SARASOTA COUNTY – Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources has acquired property formerly owned by the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND). This is part of the county’s ongoing commitment to environmental preservation and parkland acquisition under the Land Acquisition and Management Program (LAMP). The closing date was Dec. 10, 2025.
Located on South Tamiami Trail on Venice Island, the 3.59-acre property overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway. It has functioned as part of the Venetian Waterway Trail where residents can bike and walk on a paved trail. The property contains 1.52 acres of remnant coastal hammock habitat and 2.15 acres of freshwater wetland. Protecting these habitats helps provide safe spaces for many threatened and native species such as gopher tortoises.
“This acquisition strengthens the continuity and long-term vision of the Venetian Waterway Trail. By acquiring this property, we’re able to enhance the trail experience, improve connectivity and ensure safe, accessible recreation for everyone,” said Nicole Rissler, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources.
The funding for this acquisition was provided through the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program (NPP). NPP is a voter-approved, taxpayer-funded program established to acquire and protect natural lands and parklands under the Sarasota County Land Acquisition and Management Program.
For more information on the Sarasota County Land Acquisition and Management Program, visit bit.ly/landacquisitions.
