Filing # 233050085 E-Filed 10/06/2025 05:48:03 PM

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO. ___________________________

Dr. MARVIN DUNN

v.

MIAMI DADE COLLEGE; DISTRICT

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MIAMI DADE
COLLEGE; AND MICHAEL BILECA,
ROBERTO ALONSO, MARIA BOSQUE BLANCO,
MARCELL FELIPE, ISMARE MONREAL, AND
JUAN SEGOVIA, IN THEIR CAPACITY AS
MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OF MIAMI DADE COLLEGE,

defendants.
__________________________________________________/

VERIFIED COMPLAINT FOR INJUNCTION BASED

ON VIOLATION OF FLORIDA’S GOVERNMENT IN THE SUNSHINE ACT

Plaintiff, Dr. Marvin Dunn, sues defendants MIAMI DADE COLLEGE, DISTRICT

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MIAMI DADE COLLEGE, AND MICHAEL BILECA,

ROBERTO ALONSO, MARIA BOSQUE BLANCO, MARCELL FELIPE, ISMARE

MONREAL, AND JUAN SEGOVIA, in their capacity as members of the District Board of

Trustees of Miami Dade College, and, on verification, alleges as follows:

A. Nature of Action

1. This is an action for an injunction under the Florida Government in the Sunshine Act,

Chap. 286, Fla. Stat., and a parallel provision of the Constitution of the State of Florida.

2. On September 23, 2025, Miami Dade College’s District Board of Trustees voted to

give away, for nothing, one of the institution’s most valuable assets—a 2.6-acre piece of prime

real estate (the “Land”)—to the State of Florida, so the State could give it to the Donald J. Trump
Presidential Library Foundation, Inc. That Foundation would then have five years to start

construction of “components of a Presidential library, museum, and/or center.” Neither the

College nor the State has said anything about what else could be developed on this parcel. Nor is it

stated what is meant by “components of a Presidential library, museum and/or center,” or, for that

matter, by “a Presidential library, museum and/or center.” The State has since resolved to transfer

the land to the Trump Foundation.

3. This action does not have to do with whether the District Board of Trustees made a wise

decision. It is not brought to lodge a political protest. Rather, it deals with the fact that, in making its

decision, the District Board of Trustees unquestionably violated Florida’s sacrosanct Government in

the Sunshine Act and the parallel (and underpinning) provisions of Article I, section 24, of the

Constitution of the State of Florida (the “Constitution”).1

4. There can be no reasonable dispute that the College, the District Board of Trustees, and

its members are covered by the referenced provision of the Constitution and by the Sunshine Act.

Rather, the question is: did the District Board violate those provisions of law in giving away the

Land? If so, the decision is void ab initio.

5. The Sunshine Act requires “reasonable notice” to the public of a future meeting. The

notice in this case provided the opposite of reasonable notice. The only thing that the College said to

describe the purpose or agenda of the meeting was this:

At this Special Board Meeting, the District Board of Trustees will discuss potential
real estate transactions.

6. This “notice” is unquestionably inadequate, and therefore unreasonable. This was not,

in any way, a typical or run-of-the-mill “real estate transaction.” The proposed giveaway cannot

1
Unless the context dictates otherwise, all references to the Sunshine Act should be understood
also to be references to Art. I, section 24, Fla. Const.

2
even charitably be characterized as a “transaction.” No one not already in on the deal would have

had any idea from this “notice” of what the District Board of Trustees was actually planning to do.

In fact, the Vice Chairman of the District Board has claimed that the Board was unaware of the

purpose of the decision but went ahead and voted for it because the Governor instructed them to do

so.

7. Depriving the public of reasonable notice of this proposed decision was a plain

violation of the Sunshine Act and of the Florida Constitution. It is unavoidable that the transfer of

this Land must be enjoined and the decision to do so found to be void ab initio.

8. Plaintiff, as a citizen of this State, brings this action under the Sunshine Act to enjoin

the transfer of the Land to the State of Florida. This action is filed to hold the defendants to the law

and to provide adequate public input into a momentous decision.

B. Parties

9. Plaintiff is a citizen of the State of Florida.

10. Miami Dade College (the “College”) is a public post-secondary educational

institution. It is part of the “Florida College System. §§ 1000.21(5)(o), 1001.60(2), Fla. Stat.

11. As provided for under Florida law, the College is governed by a board of trustees,

called the District Board of Trustees (“District Board”) whose members are appointed by the

Governor, subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. §§ 1001.60-1001.64, Fla. Stat.

12. At all times material to this action, the members of the District Board were (and, on

information and belief, are): Michael Bileca (Chair), Roberto Alonso (Vice Chair), Maria Bosque

Blanco, Marcell Felipe, Ismare Monreal, and Juan Segovia. They are named in this action in their

capacity as District Board Trustees.

3
 C. The Constitution and the Sunshine Act

13. Article I, section 24(b) of the Constitution provides:

All meetings of any collegial public body of the executive branch of state
government or of any collegial public body of a county, municipality, school
district, or special district, at which official acts are to be taken or at which public
business of such body is to be transacted or discussed, shall be open and noticed to
the public and meetings of the legislature shall be open and noticed as provided in
Article III, Section 4(e), except with respect to meetings exempted pursuant to this
section or specifically closed by this Constitution.

14. The Sunshine Act covers “any board or commission of any state agency or authority

or of any agency or authority of any county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision,

except as otherwise provided in the Constitution”. § 286.011, Fla. Stat.

15. The College, the District Board, and its members, are covered by the Sunshine Act.

16. The Sunshine Act provides that “all meetings” of an organization or individual

covered by the Act “at which official acts are to be taken are declared to be public meetings open

to the public at all times, and no resolution, rule, or formal action shall be considered binding

except as taken or made at such meeting.” § 286.011(1), Fla. Stat.

17. The Florida Supreme Court has instructed the courts of this state that “the law must

be broadly construed to effect its remedial and protective purpose,” which is “to protect the

public from closed door politics” and “to frustrate all evasive devices.” Sarasota Citizens for

Responsible Gov’t v. City of Sarasota, 48 So. 3d 755, 762 (Fla. 2010) (citations omitted). Thus,

“[m]ere showing that the government in the sunshine law has been violated constitutes an

irreparable public injury,” and “where officials have violated section 286.011, the official action

is void ab initio.” Id. (citation omitted).

18. The Sunshine Act also provides: “The board or commission must provide reasonable

notice of all such meetings.” Id. “Reasonable notice” is not defined in the Sunshine Act. The

4
reasonableness of notice is thus a fact-specific inquiry. “[T]he type of notice given depends on

the purpose for the notice, the character of the event about which the notice is given, and the

nature of the rights to be affected.” Att’y General Opinion 73-170 (discussing “due notice” as

then required under Sunshine Act).

19. While the Attorney General’s Office has recommended “publication of an agenda, if

available,” published agendas listing specific notice of each item to be discussed are not required

by the Sunshine Act. AG Manual at 39-40. Nevertheless, agencies must provide notice thereof if

required to do so under “other statutes, charter provisions, ordinances, or rules that may also

apply and be more restrictive as to the type of notice and agenda required for a public board or

commission to conduct its business.” AG, Inf. Op. to Mattimore, February 6, 1996, available at

https://www.myfloridalegal.com/ag-opinions/agenda-of-public-boards-requirements.

20. The College’s Manual of Procedures states: “Any agreements that require approval

by The District Board of Trustees must be accompanied by a Board agenda item in appropriate

format prepared by the Originator.” Man. Proc. 6300.D.1, available at https://www.mdc.edu/

procedures/Chapter6/6300.pdf (Attachment 1).

21. Finally, Section 286.0114(2), Fla. Stat., provides that:

Members of the public shall be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard on a

proposition before a board or commission.2 The opportunity to be heard need not
occur at the same meeting at which the board or commission takes official action
on the proposition if the opportunity occurs at a meeting that is during the
decisionmaking process and is within reasonable proximity in time before the
meeting at which the board or commission takes the official action.

2
“For purposes of [s. 286.0114], ‘board or commission’ means a board or commission of any
state agency or authority or of any agency or authority of a county, municipal corporation, or
political subdivision.”

5
§ 286.0114(2), Fla. Stat. 3

D. Plaintiff’s Standing

22. Section 286.011(2) provides that “[t]he circuit courts of this state shall have

jurisdiction to issue injunctions to enforce the purposes of this section upon application by any

citizen of this state.” “The Sunshine Law ‘on its face[] gives the appellant standing without

regard to whether he suffered a special injury.’” Godheim v. City of Tampa, 426 So. 2d 1084,

1088 (Fla. 2d DCA 1983); see Silver Exp. Co. v. District Bd. of Lower Tribunal Trustees of

Miami-Dade Community College, 691 So. 2d 1099 (Fla. 3d DCA 1997) (“Sunshine Law . . . was

enacted so as to permit any citizen to vindicate the public’s interest in open government.”).

E. Violation of Sunshine Act

23. At a Special Meeting held on September 23, 2025, the District Board, at a meeting

that, on information and belief, all members of the District attended, decided to give—that is,

transfer, for nothing—a 2.63-acre parcel of land the College owned, at 500 Biscayne Boulevard,

Miami, Florida, to the State of Florida’s Internal Improvement Trust Fund (the “Fund”). 4 The

members of the Board of the Fund are the members of the Florida Cabinet (Governor Ron

DeSantis, Attorney General James Uthmeier, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, and

Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson).

3
Section 286.0114(8) provides that an action taken by an agency in violation of section 286.0114
is not void.
4
Although Plaintiff has located on the Web both the notice of the meeting for this decision and
the agenda item, he has been unable to locate a copy of the minutes of the meeting or the text of
any resolution. The Court can take judicial notice of the decision of the District Board. See sec.
90.202, Fla. Stat.--(11) Facts that are not subject to dispute because they are generally known
within the territorial jurisdiction of the court; (12) Facts that are not subject to dispute because
they are capable of accurate and ready determination by resort to sources whose accuracy cannot
be questioned.

6
 24. On information and belief, the Land is extremely valuable. One published estimate

of its value is $360 million. Patricia Mazzei, Florida Hands Over Prime Miami Property for

Trump Library, The New York Times, Sept. 30, 2025 (Attachment 2). The Miami-Dade County

Property Appraiser (“PA”) currently reports its “appraised value” and “market value” as

approximately $67 million. It is widely known and understood that the PA’s published estimates

of “appraised” and “market” value are substantially lower than actual market value. 5

25. According to Vice Chair Alonso, the District Board took this action because the

Office of the President of the United States requested the Board, without explanation, to convey

the Land to the State, so that, according to Alonso, he and his fellow District Board members did

not know what the request was for. But, he said, “[t]here’s not many options—we’re appointed

by the Governor.” Mazzei, id. Alonso, interviewed on local television, made no mention of the

request from the Federal Government, and said that they “had received a request by the State to

convey over a piece of property on our Wolfson Campus.” WPLG, This Week in South Florida:

Roberto Alonso (Sept. 28, 2025), at 1:25-1:28, available at https://www.local10.com/this-week-

in-south-florida/2025/09/28/this-week-in-south-florida-roberto-alonso/.

26. Irrespective of the specific circumstances of this giveaway, the speedy and uncritical

transfer of the Land to the State for nothing, without any serious deliberation, without any

economic analysis, and, on information and belief, solely because the Governor or the President,

or both, wanted the District Board to do so, was a violation of the duty of care owed to the

College by the Board members. Specifically, Florida law permits a College Board of Trustees to

5
The Land is composed of twelve adjacent parcels of land, listed on the Property Appraiser’s
website as 500 Biscayne Boulevard. The appraised and market values of these parcels were
obtained by clicking on each of the twelve parcels at https://apps.miamidadepa.gov/
PropertySearch/#/ with the above address.

7
“purchase, acquire, receive, hold, own, manage, lease, sell, dispose of, and convey title to real

property,” but only “in the best interests of the [College].” § 1001.64(37) Fla. Stat.

27. On information and belief, contrary to the Vice Chair’s claim that the District Board

was kept in the dark about what the transfer was for but agreed to the giveaway anyway—which,

if true, is an admission of the abject failure of the Board members to fulfill their duties in a

reasonable manner—the District Board knew full well when it agreed to transfer the land for

nothing what the real purpose of the exercise was.

28. The real purpose of the giveaway was to enable the State of Florida, through the

Fund, to give the land to the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation, Inc. (“Trump

Foundation”), in the words of the Fund’s agenda, “free from any waiver, encumbrance, or

restriction except for the requirement that the subject parcel contains components of a

Presidential library, museum, and/or center within five years of conveyance or that construction

has commenced for a Presidential library, museum, and/or center.” Agenda, Board of Trustees of

Internal Improvement Trust Fund, Sept. 30, 2025, available at

https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/09302025_ BOT%20 Agenda_2.pdf (Attachment 3). The

State has announced that the Fund’s Trustees have voted to give the land to the Trump

Foundation. Governor Ron Desantis and Cabinet Deed Land for the Donald J. Trump

Presidential Library (Sept. 30, 2025), available at https://www.flgov.

com/eog/news/press/2025/governor-ron-desantis-and-cabinet-deed-land-donald-j-trump-

presidential-library (Attachment 4).

29. Notice of the Special Meeting was given as follows:

a. Notice of the September 23, 2025, Special Meeting was provided on

September 16, 2025. Public Notice: Notice of Special Board Meeting of District Board of

8
Trustees of Miami Dade College, available at https://news.mdc.edu/pressrelease/public-notice-

notice-of-special-board-meeting-district-board-of-trustees-miami-dade-college-09302025/

(Attachment 5). It is not known at the time of filing of this action what distribution was made of

this Notice other than posting it on the College’s website.

b. The only description of the purpose of the meeting in the “notice” was

as follows: “At this Special Board Meeting, the District Board of Trustees will discuss

potential real estate transactions.”

30. This “notice” was unquestionably inadequate, and therefore unreasonable. This was

not, in any way, a typical or run-of-the-mill “real estate transaction.” No one not already in on the

deal would have had any idea from this Notice of what the District Board of Trustees was actually

planning to do. In fact, the Vice Chair of the District Board has claimed that the Board was unaware

of the purpose of the decision but went ahead and voted for it because the Governor instructed them

to do so.

31. An agenda for the District Board’s Special Meeting was prepared. It is not known at

the time of the filing of this pleading whether this agenda was made public, or when. The agenda

stated that the only “action item” was “AUTHORIZATION TO CONVEY PROPERTY TO THE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND OF THE

STATE OF FLORIDA.” See https://www.mdc.edu/about/pdf/2025-trustee-agenda/20250923-

agenda.pdf (Attachment 6) (capital letters in original). Like the notice, the agenda was materially

incomplete and cannot be construed to have provided reasonable notice of the District Board’s

listed agenda item.

F. Public Concern

32. The decision of the District Board has aroused substantial negative comments from

9
certain members of the community.

a. The President Emeritus of the College, Eduardo J. Padron, said that

“the land that’s been transferred to the state was meant for an expansion of the college’s Wolfson

campus to accommodate its growing student population,” that “[i]t’s very difficult to understand

this because the public has not had a chance to even have a say on this,” and that “[i]t[‘s] just

frankly unimaginable that this decision was made without any real discussion of the

consequences of what that will do to the college.” Joshua Ceballos and Daniel Rivero, Former

Miami Dade College president calls Trump library land giveaway ‘unimaginable,’ WLRN (Sept.

2025), available at https://www.wlrn.org/ government-politics/2025-09-25/trump-presidential-

library-miami-dade-college (Attachment 7).

b. Plaintiff and former Florida International University Professor Dr. Marvin

Dunn stated that “[t]he thing about this that really hurts me and outrages me is that they’re taking

land from our kids and giving it to someone for commercial, economic development.” Anthony

Cruz, South Florida community leader calls for investigation of land transfer for future Trump

library, WLRN (Oct. 1, 2025), available at https://www.wlrn.org/government-politics/2025-10-

01/south-florida-community-leader-calls-for-investigation-of-land-transfer-for-future-trump-

library (Attachment 8).

c. Miguel (“Mike”) A. Fernandez, a prominent businessman, called the plan “a

direct theft of educational opportunity for political gain,” and further stated that “[t]his land was

never the governor’s to give away. It belongs to the students. It belongs to the future.” Miguel A.

Fernandez, Stop the political hijacking of Miami-Dade’s future for a Presidential Library, Miami

Herald Op-Ed (Sept. 27, 2025), available at https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-

ed/article312284805.html (Attachment 9).

10
 G. Conclusion

33. The law requires an injunction against the defendants'giveaway made in the

dark.

WHEREFORE, plaintiff respectfully requests :

1. An injunction against the conveyance of the Land to the State on account of the

violation of the Sunshine Act described here.

2. Attorneys' fees as provided under the Sunshine Act.

3. Such other relief as the Court may deem just and appropriate.

Dated: October 6,2025 Respectfully submitted,

RIVERO MESTRE LLP

2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 1000
Coral Gables, Florida 33134
Telephone: (305) 445-2500
Facsimile: (305) 445-2505
E-mail : ariv er o @riveromestre. com

By:
AND RES RIVERO
Florida Bar No. 613819

and

Richard E. Brodsky
FBN 322520
Attorney atLaw
The Brodsky Law Firm
1805 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Unit 610
Coral Gables, Florida 33134
Cell: 305-962-7497
rbrodsky@thebrodskylawfirm. com

lsl Richard E. Brodslqt

RICHARD E. BRODSKY

Counselfor Dr Marvin Dunn

11
 CER CA OF SE CE
I CERTIFY that on october 6,2025,1 electronically
filed this document with the clerk
of the Court using the Florida Courts E-Filing portal.
I also certifli that this document is being
served on all parties and counser via e-mail
generated by the E_portal system.

/s/
ANDRE S RIVERO

VERIFICATION
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that
I have read the foregoing complaint and that
the
facts stated in it are true' where indicated,
the facts stated are true to the best of
my knowledge
and belief

October 6,2025

Dr. Marvin Dunn

12
ATTACHMENT 1
 MANUAL OF PROCEDURE

PROCEDURE NUMBER: 6300 PAGE 1 of 8

PROCEDURE TITLE: Contracts, Agreements, and Leases - Signature Requirements and

Procedures

STATUTORY REFERENCE: Section 287.017, Florida Statutes

State Board of Education, Rule 6A-14.0734, Florida Administrative
Code, Section 448.095 (3)€, Florida Statutes, General Labor
Regulations

BASED ON POLICY: VI-2 Bidding for Commodities and Services

VI-30 Contractual Agreements with Individuals or Organizations for
Professional and Technical Services
II-51 Salary Administration: Professional Exempt
Contractual/Professional Exempt Non-Contractual/Support Non-
Exempt

EFFECTIVE DATE: April 4, 1984

LAST REVISION DATE: November 8, 2005; June 28, 2023

LAST REVIEW DATE: November 8, 2005; June 28, 2023

I. PURPOSE

To provide the necessary signature requirements and procedures to be used when submitting
various types of contracts, agreements, and leases for approval.

II. PROCEDURE

Miami Dade College enters into various agreements with agencies, vendors, and other private
entities for the provision of goods and services to the College. As required by Miami Dade College
Policy, authorizations for these agreements are to be in accordance with Florida Statutes, State
Board of Education Rules, and the regulations of the District Board of Trustees.

A. Purchasing Contract Thresholds

Authority to recommend, approve, and sign purchasing contracts are subject to the
following contractual amounts based on cumulative totals college-wide in each fiscal year.
Each Category threshold is set out in Section 287.017, Florida Statutes, as may be
amended. As used in this Procedure, a "Senior Administrative Employee” is a full-time
Manual of Procedures – Procedure 6300 Page 2 of 8

College employee in Pay Grade 21 or above as designated by the Human Resources

Department.

1. Purchasing contracts, including Agreements for Services, that do not exceed Category
Three in the annual cumulative total may be approved by a Senior Administrative
Employee.

2. Purchasing contracts, including Agreements for Services, that exceed Category Three
but do not exceed Category Five in the annual cumulative total must be submitted for
approval to the College President or the Executive Vice President and Provost.

3. Purchasing contracts, including Agreements for Services, that exceed the Category
Five in the annual cumulative total must be submitted for approval to the District Board
of Trustees.

4. Agreements for Services based on a daily rate that do not exceed $500 per day may be
approved by a Senior Administrative Employee, subject to subsections 1-3 above.

5. Agreements for Services based on a daily rate that exceed $500 per day or where a
daily rate cannot be established (except expense-only reimbursement contracts) must
be submitted for approval to the District Board of Trustees.

The College will submit a monthly report to the District Board of Trustees of all purchasing
agreements with any supplier/contractor/vendor which exceed Category Three but that do
not exceed Category Five. All purchasing contracts must comply with MDC Procedure
6000, unless otherwise exempted by the Purchasing Department. If the College-wide,
cumulative contractual totals within a fiscal year for any supplier/contractor/vendor exceed
a threshold stated above, an updated approval must be obtained.

B. Method of Contracting

Contractual arrangements involving non-recurring, short-term, technical, or professional

services in which no sustained relationship exists between the College and the Contractor
may be executed via the Agreement for Services guidelines outlined in this Procedure.
Under this arrangement as defined, the College and the Contractor acknowledge that the
Contractor is performing technical or professional services as an independent contractor.
Effective dates of services performed by a Contractor pursuant to an Agreement for
Services shall not extend beyond June 30th of any given year; however, the Executive
Vice President and Provost may approve an exception to this provision.

1. The procurement of services for which the definition of an independent contractor

relationship is not met may not be secured via the established Agreement for Services
guidelines outlined in this Procedure.

2. Other contractual arrangements, such as leases and/or long-term service contracts for
common, recurring technical services, may be executed via an agreement provided by
the Contractor. In these instances, the proposed contract must be reviewed and
approved by the Office of Legal Affairs and/or the Purchasing Department prior to
execution. This review may require feedback from other areas, such as the Risk
Manual of Procedures – Procedure 6300 Page 3 of 8

Management Department, Office of Facilities Management or the Office of

Information Technology prior to execution. Accordingly, sufficient lead time should
be provided in advance of the requested contractual arrangement.

C. Signature Requirements and Processing

1. Purchase Orders issued by the College must be signed by the Director of Purchasing.
The College President or designee must approve purchases that require emergency
action.

2. Agreements for Services

The Agreement for Services form is used for obtaining non-recurring, short-term,
technical or professional services of individuals, companies, or organizations. The
agreement must be signed and dated by the Contractor and Originator, respectively.
The agreement is not deemed to be fully executed until all of the required College
signatures are secured. The College’s final approver, as defined in this Procedure, shall
be the last to sign the form. The original signed agreement should be submitted to the
Purchasing Department and copies may be provided to the Contractor, the Originator,
and the Originator's Campus President/Vice Provost/Vice President, as appropriate.
Once a fully executed agreement is secured, the Originator shall input a Requisition in
MDConnect, attach a scanned copy of the Agreement for Services to the online
Requisition, and note the Requisition number on the Agreement for Services form.

The Agreement for Services Form is available on the Business Affairs website. All
pages of the Form, as well as attachments such as addenda, statements of scope of work,
resumes (for individuals), proof of insurance (when required), etc. must be included for
approval and Purchase Order processing. All sections of the Form must be filled in (in
typed format) and if a section is not applicable, “N/A” must be typed in the section.
Handwritten or incomplete Agreement for Service forms will be returned to the
Originator for corrective action.

i. Definitions

(a) Consultants are persons the College utilizes to perform a non-recurring

task. The services of the individual are available to the general public
and other employers. The individual must be eligible to work in the U.S.
as per U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security
Administration and must be E-verified as per Florida Law. Consultants
may perform services for multiple organizations simultaneously. The
work to be performed is specific and specialized with the individual
having expertise at a professional level, which allows the task to be
accomplished without instruction or training. The consultant is free to
set his or her own work methods, place, and time. The assignment is
generally short term, lacks regularity, and there is no sustained
continuing relationship between the College and the consultant.

(b) Actors may be engaged individually or through an agent to perform in

professional productions, mini-series, or personal presentations
Manual of Procedures – Procedure 6300 Page 4 of 8

produced by the College.

(c) Guest lecturers, models, game officials, and providers of other

intangible services may be procured within the guidelines established
by this Procedure.

(d) Agreements with individuals shall include the delivery of services for
an established daily rate and may include reasonable travel and agreed-
to expense reimbursement within the guidelines of MDC Procedure
3400 and Section 112.061, Florida Statutes relating to economical travel
and/or per diem.

(e) In accordance with College Policies II-51 and VI-30, active full-time
and part-time employees of the College are not eligible to be
contracted under an Agreement for Services.

ii. Processing

(a) In those cases where an agreement is initiated by a Senior

Administrative Employee, the review by and signature of the College
President or the Executive Vice President and Provost is required.

(b) If an agreement must be submitted to the District Board of Trustees, the

agenda item will be prepared by the Originator in the appropriate format
and forwarded to the appropriate Campus President, Vice Provost, or
the Executive Vice President and Provost for Board action.

(c) After all signatures and approvals are obtained on the agreement form,
the agreement shall be returned to the Originator for forwarding copies
and input of a Requisition. A copy of the Board-approved agenda item
should be attached to the Agreement for Services and submitted to the
Purchasing Department in accordance with this Procedure.

iii. Payment Processing for Agreements for Services

(a) Purchase Orders shall be established to facilitate payment(s) on all

Agreements for Services. After all approvals and signatures are obtained
on the agreement, the Originator shall initiate a Requisition and
reference the Requisition number on the agreement. The agreement
shall be forwarded through established channels of approval and the
Purchasing Department for review and issuance of a Purchase Order.

(b) Upon completion of the contractual service by the individual, company,

or organization, the Originator shall submit signed invoice(s) to the
Accounts Payable Department for payment in accordance with
established College procedure. Signed invoices shall reference the
appropriate Purchase Order number.

3. External Real Property Use or Rental/Lease

Manual of Procedures – Procedure 6300 Page 5 of 8

i. When no lease is required, the Agreement for Services may be used following
the processes in this Procedure.

ii. When a lease or other similar agreement is required for the external use of real
property, the appropriate Campus President, Vice Provost/President, or the
Executive Vice President and Provost, must review and approve the terms and
conditions.

iii. For any external leases or other similar agreements, any insurance provisions
must be reviewed and approved by the College’s Director of Risk Management.
This review may require feedback from other areas, such as the Office of
Facilities Management or the Office of Information Technology prior to
execution. These documents must be then sent to the Office of Legal Affairs for
legal review and approval.

iv. Any agreements using College templates approved by the Office of Legal
Affairs do not require Risk Management or Legal review unless modifications
to the template are requested.

v. Sufficient lead time should be provided in advance of the anticipated start date.

vi. Payment Processing for Property Use or Rental/Lease

(a) The payment process for property use or rental/leases is the same as
described in Section II.C.2.(iii). of this Procedure.

(b) If invoices are not a requirement for payment on the rental/lease

agreement, then a copy of the rental/lease agreement may be used in lieu
of an invoice as evidence of the appropriate payment terms.

4. Contracts with the Federal Government

i. Contracts and agreements with the Federal government shall be presented to the
Board for approval as a special agenda item. Any insurance provisions must be
reviewed and approved by the College’s Director of Risk Management. These
documents must be then sent to the Office of Legal Affairs for legal review and
approval.

ii. The agenda item will be prepared by the Originator in the appropriate format
and forwarded to the Campus President or Vice Provost for Board action.

iii. After all signatures and approvals are obtained, the agreement shall be returned
to the Originator for forwarding copies and input of a Requisition. The
Originator will then forward the original document to the Purchasing
Department in accordance with this Procedure.

5. Information Technology Consultants

Manual of Procedures – Procedure 6300 Page 6 of 8

i. Agreements with individual consultants for information technology-related

services must be reviewed and approved by the Office of Information
Technology prior to execution. This includes agreements that require the
consultant to have access to the College’s computer systems, internet, intranet,
website, or social media accounts, or where consultants will have access to
College student or employee information. The Office of Information
Technology may require additional documentation from the Originator. Any
insurance provisions must be reviewed and approved by the College’s Director
of Risk Management. These documents must be then sent to the Office of Legal
Affairs for legal review and approval.

ii. The approval from the Office of Information Technology must be documented
and attached to the Agreement for Services Form prior to securing the
signatures of the Contractor and College approvers in accordance with this
Procedure.

iii. Signature requirements for Agreements for Services in connection with

consultants for information technology-related services are the same as those
described in Section II.A.2. of this Procedure.

iv. After all signatures and approvals are obtained on the form, the agreement shall
be returned to the Originator for forwarding copies and input of a Requisition.
The Originator will then forward the original document, inclusive of
attachments, to the Purchasing Department in accordance with this Procedure.

v. The payment process for information technology-related consultant services is

the same is the same as described in Section II.C.2.(iii). of this Procedure.

D. General Instructions

1. Rationale for the Board Agenda

Any agreements that require approval by The District Board of Trustees must be
accompanied by a Board agenda item in appropriate format prepared by the
Originator.

2. College Liability

When a contract or agreement might subject the College to an insurance liability,

the Originator must discuss the conditions of the contract or agreement with the
Director of Risk Management and the Office of Legal Affairs.

3. Insurance Coverage

Depending on the nature of services to be performed, the Contractor may be

required to secure and maintain liability insurance for the duration of the term of
the contract and provide the College with a certificate of insurance, naming The
District Board of Trustees of Miami Dade College, Florida, as an additional insured.
Originators may contact the Office of Risk Management for assistance in
Manual of Procedures – Procedure 6300 Page 7 of 8

determining whether this subsection applies to the proposed services.

4. Timely Submission of Contracts and Agreements

Contracts and agreements are not deemed to be executed until all required
signatures are secured. To ensure the accuracy of this information, the Originator
should obtain a completed IRS Form W-9 “Request for Taxpayer Identification
Number and Certification” from the contracting party unless they are already
established as a registered Supplier of the College.

Services may not be rendered until a fully executed agreement is secured. Under
extenuating circumstances, the Originator must obtain prior written approval (i.e.
email) from the Campus President, Vice Provost/President, or Executive Vice
President and Provost.

5. Conflicts of Interests and Contracts and Agreements with Family Members of

College Employees

Under no circumstances may any College employee execute or approve a contract

or agreement with any person or entity which may cause or create the appearance
of a conflict of interest as provided for in MDC policies and procedures, and under
Florida law. Failure to comply with this guideline may result in discipline up to and
including termination of employment, and as otherwise provided for by law.

6. Approval Designation

i. A Senior Administrative Employee may delegate signature authority to a direct

report which is a full-time College employee in Pay Grade 17 or above, as
designated by the Human Resources Department, for contractual amounts based
on cumulative totals College-wide in each fiscal year which do not exceed
$5,000.

ii. A memorandum delegating signature authority for any fiscal year must be on
file with the Purchasing Department and the Office of Legal Affairs.

iii. All delegations expire on June 30th of each year and must be renewed. In the
event a Senior Administrative Employee or an employee with delegated
authority under this subsection change position or separate from the College,
any delegations shall also terminate.

iv. Any person executing any agreement without the authority as provided for
under this Procedure may be personally liable under such agreement, and may
be subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment, and as
otherwise provided for by law.

7. College Template Agreements

i. The Office of Legal Affairs may develop and approve template agreements for
use by College personnel. These template agreements permit College personnel
Manual of Procedures – Procedure 6300 Page 8 of 8

to easily add business terms such as price, quantity, specific scope of work, etc.
and have standard legal terms already included.

ii. Use of approved template agreements do not require review by the Office of
Legal Affairs. College personnel are not permitted to change any terms on an
approved template agreement.

iii. The Office of Legal Affairs will periodically review and modify templates as
deemed necessary. Updates will be documented by version date on the
template.

8. Amendments to College Template Agreements

i. Changes to price, quantity, term, and scope of work on the Agreement for
Services may be amended using the Addendum form available on Business
Affairs website. The addendum must be signed by the Contractor and the
College’s final approver.

ii. Changes to the approved terms and conditions provided for in templates
approved by the Office of Legal Affairs, including the Agreement for Services
form, are generally not permitted. There may be instances where the Contractor
and Originator may have the need to modify terms, amend descriptions and/or
details outlined in the template or original agreement. When necessary, an
addendum or amendment to the template agreement may be completed and
attached to a copy of the original agreement.

iii. The proposed amendments must be submitted for review and approval to the
Office of Legal Affairs. Once reviewed and approved by the Office of Legal
Affairs, the addendum must be signed by the Contractor and the College’s final
approver.

iv. Upon execution, the Originator may request a Change Order to the Purchase
Order (i.e. if total cost of service is affected by the addendum).

06/28/2023
PRESIDENT DATE
ATTACHMENT 2
 The New York Times, 9/30/25

Florida Hands Over Prime Miami Property

for Trump Library

President Trump has not revealed any concrete

plans for a future library, but his son and others have
been scouting possible sites in South Florida for
months.

The land that Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to be the site of President Trump’s presidential
library is a parking lot that, until last week, belonged to Miami Dade
College.Credit...Marta Lavandier/Associated Press

By Patricia Mazzei
Reporting from Miami

Sept. 30, 2025

Gov. Ron DeSantis and other top elected Republican state officials donated a
prime state-owned property in downtown Miami on Tuesday to the nonprofit
raising money for President Trump’s presidential library.

Some estimates say that the property, facing Biscayne Bay, is worth hundreds
of millions of dollars. It belonged to Miami Dade College until last week, when
the college’s trustees voted without any discussion to convey it to the state.
Mr. DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet — the state attorney general, agriculture
commissioner and chief financial officer — unanimously approved the
conveyance of the property to the nonprofit when they met on Tuesday in
Tallahassee, in their capacity as the trustees of a fund that controls state lands.
Their discussion before the vote lasted less than three minutes. Minutes later, the
president’s son Eric posted on social media that the library would be built in
Miami, and thanked Mr. DeSantis and James Uthmeier, the attorney general, for
their help in securing the site.

“Consistent with our families DNA, this will be one of the most beautiful buildings
ever built, an icon on the Miami skyline,” Eric Trump wrote.

The move essentially puts the property under the control of the Trump family.
The Florida-based foundation that has been given the land was incorporated in
May by Eric Trump and the president’s son-in-law Michael Boulos.

Conveying the property as a gift affirmed that the governor and cabinet members believed
that its “intended use will provide a greater benefit to the public than its retention in state
ownership,” according to agenda documents for Tuesday’s meeting.

Eric Trump is among several people close to the president who scouted possible library
sites in South Florida over the last few months. One such site, at Florida Atlantic
University, was near the president’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, but was subject to
height restrictions because of its proximity to an airport.

Another, on the grounds of Florida International University, was near Mr. Trump’s golf
course in Doral. But that location was deep in the suburbs.

The 2.63-acre property in downtown Miami, currently a parking lot, is the most valuable of
the three, with its waterfront views, proximity to public transportation and space for
several towers. Under the terms of the transaction, only certain “components” of the
property would be required to house a presidential library, museum or center, according to
the state. Construction would have to begin within five years.

The rest of the property could house other ventures, such as a hotel, as Mr. Trump is
believed to want. Nothing would preclude the building of condos, restaurants or other
commercial ventures on the site, which some big-name developers had previously eyed.

Before the vote on Tuesday, Mr. DeSantis said that it would be the first presidential library
to be affiliated with a state college, rather than a university.
Miami Dade College has said little about giving up the property. The college received a
letter from the Office of Cabinet Affairs on Sept. 16 requesting the conveyance without any
explanation, according to a copy that The New York Times obtained through a public
records request. Roberto Alonso, the board’s vice chairman, said in an interview that the
college’s trustees could only guess at what the request was for.

“There’s not many options — we’re appointed by the governor,” he said.

Still, Mr. Alonso said, putting a presidential library on the site would be an “amazing
opportunity.”

“It’s a place to go and have dialogue,” he said. “It’s a place for our students to learn about
the highest office.”

Miami Dade College has used the property as a parking lot for the Freedom Tower, a locally
beloved building that the college owns, where Cuban refugees were given assistance
decades ago when they first arrived in South Florida. The 100-year-old yellow tower, now a
museum, reopened this month after a two-year, $25 million renovation.

Mr. Uthmeier said in a video posted on X last week that he could think of “no better
location” for Mr. Trump’s library than next to Florida’s “Ellis Island of the South.”

Others have expressed dismay at the prospect, either because of the president’s posture
toward immigrants or because they do not think public land should be donated for a
political enterprise, especially without public input.

“That land belongs to our kids,” said Marvin Dunn, a Miami historian. “It belongs to their
educational future, and to give it to a politician — any politician — is wrong.”

Dr. Dunn organized a protest outside the site on Monday and said he was hoping to file a
lawsuit against the conveyance after it was completed on Tuesday, as expected.

One of Mr. Trump’s scouts for potential library sites is Steven Witkoff, his Middle East
envoy, a fellow real estate developer who is involved in a large project in downtown Miami.
Mr. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner owns rental condos just north of downtown.

Anne-Christine Carrie, an urban planner and planning consultant who is an expert on

Miami’s zoning code, said the “highest and best use” of the property would be towers up to
100 stories high that together could house some 2,500 condo units.

The lack of a residential parking requirement is a rarity for condo construction in Miami,
she said, and makes the site all the more valuable. Ms. Carrie noted, however, that
construction on nearby developments has been delayed in the past after ancient relics
were discovered at the sites.

Miami Dade College bought the property for $24.8 million in 2004. The Miami-Dade County
property appraiser lists its value today at more than $67 million, but that is just a fraction of
its likely market value, especially given the favorable zoning and building rules, said Peter
Zalewski, a real estate consultant who tracks local trends in the condo market.

Mr. Zalewski estimated that the property could sell for at least $360 million on the market,
based on a calculation that took into account the cost per square foot for condo units in
the area, plus a premium for new construction.

“There’s all kinds of ways that thing would just be a cash cow,” he said of the site.

Maggie Haberman contributed reporting from New York.

Patricia Mazzei is the lead reporter for The Times in Miami, covering Florida and Puerto Rico.

A version of this article appears in print on Oct. 2, 2025, Section A, Page 15 of the New York edition with
the headline: DeSantis Hands Over Prime Miami Property For Presidential Library.
ATTACHMENT 3
 AGENDA
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND
September 30, 2025
Attachments to the items below can be viewed at the following link:
floridadep.gov/cab/cab/content/agendas

********************************************************************************
Item 1 Miami-Dade Conveyance of Non-Conservation Lands/ Determination

REQUEST: Consideration of (1) acceptance of a conveyance; (2) a determination that the

conveyance of 2.63 acres, more or less, of state-owned non-conservation land by sale, gift, or exchange
will provide a greater benefit to the public than its retention in public ownership, pursuant to Rule 18-
2.018(3)(b)1.c., F.A.C.; and (3) a delegation of approval to convey such lands to the Donald J. Trump
Presidential Library Foundation, Inc. free from any waiver, encumbrance, or restriction except for the
requirement that the subject parcel contains components of a Presidential library, museum, and/or
center within five years of conveyance or that construction has commenced for a Presidential library,
museum, and/or center.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: Three votes

COUNTY: Miami-Dade

GRANTEE: Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation, Inc.

LOCATION: Portions of Lots 1 to 15 of Block 61N, Knowlton’s Map of Miami, bounded by NE

5th St., NE 2nd Ave., NE 6th Street, and U.S. Hwy. 1 (“US 1/Biscayne Boulevard”) as reflected in the
Florida Department of Transportation Right of Way Map 870.30. A detailed legal description, the
prior recorded description in Book Number 22382 pages 2052-2053, and a map of the subject property
are attached.

STAFF REMARKS: The approximately 2.63-acre subject property is a contiguous piece of non-
conservation land in Miami-Dade County currently utilized by Miami-Dade College (MDC) as an
employee parking lot for the Wolfson Campus. On September 23, 2025, the MDC Board of Trustees
approved the conveyance of the subject property to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement
Trust Fund (Board of Trustees).

Immediately adjacent to the Freedom Tower along US 1/Biscayne Boulevard, the subject property
overlooks Biscayne Bay—an attractive location for the construction of a Presidential library, museum,
and/or center to honor the service of President Donald J. Trump.

Department staff have determined that the subject property can be conveyed by sale, gift, or exchange
if the Board of Trustees makes an affirmative finding, pursuant to Rule 18-2.018(3)(b)1.c., F.A.C.,
that the conveyance of subject property for the intended use will provide a greater benefit to the public
than its retention in state ownership.

As proposed, the conveyance will increase economic development opportunities in the region and
provide generations of Floridians the ability to reflect and honor the service and legacy of an American
President through the time-honored tradition of Presidential libraries and museums. As such,
Department staff find that the greater benefit to the public will be achieved through the conveyance of
the subject property than its retention in state ownership.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 2
*********************************************************************************
Item 1, cont.

As a condition of conveyance, Department staff recommend a requirement that, within five years of
the date of conveyance, the subject property contains components of a Presidential library, museum,
and/or center or that construction has commenced. Should the property not be used for the
aforementioned purposes, the Board of Trustees would reserve the right to exercise reversionary
interests.

Deed Restriction
That, upon conveyance, the subject property contains components of a Presidential library, museum,
and/or center or that construction has commenced for a Presidential library, museum, and/or center
within five years of the date of conveyance. Should the property not be used for the aforementioned
purposes, the Board of Trustees reserves the right to exercise reversionary interests.

Noticing
As the subject property is less than five acres, Rule 18-2.019(3)(f)2., F.A.C., does not apply.

Comprehensive Plan
A consideration of the status of the local government comprehensive plan was not made for this item
as the Department has previously determined that land conveyances are not subject to the local
government planning process.

(Attachment 1)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL BY GIFT WITH DEED RESTRICTION

********************************************************************************

Item 2A Ocean Highway & Port Authority Sovereignty Submerged Lands Lease

REQUEST: Consideration of an application for a new five-year sovereignty submerged lands lease
containing 287,935 square feet, more or less, for a commercial docking structure.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: Three votes

COUNTY: Nassau

APPLICANT: Ocean Highway & Port Authority

(Port of Fernandina)
Lease No. 450355292
Site No. 377333
Consent Order with Temporary Use Agreement No. 23-1615

LOCATION: N. Front Street

Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Waterbody: Amelia River
Classification: Class III, Not Approved for Shellfish Harvesting
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 3
*********************************************************************************
Item 2A, cont.

Designated Manatee County: No

Manatee Aggregation Area: No
Manatee Protection Speed Zone: Idle Speeds All Year

CONSIDERATION: The Applicant qualifies for a waiver of lease fees pursuant to section
253.77(4), F.S., and Rule 18-21.011(1)(b)7, F.A.C.

STAFF REMARKS: In accordance with rules adopted pursuant to sections 373.427(2) and
253.77(2), F.S., this "Consent Order with Temporary Use Agreement" contains a recommendation for
issuance of the authorization to use sovereignty submerged lands under Chapters 253 and 258, F.S.
The Board of Trustees is requested to act on those aspects of the activity which require authorization
to use sovereignty submerged lands.

The project is required to demonstrate that it is “not contrary to the public interest,” pursuant to
Rule 18-21.004(1)(a), F.A.C. The Applicant has provided reasonable assurance that the existing
structure will maintain essentially natural conditions; will not significantly impact fish and wildlife or
other natural resources, including public recreation and navigation; is consistent with the goals and
objectives of the “Conceptual State Lands Management Plan;” is consistent with the local
government’s comprehensive plan; and will not interfere with the riparian rights of adjacent property
owners. Therefore, the Department is of the opinion that the proposal is “not contrary to the public
interest” and otherwise meets all applicable requirements for a proprietary authorization to use
sovereignty submerged lands, pursuant to Article X, Section 11 of the Florida Constitution, Chapter
253, F.S., associated Rule 18-21, F.A.C., and the direction of the Board of Trustees.

Background
On April 18, 1985, the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation (DER) issued Permit No. 45-
0823499 to the Fernandina Marine Terminal, Inc. This permit authorized the construction of an 80,000
square foot pier parallel to the shoreline with three 4,800 square foot entrance ramps extending to the
shore from the middle and each end of the pier.

On July 2, 1991, DER issued Permit No. 45-1806479 to the current Applicant for dredging in the
mooring berth up to -40 feet at mean low water.

On October 23, 1997, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Department) issued the
original authorization, granting the Applicant proprietary authorization of Consent to Use along with
Permit No. 45-277745-9. This permit authorized the construction of a 580-foot-long pier extension.
This extension granted widths varying from 20 to 50 feet.

On July 10, 2019, the Department issued Permit No. 45-0377333-001-EE to the Applicant, which
authorized maintenance dredging. The maintenance dredging was to return the mooring berth at the
port to the previously authorized depth of -40 feet at mean low water. During the permit application
review process, it was discovered that the original authorization, issued in 1997, should have been a
lease pursuant to Rule 18.21.005(d), F.A.C., not a proprietary authorization of Consent to Use, which
is why project is being brought under lease now.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 4
*********************************************************************************
Item 2A, cont.

On March 17, 2025, the Department issued a Consent Order with Temporary Use Agreement. The
Temporary Use Agreement authorizes 287,935 square feet, more or less, of preemption for the
continued operation of the deep-water port. The port consists of approximately 115,152 square feet
of concrete dockage with a mooring area used in conjunction with the upland commercial off-loading
facility.

Project Description
The project includes an existing docking structure of approximately 115,152 square feet used in
conjunction with a deep-water port. The project is within the waterward extent of the Amelia River,
a Class III waterbody, and will include a five-year sovereignty submerged land lease containing
287,935 square feet.

Resources
Historically, the area does not contain submerged resources, and there have been no resources
observed in the project area. The project consists of an existing structure that has been in place since
1985.

Noticing
The sovereign submerged lands lease was noticed to property owners within a 500-foot radius of the
existing project, and other interested parties, pursuant to Rule 18-21.004(1)(m), F.A.C. Three property
owners were specifically noticed, and no objections were received by July 18, 2023, the end of the
comment period.

(Attachment 2A)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL, SUBJECT TO THE SPECIAL LEASE CONDITIONS

********************************************************************************

Item 2B City of Miami Beach Sovereignty Submerged Land Lease/ Recommended

Consolidated Intent

REQUEST: Consideration of an application for the (1) authorization to exceed 150,000 square feet
of preemption pursuant to Rule 18-21.0051(2)(a), F.A.C., for a mooring field that does not qualify for
a general permit under Rule 62-330.420 F.A.C.; (2) a new five-year sovereignty submerged lands
lease containing 4,647,175.4 square feet, more or less, for a public mooring field; (3) determination
that the proposal constitutes a public necessity pursuant to Rule 18-18.004(22), F.A.C.; and (4)
determination that the proposal is clearly within the public interest pursuant to section 373.414(1)(a),
F.S.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: Three votes

COUNTY: Miami-Dade
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 5
*********************************************************************************
Item 2B, cont.

APPLICANT: City of Miami Beach

Lease No. 130372356
Application No. 13-452193-001-EI
Permit No. 452193-001

LOCATION: Sections 04 & 28, Township 54 & 53 South, Range 42 East

Aquatic Preserve: Yes, Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve
Waterbody: Biscayne Bay
Classification: Class III, Not Approved for Shellfish Harvesting
Designated Manatee County: Yes, with an approved Manatee Protection Plan
Manatee Aggregation Area: No
Manatee Protection Speed Zone: Slow Speed Zone

CONSIDERATION: The proposed project qualifies for a waiver of lease fees pursuant to Rule 18-
21.011(b)(7), F.A.C., which states that fees may be waived for government entities that are either not-
for-profit or non-profit uses when the revenues are used for operation and maintenance of the structure
and the activity is consistent with the public purposes of the city organization and is not an adjunct to
a commercial endeavor.

STAFF REMARKS: In accordance with rules adopted pursuant to sections 373.427(2) and
253.77(2), F.S., this “Recommended Consolidated Notice” contains a recommendation for issuance
of both the permit required under Part IV of Chapter 373, F.S., and the authorization to use sovereignty
submerged lands under Chapters 253 and 258, F.S. The Board of Trustees is requested to act on those
aspects of the activity that require authorization to use sovereignty submerged lands.

The project is required to demonstrate that it is “clearly in the public interest,” pursuant to Article X,
Section 11 of the Florida Constitution, Chapter 253, F.S., Rule 18-18.006, F.A.C., and section
373.414(1)(a), F.S. The Applicant has provided reasonable assurance that the proposal will maintain
essentially natural conditions; will not significantly impact fish and wildlife and other natural
resources, including public recreation and navigation; is consistent with the local government’s
comprehensive plan; and will not interfere with the riparian rights of adjacent property owners.
Therefore, the Department is of the opinion that the proposal is “clearly within the public interest” and
otherwise meets all applicable requirements for a proprietary authorization to use sovereignty
submerged lands.

Background
The proposed project currently exists as an unauthorized mooring field located between 5th and 18th
Streets in Miami. Historic aerials indicate that mooring within the proposed lease boundary began in
1995; however, the number of vessels and their locations have varied. As of May 9, 2024, there were
approximately 135 vessels moored within the proposed lease boundary. The site is currently
unmanaged by Miami-Dade County or the City of Miami Beach and is not authorized by the
Department.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 6
*********************************************************************************
Item 2B, cont.

Upland Support Facility Permitting/ Compliance History

The proposed mooring field is associated with the City of Miami Beach Marina, and the marina will
serve as the upland support facility, which provides services such as bathrooms, parking, shower
facilities, fueling, pump-outs, and other upland amenities for patrons using the mooring field. The
marina was first authorized on January 21, 1986, by the Board of Trustees when they approved a 25-
year sovereignty submerged lands lease, including a five-year renewal option. This new lease
superseded Lease No. 130765469, authorized the preemption of approximately 1,648,911 square feet,
and designated the area of preemption for use as a commercial marina. Subsequently, on October 18,
2000, Permit No. 13-0082447-001-ES was issued for emergency repairs to a force main within the
marina's boundaries. Permit No. 13-0082447-002-ES, issued on August 27, 2002, allowed for the
reconfiguration of “Pier A” and “Pier M,” along with the placement of a concrete mat over the force
main for protection. Further repairs and replacements of existing dock structures were authorized on
September 17, 2002, under Permit No. 13-0082447-003-EE. Concurrently, Permit No. 13-0082447-
004-EE, for a “De minimis” activity, approved the removal of 675 square feet of dock and 25 piles to
facilitate seawall repairs.

On January 17, 2003, Permit No. 13-0082447-005-EM modified Permit No. 13-0082447-001-ES,
allowing for the placement of limestone boulders over the previously authorized concrete mat to
enhance force main protection. A further modification, Permit No. 13-0082447-006-EM, was issued
on April 22, 2003, to elevate 12 finger piers at “Pier A” to five feet above the mean high waterline
and change their material to grated.

On July 1, 2004, the City of Miami Beach applied for Permit No. 13-0082447-008-EM to move and
expand floating vessel platforms within the marina. This application was ultimately withdrawn on
July 2, 2005, after the Department indicated that the lease had not yet been renewed and outstanding
compliance issues persisted consisting of unauthorized floating vessel platforms which have since
been resolved. Separately, on July 15, 2005, Permit No. 13-0082447-009-EI was issued for the
temporary installation of floating docks associated with the filming of the “Miami Vice” movie, with
the stipulation that they be removed within two weeks of the last posted filming date.

The lease was subsequently renewed on April 28, 2010, extending its term through January 21, 2036,
and clarifying its use as commercial. Following the renewal, Permit No. 13-0082447-010-ES was
issued on April 28, 2011, authorizing the installation of additional docking structures and boatlifts at
“Pier A.” On June 4, 2013, Permit No. 13-0082447-011-ES allowed for the installation of boatlifts
within existing slips at the marina. Most recently, on April 9, 2020, Permit No. 13-0082447-012-EM
authorized the construction of floating vessel platforms within 16 existing slips.

Project Detail
The proposed project will authorize a new 130-slip public mooring field, which will operate in
conjunction with the Miami Beach Marina, serving as its upland support facility. In-water work
consists of the following, (1) the installation of 130 mooring buoys; (2) the installation of 50 regulatory
buoys marking the edge of the mooring field; (3) the installation of 12 no-anchoring buoys marking
the edge of the 100 foot-wide access channel surrounding the mooring field; (4) the installation of two
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 7
*********************************************************************************
Item 2B, cont.

pilings used as navigational aids; and (5) the removal of debris found within the mooring field, various
materials such as concreate, rubble, fishing gear, etc., and two submerged vessels.

The proposed project is situated within Biscayne Bay, specifically within the Biscayne Bay Aquatic
Preserve, which is designated as an Outstanding Florida Water and classified as a Class III waterbody.
The proposed project will preempt 4,647,175.4 square feet (106 acres), more or less, for a public
mooring field. As proposed, the mooring field will accommodate private recreational vessels up to
60 feet in length with drafts up to 7.5 feet. Water depths in the preempted area range from -12 to -14
feet, which is sufficient for the proposed use, thus no dredging is being proposed.

Public Interest and Necessity Statement

For activities occurring within an Outstanding Florida Water, an applicant must demonstrate that their
proposal is clearly within the public interest pursuant to section 373.414(1)(a), F.S. The Applicant
submits that the proposed project is in the public interest as evidenced by the following, which would
be enacted through the public mooring field’s management plan:

1. The Miami Beach Marine Patrol will ensure that only vessels capable of self-propulsion and
possessing valid registration are permitted to moor. This measure aims to prevent vessels from
becoming derelict, which could negatively impact resources and water quality.
2. The mooring field will feature pre-installed anchoring points, eliminating the need for
individual vessel anchoring. This design, combined with the prohibition of additional
anchoring in the management plan, will prevent damage to seagrasses and other benthic
resources within the area.
3. The discharge of greywater or other pollutants will be strictly prohibited. The associated
upland support facility will offer necessary pump-out and fueling services. All vessels entering
the facility must empty their holding tanks upon arrival, and vessels with overnight occupancy
or liveaboards are required to discharge their tanks at least once every seven days.

Pursuant to Rule 18-18.004(22), F.A.C., projects are deemed a public necessity if they are required
for the protection of the health and safety of the public and no other reasonable alternative exists.

The unregulated mooring field has expanded significantly, from four vessels in 1995 to approximately
134 vessels as of 2024. This growth has led to public concerns regarding degraded water quality,
impacts on benthic resources, and navigational safety. In 2019, the City of Miami Beach adopted a
resolution to explore solutions to these issues. As a result, a proposal was developed to place the area
under a lease for a managed public mooring field. This action is intended to address public health and
safety concerns by implementing regulatory mechanisms available through a permit and a sovereign
submerged lands lease. Therefore, the Department is of the opinion that the proposal is clearly within
the public interest and satisfies the public necessity criteria required for proprietary authorizations to
use sovereignty submerged lands pursuant to section 373.414(1)(a), F.S., and Rule 18-18.004(22),
F.A.C.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 8
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Item 2B, cont.

Resources
Departmental site inspections and the Applicant's benthic survey, conducted on September 12, 2024,
confirmed the presence of three seagrass species (Halophila decipiens, Halodule wrightii, and
Thalassia testudinum) both adjacent to and within the proposed project footprint.

New work in these resource-sensitive areas is projected to result in a total direct impact of 3.773 square
feet, calculated based on the dimensions of the proposed anchors' terminal heads. Additionally,
secondary impacts totaling 34.692 square feet were calculated, accounting for the submerged
subaqueous disks that will be beneath the seafloor after installation.

To minimize environmental disruption, the Applicant chose to position moorings and restrict the area
of “swing circles” away from locations confirmed to have a seagrass density of 30 percent or greater.

Given the total calculated direct and secondary impacts, approximately 38 square feet, the Department
has determined that the proposed activities will not lead to adverse direct, secondary, or cumulative
impacts on surface waters. Consequently, mitigation is not required for this project.

Mooring Field Management Plan

Based on the presence of unauthorized mooring and derelict vessels, the City of Miami Beach sought
to develop mooring field practices to enforce proper anchoring practices within the mooring field.
The City of Miami Beach has submitted a proposed Mooring Field Management Plan that provides
background information, design, operational rules, procedures, and objectives for their oversight and
management of the entire mooring field. Provisions of the Mooring Field Management Plan include,
but are not limited to the following:

The Harbormaster is responsible for enforcing all conditions of the sovereign submerged lands lease,
associated permits, and the Mooring Field Management Plan. Unauthorized mooring is strictly
prohibited; only vessels in good working order that comply with U.S. Coast Guard environmental and
safety standards and Chapter 327, F.S., may moor.

For occupants, dinghy docks will be provided at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis.
Commercial and illegal activities are not permitted, and liveaboard vessels are limited to a maximum
mooring period of 90 days.

Environmental protection is a primary focus. Waste discharge is prohibited; occupants must use
pump-out facilities for sewage and other waste upon entering and leaving the mooring field, and
liveaboards are required to do so every seven days. Fueling within the mooring field, disposal of
garbage into surface waters, and vessel repairs (except for minor, non-emergency repairs with prior
authorization from the Harbormaster) are also prohibited.

To promote environmental awareness, information on local wildlife, such as manatees, will be

available at the Harbormaster's office. Cleaning vessels with detergents containing phosphates,
chlorine, or petroleum distillates is also forbidden. Finally, occupants are encouraged to use the upland
amenities at the Miami Beach Marina, including showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 9
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Item 2B, cont.

Noticing
The sovereign submerged lands lease request was noticed to 93 property owners within a 500-foot
radius of the project and other interested parties, pursuant to Rule 18-21.004(1)(m), F.A.C. By the
end of the noticing period on May 9, 2025, 10 letters of objection had been received, with two
additional letters arriving on May 13, 2025.

The objections primarily raised concerns about navigational access, environmental impacts to
resources and species, public access, consistency with the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve
Management Plan, and local disputes regarding the proposed project’s feasibility and permitability.
On July 22, 2025, the Applicant provided the Department copies of their responses to these concerns.

Although each response was tailored to address specific objections, the Applicant’s responses
generally provided the following information:

The proposed mooring field is strategically located within the boundaries of an existing unauthorized
mooring field. The new design aims to mitigate environmental impacts by using pre-installed
moorings to protect seagrass. To ensure water quality, vessels will be required to pump out sewage
upon arrival, departure, and every seven days. This project aligns with both Miami-Dade County's
manatee protection plan and the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve Management Plan. In fact, a
regulated mooring field is expected to provide greater environmental benefits than the current
unregulated one.

Public access will be maintained on a first-come, first-served basis, with a variety of mooring sizes
available. Navigational access will also be preserved, as the mooring field will have clearly marked
boundaries and be set back 185 feet from adjacent shorelines. If the project is approved, the City of
Miami Beach will be responsible for any violations and will have the authority to enforce all conditions
of the issued permit, the sovereign submerged lands lease, and any applicable local laws.

(Attachment 2B)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL, SUBJECT TO THE SPECIAL LEASE CONDITIONS

********************************************************************************

Item 2C Miami Marina Ventures LLLP and Yachting Promotions, Inc./ Recommended
Consolidated Intent/ Lease Modification

REQUEST: Consideration of an application for the (1) modification of an existing 25-year

sovereignty submerged lands lease containing 358,682 square feet, more or less, to an increased
preemption area of 691,684 square feet, more or less, for a commercial marina and to add Yachting
Promotions, Inc. as a lessee (Lease No. 130009916); (2) consolidation of the associated 10-year Class
IV Special Event sovereignty submerged lands lease containing 735,614 square feet, more or less, for
special events (Lease No. 130354426) into Lease No. 130009916; (3) determination that, pursuant to
section 258.397(3)(a), F.S., 373.414(1)(a), F.S., and Rule 18-18.006(3)(b), F.A.C., Miami Marina
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 10
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Item 2C, cont.

Ventures LLLP and Yachting Promotions, Inc. have demonstrated an extreme hardship exists and that
the reconfiguration and expansion of a commercial docking facility is in the public interest; (4) a
waiver of riparian line setback requirements contained in Rule 18-21.004(3)(d), F.A.C.; (5)
determination that the waiver of riparian line setback requirements is in the public interest pursuant to
Rule 18-21.004(3)(d), F.A.C.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: Three votes

COUNTY: Miami-Dade

APPLICANTS: Mami Marina Ventures LLLP and Yachting Promotions, Inc.

Lease No. 130009916
Application No. 13-0165663-008-EI
Permit No. 165663-008

LOCATION: Sections 31, Township 53 South, Range 42 East

Aquatic Preserve: Yes, Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve
Waterbody: Biscayne Bay
Classification: Class III, Not Approved for Shellfish Harvesting
Designated Manatee County: Yes, with an approved Manatee Protection Plan
Manatee Aggregation Area: No
Manatee Protection Speed Zone: Slow Speed Zone

CONSIDERATION: $126,160.70
$107,724.01, for marina preemption representing (1) $149,542.08 as the initial prorated annual lease
fee computed at the base rate of $0.2162 per square foot for the total of 691,684 square feet plus
$17,998.76 as the initial 25 percent surcharge payment on the additional 333,002 square feet of
preemption; (2) less $44,862.62 as the 30 percent discount, because 90 percent of the slips are open
to the public for rent on a first-come, first-served basis; and (3) less $14,954.21 as the 10 percent
discount for participation in the Clean Marina Program per Rule 18-21.011(1)(b)13.a., F.A.C. Sales
tax and county discretionary sales surtax will be assessed, pursuant to sections 212.031 and 212.054,
F.S., if applicable.

$18,436.69, for special events representing the initial prorated annual lease fee computed at the base
rate of $0.2162 per square foot, pursuant to section 253.0345(1)(b), F.S. Sales tax and county
discretionary sales surtax will be assessed, pursuant to sections 212.031 and 212.054, F.S., if
applicable.

STAFF REMARKS: In accordance with rules adopted pursuant to sections 373.427(2) and
253.77(2), F.S., this “Recommended Consolidated Notice” contains a recommendation for issuance
of both the permit required under Part IV of Chapter 373, F.S., and the authorization to use sovereignty
submerged lands under Chapters 253 and 258, F.S. The Board of Trustees is requested to act on those
aspects of the activity that require authorization to use sovereignty submerged lands.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 11
*********************************************************************************
Item 2C, cont.

The project is required to demonstrate that it is “clearly in the public interest,” pursuant to Article X,
Section 11 of the Florida Constitution, Chapter 253, F.S., Rule 18-18.006, F.A.C., and section
373.414(1)(a), F.S. The Applicant has provided reasonable assurance that the proposal will maintain
essentially natural conditions; will not significantly impact fish and wildlife and other natural
resources, including public recreation and navigation; is consistent with the local government’s
comprehensive plan; and will not interfere with the riparian rights of adjacent property owners.
Therefore, the Department is of the opinion that the proposal is “clearly within the public interest” and
otherwise meets all applicable requirements for a proprietary authorization to use sovereignty
submerged lands.

Background
Miami Marina Ventures LLLP
A docking facility has been in existence at the property since at least 1961. In 1980, construction
began to expand the facility, with aerial imagery from 1984 showing the marina in its current
configuration. The docking facility has also been utilized for the annual Miami International Boat
Show since November 30, 2018.

On August 29, 2000, the Department issued Permit No. 13-0165663-001-EE for the maintenance
dredging of a 64,861 square foot area to a depth of -4.97 National Geodetic Vertical Datum. On
January 23, 2002, this was followed by Permit No. 13-0165663-002-EE for the maintenance dredging
of an access channel to a depth of -7 feet at mean low water.

On December 20, 2004, an application (Application No. 13-0165663-003-EE) was submitted

requesting the lease term to be extended by 25 years. A site inspection was performed by Department
staff on January 19, 2005, which documented non-water dependent structures (tables and chairs) on
the docks and vessels moored outside the lease boundaries. These areas of noncompliance were
confirmed as resolved by a follow-up inspection on June 6, 2005. The Applicant later withdrew this
application on September 14, 2005.

A lease renewal compliance inspection was conducted on November 7, 2006. This inspection revealed
three violations: failure to use best management practices during dredging resulting in violations of
water quality standards, failure to submit a “commencement of construction” notice, and mooring a
vessel outside the lease boundaries. A warning letter was sent on November 27, 2006, and the non-
compliance was resolved on January 25, 2007, with a consent order that pursued payment of a $4,500
civil penalty and the removal of spoil material.

On May 15, 2015, the Department approved a lease modification (Application No. 13-0165663-004)
that updated the number of authorized slips to 222.

On November 10, 2021, the lease was modified to reflect a change in ownership to Miami Marina
Ventures LLLP.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 12
*********************************************************************************
Item 2C, cont.

Yachting Promotions, Inc.

From 1993 to 2018, the Miami Yacht Show was held in the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve on Indian
Creek, Miami Beach. During this 26-year period, the Board of Trustees authorized Yachting
Promotions, Inc. to use 1,464,556 square feet of sovereignty submerged lands, under Lease No.
130127050, for this purpose.

In 2018, citing insufficient display space, difficult public access, and community impacts, Yachting
Promotions, Inc. sought and received approval from the Board of Trustees on November 30, 2018, to
relocate the show to Downtown Miami. The new temporary docking facility, approved for Biscayne
Bay, was north of the area leased by Miramar Marina Corporation (now Miami Marina Ventures
LLLP), with a portion of the event taking place within that corporation's 358,682-square foot lease
area.

The new facility could display 634 vessels ranging from 20 to 200 feet in length, with drafts up to 10
feet. The show was approved to run for five days, and the total preemption time for installation, the
event, and removal of all structures was not to exceed 45 days.

Both Applicants are in compliances with their leases.

Project Detail
The proposed project is situated within Biscayne Bay, specifically within the Biscayne Bay Aquatic
Preserve, which is designated as an Outstanding Florida Water and classified as a Class III waterbody.

Miami Marina Ventures LLLP

The proposed lease modification will add Yachting Promotions, Inc. as a lessee and the proposed
project will authorize (1) the removal of the existing 46,501 square foot docking structure, including
the over-water Harbormaster’s office; (2) the construction of 95,584 square feet of new concrete dock
structure that will facilitate the mooring of 215 vessels; (3) the installation of 68 boatlifts; and (4) the
installation of a breakwater along the outermost docks.

Under the proposal, the 222-slip commercial marina will be reconfigured, and the preemption area
will increase from 358,682 square feet, more or less, to 691,684 square feet (15.87 acres), more or
less. While the marina is expanding, the slip count will be reduced from 222 slips to 215 slips. The
marina will accommodate private recreational vessels up to 120 feet in length with drafts up to seven
feet. Water depths in the preempted area range from -6 to -16 feet, which is sufficient for the proposed
use as vessels with deeper drafts will be moored in the deepest sections of the marina; thus, no
dredging is being proposed.

Yachting Promotions, Inc.

The preemption area for Yachting Promotions, Inc. is currently 735,614 square feet, which is used for
the Miami International Boat Show. With the expansion of Miami Marina Ventures LLLP’s
commercial marina, the combined preemption area currently totals 1,094,296 square feet. The
proposed project would integrate the boat show into the expanded marina, eliminating the need for
temporary structures and reducing the total preemption area to 691,684 square feet. Therefore,
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 13
*********************************************************************************
Item 2C, cont.

Yachting Promotions, Inc.’s class IV special events lease (Lease No. 130354426) will be consolidated
into Lease No. 130009916.

Public Interest and Extreme Hardship Statement

For activities occurring within an Outstanding Florida Water, an applicant must demonstrate that their
proposal is clearly within the public interest pursuant to section 373.414(1)(a), F.S. The Applicant
submits that the proposed project is in the public interest as evidenced by the following:

1. The Applicant has proposed to contribute $150,000 to the Aquatic Preserve Society with funds
dedicated to the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve.
The Applicant must also demonstrate that the project satisfies the extreme hardship criteria set forth
in section 258.397(3)(a), F.S., and Rule 18-18.006(4)(b), F.A.C., which is required for further use of
sovereignty submerged lands within the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve. The Applicant has provided
the following information to demonstrate extreme hardship:

1. Decreased Participation in Past Boat Shows: Exhibitor and participant numbers have declined
due to the marina's outdated design and poor condition. The facility cannot accommodate
larger, more in-demand vessels, leading to dissatisfaction.
2. Insurance and Safety Risks: The marina's lack of hurricane rating and its current state of
disrepair prevent it from being fully insured. The annual installation of temporary structures
for the boat show also poses inherent marine construction safety risks.
3. Navigation and Design Flaws: The current half-moon dock design creates navigational blind
spots, and the overall disrepair of the structures makes the facility unsafe for users.
4. Unique Accommodations: This site is the only one capable of accommodating the required
number of larger vessels for the International Boat Show. It is uniquely suited for this purpose
due to its lack of constraints from draw bridges, and the Intracoastal Waterway.
5. Optimizing the Boat Show Experience: The current facility is not conducive to showcasing
larger vessels in the water, a critical component of the event. The Miami International Boat
Show is also the only show that offers Sea Trials, making the need for a suitable marine
environment even more essential.

The decline in exhibitor and vessel participation is directly linked to the outdated design and safety
concerns of the current facility, highlighting the need for improvements to maintain the boat show's
viability and success. Therefore, the Department is of the opinion that the proposal is clearly within
the public interest and satisfies the extreme hardship criteria required for proprietary authorizations to
use sovereignty submerged lands pursuant section 373.414(1)(a), F.S., and Rule 18-18.006(4)(b),
F.A.C.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 14
*********************************************************************************
Item 2C, cont.

Resources
Departmental site inspections and the Applicant’s benthic survey, conducted on October 23, 2023,
confirmed the presence of four seagrass species (Halophila decipiens, Thalassia testudinum, Halodule
wrightii, and Halophila engelmannii) within the proposed project footprint.

To reduce the proposed project’s environmental impact, the Applicant has taken several key steps to
protect submerged aquatic resources. The project’s design has been modified to avoid placing
structures and mooring vessels over the most diverse seagrass beds. Additionally, the Applicant plans
to remove grandfathered non-water dependent structures and elevate the proposed dock to five feet
above the mean high waterline.

To offset direct and secondary impacts to 252,506 square feet of submerged aquatic resources, the
Applicant has proposed a seagrass restoration project. This project includes filling a 4.17-acre dredge
hole within the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve and completing seagrass plantings within the
restoration area to enhance seagrass habitat.

Noticing
The sovereignty submerged lands lease modification was noticed to 14 property owners within a 500-
foot radius of the proposed project, and other interested parties, on August 5, 2025, pursuant to section
253.155, F.S. The 14 property owners within the 500-foot radius consist of condominiums,
apartments, churches, non-profits, and governmental entities. The Department did not receive any
objections by the end of the comment period on August 28, 2025; however, one objection was received
after the end comment period.

The objection raised concerns about environmental resource impacts and consistency with rule. To
address these concerns, the response generally provided the following information:

Resources: The proposed project has been revised to reduce environmental impacts by avoiding
seagrass beds, removing non-essential structures, and elevating the dock. To offset habitat impacts,
the Applicant proposes restoring a 4.17-acre dredge hole in Biscayne Bay with seagrass planting to
enhance submerged aquatic resources.

Consistency with rule: To demonstrate that the proposal is clearly within the public interest the
Applicant has proposed to donate $150,000 to the Aquatic Preserve Society, and has cited decreased
participation in boat shows, insurance and safety risks, navigational issues, and design flaws to
demonstrate that the proposed project satisfies the extreme hardship criteria.

(Attachment 2C)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL, SUBJECT TO THE SPECIAL LEASE CONDITIONS,

SPECIAL APPROVAL CONDITIONS, AND PAYMENT OF $126,160.70

********************************************************************************
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 15
*********************************************************************************
Item 3A City of Doral Lease Modification/ Determination

REQUEST: Consideration of (1) a determination that, pursuant to Rule 18-2.018(3)(a)1, F.A.C.,

extending the term for Board of Trustees Lease No. 4602 is in the public interest; and (2) a request to
extend Board of Trustees Lease No. 4602 to December 22, 2108.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: Three votes

APPLICANT: City of Doral

Lease 4602

COUNTY: Miami-Dade

LOCATION: Section 28, Township 53 South, Range 40 East

STAFF REMARKS:
Background
The City of Doral (City) currently leases a property for its police station and related facilities under
Board of Trustees’ Lease No. 4602 (lease). The 50-year lease began on December 23, 2008, and is
currently set to expire on December 22, 2058. The original lease was amended three times: in 2010
to add more land, and in 2012 and 2013 to extend the construction timeline for the police substation.
The substation was eventually completed in 2018.

Project Detail
The City is requesting a 50-year lease extension to secure long-term financing for the construction of
a new civic building. This facility will include a new police headquarters, a parking structure, an
overflow lot, and a recreational area with benches and gazebos. The extended lease term will enable
the City to secure the most favorable financing options for this project.

The need for a larger facility is due to significant population growth. Since the completion of the
police substation, the City’s population has increased from 59,304 to 79,359 residents by the end of
2024, with projections to reach 90,000 before the end of the decade. This growth has necessitated an
increase in law enforcement personnel and resources.

Public Interest
Pursuant to Rule 18-2.018(3)(a)1, F.A.C., an extended term lease is required to be in the public
interest. Since the proposed use of the property aligns with the approved Land Use Plan and will help
the City provide essential public security services, the Department recommends that the Board of
Trustees determines the lease extension to be in the public interest.

Comprehensive Plan
A local government comprehensive plan has been adopted for this area pursuant to section 163.3167,
F.S. The Department has determined that the proposed action is not subject to the local planning
process.

(Attachment 3A)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 16
*********************************************************************************

Item 3B Roberts Capital Ventures, LLC Conservation Easement Amendment/ St. Johns
River Blueway Florida Forever Project

REQUEST: Consideration of a request from Roberts Capital Ventures, LLC, for an amendment to
an existing conservation easement over approximately 5,236 acres within the St. John River Blueway
Florida Forever Project pursuant to Article VIII, section K of the conservation easement.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: Three votes

COUNTY: St. Johns

APPLICANT: Roberts Capital Ventures, LLC, a Florida limited liability company

LOCATION: Section 10 through 16, 22 through 24, 26, 27, 40 and 43, Township 07 South, Range
27 East; and Section 19, Township 07 South, Range 28 East

CONSIDERATION: $4,031,655.93 to be deposited into the Land Acquisition Trust Fund

TRUSTEES’ INFLATION TRUSTEES’

CLOSING PURCHASE PRICE ADJUSTED VALUE AMENDMENT
PARCEL ACRES (08/18/2016) (09/25/2025) VALUE
Meldrim 5,236 $5,975,000 $8,063,311.86 $4,031,655.93*
Heritage
Timberlands, LLC

*50 percent of the Board of Trustees’ purchase price adjusted for inflation.

STAFF REMARKS:
Background
On April 26, 2016, the Board of Trustees approved an option agreement to acquire a conservation
easement over approximately 5,263 acres within the St. Johns River Blueway Florida Forever project
from Meldrim Heritage Timberlands, LLC. The conservation easement was recorded on August 18,
2016. In accordance with the terms of the conservation easement, Meldrim Heritage Timberlands,
LLC provided notice to the Department of its intent to sell the subject property. The Applicant has
since entered into an agreement with Meldrim Heritage Timberlands, LLC to purchase the subject
property.

Current Request
The Applicant is seeking an amendment to the conservation easement; specifically, Article IV, section
R, which precludes the establishment of a mitigation bank on the subject property. If amended, the
Applicant would have the authority to apply for a wetland mitigation bank permit from the St. Johns
River Water Management District and operate a mitigation bank on the subject property.

Approval by the Board of Trustees of the conservation easement amendment request does not compel
the issuance of a mitigation bank permit from the St. Johns River Water Management District, nor
does it relieve the Applicant from obtaining other regulatory approvals as may be required by law.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 17
*********************************************************************************
Item 3B, cont.

Comprehensive Plan
A consideration of the status of the local government comprehensive plan was not made for this item.
The Department has determined that the proposed conservation easement amendment is not subject to
the local government planning process.

(Attachment 3B)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL

********************************************************************************

Item 4A Lake’s Place, LLP Option Agreement/ Conservation Easement/ Big Bend Swamp-
Holopaw Ranch Florida Forever Project

REQUEST: Consideration of an option agreement to acquire a conservation easement over

approximately 1,400 acres within the Big Bend Swamp/Holopaw Ranch Florida Forever project from
Lake’s Place, LLP.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: Two members, one of whom is the Governor,
when four members are voting; or any two members, when three members are voting.

COUNTY: Osceola

LOCATION: Sections 24, 25, 35, and 36, Township 28 South, Range 31 East

CONSIDERATION: $6,300,000

APPRAISED BY SELLER’S TRUSTEES’

Jones Mancuso APPROVED PURCHASE PURCHASE OPTION
PARCEL ACRES (04/02/2025) (04/02/2025) VALUE PRICE PRICE DATE
Lake’s Place, 1,400 $6,600,000 $6,300,000 $6,600,000 $3,800,000* $6,300,000** 150 days after
LLP (96%) BOT approval

*Property was purchased in 2004.

**$4,500 per acre.

STAFF REMARKS: The subject parcel is located within the Big Bend Swamp/Holopaw Ranch
Florida Forever project, ranked number seven in the Florida Forever Less-Than-Fee project category,
approved by the Board of Trustees on March 5, 2025. The project contains 54,089 acres, of which
24,028 acres have been acquired or are under agreement to be acquired.

Project Description
The Big Bend Swamp/Holopaw Ranch Florida Forever project will protect and maintain a link of
natural lands between Bull Creek and Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area. Numerous species of
unique wildlife live in the expanses of palmetto prairies, pine flatwoods, and cypress swamps in
Osceola County such as the crested caracara, red-cockaded woodpeckers, sandhill cranes, and other
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 18
*********************************************************************************
Item 4A, cont.

wildlife that require these large natural areas. This project may also help complete the Florida Natural
Scenic Trail, a statewide non-motorized trail that crosses several Florida Forever project sites.

Property Description
The 1,400-acre subject property is a working cattle ranch with approximately 250 head of cattle
located in central Osceola County, approximately eight miles southwest of Holopaw and 13 miles
northwest of Kenansville. The subject property, adjacent to Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area
to the southeast, will help close a gap in a nearly continuous corridor within a large complex of
conservation easements. The property is bifurcated by the Florida Turnpike and features nearly 3,000
feet of road frontage along North Canoe Creek Road and two miles on the Florida Turnpike. The
preservation of this property, through the acquisition of less-than-fee protection, is vital to maintaining
a wildlife crossing under a major roadway, and would safeguard it from future development.

The property is within the Lake Kissimmee/Kissimmee River watershed with drainage flowing into
Scrub Slough, which ultimately discharges into the Kissimmee River-forming the headwaters of the
Kissimmee-Okeechobee-Everglades system. Located in close proximity to Lake Kissimmee and its
chain of lakes, the property contributes to both water quality and quantity of this important hydrologic
network. Protection of the property’s native landscape consisting of improved pasture, coniferous
plantation, and mesic flatwoods will provide habitat for many imperiled species such as the crested
caracara, eastern indigo snake, Florida long-tailed weasel, sandhill crane, red-cockaded woodpecker,
and the wood stork. The property lies within a wildlife corridor of the Florida Ecological Greenways
Network.

Prohibited Uses
Under the proposed conservation easement, the subject property will be restricted in perpetuity by the
provisions of the easement, a summary of which includes, but is not limited to, the following
prohibited uses:
• Dumping of trash, waste, hazardous materials, and soil will be prohibited;
• Exploration and extraction by grantor for oil, gas, minerals, peat, muck, limestone, etc., by
means of surface exploratory and extractors operations, except as reasonably necessary to
combat erosion or flooding, or except as necessary and lawfully permitted for the conduct of
permitted activities;
• Activities detrimental to drainage, flood control, water conservation, erosion control, soil
conservation, or fish and wildlife preservation will be prohibited, unless needed for
maintenance as provided in the easement;
• Acts or uses detrimental to the preservation of any historical, or archaeological area, will be
prohibited;
• There shall be no planting of nuisance exotic or non-native plants;
• Commercial and industrial activities will be prohibited, except as may be incidental to the
exercise of grantor’s reserved rights in Article V of the conservation easement;
• New construction or placing of temporary or permanent structures or buildings on the property
will be prohibited except as may be necessary for maintenance, normal operation, or
emergency situations;
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 19
*********************************************************************************
Item 4A, cont.

• Construction of new roads or jeep trails will be prohibited, except as provided in the easement
under Article V of the conservation easement;
• No operation of motorized vehicles except on established trails and roads unless necessary to
protect or enhance the conservation values of the property; for emergency purposes; for cattle
ranching purposes; and to access, hunt or to retrieve game hunted legally;
• Current agricultural uses shall not be converted to more intense agricultural uses, and natural
areas shall remain natural areas;
• Spring recharge areas must use best management practices (BMPs) for fertilizer use, as
established by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and agriculture
activities within 100 feet of sinkholes, springs, and other karst features are prohibited;
• Actions or activities that may be expected to adversely affect threatened or endangered species
is prohibited;
• Signs, billboards, or outdoor advertising is prohibited except signs designating the property as
conservation lands protected by the State of Florida or reasonable directional or postal signs;
• No commercial water wells on the property;
• No commercial timber harvesting; and
• There shall be no mitigation banks established on the property.

Owner’s Rights Retained

The proposed conservation easement will allow the owner to retain certain rights. The summary of
owner’s rights includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• The right to observe, maintain, photograph, fish, hunt, and introduce and stock native fish or
wildlife, to use the property for non-commercial, passive, resource-based recreation not
inconsistent with the purpose of the easement. Grantor shall continue to own hunting and
fishing rights;
• The right to conduct controlled and prescribed burns with proper authorization;
• The right to mortgage the property;
• The right to contest taxes;
• The right to construct and maintain roads approved by Grantee in agricultural areas as depicted
in the Baseline Documentation Report (BDR) for the purposes of existing agricultural
practices;
• The right to continue to use, maintain, repair, and reconstruct, but not relocate all existing
buildings as depicted on the BDR;
• The right to maintain and construct perimeter fencing of the property;
• The right to exclusive use of the improvements per the BDR;
• The right to continue existing agricultural practices, as depicted in the BDR, and the use of
commonly accepted fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides using BMPs;
• The right to engage in silviculture in areas depicted in the BDR according to BMPs;
• The right to host relocated endangered, threatened, or special concern of native Florida species;
• The right to maintain or restore the existing natural habitat communities per the BDR;
• The right to maintain a commercial cattle operation in accordance with BMPs;
• The right to maintain existing food plots and establish new food plots of two acres or less, not
to exceed a cumulative total of 30 acres per the BDR;
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 20
*********************************************************************************
Item 4A, cont.

• The right to construct two new residential structures on the property. The residential structures
shall be limited to 5,000 square feet and have no more than two related outbuildings of 2,000
cumulative square feet. The new residential and outbuildings, including access driveways
shall be limited to 2.5 contiguous acres each;
• The right to subdivide the subject property into two parcels allowed in the easement and each
parcel shall be no less than 250 acres;
• The right to, in the silvicultural or agricultural areas as depicted in the BDR, construct such
additional agricultural structures as may be required for its silviculture and cattle operation,
not to exceed 10,000 cumulative square feet;
• The right to cultivate and harvest hay, seed, and sod and to plant and harvest row crops from
the existing pasture or hay areas, as depicted in the BDR; provided, however, at least 75 percent
of the improved pasture or hay area shall remain unharvested in any one calendar year; and
• The right to participate in programs or projects that benefit from, enhance, and/or manage
environmental attributes or permissible agricultural uses, so long as programs are consistent
with conservation purposes.

Mortgages and Liens

All mortgages and liens will be satisfied at the time of closing. On June 22, 1999, the Board of
Trustees approved a staff recommendation to delegate to the Department the authority to review and
evaluate marketability issues as they arise on all Chapter 259, F.S., acquisitions and to resolve them
appropriately. Therefore, the Department will review, evaluate, and implement an appropriate
resolution for any title issues that arise prior to closing.

Closing Information
A title insurance commitment, a survey, and an environmental site assessment will be provided by the
buyer prior to closing.

Monitoring Agency
The subject property will be monitored by the Department’s Office of Environmental Services, who
currently monitors 200 conservation easements protecting 364,117 acres.

Comprehensive Plan
This acquisition is consistent with section 187.201(9), F.S., the Natural Systems and Recreational
Lands’ section of the State Comprehensive Plan.

(Attachment 4A)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL

********************************************************************************
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 21
*********************************************************************************

Item 4B Bar-B Ranch, Inc. Option Agreement/ Conservation Easement/ Monitoring

Agency Designation/ Management Policy Statement Confirmation/ Bar-B Ranch
Florida Forever Project

REQUEST: Consideration of (1) an option agreement to acquire a conservation easement over

approximately 1,670 acres within the Bar-B Ranch Florida Forever project from Bar-B Ranch, Inc.;
(2) designation of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Environmental
Services as the monitoring agency; and (3) confirmation of the management policy statement.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: Two members, one of whom is the Governor,
when four members are voting; or any two members, when three members are voting.

COUNTY: Martin

LOCATION: Sections 01, 02, 11, and 12, Township 39 South, Range 39 East

CONSIDERATION: $17,169,200 (If approved, the Board of Trustees’ consideration could be

reduced by up to a total of $5,000,000 from Martin County funding. The Board of Trustee’s portion
would be $12,169,200 or 69 percent.)

APPRAISED BY SELLER’S TRUSTEES’

Holden Jones APPROVED PURCHASE PURCHASE OPTION
PARCEL ACRES (04/03/2025) (04/03/2025) VALUE PRICE PRICE DATE
Bar-B 1,670 $17,520,000 $14,800,000 $17,520,000 $* $17,169,200** 150 days after
Ranch, Inc. (98%) BOT approval

*Property was purchased in 1948, price is unknown.

**$10,281 per acre.

STAFF REMARKS: The subject parcel is located within the Bar-B Ranch Florida Forever project,
ranked number 33 in the Florida Forever Critical Natural Lands project category, approved by the
Board of Trustees on March 5, 2025. The project contains 1,910 acres and will be substantially
complete if the subject property is acquired.

Project Description
The Bar-B Ranch Florida Forever project protects the hydrologic connection between the St. Johns
River and Everglades watershed while providing valuable wildlife habitat and preserving wildlife
corridors extending from South Florida to Central Florida. The project also provides an opportunity
for the restoration of naturally occurring water storage that will benefit the water quality of the St.
Lucie River Estuary, Indian River Lagoon, Lake Okeechobee, and the Florida Everglades.

Property Description
The 1,670-acre subject property has been owned and operated as a cattle ranch for several decades
and currently has approximately 250 head of cattle. Bar-B Ranch is located west of Interstate 95 and
is directly adjacent to both the C-44 Stormwater Treatment Area and the Allapattah Flats Wildlife
Management Area, to the west. The subject property is part of the hydrologic connection between the
St. Johns River and the Everglades watershed. Bar-B Ranch is a critical restoration area designated
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 22
*********************************************************************************
Item 4B, cont.

for shallow water storage to support the improvement of downstream water quality in the St. Lucie
River Estuary and the Indian River Lagoon. The property has been identified for acquisition as a part
of the Indian River Lagoon-South project, a key component of the Comprehensive Everglades
Restoration Plan.

Bar-B Ranch is characterized by improved and semi-improved pasture with some mesic and hydric
pine flatwoods, wet prairies, and depression marshes. Rare species documented or reported on the
subject property include common wild-pine, wood stork, little blue heron, tricolored heron, and roseate
spoonbill. The subject property lies within a wildlife corridor of the Florida Ecological Greenway
Network.

Prohibited Uses
Under the proposed conservation easement, the subject property will be restricted in perpetuity by the
provisions of the easement, a summary of which includes, but is not limited to, the following
prohibited uses:
• Dumping of trash, waste, hazardous materials, and soil will be prohibited;
• Exploration and extraction by grantor for oil, gas, minerals, peat, muck, limestone, etc., by
means of surface exploratory and extractors operations, except as reasonably necessary to
combat erosion or flooding, or except as necessary and lawfully permitted for the conduct of
permitted activities;
• Activities detrimental to drainage, flood control, water conservation, erosion control, soil
conservation, or fish and wildlife preservation will be prohibited, unless needed for
maintenance as provided in the easement;
• Acts or uses detrimental to the preservation of any historical, or archaeological area, will be
prohibited;
• There shall be no planting of nuisance exotic or non-native plants;
• Commercial and industrial activities will be prohibited, except as may be incidental to the
exercise of grantor’s reserved rights in Article V of the conservation easement;
• New construction or placing of temporary or permanent structures or buildings on the property
will be prohibited except as may be necessary for maintenance, normal operation, or
emergency situations;
• Construction of new roads or jeep trails will be prohibited;
• No operation of motorized vehicles except on established trails and roads unless necessary to
protect or enhance the conservation values of the property; for emergency purposes; for cattle
ranching purposes; and to access, hunt or to retrieve game hunted legally;
• Current agricultural uses shall not be converted to more intense agricultural uses, and natural
areas shall remain natural areas;
• Spring recharge areas must use best management practices (BMPs) for fertilizer use, as
established by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and agriculture
activities within 100 feet of sinkholes, springs, and other karst features are prohibited;
• Actions or activities that may be expected to adversely affect threatened or endangered species
is prohibited;
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 23
*********************************************************************************
Item 4B, cont.

• Signs, billboards, or outdoor advertising is prohibited except signs designating the property as
conservation lands protected by the State of Florida or reasonable directional or postal signs;
• No commercial water wells on the property;
• No commercial timber harvesting; and
• There shall be no mitigation banks established on the property.

Owner’s Rights Retained

The proposed conservation easement will allow the owner to retain certain rights. The summary of
owner’s rights includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• The right to observe, maintain, photograph, fish, hunt, and introduce and stock native fish or
wildlife, to use the property for non-commercial, passive, resource-based recreation not
inconsistent with the purpose of the easement. Grantor shall continue to own hunting and
fishing rights;
• The right to conduct controlled and prescribed burns with proper authorization;
• The right to mortgage the property;
• The right to contest taxes;
• The right to continue to use, maintain, repair, and reconstruct, but not relocate all existing
buildings as depicted on the Baseline Documentation Report (BDR);
• The right to host relocated endangered, threatened, or special concern of native Florida
species;
• The right to maintain or restore the existing natural habitat communities per the BDR;
• The right to maintain a commercial cattle operation in accordance with BMPs;
• The right to engage in silviculture in areas depicted in the BDR according to BMPs;
• The right to cultivate and harvest hay, seed, and sod from improved pasture areas; provided,
however, at least 75 percent of the improved pasture area shall remain unharvested for sod in
any one calendar year;
• The right, in the silvicultural or agricultural areas as depicted in the BDR, to construct such
additional agricultural structures as may be required for its agricultural operations, such as
stables, equipment barns, and tool sheds, so long as such structures do not significantly impair
the conservation values of the property and do not exceed 20,000 cumulative square feet;
• The right to utilize brush management practices such as mowing, roller-chopping, or aeration
to maintain or enhance any natural area provided such activity is conducted in a manner
consistent with BMPs published by any agency for such management activity. Any brush
management seeking to convert habitat to more intensive agricultural use is prohibited;
• The right to maintain and construct perimeter fencing of the property;
• The right to participate in programs or projects that benefit from, enhance and/or manage the
environmental attributes or permissible agricultural uses of the property and that may also be
of economic benefit to the Grantor, so long as participation in such programs is consistent
with or complements the Conservation Purposes;
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 24
*********************************************************************************
Item 4B, cont.

• The right to maintain existing food plots for game as indicated in the BDR and the right to
create new food plots for game in improved pasture only; and
• The right to divide the property for sale or other disposition by Grantor into a total of no more
than two parcels and shall be no less than 200 acres.

Mortgages and Liens

All mortgages and liens will be satisfied at the time of closing. On June 22, 1999, the Board of
Trustees approved a staff recommendation to delegate to the Department the authority to review and
evaluate marketability issues as they arise on all Chapter 259, F.S., acquisitions and to resolve them
appropriately. Therefore, the Department will review, evaluate, and implement an appropriate
resolution for any title issues that arise prior to closing.

Closing Information
A title insurance commitment, a survey, and an environmental site assessment will be provided by the
buyer prior to closing.

Monitoring Agency
The subject property will be monitored by the Department’s Office of Environmental Services, who
currently monitors 200 conservation easements protecting 364,117 acres.

Management Policy Statement

Section 259.032(7)(d), F.S., requires that the Board of Trustees, concurrent with its approval of the
initial acquisition agreement within a project, evaluate and amend, as appropriate, the management
policy statement for the proposed project as provided by section 259.035, F.S., consistent with the
purposes for which the lands are acquired. The Department recommends the Board of Trustees
confirm the management policy statement as follows:

As a proposed conservation easement or other less-than-fee interest, the subject

property will be managed by the private landowner with restrictions under the
agreement. The purchase of the development rights, the prohibition of any further
conversion of existing natural areas to agriculture uses, and limited public access will
likely be the primary focus of the conservation easement.

Comprehensive Plan
This acquisition is consistent with section 187.201(9), F.S., the Natural Systems and Recreational
Lands’ section of the State Comprehensive Plan.

(Attachment 4B)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL

********************************************************************************
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 25
*********************************************************************************

Item 4C Finca Vigia, LLC Option Agreement/ Conservation Easement/ Monitoring

Agency Designation/ Management Policy Statement Confirmation/
Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Corridor

REQUEST: Consideration of (1) an option agreement to acquire a conservation easement over

approximately 1,889 acres within the Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Corridor from Finca Vigia, LLC,
pursuant to Section 174, Chapter 2025-198, Laws of Florida; (2) designation of the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Environmental Services as the monitoring agency;
and (3) confirmation of the management policy statement.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: Two members, one of whom is the Governor,
when four members are voting; or any two members, when three members are voting.

COUNTY: Hendry

LOCATION: Sections 12 and 13, Township 47 South, Range 31 East, and Section 07, Township 47
South, Range 32 East

CONSIDERATION: $6,477,800

APPRAISED BY SELLER’S TRUSTEES’

Neill Marr APPROVED PURCHASE PURCHASE OPTION
PARCEL ACRES (04/21/2025) (04/21/2025) VALUE PRICE PRICE DATE
Finca Vigia, 1,889 $6,610,000 $5,855,000 $6,610,000 $N/A* $6,477,800** 120 days after
LLC (98%) BOT approval

*Property was assembled in 2005 and 2007.

**$3,429 per acre.

STAFF REMARKS: The subject property is located within the Caloosahatchee Big Cypress
Corridor, which was established in 2023 by the Florida Legislature. Pursuant to Section 174, Chapter
2025-198, Laws of Florida, the Department is authorized to acquire land within this corridor that also
lies within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. As defined in the Laws of Florida, the Caloosahatchee Big
Cypress Corridor contains approximately 75,000 acres, of which 42,219 acres have been acquired or
are under agreement to be acquired.

Property Description
The 1,889-acre subject property, known as Finca Vigia Ranch, is a working cattle ranch with
approximately 1,000 head of cattle, located within the Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Corridor in
southwest Hendry County. The property helps to build connectivity between the Florida Panther
National Wildlife Refuge and Big Cypress National Preserve to Dinner Island Wildlife Management
Area. Protection of these critical habitats and agricultural lands provides foraging areas and dispersal
routes for a wide range of imperiled species, most notably the Florida panther, but also the Florida
black bear and a wide range of native birds including roseate spoonbills, Florida sandhill cranes, wood
storks, limpkins, snail kites, and crested caracara. Conservation of these lands also protects the
integrity and functionality of agricultural activities threatened by development. The property is within
a Primary Zone of habitat for the federally endangered Florida panther and lies within a wildlife
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 26
*********************************************************************************
Item 4C, cont.

corridor of the Florida Ecological Greenways Network.

Prohibited Uses
Under the proposed conservation easement, the subject property will be restricted in perpetuity by the
provisions of the easement, a summary of which includes, but is not limited to, the following
prohibited uses:
• Dumping of trash, waste, hazardous materials, and soil will be prohibited;
• Exploration and extraction by grantor for oil, gas, minerals, peat, muck, limestone, etc., by
means of surface exploratory and extractors operations, except as reasonably necessary to
combat erosion or flooding, or except as necessary and lawfully permitted for the conduct of
permitted activities;
• Activities detrimental to drainage, flood control, water conservation, erosion control, soil
conservation, or fish and wildlife preservation will be prohibited, unless needed for
maintenance as provided in the easement;
• Acts or uses detrimental to the preservation of any historical, or archaeological area, will be
prohibited;
• There shall be no planting of nuisance exotic or non-native plants;
• Commercial and industrial activities will be prohibited including, but not limited to swine,
dairy, and poultry operations;
• New construction or placing of temporary or permanent structures or buildings on the property
will be prohibited except as may be necessary for maintenance, normal operation, or
emergency situations;
• Construction of new roads or jeep trails;
• No operation of motorized vehicles except on established trails and roads unless necessary to
protect or enhance the conservation values of the property; for emergency purposes; for cattle
ranching purposes; and to access, hunt or to retrieve game hunted legally;
• Areas improved for agricultural activities may continue to be used for those activities, and
natural areas shall remain natural areas;
• Spring recharge areas must use best management practices (BMPs) for fertilizer use, as
established by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and agriculture
activities within 100 feet of sinkholes, springs, and other karst features are prohibited;
• Actions or activities that may be expected to adversely affect threatened or endangered species
are prohibited;
• Subdivision of the property is prohibited;
• Signs, billboards, or outdoor advertising are prohibited except signs designating the property
as conservation lands protected by the State of Florida or reasonable directional or postal signs;
• No commercial water wells on the property;
• There shall be no commercial timber harvesting, and
• There shall be no mitigation banks established on the property.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 27
*********************************************************************************
Item 4C, cont.

Owner’s Rights Retained

The proposed conservation easement will allow the owner to retain certain rights. The summary of
owner’s rights includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• The right to observe, maintain, photograph, fish, hunt, and introduce, and stock native fish or
wildlife, to use the property for non-commercial, passive resource-based recreation not
inconsistent with the purpose of the easement. Grantor shall continue to own hunting, and
fishing rights;
• The right to conduct controlled, and prescribed burns with proper authorization;
• The right to mortgage the property;
• The right to contest taxes;
• The right to continue to use, maintain, repair, and reconstruct, but not relocate or enlarge all
existing buildings as depicted on the Baseline Documentation Report (BDR);
• The right to continue existing agricultural practices, as depicted in the BDR, and the use of
commonly accepted fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides using BMPs;
• The right to host relocated endangered, threatened, or special concern of native Florida species;
• The right to maintain, or restore the existing natural habitat communities per the BDR;
• The right to maintain a commercial cattle operation in accordance with BMPs;
• The right to participate in programs that benefit from, enhance and/or manage the
environmental attributes or permissible agricultural uses, so long as such programs are
consistent with the Conservation Purposes.

Mortgages and Liens

All mortgages and liens will be satisfied at the time of closing. On June 22, 1999, the Board of
Trustees approved a staff recommendation to delegate to the Department the authority to review and
evaluate marketability issues as they arise on all Chapter 259, F.S., acquisitions and to resolve them
appropriately. Therefore, the Department will review, evaluate, and implement an appropriate
resolution for any title issues that arise prior to closing.

Closing Information
A title insurance commitment, a survey, and an environmental site assessment will be provided by the
buyer prior to closing.

Monitoring Agency
The subject property will be monitored by the Department’s Office of Environmental Services, who
currently monitors 200 conservation easements protecting 364,117 acres.

Management Policy Statement

Section 259.032(7)(d), F.S., requires that the Board of Trustees, concurrent with its approval of the
initial acquisition agreement within a project, evaluate and amend, as appropriate, the management
policy statement for the proposed project as provided by section 259.035, F.S., consistent with the
purposes for which the lands are acquired. The Department recommends the Board of Trustees
confirm the management policy statement as follows:
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 28
*********************************************************************************
Item 4C, cont.

As a proposed conservation easement or other less-than-fee interest, the project will be

managed by the private landowner under the agreement. The purchase of the
development rights, protection of surface water quality, the prohibition of any further
conversion of existing natural areas to agriculture uses, and limited access will likely
be the primary focus of the conservation easement.

Comprehensive Plan
This acquisition is consistent with section 187.201(9), F.S., the Natural Systems and Recreational
Lands’ section of the State Comprehensive Plan.

(Attachment 4C)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL

********************************************************************************

Item 4D Little Orange Creek, LLC Option Agreement/ Conservation Easement/

Monitoring Agency Designation/ Management Policy Statement Confirmation/
Little Orange Creek Corridor Florida Forever Project

REQUEST: Consideration of (1) an option agreement to acquire a conservation easement over

approximately 3,094 acres within the Little Orange Creek Corridor Florida Forever project from Little
Orange Creek, LLC; (2) designation of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office
of Environmental Services as the monitoring agency; and (3) confirmation of the management policy
statement.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: Two members, one of whom is the Governor,
when four members are voting; or any two members, when three members are voting.

COUNTY: Putnam

LOCATION: Sections 29 through 34, Township 10 South, Range 23 East, and Sections 03 through
06, Township 11 South, Ranch 23 East

CONSIDERATION: $5,450,000

APPRAISED BY SELLER’S TRUSTEES’

Williams Marr APPROVED PURCHASE PURCHASE OPTION
PARCEL ACRES (07/08/2025) (07/08/2025) VALUE PRICE PRICE DATE
Little Orange 3,094 $5,570,000 $4,950,000 $5,570,000 $8,631,475* $5,450,000** 120 days after
Creek, LLC (98%) BOT approval

*Property was assembled in 2023 and 2024.

**$1,761 per acre.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 29
*********************************************************************************
Item 4D, cont.

STAFF REMARKS: The subject parcel is located within the Little Orange Creek Corridor Florida
Forever project, ranked number 18 in the Florida Forever Partnerships and Regional Incentives project
category, approved by the Board of Trustees on March 5, 2025. The project contains 3,925 acres, of
which 3,058 acres have been acquired or are under agreement to be acquired.

Project Description
The Little Orange Creek Corridor Florida Forever project fills a gap between existing conservation
lands in Alachua and Putnam counties. The project will help facilitate wildlife movement between
existing protected areas and protect flatwood and sandhill habitat critical to a variety of rare and
imperiled species. Acquisition of the properties in Little Orange Creek Corridor will also protect the
water resources of Little Orange Creek and expand resource-based recreational opportunities in the
region.

Property Description
The 3,094-acre subject property is a silviculture and rural recreational tract located in Putnam County,
south of State Road 20, and east of the City of Hawthorne. Acquisition of the subject property serves
as a key connection within the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor, establishing a crucial ecological
corridor for wildlife movement and habitat connectivity between Little Orange Creek Nature Park,
Putnam Lakes Preserve, and the BJ Bar Ranch conservation easement.

Protecting the wetlands on this property and Little Orange Creek is essential to preserving the water
quality of this key tributary of Orange Creek. These unspoiled waters play a vital role in sustaining
the marshes and swamps that make up the headwaters of Redwater Lake. Conserving the surrounding
lands helps ensure a reliable water supply, high water quality, and healthy ecosystem functions. The
landowner is actively restoring formerly successional hardwood forest and severely hardwood-
encroached sandhill. Conservation of the property would increase connectivity between conservation
lands, protect water resources, and preserve habitat for imperiled species such as the narrowleaf naiad,
gopher tortoise, Florida black bear, sandhill crane, and swallow-tailed kite. The property lies within
a wildlife corridor of the Florida Ecological Greenways Network.

Prohibited Uses
Under the proposed conservation easement, the subject property will be restricted in perpetuity by the
provisions of the easement, a summary of which includes, but is not limited to, the following
prohibited uses:
• Dumping of trash, waste, hazardous materials, and soil will be prohibited;
• Exploration and extraction by grantor for oil, gas, minerals, peat, muck, limestone, etc., by
means of surface exploratory and extractors operations, except as reasonably necessary to
combat erosion or flooding, or except as necessary and lawfully permitted for the conduct of
permitted activities;
• Activities detrimental to drainage, flood control, water conservation, erosion control, soil
conservation, or fish and wildlife preservation will be prohibited, unless needed for
maintenance as provided in the easement;
• Acts or uses detrimental to the preservation of any historical, or archaeological area, will be
prohibited;
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 30
*********************************************************************************
Item 4D, cont.

• There shall be no planting of nuisance exotic or non-native plants;

• Commercial and industrial activities will be prohibited, except as may be incidental to the
exercise of grantor’s reserved rights in Article V of the conservation easement;
• New construction or placing of temporary or permanent structures or buildings on the property
will be prohibited except as may be necessary for maintenance, normal operation, or
emergency situations;
• Construction of new roads or jeep trails will be prohibited except in areas reserved for
agricultural use as depicted in the Baseline Documentation Report (BDR);
• No operation of motorized vehicles except on established trails and roads unless necessary to
protect or enhance the conservation values of the property; for emergency purposes; for
silvicultural purposes; and to access, hunt or to retrieve game hunted legally;
• Current agricultural uses shall not be converted to more intense agricultural uses, and natural
areas shall remain natural areas;
• Spring recharge areas must use best management practices (BMPs) for fertilizer use, as
established by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and agriculture
activities within 100 feet of sinkholes, springs, and other karst features are prohibited;
• Actions or activities that may be expected to adversely affect threatened or endangered species
is prohibited;
• Signs, billboards, or outdoor advertising is prohibited except signs designating the property as
conservation lands protected by the State of Florida or reasonable directional or postal signs;
• No commercial water wells on the property;
• No commercial timber harvesting; and
• There shall be no mitigation banks established on the property.

Owner’s Rights Retained

The proposed conservation easement will allow the owner to retain certain rights. The summary of
owner’s rights includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• The right to observe, maintain, photograph, fish, hunt, and introduce and stock native fish or
wildlife, to use the property for non-commercial, passive, resource-based recreation not
inconsistent with the purpose of the easement. Grantor shall continue to own hunting and
fishing rights;
• The right to conduct controlled and prescribed burns with proper authorization;
• The right to mortgage the property;
• The right to contest taxes;
• The right to continue to use, maintain, repair, and reconstruct, but not relocate all existing
buildings as depicted on the BDR;
• The right to exclusive use of the improvements per the BDR;
• The right to continue existing agricultural practices, as depicted in the BDR, and the use of
commonly accepted fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides using BMPs;
• The right to host relocated endangered, threatened, or special concern of native Florida species;
• The right to maintain or restore the existing natural habitat communities per the BDR;
• The right to engage in silviculture in areas depicted in the BDR according to BMPs;
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 31
*********************************************************************************
Item 4D, cont.

• The right to, in the silvicultural or agricultural areas as depicted in the BDR, construct such
additional agricultural structures as may be required for its silviculture operation, not to exceed
10,000 cumulative square feet;
• The right to maintain existing food plots and establish new food plots of two acres or less, not
to exceed a cumulative total of 31 acres per the BDR;
• The right to subdivide the subject property into three parcels allowed in the easement and each
parcel shall be no less than 200 acres;
• The right to construct, use, maintain, repair, and reconstruct, one dock on the shoreline of Little
Orange Lake and one dock on the shoreline of Lake Fanny;
• The right to construct, use, maintain, repair, and reconstruct, one impoundment (duck pond),
not to exceed eight acres, in the area depicted in the BDR; and
• The right to participate in programs or projects that benefit from, enhance, and/or manage
environmental attributes or permissible agricultural uses, so long as such programs are
consistent with conservation purposes.

Mortgages and Liens

All mortgages and liens will be satisfied at the time of closing. On June 22, 1999, the Board of
Trustees approved a staff recommendation to delegate to the Department the authority to review and
evaluate marketability issues as they arise on all Chapter 259, F.S., acquisitions and to resolve them
appropriately. Therefore, the Department will review, evaluate, and implement an appropriate
resolution for any title issues that arise prior to closing.

Closing Information
A title insurance commitment, a survey, and an environmental site assessment will be provided by the
buyer prior to closing.

Monitoring Agency
The subject property will be monitored by the Department’s Office of Environmental Services, who
currently monitors 200 conservation easements protecting 364,117 acres.

Management Policy Statement

Section 259.032(7)(d), F.S., requires that the Board of Trustees, concurrent with its approval of the
initial acquisition agreement within a project, evaluate and amend, as appropriate, the management
policy statement for the proposed project as provided by section 259.035, F.S., consistent with the
purposes for which the lands are acquired. The Department recommends the Board of Trustees
confirm the management policy statement as follows:

As a proposed conservation easement or other less-than-fee interest, the project will be

managed by the private landowner with restrictions under the agreement. The purchase
of the development rights, the prohibition of any further conversion of existing natural
areas to agriculture uses, and limited public access will likely be the primary focus of
the conservation easement.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 32
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Item 4D, cont.

Comprehensive Plan
This acquisition is consistent with section 187.201(9), F.S., the Natural Systems and Recreational
Lands’ section of the State Comprehensive Plan.

(Attachment 4D)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL

********************************************************************************

Item 4E Hoot Holdings, LLC Option Agreement/ Conservation Easement/ Monitoring

Agency Designation/ Management Policy Statement Confirmation/
Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Corridor

REQUEST: Consideration of (1) an option agreement to acquire a conservation easement over

approximately 5,631 acres within the Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Corridor from Hoot Holdings,
LLC, pursuant to Section 174, Chapter 2025-198, Laws of Florida; (2) designation of the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Environmental Services as the monitoring agency;
and (3) confirmation of the management policy statement.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: Two members, one of whom is the Governor,
when four members are voting; or any two members, when three members are voting.

COUNTIES: Collier and Hendry

LOCATION: Sections 01 and 12, Township 47 South, Range 29 East, Sections 17 through 23, 25
through 29, and 34 through 36, Township 47 South, Range 30 East, Sections 11 and 12, Township 48
South, Range 30 East, and Section 19, 20, 29, and 30, Township 47 South, Range 31 East

CONSIDERATION: $25,100,000

APPRAISED BY SELLER’S TRUSTEES’

Marr Mancuso APPROVED PURCHASE PURCHASE OPTION
PARCEL ACRES (05/09/2025) (05/09/2025) VALUE PRICE PRICE DATE
Hoot 5,631 $25,650,000 $25,600,000 $25,650,000 $52,500,000* $25,100,000** 120 days after
Holdings, (98%) BOT Approval
LLC

*Property was purchased on January 28, 2025.

**$4,458 per acre.

STAFF REMARKS: The subject property is located within the Caloosahatchee Big Cypress
Corridor, which was established in 2023 by the Florida Legislature. Pursuant to Section 174, Chapter
2025-198, Laws of Florida, the Department is authorized to acquire land within this corridor that also
lies within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. As defined in the Laws of Florida, the Caloosahatchee Big
Cypress Corridor contains approximately 75,000 acres, of which 42,219 acres have been acquired or
are under agreement to be acquired.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
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Page | 33
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Item 4E, cont.

Property Description
The subject property consists of five non-contiguous tracts totaling 5,631 acres within the
Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Corridor located in Collier and Hendry counties. The property helps to
build connectivity between the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and Big Cypress National
Preserve to Dinner Island Wildlife Management Area. Protection of these critical habitats and
agricultural lands provides foraging areas and dispersal routes for a wide range of imperiled species;
most notably the Florida panther, but also the Florida black bear and a wide range of native birds
including roseate spoonbills, Florida sandhill cranes, wood storks, limpkins, snail kites, and crested
caracara. Conservation of these lands also protects the integrity and functionality of agricultural
activities threatened by development. Sites 2, 3, and 5 are either partially or wholly within the Big
Cypress Area of Critical State Concern. In addition, the property is within a Primary Zone of habitat
for the federally endangered Florida panther and lies within a wildlife corridor of the Florida
Ecological Greenways Network.

Prohibited Uses
Under the proposed conservation easement, the subject property will be restricted in perpetuity by the
provisions of the easement, a summary of which includes, but is not limited to, the following
prohibited uses:
• Dumping of trash, waste, hazardous materials, and soil will be prohibited;
• Exploration and extraction by grantor for oil, gas, minerals, peat, muck, limestone, etc., by
means of surface exploratory and extractors operations, except as reasonably necessary to
combat erosion or flooding, or except as necessary and lawfully permitted for the conduct of
permitted activities;
• Activities detrimental to drainage, flood control, water conservation, erosion control, soil
conservation, or fish and wildlife preservation will be prohibited, unless needed for
maintenance as provided in the easement;
• Acts or uses detrimental to the preservation of any historical, or archaeological area, will be
prohibited;
• There shall be no planting of nuisance exotic or non-native plants;
• Commercial and industrial activities will be prohibited including, but not limited to swine,
dairy, and poultry operations;
• New construction, or placing of temporary, or permanent structures, or buildings on the
property will be prohibited except as may be necessary for maintenance, normal operation, or
emergency situations;
• Construction of new roads or jeep trails will be prohibited;
• No operation of motorized vehicles except on established trails and roads unless necessary to
protect or enhance the conservation values of the property; for emergency purposes; for cattle
ranching purposes; and to access, hunt, or to retrieve game hunted legally;
• Areas improved for agricultural activities may continue to be used for those activities, and
natural areas shall remain natural areas;
• Spring recharge areas must use best management practices (BMPs) for fertilizer use, as
established by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and agriculture
activities within 100 feet of sinkholes, springs, and other karst features are prohibited;
• Actions or activities that may be expected to adversely affect threatened or endangered species
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 34
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Item 4E, cont.

are prohibited;
• Signs, billboards, or outdoor advertising are prohibited except signs designating the property
as conservation lands protected by the State of Florida or reasonable directional or postal signs;
• No commercial water wells on the property;
• There shall be no commercial timber harvesting; and
• There shall be no mitigation banks established on the property.

Owner’s Rights Retained

The proposed conservation easement will allow the owner to retain certain rights. The summary of
owner’s rights includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• The right to observe, maintain, photograph, fish, hunt, and introduce, and stock native fish or
wildlife, to use the property for hiking, camping, and horseback riding as long as they are
consistent with the purpose of the easement. Grantor shall continue to own hunting, and
fishing rights;
• The right to conduct controlled, and prescribed burns with proper authorization;
• The right to mortgage the property;
• The right to contest taxes;
• The right to continue existing agricultural practices, as depicted in the Baseline Documentation
Report (BDR), and the use of commonly accepted fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides using
BMPs;
• The right to continue to use, maintain, repair, and reconstruct, but not relocate all existing
buildings as depicted on the BDR, repairs or reconstruction may be no larger than 125 percent
of the original size;
• The right to host relocated endangered, threatened, or special concern of native Florida species;
• The right to maintain, or restore the existing natural habitat communities per the BDR;
• The right to maintain a commercial cattle operation in accordance with BMPs;
• The right to construct, in the silvicultural or agricultural areas as depicted in the BDR, such
additional agricultural structures as may be required for its agricultural operations, not to
exceed 10,000 cumulative square feet;
• The right to maintain and construct fencing of the property;
• The right to engage in silviculture in accordance with BMPs. There shall be no harvesting in
wetlands;
• The right to participate in programs that benefit from, enhance, and/or manage the
environmental attributes or permissible agricultural uses, so long as such programs are
consistent with the conservation purposes;
• The right to conduct a commercial program for ecotourism which may include non-motorized
biking, hiking, horseback riding, and nature appreciation;
• The right to divide the property, specifically areas referred to as Site 2 and Site 3, into two lots
within each Site, of which each lot shall be no less than 500 acres; and
• The right to construct seven new residential structures along with access driveways, and
appropriately sized outbuildings. Each of the seven residences shall be limited to 5,000 square
feet, including overhangs, porches, and other non-heated and cooled areas and have no more
than two related out buildings limited to 2,000 square feet each. These structures shall not
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 35
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Item 4E, cont.

impact more than 2.5 contiguous acres and shall be at least 150 feet from any wetland or natural
area. Specifically, Site 1, Site 4, and Site 5 shall be allowed one residential structure with
ancillary structures as described. Site 2 and Site 3 shall be allowed no more than two
residential structures as described and referenced in Article V, Paragraph Q of the conservation
easement.

Mortgages and Liens

All mortgages and liens will be satisfied at the time of closing. On June 22, 1999, the Board of
Trustees approved a staff recommendation to delegate to the Department the authority to review and
evaluate marketability issues as they arise on all Chapter 259, F.S., acquisitions and to resolve them
appropriately. The Department will review, evaluate, and implement an appropriate resolution for
any title issues that arise prior to closing.

Closing Information
A title insurance commitment, survey, baseline documentation report, and environmental site
evaluation will be provided by the buyer prior to closing.

Monitoring Agency
The subject property will be monitored by the Department’s Office of Environmental Services, who
currently monitors 200 conservation easements protecting 364,117 acres.

Management Policy Statement

Section 259.032(7)(d), F.S., requires that the Board of Trustees, concurrent with its approval of the
initial acquisition agreement within a project, evaluate and amend, as appropriate, the management
policy statement for the proposed project as provided by section 259.035, F.S., consistent with the
purposes for which the lands are acquired. The Department recommends the Board of Trustees
confirm the management policy statement as follows:

As a proposed conservation easement or other less-than-fee interest, the project will be

managed by the private landowner under the agreement. The purchase of the
development rights, protection of surface water quality, the prohibition of any further
conversion of existing natural areas to agriculture uses, and limited access will likely
be the primary focus of the conservation easement.

Comprehensive Plan
This acquisition is consistent with section 187.201(9), F.S., the Natural Systems and Recreational
Lands’ section of the State Comprehensive Plan.

(Attachment 4E)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL

********************************************************************************
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 36
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Item 4F Pointe Mezzanine LLC and Pointe Resort, LLC Option Agreement/ Okaloosa
County

REQUEST: Consideration of (1) an option agreement to acquire approximately 4 acres in Okaloosa

County from Pointe Mezzanine, LLC and Pointe Resort, LLC, pursuant to Section 174, Chapter 2025-
198, Laws of Florida; (2) designation of Okaloosa County as the managing agency; and (3)
confirmation of the management policy statement.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: Two members, one of whom is the Governor,
when four members are voting; or any two members, when three members are voting.

COUNTY: Okaloosa

LOCATION: Unsectionalized Township 02 South, Range 22 West

CONSIDERATION: $83,326,520

APPRAISED BY SELLER’S TRUSTEES’

Gilbert APPROVED PURCHASE PURCHASE OPTION
PARCEL ACRES (03/15/2025) VALUE PRICE PRICE DATE
Pointe Mezzanine, 4 $83,326,520 $83,326,520 $7,901,214* $83,326,520** 120 days after
LLC and Pointe (100%) BOT Approval
Resort, LLC

*Property was purchased in 2016 and 2017.

**$20,831,630 per acre.

STAFF REMARKS: Pursuant to Section 174, Chapter 2025-198, Laws of Florida, the Department
was directed to acquire the subject property as it is wholly within Okaloosa County, will provide
public access, is adjacent to the Gulf Island National Seashore, and is located next to a local
government park. As provided in the aforementioned section of the Laws of Florida, the appraisal
utilized for this acquisition was an existing appraisal performed by an appraiser from the Department's
approved appraisers list. A second appraisal is also being provided for additional information.

Property Description
The subject property is comprised of two non-contiguous parcels totaling approximately 4 acres
adjacent to the Gulf Islands National Seashore conservation area in Okaloosa County. The property’s
western boundary is shared with the City of Destin’s Norriego Point Beach Access and Park (Park),
and both properties are along the south side of Destin Harbor.

This acquisition will provide enhanced public access to the Park by connecting it to Gulf Shore Drive.
Once acquired, the park area will expand to nearly 16 acres, offering an expansive beachfront, over
100 parking spaces, and excellent outdoor recreational opportunities for boating, fishing, and
swimming.

The subject property is currently zoned for high-density residential use, allowing for a variety of
residential developments. Conservation of this property would prevent this type of development and
create additional recreational opportunities for the public.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
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Page | 37
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Item 4F, cont.

The Department and the City of Destin are nearing completion of a $12 million project to stabilize
and enhance the Park. This initiative aims to improve recreational activities at the Park while also
providing a component of protection of the Destin Harbor and Harborwalk Village. The revitalization
is essential for both expanding recreational use and stabilization of the Park.

Mortgages and Liens

All mortgages and liens will be satisfied at the time of closing. On June 22, 1999, the Board of
Trustees approved a staff recommendation to delegate to the Department the authority to review and
evaluate marketability issues as they arise on all Chapter 259, F.S., acquisitions and to resolve them
appropriately. Therefore, the Department will review, evaluate, and implement an appropriate
resolution for any title issues that arise prior to closing.

Closing Information
A title insurance commitment, a survey, and an environmental site assessment will be provided by the
buyer prior to closing.

Managing Agency
The subject property will be managed by Okaloosa County as a new park, in collaboration with the
adjacent City of Destin’s Norriego Point Beach Access and Park. The associated docking facility,
authorized by Board of Trustees sovereign submerged lands Lease No. 460338621, will be assigned
to Okaloosa County and utilized as a public recreational marina further increasing recreational
opportunities to the general public.

Section 259.032(7)(d), F.S., requires that the Board of Trustees, concurrent with its approval of the
initial acquisition agreement within a project, evaluate and amend, as appropriate, the management
policy statement for the proposed project as provided by section 259.035, F.S., consistent with the
purposes for which the lands are acquired. The Department recommends the Board of Trustees
confirm the management policy statement as follows:

The subject property will be managed as a new park by Okaloosa County in

collaboration with the City of Destin’s Norriego Point Beach Access and Park.
Okaloosa County will organize the management, maintenance, and operation of the
subject property, and will oversee all aspects of the new park, including capital projects,
construction procurement, insurance, staffing, utilities, and rule enforcement. In
accordance with Chapter 259, F.S., Okaloosa County will implement best management
practices to support the conservation and public access principles of the park.

Comprehensive Plan
This acquisition is consistent with section 187.201(9), F.S., the Natural Systems and Recreational
Lands’ section of the State Comprehensive Plan.

(Attachment 4F)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL
********************************************************************************
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
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Page | 38
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Item 4G CLDG Land VI, LLC Option Agreement/ Northeast Florida Timberlands and
Watershed Reserve Forever Project

REQUEST: Consideration of an option agreement to acquire approximately 543 acres within the
Northeast Florida Timberlands and Watershed Reserve Florida Forever project from CLDG Land VI,
LLC.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: Two members, one of whom is the Governor,
when four members are voting; or any two members, when three members are voting.

COUNTY: Duval

LOCATION: Sections 08 through 10, Township 01 South, Range 25 East

CONSIDERATION: $9,225,000

APPRAISED BY SELLER’S TRUSTEES’

Lovett Slotkin APPROVED PURCHASE PURCHASE OPTION
PARCEL ACRES (05/16/2025) (05/16/2025) VALUE PRICE PRICE DATE
NBM 543 $9,510,000 $9,510,000 $9,510,000 $3,000,000* $9,225,000** 120 days after
Enterprises, (97%) BOT approval
LLC

*The property was purchased by NBM Enterprises, LLC on January 25, 2006. Seller has the option to acquire the property.
**$16,989 per acre.

STAFF REMARKS: The subject parcel is located within the Northeast Florida Timberlands and
Watershed Reserve Florida Forever project, ranked number two in the Florida Forever Partnerships
and Regional Incentives project category, approved by the Board of Trustees on March 5, 2025. The
project contains 147,431 acres, of which 80,702 acres have been acquired or are under agreement to
be acquired.

Project Description
The Northeast Florida Timberlands and Watershed Reserve Florida Forever project will increase the
protection of Florida’s biodiversity by protecting habitat for rare and imperiled species including the
Florida black bear, gopher tortoise, eastern indigo snake, and red-cockaded woodpecker. The project
will conserve spaces suitable for greenways or outdoor recreation that are compatible with
conservation purposes such as camping, picnicking, nature appreciation, hiking, and horseback riding.
The project also has the potential to restore the quality and natural functions of land, water, and
wetland systems due to most of the land being disturbed, with restoration as a primary objective.

Property Description
The subject property is located along the south side of Plummer Road, approximately three miles west
of Old Kings Road in northwestern Duval County. Cary State Forest and Thomas Creek Conservation
Area are just north of the subject property. Situated within a landscape that is increasingly under
pressure from expansion of nearby suburban population areas, the subject property is under direct
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
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Page | 39
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Item 4G, cont.

threat of development. The property is within a residential planned unit development that allows for
632 single-family homes.

Preservation of this property will begin to create a valuable connection between the north and south
portions of Cary State Forest; afford critical water quality for Lower St. Johns River Basin; expand
public outdoor resource-based recreational opportunities; provide crucial habitat protection for rare
and endangered plant and animal species such as the gopher tortoise, Florida black bear, and red
cockaded-woodpecker.

Mortgages and Liens

All mortgages and liens will be satisfied at the time of closing. On June 22, 1999, the Board of
Trustees approved a staff recommendation to delegate to the Department the authority to review and
evaluate marketability issues as they arise on all Chapter 259, F.S., acquisitions and to resolve them
appropriately. Therefore, the Department will review, evaluate, and implement an appropriate
resolution for any title issues that arise prior to closing.

Closing Information
A title insurance commitment, a survey, and an environmental site assessment will be provided by the
buyer prior to closing.

Managing Agency
The subject property will be managed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services,
Florida Forest Service, as an addition to Cary State Forest.

Comprehensive Plan
This acquisition is consistent with section 187.201(9), F.S., the Natural Systems and Recreational
Lands’ section of the State Comprehensive Plan.

(Attachment 4G)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL

********************************************************************************

Item 4H Barron Collier Partnership, LLLP Option Agreement/ Caloosahatchee Big

Cypress Corridor/ Delegation

REQUEST: Consideration of a delegation to the Secretary of the Department of Environmental

Protection, or designee, to execute (1) an option agreement to acquire approximately 5,855 acres
within the Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Corridor from Barron Collier Partnership, LLLP, pursuant to
Section 174, Chapter 2025-198, Laws of Florida subject to conditions; (2) 10-year land lease to Barron
Collier Partnership, LLLP, with an option for two five-year renewal terms; (3) delegation of authority
to the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, or designee, to approve leases or
subleases to for-profit corporations; and (4) a determination that awarding leases or subleases to for-
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
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Page | 40
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Item 4H, cont.

profit corporations without conducting a competitive bid is in the public interest pursuant to Rule 18-
2.018(2)(i), F.A.C.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: (1) Two members, one of whom is the Governor,
when four members are voting; or any two members, when three members are voting; and (2) three
votes.

COUNTY: Collier

LOCATION: Sections 01, 03 through 12, 15, 17 and 18, Township 47 South, Range 28 East

CONSIDERATION: $14,200,000

APPRAISED BY SELLER’S TRUSTEES’

Neill Holden APPROVED PURCHASE PURCHASE OPTION
PARCEL ACRES (12/19/2024) (12/19/2024) VALUE PRICE PRICE DATE
Barron Collier 5,855 $14,200,000 $12,300,000 $14,200,000 $N/A* $14,200,000** 120 days after
Partnership, LLLP (100%) BOT approval

*Property was assembled in 1994 and 1998.

**$2,425 per acre.

STAFF REMARKS: The subject property is located within the Caloosahatchee Big Cypress
Corridor, which was established in 2023 by the Florida Legislature. Pursuant to Section 174, Chapter
2025-198, Laws of Florida, the Department is authorized to acquire land within this corridor that also
lies within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. As defined in the Laws of Florida, the Caloosahatchee Big
Cypress Corridor contains approximately 75,000 acres, of which 42,219 acres have been acquired or
are under agreement to be acquired.

Property Description
The 5,855-acre subject property is located along Lake Trafford’s southern boundary in Corkscrew
Marsh and is within the Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Corridor in Collier County.

Preservation of the subject property will build connectivity between the Florida Panther National
Wildlife Refuge and Big Cypress National Preserve to Dinner Island Wildlife Management Area.
Protection of these critical habitats and agricultural lands provides foraging areas and dispersal routes
for a wide range of imperiled species; most notably the Florida panther, but also the Florida black bear
and a wide range of native birds including roseate spoonbills, Florida sandhill cranes, wood storks,
limpkins, snail kites, and crested caracara. Conservation of these lands also protects the integrity and
functionality of agricultural activities threatened by development. The property is within a Primary
Zone of habitat for the federally endangered Florida panther and lies within a wildlife corridor of the
Florida Ecological Greenways Network.

Mortgages and Liens

All mortgages and liens will be satisfied at the time of closing. On June 22, 1999, the Board of
Trustees approved a staff recommendation to delegate to the Department the authority to review and
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
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Page | 41
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Item 4H, cont.

evaluate marketability issues as they arise on all Chapter 259, F.S., acquisitions and to resolve them
appropriately. Therefore, the Department will review, evaluate, and implement an appropriate
resolution for any title issues that arise prior to closing.

Closing Information
The subject property is currently encumbered with a Notice of Interim Land Use Limitations for
BCI/BCP/SI SSA 13 and a Collier County Stewardship Easement Agreement in favor of Collier
County and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. As a condition to
executing the option agreement and closing on the property, the agreements with Collier County and
the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services must be removed as encumbrances to
the property. A title insurance commitment, a survey, and an environmental site assessment will be
provided by the buyer prior to closing.

Land Management
The subject property will be managed by Barron Collier Partnership, LLLP through a lease pursuant
to Rule 18-2.018(2)(i), F.A.C.

When the Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Corridor was established by the Legislature in Section 84,
Chapter 2023-240, Laws of Florida, it provided a framework for leasebacks in an effort to reduce the
state’s land management costs and preserve working lands. The appropriation was subsequently
reappropriated in 2024 and in 2025.

In order to implement the legislative intent, the Department requests the Board of Trustees determine
that awarding leases or subleases to for-profit corporations without conducting a competitive bid is in
the public interest pursuant to Rule 18-2.018(2)(i), F.A.C.

In line with the framework established, the lease fees will be established by fair market value and paid
annually to the Board of Trustees. The lease fee shall be adjusted annually in accordance with the use
of the property. The annual lease fee shall never decrease below the original base lease fee. A new
lease fee shall be established based on fair market value prior to exercising any option to renew.

Historic use of the subject property has provided for agricultural and recreational activities generating
income for private users. Pursuant to Rule 18-2.018(2)(i), F.A.C., the Board of Trustees shall
authorize uses of uplands that will generate income or revenue to a private user or will limit or preempt
use by the general public, on the basis of competitive bidding unless the Board of Trustees determines
it to be in the public interest to do otherwise. In order to protect the integrity and functionality of the
agricultural and potential rural land stewardship uses, the Department is of the opinion that it is in the
public interest to approve any such lease or sublease to for-profit corporations without competitively
bidding. In addition, to expedite future authorizations for agricultural and potential rural land
stewardship uses, it is requested that the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, or
designee, be given the delegated authority to approve future leases or subleases.

The Board of Trustees has previously received compensation for subleases that generate revenue. This
typically occurs when the use is inconsistent with the original intent of the Board of Trustees’ lease.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
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Page | 42
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Item 4H, cont.

However, in this case, the property use under any sublease will be consistent with, and promote, the
Legislature and Board of Trustees’ original intent for the use of the property as initially stipulated in
Section 84, Chapter 2023-240, Laws of Florida, for the Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Corridor project.
Therefore, the Board of Trustees will not receive compensation for any sublease. Instead, the land
manager will receive the proceeds, which will provide funding for the management of the subject
property.

Upon approval, the initial lease term with Barron Collier Partnership, LLLP will be 10 years, with an
option for two five-year renewals.

In the event the above-described leases expire or otherwise terminate, the Department shall pursue an
alternate land manager. The land manager shall be a state agency, local government, or a private entity
that is fully capable of carrying out management of the land in accordance with the purposes for which
it was acquired.

Comprehensive Plan
This acquisition is consistent with section 187.201(9), F.S., the Natural Systems and Recreational
Lands’ section of the State Comprehensive Plan.

(Attachment 4H)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL

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Item 5 Aquaculture Leases in Levy County

REQUEST: Approval to issue nine new two-acre bottom leases, one new two-acre water column lease,
one new six-acre water column lease, and one new 10-acre water column lease. Each lease would
constitute a 10-year sovereignty submerged land aquaculture lease for the purpose of shellfish
aquaculture.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: Three votes

LOCATION: Withlacoochee Bay, Levy County

APPLICANT: Multiple Applicants

CONSIDERATION: An annual fee of $53.46 for the two-acre bottom parcels, representing a base
annual rental fee of $16.73 per acre or fraction thereof; and an annual surcharge of $10.00 per acre or
fraction thereof, pursuant to Rule 18-21.022, F.A.C. An annual fee of $86.92 for the two-acre water
column parcel, $260.76 for the six-acre water column parcel, and $434.60 for the 10-acre water
column parcel, representing a base annual rental fee of $33.46 per acre or fraction thereof; and an
annual surcharge of $10.00 per acre or fraction thereof, pursuant to Rule 18-21.022, F.A.C. The
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 43
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Item 5, cont.

annual fee and surcharge collected will be deposited in the General Inspection Trust Fund, pursuant
to sections 597.010(5)(b) and (7), F.S.

STAFF REMARKS:
The Applicants are requesting authorization from the Board of Trustees, pursuant to section 253.68(1),
F.S., for nine new aquaculture leases for the purpose of culturing shellfish on the bottom and three
new aquaculture leases for the purpose of culturing shellfish in the water column.

The proposed leases will be subject to the terms and conditions applied to other aquaculture leases
issued throughout the state for the same purposes, including the provision that the transfer or sale of
the leases will not be approved during the first five years of the lease term. Applicants will be required
to provide the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) with a survey of
the individual parcels. The proposed gear is covered under the FDACS General Permit from the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers.

The proposed leases are not located in an aquatic preserve, and FDACS has reviewed the applications
for completeness and determined that the proposed leases and associated aquaculture activities will
not result in adverse impacts to seagrasses, existing shellfish beds, natural reefs, or other sensitive
habitats.

Agency Review
FDACS has conducted resource assessments and determined that the proposed leases and associated
aquaculture activities will not result in adverse impacts to seagrasses, existing shellfish beds, natural
reefs, or other sensitive habitats. The proposed leases are not located in an aquatic preserve. FDACS
has coordinated review and comments of the proposed lease with the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida
Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources, and the Levy County Board of County
Commissioners, pursuant to Rule 18-21.021, F.A.C.

Special Conditions
The requirement to obtain a permit from the U.S. Coast Guard for Private Aids to Navigation will be
a special condition of the water-column leases.

Public Interest
The proposed parcels are not in an aquatic preserve; therefore, the activity does not have to be found
to be in the public interest. The project is, however, required to demonstrate that they are “not contrary
to the public interest,” pursuant to Article X, Section 11 of the Florida Constitution, Chapter 253, F.S.,
and Rule 18-21.004(1)(a), F.A.C. Because the Legislature has declared aquaculture to be in the public
interest, according to section 253.68(2)(a), F.S., FDACS is of the opinion that the activities meet the
test of being “not contrary to the public interest” and otherwise meet all applicable requirements for a
proprietary authorization to use sovereignty submerged lands.

Noticing
The proposed leases were noticed pursuant to section 253.70, F.S., and no objections were received.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 44
*********************************************************************************
Item 5, cont.

Comprehensive Plan
A consideration of the status of any local government comprehensive plan was not made for this item.
FDACS has determined that the proposed action is not subject to the local government planning
process.

(Attachment 5)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL

********************************************************************************

Item 6 Rule Chapter 5I-7, F.A.C., Notice of Proposed Rule/ Final Adoption

REQUEST: Consideration of a request for approval to file proposed changes to the Florida
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rule, Chapter 5I-7, F.A.C., Rural and Family
Lands Protection Program in a notice of proposed rule and for final adoption, pursuant to section
120.54(3)(e)(1), F.S.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: Two members, one of whom is the Governor, when
four members are voting; or any two members, when three members are voting.

COUNTY: Statewide

APPLICANT: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

STAFF REMARKS: The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
has identified the need to update Rule, Chapter 5I-7, F.A.C., in order to refine the rules that outline
the procedures of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP). The current
amendments continue to streamline the application and acquisition processes and conform to
statutory changes relating to the Board of Trustees and partner entities. Pursuant to sections
570.71(10) and 259.105(3)(i), F.S., the Board of Trustees must approve final adoption and ensure
that the rules, as amended, are consistent with the acquisition process provided for in section
570.715, F.S.

AMENDMENT PROCESS: On September 22, 2025, FDACS published a Notice of

Development of Rulemaking in the Florida Administrative Register. The substantive amendments
include the following:

Section 5I-7.004, F.A.C., Application Procedures and Requirements

• Provides necessary updates to application form
• Changes reference document from USDA median farm size by county to most recent
USDA average farm size by county
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 45
*********************************************************************************
Item 6, cont.

Section 5I-7.005, F.A.C., Technical Review and Evaluation of Project Application

• Clarifies that the site visit may fully evaluate the property for compliance with the RFLPP’s
public purposes in the most efficient manner

Section 5I-7.010, F.A.C., Negotiations and Purchase Instruments

• Clarifies and promotes efficient use of Board time and resources by limiting which
purchases need Board approval

Section 5I-7.014, F.A.C., Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement

• Clarifies to the Program and landowners as to the duties of the landowners to enroll in Best
Management Practices

(Attachment 6)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL

********************************************************************************

Item 7 2025 Rural and Family Lands Protection Program Project Acquisition List

REQUEST: Consideration of the recommended 2025 Rural and Family Lands Protection
Program Prioritized Acquisition List.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: Two members, one of whom is the Governor,
when four members are voting; or any two members, when three members are voting.

STAFF REMARKS: The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) protects
Florida’s working agricultural lands threatened by fragmentation or conversion to non-agricultural
land uses through the acquisition of rural lands protection easements. These easements ensure the
land will be preserved perpetually for agricultural uses while protecting functioning ecosystems,
natural resources, aquifer recharge areas, and contributing to military base buffering.

The 2025 Project Acquisition List is comprised of projects from previous RFLPP application
cycles, including the Board of Trustees-approved 2024 list that have rolled over and are awaiting
acquisition. The projects on this list have not yet been acquired or have not otherwise been
removed from the 2024 list due to land conversion or landowner withdrawal.

The proposed 2025 RFLPP Prioritized Acquisition List was developed pursuant to sections
259.105(3)(i) and 570.71(10), F.S., and Rule 5I-7, F.A.C.

On August 8, 2025, RFLPP presented the recommended project list to the Acquisition and
Restoration Council for its review pursuant to section 259.105(3)(i)1., F.S. RFLPP is now
submitting the recommended project list to the Board of Trustees for its consideration. Pursuant
to section 259.04, F.S., the Board of Trustees “shall approve, in whole or in part, the list of projects
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 46
*********************************************************************************
Item 7, cont.

in the order of priority in which such projects are presented.”

(Attachment 7)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL

********************************************************************************

Item 8A Bentley Ranch, Inc Option Agreement/ Bentley Ranch/ FDACS/ Rural and
Family Lands Protection Program

REQUEST: Consideration of (1) an option agreement to acquire a perpetual rural lands protection
easement over approximately 2,559.14 acres within the Bentley Ranch project of the Florida
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Rural and Family Lands Protection
Program (RFLPP) from Bentley Ranch, Inc, f/k/a Bentley Brahman Ranch, Inc., a Florida corporation;
and (2) designation of FDACS/RFLPP as the monitoring agency.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: Two members, one of whom is the Governor,
when four members are voting; or any two members, when three members are voting.

APPLICANT: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Rural and Family Lands
Protection Program

COUNTY: Hardee

LOCATION: Portions of Sections 25 through 27, 34 through 36, Township 35 South, Range 27
East; and Portions of Sections 02, 03, 10, 11, and 15, Township 36 South, Range 27 East, in Hardee
County

CONSIDERATION: $9,470,000
APPRAISED BY SELLER’S TRUSTEES’
Marr Jones APPROVED PURCHASE PURCHASE OPTION
PARCEL ACRES (04/29/25) (04/29/25) VALUE PRICE PRICE DATE
Bentley 2,559.14 $9,470,000 $9,450,000 $9,470,000* $** $9,470,000*** 120 days after
Ranch, (100%) BOT approval
Inc.

*Fee value was determined to be $16,380,000 and $15,600,000.

**Property was inherited.
***The total purchase price for the rural lands protection easement is $3,700 per acre.

STAFF REMARKS: This acquisition was negotiated by FDACS under its RFLPP from the 2024
approved list. If approved, this project will be the 133rd perpetual easement proposed for acquisition,
with a total of approximately 215,159.30 acres preserved under the RFLPP. If approved, this will
complete the project acquisition.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 47
*********************************************************************************
Item 8A, cont.

Project Description
This is a 2,559.14-acre cattle ranch and citrus operation southwest of Highlands Hammock State Park.
The northern half of the site is mostly pasture and cropland. Oak Creek flows through the southern
half. The southern half of the site is surrounded by similar agricultural lands, primarily pasture and
citrus. It is adjacent to the Heartland Wildlife Corridor Florida Forever project to the east, Circle O
Groves RFLPP proposal to the east, and Stevens Land & Cattle RFLPP proposal to the west. Crested
caracara and gopher tortoise are documented on the ranch. The project site is enrolled in the FDACS
Best Management Practices (BMP) program. It is located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Property Description
The Bentley Ranch is a family-run cattle, citrus, and blueberry operation. The Bentley family started
ranching here in the 1930’s. In the mid-1980’s they diversified into citrus. The ranch became
primarily a citrus operation for 30 years, until disease hit. In 2018 they began converting the citrus
back into pasture. Bentley Ranch is continuing to convert citrus into more pasture. Over the last two
years they have converted approximately 800 acres into pasture due to citrus disease. Additionally,
to diversify their operation, Bentley Ranch has leased approximately 60 acres to Oak Creek Groves
for blueberry farming.

The RFLPP easement area combines Bentley Ranch with an existing 30-year (826 acres) easement
through Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This portion is not included in the subject
easement acquisition; however, it expires in 15 years, and it is the intention of the Bentley family to
apply to RFLPP for permanent protection once it is expired.

Prohibited Uses
• Dumping of non-biodegradable, toxic, or hazardous substances, trash garbage, wastes,
abandoned vehicles, appliances, machinery, or similar material is prohibited;
• Activities that affect the hydrology of the land or that detrimentally affect water conservation,
erosion control, soil conservation, fish and wildlife habitat, etc. The exploration for and
extraction of oil, gas, minerals, dolostone, peat, muck, marl, limestone, limerock, kaolin,
fuller’s earth, phosphate, common clays, gravel, shell, sand, and similar substances either
directly or indirectly by Grantor or on Grantor’s behalf, etc. Limited mining is allowed to
combat erosion or flooding or for limited on-farm agricultural uses;
• Planting of nuisance exotic or non-native plants as listed by the Exotic Pest Plant Council or
its successor. The Grantor shall, to the extent practical, control and prevent the spread of
nuisance exotics or non-native plants on the Property;
• Concentrated animal feeding operations not in compliance with federal and state laws, rules,
and regulations, as amended;
• New construction or placing of temporary or permanent buildings, mobile homes, or other
structures in, on, or above the ground of the Property except as may be permitted hereinafter,
or as necessary by Grantor for maintenance or normal operations of the Property or during
emergency situations or as may otherwise be specifically provided for in the Easement;
• Construction or placing of roads, billboards, or other advertising, utilities, or structures, except
those structures and unpaved roads necessary for the agricultural operations on the land or
structures necessary for other activities allowed under the Easement, and except for linear
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 48
*********************************************************************************
Item 8A, cont.

facilities described in section 704.06(11), F.S. Grantee may erect and maintain signs
designating the Property as land under the protection of Grantee;
• Fertilizer use for agriculture activities shall be in accordance with agricultural BMPs
recommended by the NRCS or the FDACS, whichever is more stringent, as those BMPs may
be amended. No agricultural activities shall occur within a 100-foot buffer around sinkholes
and other karst features that are connected to spring conduits, except as provided in the
applicable BMPs;
• Actions or activities that may reasonably be expected to adversely affect threatened or
endangered species;
• Any subdivision of the Property inconsistent with the division of land pursuant to Rule Chapter
5I-7, F.A.C., as amended;
• Commercial water wells on the Property;
• Harvesting of cypress trees in the Significant Natural Areas (SNAs);
• Mitigation banks not authorized and in compliance with Florida Statutes and Administrative
rules, as amended or rules of applicable federal mitigation bank programs;
• Construction or conversion of SNAs to more improved areas; and
• Conversion of forested areas to non-forested areas as shown in the Baseline Documentation
Report (BDR) within the SNAs.

Owner’s Reserved Rights

• Grantor has, and shall be deemed hereby to have retained, the underlying fee simple absolute
title in the Property;
• Agricultural and Related Rights. (i) The right to continued use of the Property for agricultural
purposes and uses identified in the BDR; (ii) the right to convert any property not designated
an SNA (as delineated in the BDR) to other agricultural and silviculture purposes and uses;
(iii) the right to engage in cattle grazing as set forth in the BDR, including the right to maintain,
utilize, restore, fertilize, and mow improved pasture; (iv) the right, as part of cattle operations,
to supplement the cattle using minerals and hay; (v) the right to use current technologies on
the Property, including fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides commonly used on agricultural
property in the State of Florida at such time; and (vi) the right to install, use, maintain, replace
and repair non-commercial groundwater wells on the Property. Any and all agricultural uses
shall be conducted in accordance with BMPs and in compliance with all laws, rules, and
regulations;
• The right to conduct silvicultural operations, provided that prior to any timbering in an SNA,
Grantor shall consult with Grantee concerning reforestation methods and methods are
consistent with the perpetual protection of the SNAs;
• The right to conduct prescribed burning on the Property; provided, however, that Grantor shall
obtain and comply with a prescribed fire authorization from the FDACS’ Florida Forest
Service or its successor agency;
• The right to mortgage the Property; provided, however, that the Mortgagee’s lien shall be
inferior to and lower in priority than this Easement;
• The right to contest tax appraisals, assessments, taxes, and other charges on the Property;
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 49
*********************************************************************************
Item 8A, cont.

• The right to continue to use, maintain, repair, and reconstruct, all existing buildings, barns,
animal pens, outbuildings, fences, roads, ponds, wells, utilities, drainage ditches, and such
other facilities on the Property as depicted in the BDR, except on SNAs;
• The right to sell, devise or otherwise transfer ownership of the Property to a third party. This
right, however, does not include the right to sell the remaining property rights on the Property
for the purposes of a rural lands protection easement or other restriction that would divest the
Property of its use under the terms and conditions of the Easement;
• The right to exclusive use of the improvements on the Property;
• Grantor shall obtain and comply with all permits for management of stormwater, water wells,
and consumptive uses as may be required by the water management district or any agency
having jurisdiction over those activities;
• The right to construct buildings or other structures incident to agricultural uses carried on in
accordance with sound agricultural practices. Grantor must first obtain the advanced written
approval of grantee before constructing buildings or other structures incident to agricultural
uses. Such buildings shall not be used as residences;
• The right to establish (by survey, fencing, or marking) and maintain property lines around the
perimeter of the Property to protect the Property from trespassing and to assist Grantor in the
management of the Property in accordance with the Easement;
• The right to observe, maintain, photograph and film, introduce and stock native fish or wildlife
on the Property, to use the Property for hiking, horseback riding, and agritourism, provided
Grantor complies with Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules, as amended. Grantor
reserves, and shall continue to own, the hunting and fishing rights on or related to the Property,
and Grantor may lease and sell privileges of such rights;
• The right to install connections to normal utility systems, such as electric, cable, water, sewer,
and telephone. If a connection to a sewer system is not available, this right shall include the
right to install a septic system. The granting of easements or rights-of-way for power lines,
gas lines, sewer lines, water lines, telecommunications towers, and wind farms is prohibited,
unless approved by Grantee. Notwithstanding this prohibition, the Grantor may grant or
modify easements for utility connections necessary to serve the permitted uses of the Property
that are consistent with the Easement’s purposes. Existing utilities may be repaired at their
current location;
• Grantor reserves the right to subdivide the Property into not more than two individual parcels
of not less than approximately 900 acres each. There shall be no further subdivision of the
Property which is the subject of this Easement; and
• The right to engage in ecosystem services markets under other programs provided such action
shall be in compliance with all applicable laws, statutes, rules, and ordinances, and not contrary
to the terms of this Easement. Any such ecosystem services shall not reduce the agriculture
production are by more than 10-percent of the total agricultural production area listed on the
BDR.

Encumbrances
There are no known encumbrances on the property that adversely affect marketability, or the ability
to enforce the rights granted under the easement.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 50
*********************************************************************************
Item 8A, cont.

Mortgages and Liens

All mortgages and liens will be satisfied or subordinated at the time of closing. FDACS staff will
review, evaluate, and implement an appropriate resolution for these and any other title issues that arise
prior to closing.

Closing Information
A title insurance commitment, survey, baseline documentation report, and environmental site
assessment of the property will be provided by RFLPP prior to closing.

Monitoring Agency
This perpetual rural lands protection easement will be monitored by the RFLPP.

Comprehensive Plan
This acquisition is consistent with section 187.201(22), F.S., the Agriculture Section of the State
Comprehensive Plan.

(Attachment 8A)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL

********************************************************************************

Item 8B Steve Palmer, Jennifer Smith Palmer, Weston Reid Palmer, Savanah Palmer
Reichel and Summer Morgan Henderson Option Agreement/ Remlap Ranch/
FDACS/ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

REQUEST: Consideration of (1) an option agreement to acquire a perpetual rural lands protection
easement over approximately 5,940.55 acres within the Remlap Ranch project of the Florida
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Rural and Family Lands Protection
Program (RFLPP) from Steve Palmer and Jennifer Smith Palmer, a married couple; Weston Reid
Palmer; a married man; Savanah Palmer Reichel, a married woman; and Summer Morgan Henderson,
a married woman; and (2) designation of FDACS/RFLPP as the monitoring agency.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: Two members, one of whom is the Governor,
when four members are voting; or any two members, when three members are voting.

APPLICANT: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Rural and Family Lands
Protection Program

COUNTY: Okeechobee

LOCATION: Portions of Sections 26, 27, 32 through 36, Township 35 South, Range 34 East; and
Portions of Sections 01 through 06, Township 36 South, Range 34 East, in Okeechobee County
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 51
*********************************************************************************
Item 8B, cont.

CONSIDERATION: $32,100,000

APPRAISED BY SELLER’S TRUSTEES’

String Holden APPROVED PURCHASE PURCHASE OPTION
PARCEL ACRES (06/12/25) (06/12/25) VALUE PRICE PRICE DATE
Remlap 5,940.55 $29,700,000 $32,100,000 $32,100,000* $12,153,000** $32,100,000*** 120 days after
Ranch (100%) BOT approval
(Palmer et al)

*Fee value was determined to be $50,500,000 for both appraisals.

**Property was acquired January 15, 2003.
***The total purchase price for the rural lands protection easement is $5,404 per acre.

STAFF REMARKS: This acquisition was negotiated by FDACS under its RFLPP from the 2024
approved list. If approved, this project will be the 134th perpetual easement proposed for
acquisition, with a total of approximately 221,099.85 acres preserved under the RFLPP. If
approved, this will complete the project acquisition.

Project Description
This is a 5,940.55-acre cattle ranch. The protection of this property is a natural extension of the
protected lands occurring in the Northern Okeechobee Watershed and Lower Kissimmee Basin,
facilitating landscape connectivity throughout the state. It is primarily composed of improved pasture
and supports the habitat of several threatened and endangered species.

The property is located less than 14 miles northwest of Lake Okeechobee, and it is found within the
northern Okeechobee inflow sub basin; part of the larger Lake Okeechobee watershed. It provides
a protective buffer to Sandfly Gully and Taylor Creek from the intensive agricultural and residential
areas in the vicinity, which improves water quality flowing into Lake Okeechobee. A series of
interconnected ditches are found throughout the property, draining the pastures and groves and
flowing south into Sandfly Gully and Taylor Creek. Ultimately, the conservation of this property will
reduce nutrients flowing into Lake Okeechobee. Several isolated freshwater marshes are found
throughout the property. These marshes offer ecological services to the surrounding areas such as
flood control and water purification for people and wildlife. The conservation of this property will
contribute to enhanced water quality, aquifer recharge, flow attenuation, and flood hazard reduction.

The project site is enrolled in the FDACS Best Management Practices (BMP) program. The entire
property lies within the linkage priorities for the Florida Ecological Greenways Network; however, it is
not within the current Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Property Description
Remlap Ranch is a family-run cow/calf operation. It has been family owned for 22 years. Rotational
grazing is utilized and low intensity grazing with supplemental minerals is provided year-round.

Future residential development of this area is highly likely as large rural residential communities are
increasingly common in Okeechobee County.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 52
*********************************************************************************
Item 8B, cont.

Prohibited Uses
• Dumping of non-biodegradable, toxic, or hazardous substances, trash garbage, wastes,
abandoned vehicles, appliances, machinery, or similar material is prohibited;
• Activities that affect the hydrology of the land or that detrimentally affect water conservation,
erosion control, soil conservation, fish and wildlife habitat, etc. The exploration for and
extraction of oil, gas, minerals, dolostone, peat, muck, marl, limestone, limerock, kaolin,
fuller’s earth, phosphate, common clays, gravel, shell, sand, and similar substances either
directly or indirectly by Grantor or on Grantor’s behalf, etc. Limited mining is allowed to
combat erosion or flooding or for limited on-farm agricultural uses;
• Planting of nuisance exotic or non-native plants as listed by the Exotic Pest Plant Council or
its successor. The Grantor shall, to the extent practical, control and prevent the spread of
nuisance exotics or non-native plants on the Property;
• Concentrated animal feeding operations not in compliance with federal and state laws, rules,
and regulations, as amended;
• New construction or placing of temporary or permanent buildings, mobile homes, or other
structures in, on, or above the ground of the Property except as may be permitted hereinafter,
or as necessary by Grantor for maintenance or normal operations of the Property or during
emergency situations or as may otherwise be specifically provided for in the Easement;
• Construction or placing of roads, billboards, or other advertising, utilities, or structures, except
those structures and unpaved roads necessary for the agricultural operations on the land or
structures necessary for other activities allowed under the Easement, and except for linear
facilities described in section 704.06(11), F.S. Grantee may erect and maintain signs
designating the Property as land under the protection of Grantee;
• Fertilizer use for agriculture activities shall be in accordance with agricultural BMPs
recommended by the Natural Resources Conservation Service or the FDACS, whichever is
more stringent, as those BMPs may be amended. No agricultural activities shall occur within
a 100-foot buffer around sinkholes and other karst features that are connected to spring
conduits, except as provided in the applicable BMPs;
• Actions or activities that may reasonably be expected to adversely affect threatened or
endangered species;
• Any subdivision of the Property inconsistent with the division of land pursuant to Rule Chapter
5I-7, F.A.C., as amended;
• Commercial water wells on the Property;
• Harvesting of cypress trees in the Significant Natural Areas (SNAs);
• Mitigation banks not authorized and in compliance with Florida Statutes and Administrative
Rules, as amended or rules of applicable federal mitigation bank programs;
• Construction or conversion of SNAs to more improved areas; and
• Conversion of forested areas to non-forested areas as shown in the Baseline Documentation
Report (BDR) within the SNAs.

Owner’s Reserved Rights

• Grantor has, and shall be deemed hereby to have retained, the underlying fee simple absolute
title in the Property;
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 53
*********************************************************************************
Item 8B, cont.

• Agricultural and Related Rights. (i) the right to continued use of the Property for agricultural
purposes and uses identified in the BDR; (ii) the right to convert any property not designated
an SNA (as delineated in the BDR) to other agricultural and silviculture purposes and uses;
(iii) the right to engage in cattle grazing as set forth in the BDR, including the right to maintain,
utilize, restore, fertilize, and mow improved pasture; (iv) the right, as part of cattle operations,
to supplement the cattle using minerals and hay; (v) the right to use current technologies on
the Property, including fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides commonly used on agricultural
property in the State of Florida at such time; and (vi) the right to install, use, maintain, replace,
and repair non-commercial groundwater wells on the Property. Any and all agricultural uses
shall be conducted in accordance with BMPs and in compliance with all laws, rules, and
regulations;
• The right to conduct silvicultural operations, provided that prior to any timbering in an SNA,
Grantor shall consult with Grantee concerning reforestation methods and methods are
consistent with the perpetual protection of the SNAs;
• The right to conduct prescribed burning on the Property; provided, however, that Grantor shall
obtain and comply with a prescribed fire authorization from the FDACS’ Florida Forest
Service or its successor agency;
• The right to mortgage the Property; provided, however, that the Mortgagee’s lien shall be
inferior to and lower in priority than this Easement;
• The right to contest tax appraisals, assessments, taxes, and other charges on the Property;
• The right to continue to use, maintain, repair, and reconstruct, all existing buildings, barns,
animal pens, outbuildings, fences, roads, ponds, wells, utilities, drainage ditches, and such
other facilities on the Property as depicted in the BDR, except on SNAs;
• The right to sell, devise or otherwise transfer ownership of the Property to a third party. This
right, however, does not include the right to sell the remaining property rights on the Property
for the purposes of a rural lands protection easement or other restriction that would divest the
Property of its use under the terms and conditions of the Easement;
• The right to exclusive use of the improvements on the Property;
• Grantor shall obtain and comply with all permits for management of stormwater, water wells,
and consumptive uses as may be required by the water management district or any agency
having jurisdiction over those activities;
• The right to construct buildings or other structures incident to agricultural uses carried on in
accordance with sound agricultural practices. Grantor must first obtain the advanced written
approval of grantee before constructing buildings or other structures incident to agricultural
uses. Such buildings shall not be used as residences;
• The right to establish (by survey, fencing, or marking) and maintain property lines around the
perimeter of the Property to protect the Property from trespassing and to assist Grantor in the
management of the Property in accordance with the Easement;
• The right to observe, maintain, photograph and film, introduce and stock native fish or wildlife
on the Property, to use the Property for hiking, horseback riding, and agritourism, provided
Grantor complies with Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules, as amended. Grantor
reserves, and shall continue to own, the hunting and fishing rights on or related to the Property,
and Grantor may lease and sell privileges of such rights;
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 54
*********************************************************************************
Item 8B, cont.

• The right to install connections to normal utility systems, such as electric, cable, water and
sewer, and telephone. If a connection to a sewer system is not available, this right shall include
the right to install a septic system. The granting of easements or rights-of-way for power lines,
gas lines, sewer lines, water lines, telecommunications towers, and wind farms is prohibited,
unless approved by Grantee. Notwithstanding this prohibition, the Grantor may grant or
modify easements for utility connections necessary to serve the permitted uses of the Property
that are consistent with the Easement’s purposes. Existing utilities may be repaired at their
current location;
• Grantor reserves the right to subdivide the Property into not more than two individual parcels
of not less than approximately 2,800 acres each. There shall be no further subdivision of the
Property which is the subject of this Easement;
• Grantor reserves the right to build two residential building envelopes, up to 25,000 square feet
of impervious surface for each. Each building envelope will not exceed 10 contiguous acres and
is limited to one single family residence and ancillary structures within the Building Envelope.
Any such development may not be constructed within an SNA; and
• The right to engage in ecosystem services markets under other programs provided such action
shall be in compliance with all applicable laws, statutes, rules, and ordinances, and not contrary
to the terms of this Easement. Any such ecosystem services shall not reduce the agriculture
production are by more than 10 percent of the total agricultural production area listed on the
BDR.

Encumbrances
There are two oil, gas, and mineral reservations outstanding on the property. The Department of
Environmental Protection’s Florida Geological Survey staff has completed a desktop review of the
property and determined the likelihood of profitable mining in these areas to be low. The appraisers
considered the outstanding oil, gas, and mineral rights in their final value and determined these rights to
have no impact on the value. There are no other known encumbrances on the property that adversely
affect marketability, or the ability to enforce the rights granted under the easement.

Mortgages and Liens

All mortgages and liens will be satisfied or subordinated at the time of closing. FDACS staff will
review, evaluate, and implement an appropriate resolution for these and any other title issues that arise
prior to closing.

Closing Information
A title insurance commitment, survey, baseline documentation report, and environmental site
assessment of the property will be provided by RFLPP prior to closing.

Monitoring Agency
This perpetual rural lands protection easement will be monitored by the RFLPP.

Comprehensive Plan
This acquisition is consistent with section 187.201(22), F.S., the Agriculture Section of the State
Comprehensive Plan.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 55
*********************************************************************************
Item 8B, cont.

(Attachment 8B)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL

********************************************************************************

Item 8C 4G Ranch, LLC Option Agreement/ 4G Ranch/ FDACS/ Rural and Family
Lands Protection Program

REQUEST: Consideration of (1) an option agreement to acquire a perpetual rural lands protection
easement over approximately 1,893.03 acres within the 4G Ranch project of the Florida Department
of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Rural and Family Lands Protection Program
(RFLPP) from 4G Ranch, LLC, a Florida limited liability company; and (2) designation of FDACS/
RFLPP as the monitoring agency.

VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL: Two members, one of whom is the Governor,
when four members are voting; or any two members, when three members are voting.

APPLICANT: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Rural and Family Lands
Protection Program

COUNTY: Pasco

LOCATION: Portions of Section 31, Township 24 South, Range 19 East; and portions of
Sections 05 through 08, Township 25 South, Range 19 East, all in Pasco County

CONSIDERATION: $68,150,000 ($34,075,000 or 50 percent of the acquisition cost will be

provided by Pasco County (County) with third party enforcement rights over the easement. If
approved, this will reduce the Board of Trustees’ acquisition cost to 50 percent or $34,075,000.)
APPRAISED BY SELLER’S TRUSTEES’
String Jones APPROVED PURCHASE PURCHASE OPTION
PARCEL ACRES (06/03/25) (06/03/25) VALUE PRICE PRICE DATE
4G Ranch, 1,893.03 $63,450,000 $68,150,000 $68,150,000* $1,450,000** $68,150,000*** 120 days after
LLC (100%) BOT approval

*Fee value was determined to be $71,000,000 and $75,700,000.

**Property was purchased by the Phillips family May 14, 1993, and then transferred to 4G Ranch, LLC, November 10, 2016.
*** The total purchase price for the rural lands protection easement is $36,000 per acre.

STAFF REMARKS: This acquisition was negotiated by FDACS under its RFLPP from the 2024
approved list. If approved, this project will be the 135th perpetual easement proposed for acquisition,
with a total of approximately 222,992.88 acres preserved under the RFLPP. If approved, this will
complete the project acquisition.
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 56
*********************************************************************************
Item 8C, cont.

Project Description
This is a 1,893.03-acre cow/calf operation just north of Conner Preserve comprised of a mosaic of
pasture, non-forested wetlands, cropland, forested wetlands, and altered open lands. There are also 10
acres of coniferous plantations. The property lies adjacent to the Crossbar/Al Bar Ranch Florida
Forever project and surrounding lands are undeveloped with a similar makeup of land cover types.
Several surrounding lands are protected by conservation easements. This property contains suitable
habitat for Florida scrub-jay, a federally endangered species known to occur in the vicinity. Areas
adjacent to the west are projected to develop by 2040 in the University of Florida’s development
projections. The project site is enrolled in the FDACS Best Management Practices (BMP) program.
It is entirely located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Property Description
The property has been family-owned since 1993. The property is mainly used as a cow/calf operation.
Additionally, they have an apiary area, and they harvest hay, Palmetto berries, and wetland plants.
The property is also used for recreational hunting for deer, turkey, hogs, and birds.

4G Ranch is adjacent to the Crossbar Ranch wellfield which provides a primary source of water for
Pinellas County. The property is part of a Pasco County Beneficial Water Reuse project that provides
up to 5 million gallons of water a day into the aquifer. 4G Ranch has 88.20 acres of water reuse areas
over the property. The water reuse area is under a 25-year lease starting in 2016 with renewals at the
County’s option of up to two additional 15-year periods.

4G Ranch has approximately 1.55 miles of direct road frontage along the north side of State Road 52.
The subject property has a future land use designation of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for
approximately 2,000 units over the property and an Ecological Conservation Corridor through a
portion of the property that is designated as CON, which is part of the PUD. By placing a rural lands
protection easement over this property, it will extinguish those 2,000 units and keep the property in
agricultural use.

Partnership Agreement
RFLPP is partnering with the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners. If approved the County
will provide 50 percent or $34,075,000 of the final purchase price. The County will have third party
enforcement rights over the easement.

Prohibited Uses
• Dumping of non-biodegradable, toxic, or hazardous substances, trash garbage, wastes,
abandoned vehicles, appliances, machinery, or similar material is prohibited;
• Activities that affect the hydrology of the land or that detrimentally affect water conservation,
erosion control, soil conservation, fish and wildlife habitat, etc. The exploration for and
extraction of oil, gas, minerals, dolostone, peat, muck, marl, limestone, limerock, kaolin,
fuller’s earth, phosphate, common clays, gravel, shell, sand, and similar substances either
directly or indirectly by Grantor or on Grantor’s behalf, etc. Limited mining is allowed to
combat erosion or flooding or for limited on-farm agricultural uses;
• Planting of nuisance exotic or non-native plants as listed by the Exotic Pest Plant Council or
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 57
*********************************************************************************
Item 8C, cont.

its successor. The Grantor shall, to the extent practical, control and prevent the spread of
nuisance exotics or non-native plants on the Property;
• Concentrated animal feeding operations not in compliance with federal and state laws, rules,
and regulations, as amended;
• New construction or placing of temporary or permanent buildings, mobile homes, or other
structures in, on, or above the ground of the Property except as may be permitted hereinafter,
or as necessary by Grantor for maintenance or normal operations of the Property or during
emergency situations or as may otherwise be specifically provided for in the Easement;
• Construction or placing of roads, billboards or other advertising, utilities, or structures, except
those structures and unpaved roads necessary for the agricultural operations on the land or
structures necessary for other activities allowed under the Easement, and except for linear
facilities described in section 704.06(11), F.S. Grantee may erect and maintain signs
designating the Property as land under the protection of Grantee;
• Fertilizer use for agriculture activities shall be in accordance with agricultural BMPs
recommended by the Natural Resources Conservation Service or the FDACS, whichever is
more stringent, as those BMPs may be amended. No agricultural activities shall occur within
a 100-foot buffer around sinkholes and other karst features that are connected to spring
conduits, except as provided in the applicable BMPs;
• Actions or activities that may reasonably be expected to adversely affect threatened or
endangered species;
• Any subdivision of the Property is prohibited;
• Commercial water wells on the Property;
• Harvesting of cypress trees in the Significant Natural Areas (SNAs);
• Mitigation banks not authorized and in compliance with Florida Statutes and Administrative
Rules, as amended or rules of applicable federal mitigation bank programs;
• Construction or conversion of SNAs to more improved areas; and
• Conversion of forested areas to non-forested areas as shown in the Baseline Documentation
Report (BDR) within the SNAs.

Owner’s Reserved Rights

• Grantor has, and shall be deemed hereby to have retained, the underlying fee simple absolute
title in the Property;
• Agricultural and Related Rights. (i) the right to continued use of the Property for agricultural
purposes and uses identified in the BDR; (ii) the right to convert any property not designated
an SNA (as delineated in the BDR) to other agricultural and silviculture purposes and uses;
(iii) the right to engage in cattle grazing as set forth in the BDR, including the right to maintain,
utilize, restore, fertilize, and mow improved pasture; (iv) the right, as part of cattle operations,
to supplement the cattle using minerals and hay; (v) the right to use current technologies on
the Property, including fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides commonly used on agricultural
property in the State of Florida at such time; and (vi) the right to install, use, maintain, replace,
and repair non-commercial groundwater wells on the Property. Any and all agricultural uses
shall be conducted in accordance with BMPs and in compliance with all laws, rules, and
regulations;
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 58
*********************************************************************************
Item 8C, cont.

• The right to conduct silvicultural operations, provided that prior to any timbering in an SNA,
Grantor shall consult with Grantee concerning reforestation methods and methods are
consistent with the perpetual protection of the SNAs;
• The right to conduct prescribed burning on the Property; provided, however, that Grantor shall
obtain and comply with a prescribed fire authorization from the FDACS’ Florida Forest
Service or its successor agency;
• The right to mortgage the Property; provided, however, that the Mortgagee’s lien shall be
inferior to and lower in priority than this Easement;
• The right to contest tax appraisals, assessments, taxes, and other charges on the Property;
• The right to continue to use, maintain, repair, and reconstruct, all existing buildings, barns,
animal pens, outbuildings, fences, roads, ponds, wells, utilities, drainage ditches, and such
other facilities on the Property as depicted in the BDR, except on SNAs;
• The right to sell, devise or otherwise transfer ownership of the Property to a third party. This
right, however, does not include the right to sell the remaining property rights on the Property
for the purposes of a rural lands protection easement or other restriction that would divest the
Property of its use under the terms and conditions of the Easement;
• The right to exclusive use of the improvements on the Property;
• Grantor shall obtain and comply with all permits for management of stormwater, water wells,
and consumptive uses as may be required by the water management district or any agency
having jurisdiction over those activities;
• The right to construct buildings or other structures incident to agricultural uses carried on in
accordance with sound agricultural practices. Grantor must first obtain the advanced written
approval of grantee before constructing buildings or other structures incident to agricultural
uses. Such buildings shall not be used as residences;
• The right to establish (by survey, fencing, or marking) and maintain property lines around the
perimeter of the Property to protect the Property from trespassing and to assist Grantor in the
management of the Property in accordance with the Easement;
• The right to observe, maintain, photograph, and film, introduce and stock native fish or wildlife
on the Property, to use the Property for hiking, horseback riding, and agritourism, provided
Grantor complies with Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules, as amended. Grantor
reserves, and shall continue to own, the hunting and fishing rights, and Grantor may lease and
sell such rights;
• The right to install connections to normal utility systems, such as electric, cable, water, sewer,
and telephone. If a connection to a sewer system is not available, this right shall include the
right to install a septic system. The granting of easements or rights-of-way for power lines, gas
lines, sewer lines, water lines, telecommunications towers, and wind farms is prohibited, unless
approved by Grantee. Notwithstanding this prohibition, the Grantor may grant or modify
easements for utility connections necessary to serve the permitted uses of the Property that are
consistent with the Easement’s purposes. Existing utilities may be repaired at their current
location; and
• The right to engage in ecosystem services markets under other programs provided such action
shall be in compliance with all applicable laws, statutes, rules, and ordinances, and not contrary
to the terms of this Easement. Any such ecosystem services shall not reduce the agriculture
 Board of Trustees’ Agenda
September 30, 2025
Page | 59
*********************************************************************************
Item 8C, cont.

production are by more than 10 percent of the total agricultural production area listed on the
BDR.

Encumbrances
There are no known encumbrances on the property that adversely affect marketability, or the
ability to enforce the rights granted under the easement.

Mortgages and Liens

All mortgages and liens will be satisfied or subordinated at the time of closing. FDACS staff will
review, evaluate, and implement an appropriate resolution for these and any other title issues that arise
prior to closing.

Closing Information
A title insurance commitment, survey, baseline documentation report, and environmental site
assessment of the property will be provided by RFLPP prior to closing.

Monitoring Agency
This perpetual rural lands protection easement will be monitored by the RFLPP.

Comprehensive Plan
This acquisition is consistent with section 187.201(22), F.S., the Agriculture Section of the State
Comprehensive Plan.

(Attachment 8C)

RECOMMEND: APPROVAL

********************************************************************************
ATTACHMENT 4
10/6/25, 5:44 PM Governor Ron DeSantis and Cabinet Deed Land for the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library | Executive Office of the Governor

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EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
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RON DESANTIS FULL

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46ᵀᴴ GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA

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Home | Newsroom | Press Releases | 2025 | Governor Ron DeSantis and Cabinet Dee...

Category GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS

All AND CABINET DEED LAND
Headed By FOR THE DONALD J. TRUMP
All PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY
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September 30, 2025
Agen
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis, along with
unanimous support of the Florida Cabinet, passed an agenda item
Search
to convey a 2.63-acre parcel in Miami Dade County adjacent to the
Reset Freedom Tower for the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library.

“Having the Trump Presidential Library in Miami will be good for

Florida, for the city, and for Miami Dade College,” said Governor Ron
DeSantis. “No state has supported the President’s agenda more
than the Free State of Florida, and I was proud to spearhead the
successful effort to house this historic presidential library right here
in his home state.”
 Search
"It was an honor to vote in favor of making Florida the future home
of President Trump's Presidential Library," said Attorney General
James Uthmeier. "I look forward to the patriotic stories the Trump
Library Foundation will showcase for generations to come in the
Free State of Florida."

https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2025/governor-ron-desantis-and-cabinet-deed-land-donald-j-trump-presidential-library 1/2
10/6/25, 5:44 PM Governor Ron DeSantis and Cabinet Deed Land for the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library | Executive Office of the Governor

“As the home state of President Trump, Florida is grateful for his
immense contributions,” said Chief Financial Officer Blaise
Ingoglia. “I am proud to approve the conveyance of land next to the
historic Freedom Tower, a symbol of freedom for so many, for the
Donald J. Trump Presidential Library. President Trump’s historic
accomplishments have forever changed our country for the better,
and we look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to
learn about his legacy of patriotism. This enshrines Florida as
Trump Country.”

“Florida is President Trump’s home state, and there is no more

fitting place for his Presidential Library,” said Commissioner of
Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “I was proud to vote in support of
bringing this historic tribute to Florida, where his legacy can be
honored for generations.”

The agenda item was part of the September 30, 2025, meeting of
the state’s Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund
(Board). The Board—comprised of the Governor as Chair, the
Attorney General, the Chief Financial Officer, and the Commissioner
of Agriculture—was established in 1855 and is responsible for the
acquisition, management, protection, and disposition of state lands.

The parcel is currently utilized as an employee parking lot for Miami

Dade College’s Wolfson Campus. With the Board’s approval today,
the site will allow additional economic development opportunities
across South Florida and become the first Presidential library
established in the state, providing generations of Americans the
ability to honor the service and legacy of America’s 45th and 47th
President, Donald J. Trump.
###

###

https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2025/governor-ron-desantis-and-cabinet-deed-land-donald-j-trump-presidential-library 2/2
ATTACHMENT 5
9/30/25, 5:14 PM PUBLIC NOTICE: NOTICE OF SPECIAL BOARD MEETING DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MIAMI DADE COLLEGE | MDC News

PUBLIC NOTICE: NOTICE OF SPECIAL BOARD

MEETING DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MIAMI
DADE COLLEGE
The District Board of Trustees of Miami Dade College will hold a Special Board Meeting beginning at 8
a.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The meeting will be held at 1780 W 49th Street, Hialeah,
Florida 33012 in Conference Room 5101.

At this Special Board Meeting, the District Board of Trustees will discuss potential real estate
transactions. If a person decides to appeal any decision made at this meeting, he or she will need to
ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the testimony and evidence
upon which the appeal is to be heard.

Individuals with disabilities as defined under the American with Disabilities Act who wish to attend the
meeting and need special accommodations can request them by calling 305-237-2577 or 711 (Relay
Service) not later than 3 business days prior to the meeting.

Dated this 16th day of September 2025

Madeline Pumariega
College President

Media Contacts

Alejandro Gonzalez Lopez

Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Miami Dade College
305-237-7865
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Sue Arrowsmith
Director of Media Relations

https://news.mdc.edu/pressrelease/public-notice-notice-of-special-board-meeting-district-board-of-trustees-miami-dade-college-09302025/ 1/2
9/30/25, 5:14 PM PUBLIC NOTICE: NOTICE OF SPECIAL BOARD MEETING DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MIAMI DADE COLLEGE | MDC News

305-237-3710
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Soraya Ramirez-Galan
Media Relations Manager, Hispanic Media
305-237-7482
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Norma Ardila
Public Information Coordinator
305-237-3607
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

https://news.mdc.edu/pressrelease/public-notice-notice-of-special-board-meeting-district-board-of-trustees-miami-dade-college-09302025/ 2/2
ATTACHMENT 6
Special Board Meeting of September 23, 2025

MIAMI DADE COLLEGE

DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SPECIAL MEETING

The Meeting will be held at the

Hialeah Campus, Conference Room 5101
September 23, 2025
8:00 A.M.

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD

Michael Bileca, Chair
Roberto Alonso, Vice Chair
Mary Bosque-Blanco
Jose Felix Diaz
Marcell Felipe
Ismare Monreal
Juan Segovia

ADMINISTRATION

Madeline Pumariega, President

Malou Harrison, Executive Vice President & Provost
Maryam Laguna Borrego, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Beatriz Gonzalez, President, Wolfson Campus
Alwyn Leiba, President, Medical Campus
Oscar Loynaz, President, Padron Campus
Beverly Moore-Garcia, President, West Campus &
Interim President, Homestead Campus
Georgette Perez, President, Hialeah Campus
Bryan Stewart, President, Kendall Campus
Fermin Vazquez, President, North Campus
 CALL TO ORDER

MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

• BOARD MEMBER DISCUSSION

ACTION AGENDA

1. ACTION AGENDA

a. AUTHORIZATION TO CONVEY PROPERTY TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

OF THE INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND OF THE STATE OF
FLORIDA

ADJOURNMENT

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
As democracy’s college, Miami Dade College changes lives through accessible, high-quality
teaching and learning experiences. The College embraces its responsibility to serve as an
economic, cultural and civic leader for the advancement of our diverse global community.
ATTACHMENT 7
Government & Politics
Former Miami Dade College president calls Trump library land giveaway
‘unimaginable’

WLRN Public Media | By Joshua Ceballos,

Daniel Rivero
Published September 25, 2025 at 4:24 PM EDT

R.J. Heisenbottle Architects

The Miami Dade College-owned Freedom Tower, directly next to the proposed site for a Trump presidential library and
hotel.

As the state of Florida prepares to hand over more than $67 million worth of downtown
Miami real estate to President Donald Trump for a future presidential library and hotel,
former Miami Dade College President Eduardo J. Padrón calls the move “unimaginable”
and a loss for Miami’s future.
Padrón, president emeritus of Miami Dade College and the namesake for one of its
campuses, said the land that’s been transferred to the state was meant for an expansion of
the college’s Wolfson campus to accommodate its growing student population.

“It’s very difficult to understand this because the public has not had a chance to even have
a say on this,” Padrón told WLRN. “Its just frankly unimaginable that this decision was
made without any real discussion of the consequences of what that will do to the college.”

READ MORE: DeSantis proposes land for Trump presidential library in downtown Miami

Miami Dade College’s Board of Trustees voted this week to transfer a downtown lot next to
Miami’s iconic Freedom Tower to the state — in a special meeting with an advance
notice that merely noted trustees would discuss: “potential real estate transactions.”

Trustee Roberto Alonso said the board received a request from Gov. Ron DeSantis' office
on Tuesday, Sept. 16 asking the college to convey the property to the state, without any
additional detail.

"The State, through the Governor's office made request for us to convey it so that it can be
used for the good of the public," Alonso told WLRN.

The very same day as the trustees vote, Republican Gov. DeSantis announced that the
Florida Cabinet would vote on gifting the plot of land for the future Trump Presidential
Library.

NBC News reported that the president and his family hope to turn the site into a library with
an attached hotel — the first presidential library to become a hotel development.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier wrote on social media platform X that on Sept.
30, the state cabinet would vote on gifting the land to the Presidential Library Foundation.

“The parcel is currently utilized as an employee parking lot for Miami-Dade College’s
Wolfson Campus,” DeSantis said in a statement. “If approved by the Board, the site would
provide additional economic development opportunities across South Florida and become
the first Presidential library established in the state, providing generations of Americans
the ability to honor the service and legacy of America’s 45th and 47th President, Donald J.
Trump.”

Uthmeier and Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia each have posted online that
they look forward to gifting the plot of land to Trump. Each was appointed to their positions
by DeSantis after former Attorney General Ashley Moody was appointed to the U.S. Senate,
and former CFO Jimmy Patronis was elected to Congress.
“I’m REALLY looking forward to this being one of my first votes as a cabinet member,”
Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia wrote on X, just after the Board of Trustees vote.

Padrón, who served as Miami Dade college president from 1995 to 2019, said he was
traveling when he heard the news of the college's land transfer to the state. He wasn't
aware that ceding the land was even on the table, and it came as a surprise.

"I was in New York when I heard the news and I had no idea. It's very hard to understand,"
he said.

The downtown Miami land

The parcel of land the college gave up is currently a parking lot used by downtown visitors
and staff. It sits in a prime location on Biscayne Boulevard, the main thoroughfare of the
city center.

The lot lies across from the Kaseya Center, a major venue for Miami Heat basketball games
and large music concerts. On the other side of the street sits the iconic Freedom Tower,
where hundreds of thousands of Cuban refugees were processed in the 1960s, a property
owned by the college.

Days before the Board of Trustees vote, Miami Dade College unveiled the renovated
building.

Numerous downtown attractions like Bayfront Park, Bayside Marketplace, the Perez Art
Museum and the Frost Science Museum are within walking distance, making it one of the
few undeveloped tracts of land in the city center.

The college purchased the land in 2004 under Padrón's leadership.

 Eduardo J. Padrón
/
Via Facebook
Eduardo J. Padrón, president emeritus of Miami Dade College

Padrón told the Miami Herald at the time that the purchase was necessary to expand the
college.

“We’re facing a huge problem downtown,” he said in 2004. “We are landlocked, basically.
Part of the problem is that downtown is the hot place, and there no longer is any land left.”

The college bought the land for $24.8 million. Today, the Miami-Dade County Property
Appraiser estimates the market value of the complete parcel at more than $67 million. But
the true market value of the property is not known without putting it up for sale and
subjecting it to bids.

“It’s worse now," Padrón told WLRN Thursday, referring to Miami’s real estate market in
downtown. “There was a lot of sacrifice in order to gain that piece of land for the expansion
of the college, and there’s a lot of history to it.”

The former president, who currently holds no position with the college, said there had been
plans to develop the lot into a conference center so the college would no longer have to
rent conference space. Another idea was to build something for New World School of the
Arts, a Miami Dade College partner. He added that it doesn’t matter to him who the land is
named after, he merely laments that it won’t be used to accommodate the college.

Alonso argued the college did not have a masterplan for the space that he has seen, and
there is no need to expand Wolfson campus beyond its current footprint. Plus, he said, a
presidential library will benefit the college as a place of learning and an economic engine.

"The college and our community have so much to gain from a presidential library," Alonso
said. "This is going to complete that cultural center for downtown Miami that it was
lacking."

Padrón said he hopes the public will scrutinize the deal before the Florida Cabinet votes to
potentially give away the land next week, because of the lot’s significance to the college’s
history.

“It will be a very sad day for me and for the former trustees who worked very hard to get this
accomplished,” he said.

Miami Dade College’s Wolfson campus saw 19,500 students enroll in the fall of 2003
around the time the college purchased the lot next to the Freedom Tower. Today, more
than 27,000 students are enrolled at Wolfson. A total of nearly 59,000 people are enrolled
as Miami Dade College students as of 2024 across eight campuses and via online
programs.
ATTACHMENT 8
Government & Politics

South Florida community leader calls for

investigation of land transfer for future
Trump library
WLRN Public Media | By Anthony Cruz
Published October 1, 2025 at 6:34 PM EDT

Diego Perdomo
/
WLRN
Community leader Dr. Marvin Dunn speaks to press at a protest outside of the
Freedom Tower in downtown Miami Sept. 29, 2025.

A South Florida activist said Wednesday he wants the Miami-Dade State

Attorney’s Office to launch an investigation into the recent transfer of valuable
downtown Miami land — that was owned by Miami Dade College — to the
state for construction of a future Donald Trump presidential library and a hotel.
In a formal complaint, Dr. Marvin Dunn, a prominent local historian leading
public opposition to the land transfer, accused the MDC’s Board of Trustees
with a “blatant violation of Florida’s Sunshine Law” by failing to disclose its
plans without notifying the public.

In his letter to Miami Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Dunn
is urging her “to investigate this matter immediately… and to take swift action
to safeguard the rights of the public against unlawful and clandestine transfers
of public land.”

Dunn is also exploring further legal action. He told WLRN that he may file a
class-action lawsuit against Miami Dade College and top state officials to
prevent the land transfer.

Dunn has been leading the way in advocating against the land transfer,
holding a protest on Monday on the lot neighboring the iconic Freedom Tower,
which has been a site of recent protests against Trump's crackdown on
undocumented immigrants.

“The thing about this that really hurts me and outrages me is that they’re
taking land from our kids and giving it to someone for commercial, economic
development,” said Dunn. “Taking land from our kids, that hurts me. And I
think it hurts Miami-Dade County.”

READ MORE: Activists protest, threaten legal action to halt land transfer for
Trump Presidential Library

Miami Dade College originally purchased the land in 2004 for $24.8 million.

Miami Dade College’s Board of Trustees voted Sept. 23 to transfer the

downtown lot next to Miami’s iconic Freedom Tower to the state — in a
special meeting with an advance notice that merely noted trustees would
discuss: “potential real estate transactions.”

Trustee Roberto Alonso said the board received a request from Gov. Ron
DeSantis' office on Tuesday, Sept. 16, asking the college to convey the
property to the state, without any additional detail.

"The State, through the Governor's office, made the request for us to convey it
so that it can be used for the good of the public," Alonso told WLRN.
The very same day as the trustees voted, DeSantis announced that the
Florida Cabinet would vote on gifting the plot of land for the future Trump
Presidential Library.

DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet top Florida officials voted Tuesday to give
the parcel appraised at more than $66 million to the foundation that's planning
the president's post-administration archives, arguing that the property owned
by the state-run Miami Dade College would provide a "greater benefit to the
public" and "increase economic development activities" as Trump's library.

The property is flanked by glitzy condos in an iconic stretch of palm tree-lined

Biscayne Boulevard, overlooking the waterfront park and across the street
from the basketball arena that's home to the Miami Heat. Miami Dade College
has used it as an employee parking lot.

Under the state constitution, the gifting of certain state properties requires
approval by a collective decision-making body composed of the attorney
general, the chief financial officer and the commissioner of agriculture as well
as the governor.

Tuesday's conveyance gives the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library

Foundation, Inc., control over a developer's dream property. The foundation is
led by three trustees: Eric Trump, Tiffany Trump's husband Michael Boulos,
and Trump attorney James Kiley.

The site is adjacent to Freedom Tower, the historic Spanish Revival building
that housed one of Miami's first newspapers before serving as a resource
center for hundreds of thousands of Cubans who fled communism and sought
asylum in the United States.

Now operated as a museum by the college, it's considered a symbol of the

city's vibrant immigrant heritage.

Said Dunn: “It's not a Trump thing. No president should be given this land…
We need to respect that history.”

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

ATTACHMENT 9
 MIAMI HERALD O PINIO N OP-ED

Stop the political hijacking of Miami-Dade’s future for a presidential library | Opinion

Miguel “Mike” B. Fernandez

9/27/2025

The governor of Florida has earned a reputation for advancing policies that not only are anti-immigrant
in spirit, but deeply damaging in practice, and especially to the very communities that form the
backbone of Florida’s largest cities. Nowhere is this more evident than in Miami-Dade County, the most
populous in the state, where more than two-thirds of people who live here were born in another country.

Earlier this year, the governor championed legislation that drastically raised tuition for thousands of
undocumented students — young people who were brought to this country by their parents in search of
a better life. This was a direct assault on the future of our youth, many of whom are striving to succeed
despite immense challenges. Unfortunately, the governor’s campaign against immigrants and their
children did not end there.

Just days ago, Tallahassee announced plans to take control of a critically important parcel of land in
downtown Miami, land secured years ago by Miami Dade College to serve its growing student body.
Now, Gov. Ron DeSantis and his allies want to transform this valuable public asset into the future site of
the Trump Presidential Library.

This is not just a land dispute. It’s a direct theft of educational opportunity for political gain.

This land sits adjacent to Miami Dade College and the historic Freedom Tower — two symbols of
opportunity and the immigrant story in America. To wedge between them a monument to a president
known for his disdain toward immigrants is not only tone-deaf, but also insulting to our community and
everything it stands for.

Miami Dade College has long served as the launching pad for hundreds of thousands of students, many
of them first-generation Americans. Stripping MDC of this property, worth tens of millions of dollars,
deprives future students of the classrooms, resources and programs that this land was meant to
support.

We, as a community, must ask: What public benefit will come from turning over land meant for
education into a political shrine? What will students gain? Who profits, and at what cost?

It is our responsibility, especially those among us who have benefited from a Miami Dade College
education, to speak out. This land was never the governor’s to give away. It belongs to the people. It
belongs to the students. It belongs to the future.

We should not stay silent. Rather, we should resist this political hijacking of our community’s future.

Miguel “Mike” B. Fernandez is the CEO of MBF Healthcare Partners in Coral Gables. He is a Cuban-
American community activist and philanthropist.
 E Iru THT CIRCUIT coURT oF THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MIAMI-DADE coUNTY, FLoRIDA.
E Iru TnT coUNTY coURT IN AND FoR MIAMI-DADE CoUNTY, FLORIDA.

DIVISION
E CIVIL CASE NUMBER
E DrsTRrcTS CIVIL COVER SHEET
! FAMILY
JUDGE
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PLAINTIFF VS. DEFENDANT CLOCK IN

Miami Dade College, District Board of Trustees of
Miami Dade College, Michael Bileca, Roberto Alonso,
Dr. Marvin Dunn Maria Bosque Blanco, Marcell Felipe, lsmare Monreal,
and Juan Segovia, in their Capacity as Members of the
District Board of Trustees of Miami Dade College

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