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Board approves purchase authorization for 429 Palmar lots; staff to complete deed review before closing
Summary
Commissioners approved a resolution allowing the county to accept deeds for 429 environmentally sensitive vacant lots (about 383.33 acres) in Palmar as part of a settlement; staff said they are reviewing deeds for discrepancies and will complete closings by the settlement deadline in February.
The Board voted unanimously to approve a resolution authorizing acquisition of 429 vacant lots totaling approximately 383.33 acres in the Palmar area, a transaction tied to a settlement with the property owner group Bia Manby Land and coordinated with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD).
County staff said the action authorizes accepting the deed package after legal review. Public Works and the County Attorney’s Office noted they are reviewing each deed for post‑settlement encumbrances and other discrepancies before final acceptance and recording; staff reported finding an issue in one deed during morning review and said others may require similar attention. The county’s settlement agreement requires completion of the transfers by a February deadline. County staff told the board the county had funding mechanisms in place and that ELOC (sale‑tax/environmental referendum) proceeds would be used as the vehicle to pay for acquisitions, with any required budget amendments to be presented to the board.
Zach Gaza, a managing member for the seller, told the board the deeds were signed and in escrow and urged a quick closing, saying the county had delayed the transfer despite the settlement. County staff said the agenda item was intended to authorize the board to accept the deeds after the attorney’s office completes its review and to avoid the need for multiple return agenda items. Commissioners asked about timing and funding; staff said funds are available under the sales‑tax set‑aside for Palmar and that one consolidated deed package is easier to process than piecemeal transfers.
The resolution passed unanimously. Staff said they will continue deed review and bring finalized instruments forward for recordation so the county can close within the settlement schedule.
