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Commission approves option to buy 55 acres on East Newnan's Lake for conservation
Summary
County staff recommended and commissioners approved an option contract to purchase two parcels totaling roughly 55 acres on Newnan's Lake for the Alachua County Forever program; staff cited riparian habitat and cultural resources and asked for funds to complete due diligence and closing.
The board approved an option contract to acquire roughly 55 acres on the southeast side of Newnan's Lake, staff told commissioners on April 14.
Andy Christman, land conservation program manager, said the property contains lakeshore swamp, mesic hammock and upland habitat and noted remnants of an historic citrus packing house on the site. Staff characterized the acquisition as a fee‑simple purchase to be managed under the Alachua County Forever program and said public access would be limited (tours led by county staff) because the property has no frontage on a public road.
Christman cited title exceptions and access issues but recommended approval subject to standard due diligence. The purchase price in the option contract is $549,400, with estimated due diligence and a standard contingency bringing the requested total to roughly $656,379. Commissioners approved the recommendation unanimously.
Next steps: staff will complete due diligence (title and access review) and, if no defects are found, proceed to closing; the county plans to manage the property conservatively, prioritize habitat protection, and conduct occasional staff‑led public tours.
