Sarasota County acquires park-adjacent parcel for $750K

Sarasota County recently completed a $750,000 property purchase officials say will allow for the expansion of a county park in Englewood and provide waterfront access to Lemon Bay.

The sale of 200 Winson Ave. closed Dec. 18, 2025, enabling the county to add the 0.48-acre site to Indian Mound Park. The seller was Anne G. Hammond, according to Sarasota County property records.

A single-family home on the premises will be demolished to create park and water access, according to a proposal county staff provided to commissioners in May, which says the house and dock on the site were severely damaged by hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The property contains 105 feet of shoreline and opportunities for fishing, birdwatching and sightseeing, according to a statement. Cabbage palms and mangroves are on the site, which has direct water access to Lemon Bay. It is adjacent to Indian Mound Park, which is at 210 Winson Ave., and the deal will enable the county to expand the park’s footprint.

Following the acquisition, a concept plan must be developed for the combined sites. County officials say improvements could include parking, picnic shelter(s) and water access.

“Adding this waterfront parcel to Indian Mound Park expands public access to the water and creates new opportunities for recreation,” Sarasota County Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Nicole Rissler says in a statement. “It’s a meaningful investment in a waterfront park that will serve both today’s residents and future generations.”

Funding for the acquisition came through the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program, which is a voter-approved, taxpayer-funded initiative under the Sarasota County Land Acquisition and Management Program.