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Board approves county purchase of Pirates Cove property with mixed public/private funding, 4‑1
Summary
Commissioners approved the county’s acquisition plan for Pirates Cove, directing $900,000 from three public sources and accepting private donations to complete the purchase; vote was 4‑1 after debate about funding sources and timing.
Citrus County commissioners voted 4‑1 on Oct. 21 to approve terms to purchase the Pirates Cove property and to accept private donations to complete the acquisition.
Commissioner Jeff Kennard, who led the acquisition effort, told the board a signed purchase contract is now in place with a 120‑day closing timeline once the chair executes the agreement. Kennard proposed using three public funding sources — park impact fees, the tourist development council (TDC) allocation and a Duke special projects fund — to supply a combined $900,000 county contribution (proposed split: $300,000 from each source), with the remaining purchase funds to come from private donors. He said private philanthropy commitments total approximately $352,005.41 so far.
Several public speakers and former trustees urged approval. Jerry Mulligan, a longtime resident and civic volunteer, praised the acquisition as a legacy public‑land acquisition that will preserve shoreline access and scenic character. Commissioner Janet Barrick expressed support for the purchase; Commissioner Barrick was the sole dissenting vote on a separate related measure earlier but supported this item. On final roll call the motion passed 4‑1.
Board direction: staff will execute the purchase contract following the chair’s signature and oversee closing logistics; staff and private partners will coordinate donation receipts and any timing issues related to the Forever Nature Coast fund if that mechanism is in place to receive private gifts.
Why it matters: The acquisition will enlarge a public park or preserve and is funded through a mixture of county resources and private philanthropy; commissioners said the property will remain in public hands in perpetuity. The item passed after public comments framed it as a long‑term conservation and recreation gain for the county.
Action: Motion to approve the Pirates Cove property purchase package and funding approach (proposed county funding of $900,000 from three sources and private donations to complete the purchase) — mover: Commissioner Jeff Kennard; second: Commissioner Diana Finnegan; vote: approved 4‑1.
