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Commission approves two Turnbull Creek conservation land purchases
Summary
The commission approved purchases of two Turnbull Creek parcels as part of a voter‑backed conservation program: the Malecki (Bolen) parcel for $430,000 and a neighboring parcel for $377,000, leaving roughly $4.0M in the conservation account.
The commission approved two real‑estate purchase agreements on May 12 to expand the Turnbull Creek conservation holdings.
Tony Miller, manager of acquisitions, described the first parcel (often called the Bolen property) as roughly 8 acres adjacent to land the city already owns along State Road 44; the owner agreed to sell at $430,000, slightly below the average of recent appraisals. Miller said the property scores modestly on Florida's landscape‑assessment scale but is part of a larger corridor targeted for permanent conservation.
A second adjacent parcel was presented with widely varying appraisals ($219,000–$437,000); staff said the owner agreed to $377,000. Miller told the commission these acquisitions continue the voter‑approved program to buy and permanently preserve watershed lands. After the two approvals, staff reported approximately $4.3M then about $4.0M remaining in the acquisition budget, accounting for pending appraisals and the new purchases.
Commissioners asked about on‑site management (fire breaks, access for public works) and ecological buffering; staff said the acquisitions will support habitat corridors, reduce commercial pressure and prevent future incompatible development. Both purchases were approved unanimously by roll call.
