LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Lake County Public Lands and Trails Acquisition Advisory Committee voted to forward three properties, including Wilson Island in Groveland, to the Board of County Commissioners to consider authorizing property appraisals.
The advisory committee was formed following voter approval of a $50 million bond referendum in November 2024 to preserve local natural areas and water resources. Four other properties are already undergoing appraisals as part of the county’s land acquisition program.
Wilson Island is a 177-acre property currently listed for $18 million. The property owner delayed a potential sale to allow local officials extra time to explore conservation options.
The City of Groveland previously approved a development plan for the property that allows for the construction of 181 homes and 85,592 square feet of commercial space. If the county acquires the land, the property could serve as a community park with options for trails, kayaking, and fishing.
The site features natural resources, including wetlands, floodplain areas, and groundwater recharge areas. More than two dozen residents and representatives from the City of Groveland spoke in favor of conserving the property during the committee meeting.
Each property submitted to the land acquisition program goes through a multi-step review process. This process includes property appraisals, committee evaluations, and final approval by the Board of County Commissioners prior to any sale.
Once the appraisals are complete, the three properties will return to the advisory committee for additional review. The committee will then determine which properties to recommend to the Board of County Commissioners for final purchase consideration.
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