In their 22-year history, Big Waters Land Trust has protected over 20,000 acres from South Tampa Bay to the Everglades. In Sarasota County, the land trust has saved over 9,000 acres with Sarasota County’s Land Acquisition Program. Longino Ranch represents over half of those acres. The Ranch is an integral part of the Florida Wildlife Corridor and the Myakka Island of conserved properties.

Longino Ranch is one of the most significant conservation projects in the county. Conserving it protects working lands, wildlife corridors, and thousands of acres of important habitat that also hold rainwater, preventing North Port from flooding. It also ensures that North Port has clean drinking water by not obstructing the flow of rainwater into the RV Griffin reservoir and the Myakkahatchee Creek.

Longino Ranch was conserved as part of a larger effort to create a continuous corridor of natural land, stretching from Arcadia to Sarasota, from the Peace River to the Myakka River. Working closely with the Longino family, Big Waters Land Trust helped establish conservation protections that safeguard the ranch’s beauty, cultural and historical significance, while honoring its rich ranching heritage.

“We are thrilled to bring Feast Upon the Fields to Longino Ranch,” comments Christine P. Johnson, president of Big Waters Land Trust. “Big Waters first worked with the Longino family in 2009 to conserve almost 4,000 acres of the ranch when we were Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP) acquisition agent. Then in 2024 at the family’s request, we helped them protect another 655 acres. We were honored to work with the family and Sarasota County both times to ensure this significant property continues to produce our food, safeguard our water, and provide a place for nature to thrive.”

Big Waters Land Trust served as Sarasota County’s ESLPP acquisition agent from 2006 to 2012. During that time, Big Waters’ land conservation expertise helped the County conserve iconic natural properties like the Longino and Walton Ranches and Old Miakka Preserve. In November 2026, Sarasota County voters will again be asked if they want to continue the important ESLP program. 

Experience this stunning landscape firsthand and enjoy a one-of-a-kind menu from Chef Paul Mattison at the tenth annual Feast Upon the Fields. Event proceeds support Big Waters’ vital mission to protect the land and water for the benefit of people and nature. Tickets and sponsorships are available now and going fast. Learn more and secure your seat at bigwaterslandtrust.org/feast26.

About Big Waters Land Trust

Big Waters protects land and water for the benefit of people and nature. Through strategic collaborations with individuals, groups, organizations, and government, they work to ensure all people have access to clean water, fresh air, nutritious food, abundant wildlife, beautiful natural areas to enjoy, and all the other physical and mental benefits nature provides. Their vital work strengthens the region’s resiliency to storms and floods, enriches lives, and helps safeguard our community for generations to come. Learn more at bigwaterslandtrust.org.

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The 20-acre site sits along the Myakka River, adjacent to Snook Haven Park and near Sleeping Turtles Preserve South. About six acres include mesic hammock and riverine habitat with native vegetation such as oaks, southern red cedar, cabbage palm, beautyberry and wild coffee. The property had operated as a campground for 40 years.

Plans call for reopening it as a riverfront campground with improved utilities, better accessibility, and new connections to Snook Haven Park and other nearby preserves.

Funding for the acquisition came through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program and the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program. Both voter-approved, taxpayer-funded initiatives were created to protect natural lands and parklands under Sarasota County’s Land Acquisition and Management Program. This marks the first joint purchase between the two programs.

“This acquisition highlights the county’s ongoing commitment to preserving diverse ecosystems and continuing the legacy of conservation for our community. It’s especially meaningful to reach this milestone during the 25th anniversary year of the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program,” said Nicole Rissler, director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources.

Since 2000, more than 42,000 acres have been protected through the program, including 32 environmentally sensitive areas. The lands provide habitat for native and threatened species such as gopher tortoises, Florida scrub-jays, bald eagles, manatees and a variety of native plants.

Residents are invited to celebrate the milestone at Sarasota County’s Environmental Lands Celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 15 at Deer Prairie Creek Preserve (South Entrance), 10201 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice.

More information is available at SarasotaCountyParks.com/LandAcquisitions

The post Sarasota County marks 100th land acquisition through conservation program appeared first on Englewood Review.

These management regions cover all of Florida and the inland waters within their boundaries. The regulations are part of the commission’s holistic approach to managing one of Florida’s most popular inshore fisheries. Using seven metrics, the agency evaluates the fishery by region and adjusts management to reflect local conditions.

Charlotte Harbor region

• Open season: March 1 through April 30 and October 1 through November 30
• Closed season: December 1 through the end of February and May 1 through September 30
• Bag limit: One fish per person per day
• Slot limit: 28–33 inches total length
• Boundaries: Extends from 27°04.727’ north latitude near Venice Municipal Airport south to 26°15.227’ north latitude near Vanderbilt Beach Road in Collier County. Includes the Caloosahatchee, Myakka and Peace rivers and their tributaries. Excludes Lake Okeechobee.

Southwest region

• Open season: March 1 through April 30 and October 1 through November 30
• Closed season: December 1 through the end of February and May 1 through September 30
• Bag limit: One fish per person per day
• Slot limit: 28–33 inches total length
• Boundaries: Extends from 26°15.227’ north latitude near Vanderbilt Beach Road in Collier County through the Florida Keys to the Monroe/Miami-Dade county line. Includes all waters of Everglades National Park.

For more information on recreational snook regulations and annual reviews of management metrics, visit MyFWC.com/Snook

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