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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final December 9, 2025 G. Office of Management and Budget H. Parks, Recreation, and Conservation 13.H.1. 25-1111 Consideration of a Sale Agreement for the Purchase of the 15.47 -acre Osprey Estates site through the Environmental Lands Acquisition Bond Attachments: Attachment 1 Osprey Estates Assessment.pdf Attachment 2 Osprey Estates Appraisals.pdf Attachment 3 Osprey Estates Purchase Sale Agreement.pdf Attachment 4 ELAP Notice of Intent 10-22-25 Osprey Estates.pdf Parks, Recreation & Conservation Assistant Director Wendy Swindell proposed a Sale Agreement for the purchase of the 15.47 -acre Osprey Estates site through the Environmental Lands Acquisition Bond. This Tier 1 property consisted of three parcels near the Indian River Lagoon, primarily wetlands that had been linked to a mosquito impoundment. If acquired, the site would be used for environmental conservation and passive recreation, including plans for native upland restoration and enhanced mangrove wetlands. This acquisition aligned with the Bond Resolution and offered benefits such as preventing development near sensitive habitats, creating wildlife habitats, improving water quality, and ensuring habitat resilience against environmental changes. Chairman Lear noted that in November 2022, voters in Indian River County approved an Environmental Land Bond, marking it as the third of its kind in the County's history. He pointed out that this clearly reflected an essential aspect of the County's growth management, and the community was truly grateful for it. Commissioner Earman emphasized the property's high value, driven by its prime location and development potential. He believed the asking price was reasonable given the market trends and highlighted its appeal due to proximity to Vero Beach and Sebastian. Commissioner Earman saw exciting opportunities for making the area a desirable destination, despite the need for bridges and walkways, and fully supported the initiative. Deputy County Administrator Mike Zito underscored that this was an excellent opportunity to integrate the new acquisition with the development of a park. Staff have explored various resources to design and enhance the nearby 40th Street Gifford Dock. Importantly, they attended meetings with the Gifford Progressive League to encourage community input on what residents wanted to see at the park. He noted that staff aimed to balance these suggestions with what the County could afford to build, in conjunction with the City of Vero Beach's ongoing Indian River County, Florida Page 18