Seminole County Eyes Florida Forever Protection for 670 Acre Ranch

The Acquisition and Restoration Council met December 12 to rank and prioritize conservation projects for state funding, and among the properties discussed was Hi Oaks Ranch, a privately owned parcel of nearly 670 acres near Chuluota that abuts the Econlockhatchee River. Seminole County officials identified the site as one of the largest remaining undeveloped private properties in the county, and they urged consideration on grounds that acquisition would expand public recreation access and advance regional habitat connectivity.

Public hearings presented detailed information about wildlife observed on the property, including gopher tortoises, sandhill cranes, and alligators, and highlighted how the parcel could link to existing protected lands. County leaders signaled interest in leveraging the Seminole Forever land acquisition program to participate in a potential purchase, noting that preserving the ranch could fill a gap in the Florida Wildlife Corridor and strengthen long term conservation outcomes across multiple jurisdictions.

The council's ranking process is a key step in which opportunity area acquisitions and other proposals are evaluated for inclusion in the state funding pipeline. Prioritization by the council influences which projects are eligible for Florida Forever dollars, and it shapes the order in which acquisition offers may be pursued. For Seminole County, success in securing a high ranking would increase the chance of state assistance to acquire the property or to partner with the county in a joint purchase.

Local impacts of preserving Hi Oaks Ranch would include expanded public access for outdoor recreation, protection of riverine and upland habitats that support state and federally protected species, and maintenance of ecological corridors that contribute to flood resilience and biodiversity. For residents, the decision will affect future land use along a rapidly developing corridor east of Chuluota and could set the tone for subsequent conservation priorities in the county.

Next steps include the council finalizing its prioritized list and state decision makers allocating Florida Forever funding based on those recommendations. Seminole County officials and residents who want to follow developments should monitor subsequent council actions and county Seminole Forever discussions as the funding process moves forward.