Written by: Julie Murphy, PIO, MPIO
Public Affairs Specialist
PIO | Publications
Flagler County, through its Environmentally Sensitive Lands Program, purchased 19.5 acres of conservation easement for $3.25 million adjacent to the Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) and just south of the River-to-Sea Preserve. It is part of the Flagler County Blueway project – considered essential – and constitutes one of the last remaining large tracts of undeveloped land along State Road A1A.
“This has been a long time coming and it has taken a lot of hard work to get us to this closing,” said Interim County Manager Adam Mengel. “This is a big win for Flagler County.”
The Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase in June.
The recorded conservation easement prohibits all construction except for three homesites – slightly over one acre each – for use by the owner’s family.
A report generated by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) in February 2025 which tracks only “rare species and natural communities” indicates the area has beach dune and maritime hammock. It also has “likely elements found” to include the following: Florida scrub-jay, coastal strand, coastal vervain, wood storks, and scrub.
The conservation easement will ensure that most of the project area remains in natural condition. It will not require additional management or resources from the county.
