City negotiates purchase of 801 Cypress Gardens Blvd. to realign Eighth Street intersection with DOT support
Summary
City staff presented a purchase-and-sale agreement to acquire a commercial parcel at Eighth Street Southeast and Cypress Gardens Boulevard (appraised at $1.45 million) to improve intersection alignment under a Florida Department of Transportation concept; DOT indicated it would fund intersection improvements if the city acquires the land.
City staff told commissioners they negotiated a purchase-and-sale agreement for property at 801 Cypress Gardens Boulevard to facilitate intersection realignment and corridor improvements supported by the Florida Department of Transportation.
Staff said the parcel (formerly a service station, now occupied by commercial tenants) was appraised at $1,450,000 and is consistent with funds already appropriated in the city's transportation fund ($1.9 million earmarked for corridor improvements). DOT's conceptual design showed that acquiring the parcel would allow a cleaner alignment of Eighth Street onto Cypress Gardens Boulevard and eliminate a private cut-through currently used for vehicular access. Under the proposed approach, the city would acquire the land and later donate the necessary rights of way so FDOT can construct the intersection improvements; FDOT would be responsible for design and construction.
Staff outlined the acquisition timeline: due diligence likely to be complete by late August or early September, with a possible closing as late as Jan. 19, 2026, to honor tenant-notice periods. Staff said owners will give the tenant the first right of refusal window and that the city does not plan to become a long-term landlord. The commission was asked to approve the purchase-and-sale agreement and proceed with due diligence and acquisition steps.
No formal vote was recorded at the workshop; staff recommended approval and highlighted that DOT would handle design and construction work once the property is acquired and rights are conveyed.
