Sarasota County, Fl
Sarasota County is continuing its commitment to the environment with a new land acquisition. The county’s Land Acquisition and Management Program, which includes the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP) and the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program (NPP), focuses on preserving natural lands and acquiring parklands. Since their inception—ESLPP in 1999 and NPP in 2005—these voter-approved, taxpayer-funded programs have protected over 110 properties, totaling more than 41,000 acres. They enhance biodiversity, protect species and habitats, establish wildlife corridors, and provide nature-based recreational areas. Neighborhood parkland acquisitions have improved community access to natural and cultural resources, and increased recreational water and trail access opportunities. The county encourages residents and visitors to nominate land for protection through SarasotaCountyParks.com/LandAcquisitions. Recently, the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of a 4.38-acre property at Lemon Bay Drive in Venice, featuring mangrove swamp and various native species. The acquisition is expected to be completed by December. For more information, call 311 or visit SarasotaCountyParks.com/LandAcquisitions. Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services and programs; view the complete policy at scgov.net.