Resident asks Ocean Ridge to co‑apply for Florida Forever grant to conserve two Benito Drive lots

A Ocean Ridge resident asked the town commission at the June meeting to partner on a Florida Forever grant application to buy two vacant lots on Benito Drive and convert them to a conservation area rather than allowing development into two houses.

Commissioner (speaker 3) introduced the resident as McAndrew Russo. Russo said he and neighbors hope to submit a grant application this summer and would need the town as a co‑applicant; he said the Florida Forever decision would likely come by September 15 and that, if awarded, they would rehabilitate vegetation, cap or replace the existing seawall, and manage the site as a natural area rather than a park with benches or paved paths.

Commissioners and staff raised several cautions and clarifying points: the town attorney and staff noted an existing permanent pipeline easement and reminded the commission that any vegetation the town accepts would become a town maintenance obligation in perpetuity; staff said the town typically needs a letter of intent from the property owner and that the parcels are currently on the market and have pending review in town planning. Commissioners asked Russo to gather letters of support from adjacent property owners and suggested bringing a more fully developed proposal back to the commission at the next meeting for formal direction.

Next steps: Russo will work on a neighborhood support packet and, if possible, return with a more detailed request to appear on a future agenda before the grant deadline.