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In response to Commissioner O'Bryan's query, Community Development Director <br />Robert Keating affirmed that the County has no prohibition against removing historic structures, <br />and he felt that it would be a challenge to develop the property as a separate tract. <br />The Chairman opened the public hearing. <br />Diane Bickhart, oldest niece of Mr. and Mrs. Jones, gave a brief history of the <br />homestead and told what it had meant to her and her family throughout the years. She reviewed <br />the acquisition costs for the property and asked that it be preserved as "a reminder of how things <br />used to be." She disclosed that if the County did not purchase the land for historic preservation, it <br />would go on the market for $10 to $12 million; however, her family preferred the land be <br />preserved as a part of Florida's history. <br />Nancy Beale urged the Board to purchase the Jones's property so future generations <br />could experience the joy of "this unique piece of history." <br />Gregory Garcia pointed out that the "entire" property is a historical site and had <br />been in one family for 119 years. He clarified that Mr. and Mrs. Jones did not want the property <br />divided. He described the wildlife and trees on the property and felt it was important to preserve <br />these for future generations. <br />Christine Flagler, neighbor, read the letter that she had written for the Press <br />Journal, and urged the Board to vote in support of the hammock restoration project. <br />Tom Hughes wanted the property to be protected for future generations. <br />21 <br />March 4, 2008 <br />