Conservation fans will be relieved to hear that developer Pulte Homes backed out of their contract to develop the Gladys Douglas Preserve, forty-four acres of precious Pinellas County habitat. This is a short term success for conservation, however, we must continue to keep close watch on the City of Dunedin and Pinellas County to secure the appropriate conservation and preservation of our native plant communities on these lands.
The City of Dunedin and Pinellas County have until January 18, 2021 to make an offer on the property. 
The attorney representing the Douglas Estate has made it known that after this time, he is obligated to find another willing buyer. So far, Dunedin has dedicated $2 million to the preserve, but this is still well under the appraisals of the land and more funding is needed. Our Chapter is coordinating with Sierra Club Suncoast Chapter to advocate to local decision-makers in the City and County to preserve and fund this treasured property. We are also exploring other sources of funding.
Your voice is important! Write your County Commissioners to tell them you want them to #SaveTheGDP (Gladys Douglas Preserve/Park/Property) AND increase the County's land conservation budget. http://www.
For more information, check out this great editorial in the Tampa Bay Times: https://www.tampabay.
Also see this article from the Tampa Bay Times:
https://www.tampabay.com/news/
On November 23, 2020 In Conservation
