City Of Dunedin, Pinellas County, Close To Acquiring The Gladys Douglas Hackworth Preserve

Dunedin FL

13 January, 2021

10:36 AM

Description

From the City of Dunedin: January 13, 2021 The City of Dunedin and Pinellas County are close to acquiring the rare and undeveloped Gladys Douglas Hackworth property. Both local governments agreed that the land should be acquired for environmental preservation and "passive recreation." The land was originally under contract with a real estate developer, but when the deal fell through, the City and County moved in with an $8 million offer ($5.5M from City & County, and $2.5M from a private donor) along with plans to keep the area as a passive public park. However, the Gladys Douglas Hackworth estate countered with a $10 million asking price and provided additional time to raise funds through a community campaign. Thus far, Pinellas County, the City of Dunedin, and a private donor have committed a total of $7.5M. With additional community funding, we are close to closing the gap for purchase. We are confident the County and our dedicated residents of Dunedin will attract more donations to fill the $2 million gap. You can donate by texting SavetheGDP to 71441 or online here. MORE INFORMATION: Philanthropist Gladys Douglas dreamed of preserving her property in its natural state. Douglas' critically endangered scrub habitat is the largest undeveloped sandy ecosystem remaining in North Pinellas County. The city of Dunedin and Pinellas County have 90 days to make an offer on the property (January 18, 2021). Donate and Sign the petition for Pinellas County to purchase the Douglas property. *11/17 UPDATE Download the Flyer Read More... This press release was produced by the City of Dunedin. The views expressed here are the author's own.