Sarasota County spends $2M on conservation of 18.9 acres

Sarasota County will spend $1.99 million for conservation of more than 18.9 acres after recent approvals by the county commissioners. 

Commissioners authorized the acquisition of property in Venice that may be used for nature trails and it also approved of the acquisition of a conservation easement at a site near Sarasota Square Mall to protect habitats, wildlife and native vegetation. Both sites are in areas that have been prioritized for environmental protection and are proximate to other nature preserves.

For $950,000, Sarasota County will acquire 5 acres at 3955 E. Venice Ave. in Venice that may be turned into nature trails with a picnic area and parking lot, according to documents from the county. The site could also potentially be connected with Sleeping Turtles Preserve South and Snook Haven, both of which are nearby, as well as lands to the south.