TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — The efforts to preserve a plot of land containing vulnerable plants and animals may work out after more than four years.
The West Klosterman Preservation Group (WKPG) said they believe they have the $1.5 million secured to save 14 acres of land from development.
"We want to preserve this so that people really do enjoy living here and so that people who do come here have a quality of life that's worth keeping," Tex Carter, president of WKPG said.
The total amount of money needed to save the preserve equals $3 million.
Last year, the county approved a $1.5 million matching grant. The goal is to purchase the land from its owner Pinellas County Schools.
Earlier in the fall, the deadline to raise the money was extended.
This past November, a sales agreement was finalized between the county and the schools, the group stated.
"It's the best Christmas present to be able to see this come to fruition," wife Kay Carter and WKPG chief operating officer said.
It's an effort that has taken support from the community.
At least 2,000 people have already given money or given time to make the vision come to fruition. Green ribbons placed on the fences of the preserve represent money that's been donated for the preservation efforts.
Kay Carter said their goal wasn't just for the citizens demanding to keep this grassy, green sanctuary, but for the benefit of everyone involved including the county and the schools.
"When they saw the enthusiasm from the people and they also saw the value that the people saw in having this preserve next to the Mariner's Point Management Area Preserve, and having that together, that's really made a difference in the county," Tex Carter said.
The Carters felt it was the right thing to do seeing how much land has been developed over the years in Florida. In addition, they felt it was important to help the plants and animals that call the preserve home, some of which are considered vulnerable and endangered.
"It's so important to maintain these, what we call little slices of paradise," Kay Carter said.
The group must have the pledged donations ready by the Dec. 10 deadline. A final closing date is slated for April 2025.
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