Charlotte waterfront tract sells for $20.6 million

A Charlotte County-based conservation group has acquired a waterfront tract in the Placida area for $20.6 million, one of the largest land deals in the county in the past decade.

The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association bought the 31-acre property, at 14041 Gasparilla Road, for use as a wildlife and marine refuge, officials from the group say.

With its Jan. 29 purchase, the association plans to raze a series of buildings on the property, including about 70,000 square feet of office and industrial structures and a hotel, by next January. The tract also includes 183 wet boat slips and 235 dry boat slips, according to marketing materials compiled for the sale.