County authorizes staff to submit expedited purchase offer to secure San Carlos boat‑ramp parcel; due diligence required before closing

Lee County commissioners on Aug. 19 authorized staff to submit an expedited offer and pursue purchase negotiations for a key San Carlos Island parcel the county intends to assemble with adjacent lots for a standalone public boat ramp and associated public parking.

The board’s action allows staff to draft and present a purchase agreement with customary due‑diligence contingencies (environmental site assessment, title review and appraisal). County counsel and staff emphasized the authorization is an enabling step to allow staff to execute a purchase-and-sale agreement and does not obligate the county to close — appraisal or environmental findings could prompt renegotiation or a walk‑away.

Why it matters: commissioners said the parcel is central to a multi‑parcel assembly needed to build a public boat ramp that will remain separate from adjacent commercial or other redevelopment. Staff and commissioners said a competing private offer emerged and timing required the county to place a contract on the table quickly to hold the site while due diligence is completed.

Details: commissioners discussed funding sources previously identified for the assemblage, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) funds for boat‑ramp construction; county manager and commissioners also said board reserves would be available as a short‑term tool to tender an offer if necessary. County counsel explained the purchase agreement will include contingencies: appraisal support for the price and standard environmental and title protections. If appraisals do not support the purchase price, staff will return to the board for further direction.

Board action: the board approved the motion to authorize staff to submit an expedited contract offer and to use available funding tools to secure the parcel pending due diligence; the motion carried by voice vote. Commissioners asked staff to pursue alternative funding mechanisms and to present detailed terms before any closing.

What’s next: staff will draft the purchase and sale agreement with customary contingencies, perform environmental assessments and appraisals during the due‑diligence period, and return to the board for authority to close or to renegotiate if necessary.