Report, the existing
ELAPP policies were amended to reflect the policies provided in Appendix “I.” In 2021, the
classification of “Acquired” was revised to “Substantially Acquired” to reflect that nearly all
“Acquired” sites still had parcels approved for preservation.

During 2018, the County’s Internal Auditor performed an audit of the ELAP Program. In Part 1,
the Audit Team reviewed processes and controls for the site acquisition and ongoing site
maintenance activities. Due to a lack of sufficient data and record keeping controls, the Audit
Team was unable to determine the resources necessary to maintain the ELAP Program. To
identify these necessary resources, in Part 2 the County Internal Auditor contacted Barth
Associates, Inc. to assist ELAPP management staff with establishing specific, measurable
activities that provided sufficient maintenance resources, activity records, and corresponding
financial data. Key portions of this audit are provided in Appendix “H.”

With the 2009 bond issue essentially expended, in 2019 the Board issued bonds that provided
$67 million for land acquisition and capital management costs. County Bond Staff have indicated
that there is about $71.5 million still available under the 2008 referendum.

LESS THAN FEE ACQUISITIONS AND AGRICULTURAL BUFFERS

In an effort to help protect certain ELAPP preserves, as part of the revisions to the Less Than Fee
Policy, the ELAPP General Committee recommended to the BOCC the use of conservation
easements for the preservation of agricultural buffers adjacent to existing preserves. The
principle is that for certain lands adjoining preserves, any type of agricultural use (row crop,
grove, etc.) is preferred to residential development. The use of agricultural buffers was approved
as part of the Less Than Fee Policy in the ELAPP 2008 Annual Report.

In accordance with the Less Than Fee Policy, County staff presented five sites to the Site
Selection Team as part of the 2010 nomination cycle, which were approved as Agricultural

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Buffers and may be preserved as buffers to existing preserves in accordance with the Less Than
Fee Policy

With the importance of expanding existing preserves, several of the agricultural buffers have
been reclassified and are approved for acquisition. Once acquired they will be restored. The
remaining agricultural buffers have been developed with solar farms which effectively achieved
the objectives of an Agricultural Buffer (single user with activities that do not impact the
preserve). With the 2021 annual report, this classification is being suspended.

ACQUISITIONS AND FINANCIAL STATUS

As indicated in prior Annual Reports, the program essentially received ad valorem funds for that
portion of the ¼ mill associated with the 1990 referendum which were not required for debt
service. It has been recommended that most of these funds will be kept for (i) acquisitions that
cannot be funded through bond proceeds due to the conditions associated with tax exempt bonds;
(ii) to fund capital costs that cannot be funded with bond proceeds; and (iii) as a reserve for
future operating costs for the management of properties preserved through ELAPP until
additional revenues are available. In FY2012, a portion of these funds were appropriated for the
Lower Green Swamp Preserve (f.k.a. Cone Ranch), with approximately $2.1 million allocated
for initial operating and staff costs, as well as $3 million allocated toward future restoration
needs.

The fiscal limitations and challenges facing the County, especially between 2009 and 2014, also
impacted the ELAP Program. Decreased revenues have mandated prudence and caution
regarding fiscal issues, including the impact of additional operating costs associated with new
acquisitions. Currently, the primary focus has been targeting in-holdings and additions to
existing preservation lands in an effort to limit increased operating costs.

A Financial Status based on October 1, 2021 provides a financial summary of the current status
of the program (“Where Are We Now”) and a summary of the bonds issued associated with the
2008 referendum, which are provided in Appendix “D”. As of October 1, 2021, the ELAP
Program had approximately $19.7 million in bond proceeds available for acquisition and capital
management costs.

Since the 2018 Annual Report, the following sixteen parcels totaling 1,472 acres have been
acquired (or are under contract) at a cost of $44.54 million.

ACQUIRED
PROJECT NAME
PARCEL
NAME/OWNER
ORGINAL
RANKING
PURCHASE
PRICE
ACRES
Balm Boyette Scrub
AgMart (Western
Portion)
A
$21,039,464
441.0
Alafia North Prong
Gooch Trust (Moseley) B
$1,200,000
135.6
Fish Hawk
Margie Hagin
A
$1,200,000
19.3
Little Manatee River Corridor
Abuzahara
A
$150,000
5.0
Balm Scrub (FKA Balm Road
Scrub)
McGrady Road Parcel
B
$300,000
10.0

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Brooker Creek Buffer Preserve
Addition
Double Screen
Associates LLLP
A
$6,642,240
251.6
Rocky Brushy Creeks-Manhattan
Portion (aka Rocky Creek Trails)
Billingsley
B
$614,000
4.4
Brooker Creek Buffer Preserve
Addition
Cee Bee Groves,Inc.
A
$4,959,132
286.9
Rocky Brushy Creeks-Manhattan
Portion (aka Rocky Creek Trails)
Hockman
B
$1,000,000
5.7
Cypress Creek Preserve - West
Brian Kirby
A
$685,000
43.0
Fish Hawk
Jeffcoat
A
$1,464,000
36.1
English Creek
Hillsborough
Community College
B
$550,000
117.7
Little Manatee River
Weld
A
$1,000,000
25.3





CONTRACT PENDING






Bahia Beach Restoration/Riverton
South Bay CDD
Holdings LLC
B
$3,137,000
73.7
Bahia Beach Restoration/Riverton
South Bay Community
Development District
B
463000
10.88


As of October 1, 2021, the program has preserved or contracted on approximately 63,295 acres
with a total purchase price of approximately $307.53 million. The County has received over
$87.1 million in joint funding (or 28.9%). Since the Florida Legislature has not provided any
substantive funding since 2009, there have been very few opportunities for joint funding of
preservation sites. An application submitted in late 2020 by the County to the Florida
Communities Trust Program for the recent acquisitions in the Rocky Brushy Creek site has been
selected for funding and staff is working to complete the reimbursement of $825,000. The
County also has secured a RESTORE Grant for the Riverton Parcel and the County will be
reimbursed $3.25 million of the $3.6 million purchase price.

During FY2014, a statewide referendum was placed on the 2014 General Election Ballot to
amend the Florida Constitution designating a portion of the documentary stamp tax revenue for
land preservation for the next 20 years. This amendment was approved by nearly 75% of the
voters. While the approval of this referendum provides the potential for joint funding from the
State for ELAPP acquisitions, as of October 1, 2021, the Legislature has appropriated only
limited funding to programs that could fund land preservation in Hillsborough County.

SITE MANAGEMENT

A portion of the Countywide General fund, phosphate severance taxes, lease revenues, and
restoration grants fund the Environmental Lands Management Section consisting of forty-five
permanent full-time members and three permanent part-time members. This section carries out a
variety of land management activities that include site security, prescribed burning, exotic plant
control, protected species recovery, and public access. Large-scale habitat restoration projects
are being accomplished through partnerships with other local, state, and federal agencies. Since

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the last Annual Report, the Environmental Lands Management Section successfully applied
prescribed burns to 21,481 acres, installed 7.9 miles of security fencing, maintained
approximately 455 miles of fire lanes, restored and monitored 416 acres of imperiled habitat,
treated 15,613 acres of
invasive plants, as well as maintained 160 miles of
hiking/equestrian/biking trails and 98 public access points, 31 of which include public parking
areas. Additionally, the Environmental Lands Management Section initiated the third and final
phase of the hydrological restoration at Lower Green Swamp Preserve which will restore 382
acres of forested and non-forested wetlands; received approval for the first Carbon Mitigation
Bank at the Lower Green Swamp Preserve; and established the Trail CATS (County Associated
Trail Steward) Volunteer program to help maintain hiking trails on preserved lands.


2018-2019 NOMINATION CYCLE/2021 ELAPP GENERAL COMMITTEE REVIEW

For the 2018-2019 nomination cycle, there were ten nominations; three were nominations of land
already approved for preservation, four were adjacent to existing preserves and qualified as
boundary modification to Pam Callahan, Cypress Creek, and Rocky Creek Coastal Preserve.
Three sites qualified for a full assessment. The Site Selection Team recommended ranking the
Walton Acquisitions, and Simmons Hammock Greenway. The third nomination that was
approved for a full assessment, Egmont Key, is initially ranked as ‘Provisionally Suspended
since executive staff with the State Division of Recreation and Parks did not indicate an interest
in this property being placed in the ELAP Program.

Since the 2018-2019 Nomination Cycle, the County has received two proposals for property to
be added to the ELAP Program. These are the USF Forest Preserve and Buckhorn Springs
properties. Pursuant to the adopted ranking policy, these sites were first presented to the ELAPP
General Committee (GC) for review and ranking. In October 2021, the ELAPP GC ranked the
USF Property as an “Essential” site and reranked the Buckhorn Springs site from “Provisionally
Suspended” to “Important.” Additionally, the ELAPP GC reranked the Rocky Brushy Greenway
to “Substantially Acquired.”

In conjunction with staff recommendations, the Site Selection Team and the ELAPP General
Committee also recommended boundary modifications as follows:

• Alafia North Prong to add properties to improve corridor connections

• Alafia South Prong to add properties to connect to the preservation lands
associated with SWFWMD’s Chito Branch Preserve,

• Balm Boyette Preserve: merging the approved Pringle Branch ELAPP site into
this site and some additional land to connect to lands preserved as part of
SWFWMD’s Chito Branch Preserve,

• Cockroach Creek Greenway to add properties to connect to the Little Manatee
River


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• Fish Hawk to add several predominantly natural smaller properties

• Little Manatee River Corridor to add back property with the approval of Mosaic,
change agricultural buffers to approved ELAPP sites for acquisition & restoration,
and other parcels with native lands

• Little Manatee River Corridor Addition to change agricultural buffers to approved
ELAPP sites for acquisition & restoration

• Little Manatee River to remove a parcel (Folio 57874-0000) at the request of the
owner. This parcel may be reinstated into the property at the request of the owner.

As well as reductions to the following sites:

Site




Reason

New Tampa Flatwoods

Portions not acquired/primarily wetland
Port Tampa Restoration

Port not acquired/mostly developed
Rocky/Brushy Creek

Portions developed or fragmented by development
River Crest Park Addition

Portions with residences
Town and County Preserve

Western portion/Mostly wetlands protected under plat

The ELAPP Site Selection Team also recommended the following sites be re-ranked as
“Suspended” and no longer qualify for preservation through ELAPP

Site Name



Reason for Suspension

Cypress Lake Flatwoods

Mostly developed/wetlands protected
Dug Creek



Mostly developed
Gray Road



Partly developed/habitat fragmented
Hoedt Road



Uplands mostly developed/wetlands protected
Valrico Fire Tower


Partly developed/habitat fragmented
Williams Road


Mostly developed/ habitat fragmented

The location of the changes from these boundary modifications is shown on the map for each site
provided in Appendix “F”. The Site Selection Team has authorized staff to make modest
boundary modifications for parcels adjoining existing ELAPP acquisitions if these additions are
similar to the balance of the site and staff determines that they will provide preservation benefits.

SITES RECOMMENDED FOR PRESERVATION THROUGH ELAPP

The following list of sites is classified according to the ranking policy. All sites meet the
established selection criteria and will be considered for acquisition or protection, although efforts
will be concentrated on sites considered Special and Essential. The Parks, Recreation and
Conservation Advisory Board reviewed and approved the site recommendations at their monthly
meeting on November 18, 2021.

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SPECIAL SITES

BLACKWATER CREEK +/- 9500 ACRES

Location: Land located in northeast Hillsborough County along Blackwater Creek and
Hillsborough River from U.S. 301 to S.R. 39.

Recommendation: Negotiate protection or acquisition. (See “Acquired Parcels”)

CONE RANCH ADDITION +/- 3,600 ACRES

Location: Land located in the extreme northeast corner of Hillsborough County adjacent
to the County-owned Cone Ranch. (Note: The area of this site has been reduced to
reflect the property conveyed to the County as part of an exchange with C.F. Industries,
which was not associated with the ELAP Program.)

Recommendation: Negotiate protection or acquisition.

ESSENTIAL SITES

New Site

USF FOREST PRESERVE +/- 610 ACRES
Location: The site is located on the north side of E Fletcher Ave, east N 46th ST, and
west of Lettuce Lake Conservation Park


Recommendation: Negotiate protection or acquisition of the site.

Sites Previously approved for Preservation


ALAFIA NORTH PRONG +/- 4,400 ACRES (Portion of South Hillsborough Wildlife
Corridor)

Location: Along the north prong of the Alafia River, from Alderman’s Ford Park to the
Polk County Line.

Recommendation: Negotiate protection or acquisition of the site. At the request of
Mosaic staff properties under their ownership were removed from the site. At such time
that it is relayed that Mosaic is interested in pursuing negotiations on any portion of their
property contiguous to preserved lands, the associated properties will be deemed added to
the site and eligible for preservation. In conjunction with the Interlocal Agreement with

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the Southwest Florida Water Management District staff will pursue joint funding if
practical (See “Acquired Parcels”)

LITTLE MANATEE RIVER CORRIDOR ADDITION +/- 2,630 ACRES

Location: West of Hobbs Road, south of the Little Manatee River Corridor site and
north of the County Line.

Recommendation: Negotiate protection or acquisition of the site. (See “Acquired
Parcels”)

BROOKER CREEK BUFFER ADDITION +/- 900 ACRES

Location: In Northwest Hillsborough County along north & east side of Patterson
Road.

Recommendation: Negotiate acquisition or protection of the site. (See “Acquired
Parcels”)

COCKROACH CREEK GREENWAY +/- 1,000 ACRES (f.k.a. Valroy Road)

Location: Original site (Valroy Road) included land south of Valroy Road, west of
Interstate 75, and north of the Manatee County Line in southern Hillsborough County.
The project boundary was modified in 1999 to include natural habitat greenways along
creek systems and other areas connecting the original site to the wetlands of Cockroach
Bay. In 2019 it was extended to include land along the west side of I-75 to the Little
Manatee River

Recommendation: Negotiate acquisition or protection of the site. (See ‘Acquired
Parcels’)



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IMPORTANT SITES

New Site

BALM BOYETTE ADDITION +/- 197 ACRES
(re-ranked from “Essential” due to site number limitations and will be highest ranked site in this classification)


Location: North of County Road 672 and east of Balm Boyette Road

Recommendation: Negotiate acquisition or protection of the

BUCKHORN SPRINGS +/- 146 ACRES

Location: South of Bloomingdale Avenue, east of Hwy 301, and west of Bell Shoals
Road.

Status: Mosaic has indicated that they are interested in preserving this property with a
conservation easement. Staff is in initial negotiations regarding elements of the easement,
which include public access. Based on Mosaic’s interest in working with the County this
property has been reranked from Provisionally Suspended.


Sites Previously Approved for Preservation


WALTON ACQUISITIONS FL LLC +/- 546 ACRES

Location: Knights Griffin Road and Charlie Taylor Road

Recommendation: Negotiate acquisition or protection of the site.

VARN/CONE RANCH GREENWAY +/- 1,470 ACRES

Location: Located in portions of five sections, west of Highway 39, north of Knights-
Griffin Road, and south of Bruton Road, in northeast Hillsborough County.

Recommendation: Negotiate acquisition and/or protection. Use of Less Than Fee
Techniques to comply with approved ELAPP policy.

[NOTE: BUCKHORN SPRINGS RANKS BETWEEN VARN/CONE RANCH
GREENWAY AND KNIGHTS GRIFFIN PROPERTY]


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KNIGHTS-GRIFFIN PROPERTY +/- 270 ACRES

Location: In Plant City between Knights Griffin Road and McGee Road.

Recommendation: Negotiate acquisition or protection of the site.

McINTOSH/ZACK TRACT +/- 860 ACRES

Location: Land southeast of the intersection of Knights-Griffin Road and S.R. 39 and
associated land to the southeast within the Plant City limits.

Recommendation: Negotiate protection or acquisition of the natural area as a core
parcel. The balance of the site may be considered separate from the core parcel only with
an approved restoration plan. Site has been awarded a grant from the Florida
Communities Trust through the City of Plant City. (See “Acquired Parcels”)

[NOTE: WALTON ACQUISITION FL LLC RANKS BETWEEN McINTOSH/ZACK
AND WIMAUMA SCRUB]

WIMAUMA SCRUB +/- 55 ACRES

Location: Land located south of Lake Wimauma on Brigman Road and west of
Westlake Road.

Recommendation: Negotiate acquisition or protection of the site.

EKKER ADDITION +/- 173 ACRES

Location: On the South bank of Bullfrog Creek West of the Ekker site, east of US 41
north of Symmes Road.

Recommendation: Negotiate protection or acquisition.

NYE PARK ADDITION +/- 73 ACRES

Location: Next to Nye Park north of Sunset Land and East of US 41.

Recommendation: Negotiate protection or acquisition of the site

BAKER CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES +/- 900 ACRES

Location: Land containing portions of the floodplain of Baker Creek and several
tributaries south of Lake Thonotosassa, including the original Lake Thonotosassa site.

Recommendation: Negotiate protection or acquisition contingent upon approved
restoration program.


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DESIRABLE SITES

New Site

GOLDEN ASTER SCRUB/KITCHEN CONNECTION +/- 60 ACRES
(re-ranked from “Essential” due to site number limitations and will be highest ranked site in this classification)

Location: West of the CSX Railroad Line and east of U.S. Hwy 41, south of Gibsonton.


Recommendation: Negotiate protection or acquisition.

SIMMONS CREEK HAMMOCK +/- 601.64 ACRES

Location: Land between Interstate I-4 and north of Jess Walden Road east of the weigh
station.

Recommendation: Negotiate protection or acquisition of the site.

Sites Previously approved for Preservation

SYDNEY DOVER TRAILS ADDITIONS +/- 186 ACRES

Location: North of SR 60 and east of Sydney Washer Road.

Recommendation: Negotiate protection or acquisition of the site.

COW HOUSE CREEK +/- 120 ACRES

Location: Along Cow House Creek, between the Hillsborough River and Interstate 75,
just north of Fowler Avenue.


Recommendation: Negotiate acquisition with a funded restoration plan.

LAKE STEMPER NORTH +/- 35 ACRES

Location: South side of Sunset Lane and East of US 41 in Lutz to the north shore of
Lake Stemper

Recommendation: Negotiate acquisition

OLD MORRIS BRIDGE ROAD +/- 117 ACRES

Location: Land is located on Old Morris Bridge Road, east of Interstate 75 and south of
Morris Bridge Road.


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Recommendation: Negotiate protection or acquisition of the site.
(Note: This site now includes the 56-acre Gray Pines nomination.)

PEMBERTON CREEK SITE +/- 200 ACRES

Location: Bordered on the west by Gallagher Road and on the south by Interstate 4.

Recommendation: Negotiate protection or acquisition contingent upon approved
restoration plan on “Area 1”. Negotiate protection or acquisition of “Area 2”.

ALAFIA RIVER +/- 62.38 ACRES

Location: Land between Riverview Blvd and Alafia River west of US 41 and east of
recently acquired park.

Recommendation: Negotiate protection or acquisition of the site.

FISH HAWK PARK PORTION ADDITION +/- 10.4 ACRES


Location: West side of Osprey Ridge Drive south of Parkset Drive

Recommendation: Subject to approval of the Director of Parks and Recreation, have
property management responsibility transferred to the Conservation and Environmental
Lands Management Department for management as an ELAPP site.

[Note: Simmons Hammock Greenway scored between Fish Hawk
Portion Addition and Bullfrog Creek Nundy]

BULLFROG CREEK – NUNDY +/- 29 ACRES

Location: Land between Nundy Ave and Bullfrog Creek East of US 41.

Recommendation: Negotiate protection or acquisition of the site.

GEORGETOWN +/- 82 ACRES*

Location: Dredged peninsula west of the Georgetown Apartments on Westshore
Boulevard (*it is estimated that approximately 34 acres of the site consists of submerged
lands).

Recommendation: Negotiate protection or acquisition contingent upon approved
restoration program.

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MERGED SITES

PRINGLE BRANCH +/- 380 ACRES

Location: East of Hobson Simmons Road between Balm Boyette Scrub and the
reservoir property along the Pringle Branch.

Status: This site is now part of the Balm Boyette Preserve

SIMMONS TRACT +/- 80 ACRES

Location: Land located adjacent to the Boyette Tract on Pringle Branch, a tributary of
the Fishhawk Creek.

Status: The Real Estate Department has presented offers to the owners who have
rejected them based upon their estimation of value. This parcel is now combined with
adjoining lands as the “Pringle Branch” which was subsequently merged with the Balm
Boyette Preserve.

SUN CITY SCRUB +/- 40 ACRES

Location: Land located in southern Hillsborough County between U.S. 41 and the
railroad tracks south of Old Sun City.


Status: This site is now part of the Piney Pointe & Cockroach Creek Site

ZINDLER +/- 25 ACRES

Location: Land located on the Little Manatee River adjacent to and across the river from
the Little Manatee River State Recreation Area. The boundary of this site has been
modified to address the “Crenshaw” nomination.

Status: The properties associated with this site are now part of the Little Manatee
River Site.

AGRICULTURAL BUFFERS

There are currently no sites in this classification.

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PENDING CONTRACTS

BAHIA BEACH COASTAL RESTORATION +/- 233.7 ACRES

Location: East of Bahia Beach and south of the County’s E.G. Simmons Park.

Status: In 2009, the owner of the Riverton Parcel (between Shell Point Road and the Little
Manatee River) contacted the County expressing an interest in selling the balance of the
property; however, these initial negotiations were unsuccessful. After many years, negotiations
resumed and, on June 16, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners approved two contracts
totaling $3.6 million to acquire the 84.5-acre property. $3.25 million of the purchase price will
be reimbursed to the County under the RESTORE program (funding from the Deep-Water
Horizon settlement, see “Substantially Acquired”). [Note: subsequent to the effective date of this
report the two transactions closed.]

ACQUIRED PARCELS

RECENTLY ACQUIRED PARCELS

ALAFIA NORTH PRONG +/- 4,400 ACRES (Portion of South Hillsborough Wildlife
Corridor)

Location: Along the north prong of the Alafia River, from Alderman’s Ford Park to the
Polk County line.

Status: In September 2021 the County completed the acquisition of the 135.6 acre
Gooch Mosely Tract along Henry George Road for $1.2 million (see “Previously
Acquired Parcels’ for other acquisitions.

BROOKER CREEK BUFFER ADDITION +/- 900 ACRES

Location: In Northwest Hillsborough County along north/east side of Patterson Road.

Status: In 2020 the County acquired the 287-acre Cee Bee Groves property for $4.96
million and a 251.6 acre tract owned by Double Screen Associates LLC for $ 6.64
million.

PREVIOUSLY ACQUIRED PARCELS

ALAFIA NORTH PRONG +/- 4,400 ACRES (Portion of South Hillsborough Wildlife
Corridor)


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Location: Along the north prong of the Alafia River, from Alderman’s Ford Park to the
Polk County line.

Status: As part of an Interlocal Agreement between the District and the County, the
District has acquired approximately 1,000 acres (initial preservation through a life estate
and a conservation easement with a right to purchase within 5 years) for a total cost of
$2,512,000. The County provided 50% of the acquisition costs.

On December 7, 2006, the County acquired 764 acres from the Gooch Family Trust with
a purchase price of $8,264,400. Due to lack of funding from Florida Forever, it is
doubtful that joint funding from SWFWMD will occur.

At the request of Mosaic staff properties under their ownership were removed from the
site. At such time that it is relayed that Mosaic is interested in pursuing negotiations on
any portion of their property contiguous to preserved lands, the associated property will
be deemed added to the site and eligible for preservation. In conjunction with the
Interlocal Agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District staff will
pursue joint funding if practical. (See “Acquired Parcels”)

BLACKWATER CREEK +/- 9,500 ACRES

Location: Land located in northeast Hillsborough County along Blackwater Creek and
the Hillsborough River from U.S. 301 to S.R. 39.

Status: The Real Estate Department completed the purchase of the 1,959-acre Weiss
Property for $4,000,000. Approximately 1,800 acres are within the Florida Communities
Trust Project and the County has been reimbursed a total of $1,803,000. Two additional
parcels totaling 26 acres on the south side of Blackwater Creek west of S.R. 39 have been
purchased for $93,525, with 50% funding from the Florida Communities Trust. The
County also has funded a 5-acre in-holding for $22,000 and is acquiring a 10-acre
landlocked parcel for $20,000. In October 2003, the County has a 10-acre landlocked
parcel for $20,000. On October 13, 2013, the County completed the acquisition of the
11-acre parcel on Patrinostro Road for $285,000, which included a residence that will be
used for site security.

COCKROACH CREEK GREENWAY +/- 1,000 ACRES (f.k.a. Valroy Road)

Location: Original site (Valroy Road) included land south of Valroy Road, west of
Interstate 75, and north of the Manatee County Line in southern Hillsborough County.
The project boundary was modified in 1999 to include natural habitat greenways along
creek systems and other areas connecting the original site to the wetlands of Cockroach
Bay.

Status: On October 10, 2001, the County completed the acquisition of 549 acres with a
purchase price of $1,346,349. While much of the balance of the site is preserved through

27
the regulatory process, ELAPP will pursue additional acquisitions to provide sufficient
buffers.

LITTLE MANATEE RIVER CORRIDOR ADDITION +/- 1,091 ACRES

Location: West of Hobbs Road, south of the Little Manatee River Corridor site and
north of the County line.

Status: In July 2012, the County acquired 493.1 acres from the Tropicana Property
Land Trust for a purchase price of $1,799,705.

McINTOSH/ZACK TRACT +/- 860 ACRES (Massey)

Location: Land southeast of the intersection of Knights-Griffin Road and S.R. 39 and
associated land to the southeast within the Plant City limits.

Status: In July 1998, the City of Plant City acquired the 364-acre McIntosh parcel for
$1,125,000 with 50% funding from the Florida Communities Trust. The owners of the
Zack parcel have not responded to previous offers.

McKAY BAY/PALM RIVER GREENWAY +/- 67 ACRES

Location: On the south side of Palm River, between the U.S. 41 bridge and the
SWFWMD spoil deposition area at the mouth of the river.

Status: One parcel along US 41 has been acquired by the City of Tampa with limited
funding through ELAPP and with the majority of the funding from the State Greenways
and Trails Program. However, since the majority of the site has been developed with
residential structures, it is no longer practical to pursue for preservation and the site is
now re-ranked as suspended (See “Suspended Sites”).


SUBSTANTIALLY ACQUIRED SITES

RECENTLY RANKED SUBSTANTIALLY ACQUIRED SITES

ROCKY/BRUSHY CREEK GREENWAY +/- 39ACRES

Location: Along the riparian corridors associated with Rocky and Brushy Creeks in
northwest Hillsborough County.

Status: In the Manhattan portion, the County has acquired a 10-acre parcel for $1.3
million and an adjoining 6-acre parcel for $710,000. The County received a 50%
reimbursement from Florida Communities Trust (FCT). In 2020, the County acquired
three parcels totaling just over 10 acres across the street from the Citrus Park Athletic

28
Complex with a total cost of $1.6 million. Staff submitted these to FCT and these
properties have been selected to receive a $825,000 grant.

PREVIOUSLY RANKED SUBSTANTIALLY ACQUIRED SITES

ALAFIA SCRUB PRESERVE +/- 78 ACRES (f.k.a. Read Property)

Location: Located on the Alafia River, just east of the Interstate 75 bridge, on the
southern shoreline.

Status: The County has purchased the entire property for $2,150 million, with 50%
funding from the Florida Communities Trust.

ALAFIA SOUTH PRONG +/- 2,700 ACRES (Portion of South Hillsborough Wildlife
Corridor)

Location: Along the south prong of the Alafia River near the community of Welcome,
southeast of Alderman’s Ford Park.

Status: As part of an Interlocal Agreement between the Southwest Florida Water
Management District and the County, over 2,091 acres have been preserved at a total cost
of $6,382,844 with the County and the District each providing 50% of the acquisition
costs. The properties are managed under a lease from the District to the County.

The County acquired the 20-acre Marine Property and the 6-acre Jordan Property near
Welcome Road. Staff did not pursue joint funding due to the cost to comply with
SWFWMD acquisition policies. Two adjoining 40-acre tracts have been acquired by the
County for wetland mitigation (through preservation), which have been funded as part of
road projects and will be managed as part of the adjoining preserve. In 2016, 53.7 acres at
Jameson Road and CR 39 was acquired for $686,720. In 2019, 124,8 acres on CR 39
north of Jameson Road was acquired for $1,597,440.

At the request from representatives for Mosaic Fertilizer, the properties titled with
Mosaic Fertilizer have been removed from the site.

ALDERMAN’S FORD PRESERVE +/- 1,600 ACRES (f.k.a. Alderman’s Ford Addition)

Location: Lands on either side of the Alafia River from Alderman’s Ford Park westward
between S.R. 39 and Lithia Pinecrest Road.

Status: In June 1990, the County acquired 541 acres of property known as the Sheldon
Property for $1,477,200. In June 1993, an additional 353.5 acres was purchased from the
Joo Family for $1,396,923 (with approximately 9.5 acres designated an acquisition of
convenience to address the future road extension through the property from the end of
Bloomingdale Avenue to Keysville Road). An additional 76 acres was acquired from the
West Estate in April 1995, for $237,000.

29

The County has completed a Contract with the State for the sale of the three acquired
parcels with a sale price of $1,532,100 (with the County retaining the Acquisition of
Convenience). These funds have been returned to the program for other acquisitions.
Staff has negotiated a lease from the State for management purposes.

The County will attempt to negotiate acquisition of the remainder of the site. The
balance of the project may be protected or acquired in conjunction with the Interlocal
Agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Staff is authorized
to expand or modify site area to correspond to acquisition boundary approved by the
District.

ALDERMAN’S FORD SOUTH PRONG ADDITION +/- 950 ACRES

Location: Land stretching from the east boundary of Alderman’s Ford Park along the
South Prong of the Alafia River to C.R. 640, where it meets the South Prong Portion of
the South Hillsborough Wildlife Corridor. This site also includes the Van Horne site.

Status: As part of an Interlocal Agreement between the Southwest Florida Water
Management District and the County, the District has acquired 354 acres adjacent to
Alderman’s Ford Park for $764,000. An additional parcel containing approximately
1,088 acres in this site and the Alafia South Prong site was acquired in 1998 for
$3,198,720. On both acquisitions, the County has provided 50% of the acquisition cost.

APOLLO BEACH +/- 63 ACRES

Location: Land on the northern tip of the Apollo Beach peninsula.

Status: The two parcels totaling 62.7 acres that comprise this site were acquired in
early 1996 with a total purchase price of $2,066,258. The County has received a
reimbursement of $1,042,000, 50% of all acquisition costs, from the Florida
Communities Trust Program. Approximately 37 acres of the site have been restored by
the SWIM Program to include native estuarine wetland and coastal upland habitats. The
balance of the site functions as a resource-based park with beach access.

BAHIA BEACH COASTAL RESTORATION +/- 233.7 ACRES

Location: East of Bahia Beach and south of the County’s E.G. Simmons Park.

Status: In July and August 2001, the County completed the acquisition of three parcels
totaling 148.7 acres with a total purchase price of $656,512. Through a Grant from the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Department of Environmental Protection, the
County has been reimbursed 62% of the purchase price, $407,036, and $46,650 toward
certain restoration costs. The SWIM Program plans to restore the natural hydrology and
habitat of the site.


30
An additional 170 acres (more or less) of undeveloped land between the existing preserve
and the Little Manatee River was approved but not included since the prior owner did not
want to have it in the ELAP Program. In exchange for other County owned lands, the
current owner has traded approximately 80 acres north of Shell Point Road to the County
for preservation. As of the effective date of this report the County has contracts to acquire
the Riverton Parcel south of Shell Point Road (See ‘Pending Contracts”).

BALM-BOYETTE SCRUB PRESERVE +/- 5,260 ACRES (Portion of South Hillsborough
Wildlife Corridor)

Location: A six-mile long site on both sides of Balm-Boyette Road and Balm Riverview
Roads approximately ½ mile north of C.R. 672 and lands west of Balm Riverview Road
and north of CR 672

Status: In March 1992, the County acquired 4,920 acres of this site from the Williams
Acquisition Holding Company for $16,123,054. This included the 1,300-acre portion
that has been partially reclaimed from phosphate mining. Approximately 3,600 acres was
sold to the State in December, through the Preservation 2000/CARL Program for
$6,373,000 (half of the associated purchase price) and is currently leased back to the
County on a nominal basis until 2046. The BOCC has approved the conveyance of 60
acres to Tampa Electric Company (TECO) for a major transmission corridor, subject to a
conservation easement to the County. In addition to the $500,000 payment, the County
has received funding toward a management plan for this site and a parcel on the Alafia
River.

Staff negotiated a 10-acre purchase on the western boundary from John Fallen for
$44,000. The western 4 acres have been designated an “Acquisition of Convenience” and
are available for sale.

In conjunction with a cooperative acquisition with the Water Resources Department, the
County acquired 441 acres in the eastern portion of the AgMart property for preservation
through ELAPP at a cost of approximately $21 million. Once restored this property will
provide a wildlife corridor connection between the Balm Scrub site the portion of Balm
Boyette Scrub preserve titled with the State.

BALM SCRUB +/- 2,100 ACRES (f.k.a. Balm Road Scrub)

Location: Land south of Balm Road (C.R. 672), east of U.S. Hwy 301, and west of the
old CSX Railroad grade in south Hillsborough County.

Status: In January 1999, the County completed the purchase of 1,592 acres for
$3,183,740. The SWIM Program completed a 30-acre wetland restoration/stormwater
treatment project on the site in 2004. In 2020 a ten acre parcel with a residence at the
South end of McGrady Road was acquired to provide site security and improve public
access.


31
BALM SCRUB ADDITION +/- 3,845 ACRES

Location: Between Balm Wimauma Road and West Lake Drive south of the Balm
Scrub site.

Status: In July 2010, the County acquired 100.16 acres from Amy Diehl for a purchase
price of $801,280, adjoining the Balm Scrub site. In January 2011, the County acquired
1,018 acres from Spencer Farms, Inc., Eisenhower Properties and Mitchell Development
for a total purchase price of $10,372,576.

While ranked as acquired as part of the 2019 reranking of all sites, based on subsequent
review it may be presented to the ELAPP Site Selection Team for consideration as an
active site.

BELL CREEK PRESERVE +/- 490 ACRES (f.k.a. Sterling Downs and Sterling Downs
Addition, a.k.a. Sterling Down Greenway for FCT)

Location: Corridor north of Shadow Run from McMullen Loop Road to Bell Creek.

Status: The County acquired 60 acres of this site for $810,000 in May 1990. In
November 1995, the County completed the purchase of an additional 363 acres for
$1,438,117 from McRiley Homes. The County has conveyed a portion of the site
(mostly altered land) to the School Board for a middle school that will adjoin a facilities-
based park. In September 1997, the Real Estate Department completed the acquisition of
142.7 acres from Murlin and Myra Hansen for $1,350,000. The County received a grant
of $1,290,058 from the Florida Communities Trust for 50% of the cost of the remainder
of the McRiley Homes tract and the Hansen Property.

BLACKWATER HAMMOCK +/- 9 ACRES

Location: Land on the Hillsborough River Reservoir within the Tampa City limits. It is
bordered on the east by the river, on the south by several residential lots, and on the west
and north by a public golf course.

Status: The City of Tampa has completed the purchase of this site for $200,000, with
40% of the acquisition costs being funded by Florida Communities Trust and the balance
provided by ELAPP. This site will be managed by the City of Tampa in accordance with
a management plan approved by the County’s Parks, Recreation and Conservation
Department and Florida Communities Trust.

BOY SCOUT PORTION +/- 800 ACRES (Portion of South Hillsborough Wildlife
Corridor)

Location: An area northeast of the intersection of Lithia Pinecrest Road and Lithia
Springs Road, along the Alafia River.


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Status: In December 1991, the County acquired 195 acres of the River Hills
Development from the Arvida/JMB Partners for $700,000 and 195 acres from FishHawk
Ranch for $1,290,000. An additional 40 acres was acquired through a tax deed auction
for $16,000. With the exception of a few parcels, a portion of the site is protected
through regulatory requirements associated with the River Hills Development and a large
tract in the site is being used as a Boy Scout Camp (is felt that the nature of their use
should not have a substantial impact on the wildlife corridor). An additional parcel
(approximately 26 acres of wetlands) has been conveyed to the County as part of the
settlement with TECO regarding the Balm Boyette Scrub. A 30-acre parcel was acquired
for $24,000 and an 8.9-acre tract was acquired for back taxes of $11,700 (though this
amount may be reduced by Board action). The balance of the project may be protected or
acquired in conjunction with the Interlocal Agreement with the Southwest Florida Water
Management District. Staff is authorized to expand or modify site area to correspond
with acquisition boundary approved by the District.

On August 5, 2004, the County acquired a conservation easement from the Gulf Ridge
Council, Boy Scouts of America, Inc., as part of an exchange not associated with the
ELAP Program. This property was included in an application to Florida Communities
Trust on a much larger project and was awarded a grant. While not funded through
ELAPP, the proceeds from the grant were designated for recreational improvements and
management of the FCT nomination. Forty acres that were previously under a
conservation easement were acquired with Public Works funding; therefore, it could meet
the requirements for mitigation. On December 17, 2012, the County acquired the 3-acre
Chadwick Parcel next to Lithia Springs Park. The associated residence will either be: 1)
used for site security; or 2) demolished and the site restored to native habitat.

BROOKER CREEK BUFFER PRESERVE +/- 500 ACRES (f.k.a. Clearwater Property)

Location: Land located in northwest Hillsborough County south of Tarpon Springs-
Lake Fern Road, west of Patterson Road, directly east and adjacent to the Pinellas County
line.

Status: In May 1994, the Real Estate Department completed the purchase of the 390
acres owned by the City of Clearwater for $1.2 million. As part of the transaction, the
City of Clearwater provided $200,000 from the sale to the County for the purposes of
restoring the site. Additional acquisitions are being considered. Tampa Electric
Company has been authorized to conduct restoration as mitigation for off-site wetland
impacts estimated at a value of $156,000. Four 1-acre lots were acquired in February
2000, at a total cost of $146,050. The 66-acre DiBerardino Property was acquired in
December 2008. On September 30, 2009, the County completed an agreement with the
Southwest Florida Water Management District to use the property for wetland mitigation
through preservation and fully reimbursed the County for the acquisition of this property.

BROOKER CREEK HEADWATERS +/- 1,730 ACRES


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Location: Land in northwest Hillsborough County, north of Van Dyke Road, south of
Lutz-Lake Fern Road, west of Carlton Arms Apartments and the Cheval subdivision.

Status: In March 1994, the Southwest Florida Water Management District completed
the acquisition of the 944-acre Cypress Bend Tract from the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation for $3.5 million, which included capacity fees for water and wastewater
service (as well as 38 acres of platted right-of-way). The District provided approximately
$1.6 million, with the County reimbursing $1.9 million. The County has received the
rights to the capacity fees that have been transferred to Public Utilities with a $450,000
reimbursement to the ELAP Program. The District has acquired an additional 130 acres,
including a residence that is being used for site security, for a total cost of approximately
$750,000 and additional acquisitions are planned. All acquired areas will be leased to the
County.

In 1998, the Southwest Florida Water Management District dropped this site from their
Five-Year plan. Any further acquisitions will need to be funded solely by the County.
The County completed the acquisition of the 31-acre Hope Property near the corner of
Gunn Highway and Van Dyke Road for $461,000. The 4-acre corner was excluded since
it was not essential to the preservation of the site and high cost due to its commercial
potential.

BULLFROG CREEK SCRUB +/- 2,163 ACRES

Location: Land along Bullfrog Creek between U.S. 301 and Interstate 75 in south
Hillsborough County.

Status: In February 1996, the County completed the purchase of the entire 1,620 acre
site for $4,750,000. Through an agreement with the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FFWCC, formerly the Game and Freshwater Fish
Commission), the western half of this site has been used as a regional gopher tortoise
mitigation bank. The County has received in excess of $2.4 million through permits
issued for the FFWCC for their portion of the project. The eastern half will be used by
Hillsborough County as a mitigation bank as part of the County’s Upland Wildlife
Habitat Ordinance. Over time, it is planned that the entire purchase price will be
refunded to the ELAP Program from the payments associated with these mitigation
credits.

COCKROACH BAY +/- 1,363 ACRES (combined former Cockroach Bay Addition site
(formerly Leisey Shell Pits] and Isles of Cockroach Bay)

Location: Majority of the land west of Gulf City Road and north of Cockroach Bay,
adjacent to the Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve and two ELAPP sites (Cockroach Bay
Islands and Piney Point/Cockroach Bay), and the islands from the Little Manatee River to
Cockroach Bay and approximately two miles of mangrove shoreline.


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Status: The County acquired the majority of islands from the Whitaker Family in
August of 1989 for $950,000. The County has received a reimbursement of $604,000
from the State’s Conservation and Recreational Lands (CARL) Program. This site will
be managed as part of the Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve. Owners of the remaining
island are reluctant to sell. The County has acquired approximately 875 acres for about
$2.1 million. A multi-agency effort with the Surface Water Improvement and
Management Program (SWIM), Department of Environmental Protection, and the
Environmental Protection Commission is in the process of restoring the site into a
preserve and resource-based park. In 2006, ELAPP facilitated the donation of the 43-acre
Lost River Fish Farm in the northern portion of the site. In 2007, the County acquired two
in-holdings (about 3 acres and another 10 acres) on the north shore of Cockroach Bay. On
April 7, 2014, the County completed the acquisition of the Big Cockroach Mound for
$100,000.

COCKROACH AND PINEY POINT CREEKS +/- 3,5,50 ACRES

Location: On the eastern shore of Tampa Bay, just north of the Manatee County line.

Status: In conjunction with the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the
2,347-acre TECO Property was acquired for $3,427,144. In 2016, SWFWMD, as part of
the SWIM Program, completed a large-scale estuarine and coastal habitat restoration
project on the site and the adjoining Fulkerson Road site. Staff is pursuing the other
properties in this project with willing owners.

CYPRESS CREEK PRESERVE +/- 4,300 ACRES

Location: Land on both sides of Cypress Creek east of Livingston Road, west of
Interstate 75, and north of C.R. 581.

Status: In April 1996, the Real Estate Department completed the purchase of 1,200
acres for $1,200,000 from the Diez Family. In October 1996, the purchase of the 71-acre
All State Homes Tract was completed. Of these acquisition costs, 40% were funded by
the Florida Communities Trust. In November 1999, the County completed the purchase
of 827 acres from Lennar Homes for $6,500,000.

In September 2000, the County completed the purchase of the 291-acre Jennings Parcel
for $974,407. It is located west of Interstate 275 and east of Livingston Road at the end
of Roberson Trail. While under contract, the property was submitted as a preservation
mitigation site. Staff completed the necessary actions for it to be used by FDOT for
mitigation, and the County received 100% of the acquisition funding. On May 24, 2001,
the 110-acre Greer Property (directly north of the Jennings Parcel) was acquired at a cost
of $118,653, and in 2008, the ELAPP program was reimbursed 100% of the acquisition
funding as part of the site being used for mitigation by the County’s Public Works
Department. In July 2011, the County acquired 25 acres from Ralph and Suzanne Terrell
for $345,151. In June 2020 the County acquired 43 acres from Brian Kirby for $685,000
which adjoins the Terrell and Jennings properties.

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CYPRESS STREET +/- 55 ACRES

Location: Land located at the west end of Cypress Street on Old Tampa Bay in the
Westshore district. Immediately north of the Diamond Back Tract.

Status: On September 30, 1996, the County completed the purchase of approximately
42 acres of this site. The three contracts totaling $3,956,000 needed to close
simultaneously. Approximately 38% of the acquisition costs were paid by the Florida
Communities Trust. This site is titled with the City of Tampa, who will restore the site,
create wetlands to treat stormwater, and develop a beach access park through SWIM and
a Pollution Recovery Trust Fund Grant.

In June 1998, the County acquired the 1.2-acre Blank Property for $75,000, which is the
last remaining vacant tract north of the Lemon Street Canal. There was no FCT funding
since the grant was retired. The Blank Property was deeded to the City with restrictive
covenants to assure that the site is held for preservation. The remaining ownership south
of the canal may be considered if there are willing sellers.

DAIRY FARM +/- 372 ACRES

Location: East of the Hillsborough River, west of Hwy 301, south of the Hillsborough
River State Park, and north of Wilderness Park.

Status: On January 30, 1989, the Real Estate Department completed the acquisition of
this site with a total purchase price of $1,735,050. The Real Estate Department, working
with the Parks and Recreation Department, prepared and the Board approved a lease of
the site to the State as an addition to the Hillsborough River State Park. They will be
responsible for managing the site and they are formulating plans for planting and
restoration efforts. A portion of the site has been restored by West Coast Regional Water
Supply Authority for mitigation of off-site wetland impacts associated with pipeline
construction.

DELANEY CREEK +/- 22 ACRES

Location: Land located on the south side of Delaney Creek, north of Hartford Street
and east of the CSX Railroad.

Status: The Real Estate Department completed the purchase of the Richards and Wise
parcels. A third tract was conveyed to the County to correct a hiatus in the project. The
Stormwater Section of Engineering and Construction Services has completed a
restoration project. While there are additional parcels in this site, there are no further
acquisitions currently planned for this project.

DIAMONDBACK PRESERVE +/- 10.4 ACRES (f.k.a. Brackins Tract)


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Location: Just north of the Howard Frankland Bridge on the east shore of Tampa Bay.

Status: Acquired site for $400,000 with agreement for pending joint funding from the
Aviation Authority.

ECOPALMS +/- 1,036 ACRES

Location: Land within the City of Tampa, between Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and
Interstate 75, to the east and west; and Tampa Palms development and the University of
South Florida’s Ecological Research Area to the north and south.

Status: The site is effectively preserved through the development process according to
the City of Tampa. The County will consider the purchase of the remaining property
rights if half of the purchase price is funded by another agency who will manage the
property or if it can be acquired at a substantial discount from appraised value and
managed by another agency.


ENGLISH CREEK +/- 636 ACRES

Location: North of S.R. 60, southeast of Plant City, on English Creek and Howell
Branch.

Status: The County acquired a 123-acre tract in September 1989 for $255,000 and a
133-acre tract in 1990 for $1,100,000, which provides a manageable unit. A lease with
Hillsborough Community College (HCC) has been approved to allow the site to be used
for environmental studies for the public. The site has been expanded to reflect recently
nominated adjoining lands. Additional acquisitions will be considered in the future. The
County’s Stormwater Section and the SWIM Program are jointly funding the design and
construction of a wetland restoration/stormwater treatment system on the site. Since HCC
has closed the environmental studies center the HCC property was acquired by the
County in 2019. Due to its condition, the environmental studies center was demolished.

FISHHAWK RANCH +/- 3,540 ACRES (Portion of South Hillsborough Wildlife Corridor)

Location: Southeast County, south of the Alafia River, north of Boyette-Bell Shoals
Road between Fish Hawk and Little Fish Creeks and west of Lithia-Pinecrest Road.

Status: In 1991, the County completed two acquisitions totaling 300 acres adjacent to
Fish Hawk and Little Fish Hawk Creeks, with a total cost of $2,880,000.

On December 15, 2003, the County completed the purchase of 1,421 acres for $9.6
million from FishHawk Communities. Effectively, half of this acquisition was conveyed
to the SWFWMD for $4.8 million and the County received a grant for $2.4 million from
FCT so that a total of $7.2 million (or 75% of the purchase price) was provided by other
agencies.

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On June 15, 2005, the County acquired 1,085 acres along the Alafia River from Pulte
Home Corporation (who had just acquired slightly over 2,000 acres from entities held by
the Thomas Family). Of the $11.2 million purchase price, slightly more than 70% was
funded through two grants with the Florida Communities Trust. The County also
acquired 10 acres next to the FishHawk Communities parcel from the Karlsons for
$307,400, with 60% funded from FCT. Portions of the site have been preserved by
Tampa Bay Water as part of the reservoir project (no funding from ELAPP was provided
for those purchases). Due to the size of the Lithia Springs Preserve site and the adjoining
acquisitions in this site, Lithia Springs Preserve has been merged into the Fishhawk
Ranch site.

On October 26. 2012, the County acquired 4.9 acres from the Estate of Catherine C.
Clark. On March 9, 2016, the County acquired 15 acres from members of the Casady
and Dispennette families.

In April 2020, the County acquired the 36-acre Jeffcoat Property for $1,464,000 and in
July 2021 the 20-acre Hagin Parcel. These two properties were surrounded on two sides
by existing preservation lands. If they were not preserved the their development would
have impacted the preserve and greatly complicated management.


FLORIDA COLLEGE +/- 140 ACRES

Location: East bank of the Hillsborough River upstream of Riverhills Park in Temple
Terrace.

Status: On March 20, 1989, the Real Estate Department completed the purchase of a
portion of the Florida College site, a 65-acre tract owned by Edward and Ramona
Bolding. The site was purchased for $900,000, which was $425,000 below the appraised
value.

On August 31, 1995, the City of Temple Terrace completed the purchase of the parcel by
Florida College, known as the Temple Terrace Riverfront Park, for $1,800,000. This 54-
acre parcel (plus additional riverine wetlands) was acquired as part of a 50% grant from
the Florida Communities Trust and a cooperative agreement between the City of Temple
Terrace and the County, using ELAPP funds as the local match (approximately
$900,000). This site is managed by the City of Temple Terrace as a nature park.

FULKERSON ROAD +/- 154 ACRES

Location: Land on the southeast edge of Cockroach Bay, adjacent to the Hillsborough
Community College Environmental Studies Center.

Status: On December 12, 2004, this property was acquired by the SWFWMD for
$791,400, with 50% funding from the County. In 2016, SWFWMD, as part of the SWIM

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Program, completed a large-scale estuarine and coastal habitat restoration project on the
site and the adjoining Cockroach and Piney Point Creeks site.

GOLDEN ASTER SCRUB +/- 1,236 ACRES (revised from original 400 acre site)

Location: Undeveloped area west of Interstate 75, north of Big Bend Road behind the
road maintenance complex.

Status: In May 1995, the Real Estate Department completed the purchase of 1,235
acres for $3,088,000. The County has completed the sale of 1,178 acres for $1,450,000
(50% of $2,900,000) to the State through the Preservation 2000/CARL Program. This
property is being leased back to the County. In July 1998, the County received the
donation of .9 acres that improves access to the site.

HOWELL CREEK BRANCH +/- 14 ACRES**

Location: North and east of Bealsville Park on Nesmith Road next to Howell Branch
(formerly part of the English Creek site).

Status: On June 18, 2014, staff completed the purchase of the 14 acres in this site at a
cost of $117,000.

JEANIE AND PETE JOHNSON PRESERVE +/- 84.3 ACRES (f.k.a. Ekker Preserve and
Lower Bullfrog Creek Restoration Site)

Location: Located on the south shore of Bull Frog Creek, on the north side of Symmes
Road, west of Interstate 75 in Gibsonton.

Status: In April 2001, the Southwest Florida Water Management District completed
the purchase of 84.3 acres of this site at a cost of $736,351. The County provided 50% of
the acquisition cost. An adjoining parcel has been added to the boundary of this project.
The SWIM Program will restore the site to improve the water quality of Bull Frog Creek.


LAKE DAN +/- 1,219 ACRES

Location: Northwest corner of Hillsborough County. To the west is Pinellas County’s
Brooker Creek Preserve, managed by the County. Pasco County is on the site’s northern
boundary.

Status: On April 24, 2008, the County completed the acquisition of the 1,047-acre
Wilde Family Trust Property with a purchase price of $17,755,469. Since that purchase,
the County has contracted or purchased approximately 30 acres in 4 parcels at a total
purchase price of $1,310,500 to facilitate public access and management of the property.
On September 4, 2008, the Governing Board selected a nomination of most of the
property to receive a 50% grant not to exceed $6,300,000. In 2011, the balance of this site
was submitted to FCT and in 2016 the County entered into the Grant Contract with FCT

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for the funding requested in this application and in June 2018 the County received $3.47
million reimbursement for a portion of the 2008 Wilde Family Trust acquisition.

LAKE FRANCIS PRESERVE (F.K.A. BROOKER CREEK CORRIDOR PRESERVE) +/-
1,800 ACRES

Location: Land located in northwest Hillsborough County, east of the Lake Dan site.

Status: The County purchased the 1,673-acre Kay O’Rourke Property in December
2009 for $20,141,000.

LITHIA SPRINGS PRESERVE +/- 54 ACRES (f.k.a. Lithia Springs Addition)

Location: Three sites on the north bank of the Alafia River bordering the Lithia Springs
Park site, currently leased by Hillsborough County and previously identified as a
nominated site.

Status: The western portion of this site has been merged with Fishhawk Ranch and the
eastern portion of this site has been merged with Boy Scout Portion/SHWC.

LITTLE MANATEE RIVER +/- 2,800 ACRES

Location: The section of the Little Manatee River west of Hwy 301 and east of Hwy 41.

Status: The Real Estate Department has completed the purchase of approximately
1,360 acres of the site comprised of eight tracts with a total acquisition cost of around
$6.6 million. Approximately 1,100 acres have been transferred to the Southwest Florida
Water Management District through the Save Our Rivers Program. The basis for this
joint effort was established through an Interlocal Agreement between the County and
SWFWMD. Two recent acquisitions include 27.7 acres next to Camp Bayou for
$1,200,000 and 28 acres on Hayes Bayou at the end of River Bend Drive for $460,000.

Three additional parcels totaling 754 acres with a total purchase price of $1,486,000 have
been acquired. These properties, which border the Little Manatee River State Recreation
Area, were acquired through a joint preservation effort with the State’s Parks Inholdings
and Additions Program, which is funded through Preservation 2000 as additions to the
Park. All parcels have been conveyed to the State.

The 56 acre Zaizer parcel between US 301 and the Little Manatee River was acquired in
2018 and is currently leased to the state to manage as part of the State Park. The 48-acre
Weld property near the Sundance boat ramp and the four acre Humphrey property by
Hayes Bayou were acquired in 2019. The 6 acre Garrett Tract next to the Zaizer parcel
was acquired for $150,000 and will be added to the lease for the Zaiser property with the
State.


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LITTLE MANATEE RIVER CORRIDOR +/- 6,039 ACRES

Location: Land in southern Hillsborough County along the Little Manatee River
Corridor from C.R. 579 upstream as far as Grange Hall Loop Road.

Status: On April 8, 1997, the Real Estate and Facilities Services Department completed
the purchase of 2,611 acres for $5,793,000. The seller has provided $450,000 toward
restoration of the site. On February 26, 1999, the County completed the purchase of an
additional 803 acres for $2,578,700. The site is part of an Interlocal Agreement with the
Southwest Florida Water Management District and the County has been reimbursed $3.8
million for the acquisition costs of 3,200 acres that have been transferred to the District
and leased back to the County. On May 23, 2007, the County completed the purchase of
the Dent Ranch Parcel located at the south end of Leonard Lee Road. This 85-acre parcel
was acquired at a cost of $1,360,000. On March 30, 2014, the County completed the
acquisition of nearly 419 acres for $2.93 million ($7,400 per acre) on SR 674. This does
not include 10 acres at CR 579 and CR 674 that was funded by Fire Rescue Services for a
Fire Station. Once the station design is completed, the fire station will be transferred to
ELAPP and Fire Rescue Services will be reimbursed for the pro-rata acreage transferred
to ELAPP in accordance with the agenda item approving the contract.

In January 2021 the County acquired the 5 acre Abuzhara parcel with a $150,000
purchase price.

LOWER GREEN SWAMP PRESERVE (F.K.A. CONE RANCH PRESERVE) +/- 12,800
ACRES

Location: The extreme northeast corner of Hillsborough County, east of S.R. 39.
Blackwater Creek traverses the site latitudinally from east to west, and the
Itchepackesassa Creek flows from south to north through the site.

Status: On February 17, 2010, the Board of County Commissioners approved the
transfer of the entire County ownership from the Utility Enterprise Fund to ELAPP at a
cost of $11,8 million.

The County acquired three parcels in the south west portion of the site totaling
approximately 12 acres with a total purchase price of $190,000. Acquisition of these
three parcels will simplify management in this portion of the site.

McKAY BAY +/- 52 ACRES

Location: On the shoreline of McKay Bay, in the extreme northeast section of
Hillsborough Bay.

Status: The County acquired this 52-acre site in February 1990 for $142,000. A
portion of the site has been restored through the SWIM Program to improve water quality
of the bay.


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MORRIS BRIDGE ROAD 70 ACRES +/- 70 ACRES

Location: Land located on Morris Bridge Road approximately one mile east of Interstate
75.

Status: The County acquired the site on July 7, 2004 for athletic fields to address the
needs of this area. After further analysis, public concern about the impact to adjoining
preserve lands and the acquisition of other sites that would help address this need, the
property was transferred to the ELAP Program. The property has been conveyed to the
SWFWMD for management as part of the Lower Hillsborough Flood Detention Area and
the ELAP Program has been reimbursed for 50% of the purchase price and 50% of the
approved acquisition costs.

NEW TAMPA FLATWOODS +/- 149 ACRES

Location: The east side of Interstate 75 south of the City of Tampa Water Treatment
Plant, adjacent to the Morris Bridge Wellfield.

Status: On July 26, 2001, the City completed the purchase of this site with a purchase
price of $3,000,000. The County provided 60% of the funding and Florida Communities
Trust provided 40%. This property will be managed by the City in accordance with the
Interlocal Agreement between the County and the City and the Grant Award Agreement
with Florida Communities Trust.

OAKRIDGE +/- 921 ACRES

Location: The east side of Morris Bridge Road one mile south of Pasco County.
Borders Wilderness Park and the Hillsborough River State Park.

Status: Acquisition was completed and the property was conveyed to the Southwest
Florida Water Management District for preservation through the Save Our Rivers
Program. This conveyance returned $1,163,600 as 50% of the $2.3 million purchase
price and transaction costs to the program to preserve additional lands.

PAM CALLAHAN PRESERVE +/- 97 ACRES (f.k.a. Peppermound Creek)

Location: Between Sweetwater Creek and Woods Creek, at the mouth of Peppermound
Creek, north of the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

Status: In November 1993, the purchase of the undeveloped 90 acres of this site was
completed for $1,075,000. An additional 60 acres (more or less), including 6 acres of
uplands not under environmental jurisdiction, was transferred to the County as part of the
regulatory approvals.


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PORT TAMPA RESTORATION +/- 320 ACRES

Location: This site is located in the Port Tampa/Interbay part of town, on the shoreline
of Old Tampa Bay, west of MacDill Air Force Base.

Status: On December 31, 1998, the City of Tampa completed the purchase of the 23.9-
acre “Chavers Property,” with a purchase price of $1,1 million. On August 29, 2003, the
City completed the acquisition of the 220-acre parcel owned by CSX. Both parcels are
preserved with restrictive covenants that are controlled by the County.


RHODINE SCRUB +/- 640 ACRES (f.k.a. Rhodine Road)

Location: North of Rhodine Road, approximately one mile east of Balm Riverview
Road, adjacent to Stephen J. Wortham County Park.

Status: The County completed acquisition of 406.5 acres of this tract in August 1991.
A 3-acre tract that was previously excluded to address minor contamination concerns has
been acquired after it was determined that it was not contaminated. The County recently
acquired a 5-acre in-holding for $70,000.

RIVERCREST PARK ADDITION +/- 6 ACRES

Location: East bank of the Hillsborough River, upstream of the bridge at MLK
Boulevard south of Rivercrest Park.

Status: The City has completed the purchase of the 5.1 acre parcel that was owned by
the Reeds for $744,500. This property is titled with the City and has restrictive covenants
for the benefit of the County to assure that it is managed in accordance with the
requirements of the ELAP Program.

RIVERHILLS PARK ADDITION +/- 37.4 ACRES

Location: North bank of Hillsborough River upstream of Riverhills Park in Temple
Terrace.

Status: This property was acquired in 1995 for $800,000 as part of a grant from the
Florida Communities Trust and a cooperative agreement between the City of Temple
Terrace and the County using ELAPP funds as the local match (approximately $400,000).
This site will be managed by the City of Temple Terrace as a nature park.

In September 2000, a series of 18 single-family lots were acquired at a cost of $742,500.
In June 2000, these lots were submitted as a project to the Florida Communities Trust. It
was selected for funding in September 2001, and in July 2002, the County received 90%
of the acquisition costs ($688,325.00).


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ROCKY CREEK COASTAL PRESERVE +/- 370 ACRES (f.k.a. Troydale Road)

Location: The east bank of Rocky Creek, west of Troydale Road and south of
Hillsborough Avenue. The site adjoins the eastern boundary of the Bower Tract.

Status: In April 1992, the FDIC completed the donation of 256 acres to the County.
As a requirement of the donation, the County paid the associated expenses of $35,000. In
July 1992, the County acquired an adjoining 23 acres from C&S Bank for $75,000 (55%
of average appraised value).

FRED & IDA SCHULTZ PRESERVE +/- 120 ACRES (f.k.a. Port Redwing)

Location: Land west of U.S. Highway 41 South, at the end of Kracker Avenue,
encompassing the north half of a man-made peninsula, south of Whiskey Stump Key and
north of the Big Bend Power Plant on Tampa Bay.

Status: On October 30, 1995, the Southwest Florida Water Management District
completed the purchase of the northern half of this peninsula (containing approximately
120 acres) for $750,000, with 50% of the acquisition costs being funded by the ELAP
Program. This area has been fully restored by the SWIM Program to create estuarine
wetland and upland habitat with beach access at the western end. The southern portion of
this site was sold to the Tampa Port Authority, who will eventually develop the property
as a deep water port. A Pollution Recovery Trust Fund Grant in the amount of $225,000
was awarded to SWIM to assist with restoration.

SOUTH MacDILL 48 +/- 48 ACRES

Location: Interbay region of Tampa, an undeveloped parcel north of Napoleon Avenue,
west of MacDill Avenue, south of Interbay Boulevard, and east of Himes Avenue.

Status: In April 1992, after lengthy negotiations, the County acquired this site for
$700,000. The County and City of Tampa recently entered into an Interlocal Agreement
for the City to submit this to FCT. The property was selected for funding in October 2003
and the County received $923,675 in July 2004. The City will now manage the property
as a resource-based park in accordance with a plan reviewed by the County.

SUN CITY HERITAGE PARK ADDITION +/- 106 ACRES

Location: East of US 41 and South of Sun City Heritage Park.

Status: The County has acquired nine lots that are in-holdings for the existing County
owned lands north of Chaney Drive. Staff will ask that the Board adopt a resolution
indicating that the County owned properties south of Sun City Heritage Park will be
considered preserved through ELAPP