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Trustees approve transfer of Tidy Island to Manatee County; college to retain negotiated access for research

5578593 · June 27, 2025

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Summary

The board approved a foundation proposal to donate approximately 180 acres known as Tidy Island to Manatee County. College officials said the county will manage the land for conservation and public access and that the college will negotiate retained usage rights for faculty and student research.

The New College of Florida Board of Trustees on June 26 authorized the New College Foundation Inc. to donate approximately 180 acres commonly called Tidy Island to Manatee County.

David Brickhouse, vice president for legal affairs, told trustees the college has not used the property since about 2021 and that the faculty member who previously used the site is no longer at the college. Brickhouse said foundation leadership recommends entering a donation agreement with Manatee County and that the college would negotiate terms to preserve faculty and student access for research.

President Richard Corcoran said the donation strengthens the college’s partnership with Manatee County and noted the county had previously gifted nine acres for other campus projects. Trustees and staff discussed the county’s intended use: Brickhouse and the president described the county’s plans as park and conservation uses, with access by canoe or paddle board and preservation‑oriented management, not conversion to intensive development.

Ending: Trustees voted to approve the transfer and directed legal staff to finalize a donation agreement that preserves negotiated access rights for the college and returns to the board if material terms change.