State considers $15 million land purchase from area citrus company

FORT MYERS — Alico, one of the largest citrus producers in the country, closed out 2020 with a land deal under the Florida Forever program worth nearly $15 million.

The agreement, according to a statement, grants Florida the option to purchase about 5,804 acres of Alico Ranch for $14.6 million. If Florida officials exercise the option, closing would be in the third quarter of Alico’s 2021 fiscal year, say company officials in the statement. Over the last two years, Alico has sold some 16,000 acres to Florida for permanent protection under the Florida Forever program. The company also sold 10,702 acres, on the west side of Alico Ranch, to the state under the land-protection program in September.