Commission approves $3 million purchase of conservation land in Pringle Forest funded by 2023 legislative appropriation

Flagler County commissioners approved a purchase and sale agreement to acquire conservation land in the Pringle Forest area using $3 million from a 2023 legislative appropriation. The county voted unanimously to authorize closing on the parcels and to delegate final document revisions and signature authority to county staff.

Adam Mingle, growth management director, told commissioners the agreement would acquire multiple parcels in the northern area of Pringle Forest that adjoin previously acquired Water Management District conservation tracts. The package of parcels would increase the county’s conserved holdings near the Matanzas River watershed and would protect wetlands and waterways abutting existing conservation acreage.

Mingle said Radiant (the owner/developer) negotiated the sale after county staff had sought other acquisitions; the county will complete the purchase and satisfy the state appropriation deadline. The board approved the purchase and authorized the county attorney and staff to finalize closing documents; the vote was unanimous.

Why this matters: The acquisition expands the county’s conservation holdings around wetlands and waterways that county staff and the St. Johns River Water Management District have identified as priorities for protection; the parcel will not only add acreage but also fill gaps between existing conservation properties.

What’s next: Staff will complete the closing by the state deadline and begin any necessary grant/transfer documentation with state and water‑management partners.