The St. Augustine City Commission voted unanimously Jan. 27 to approve three property acquisitions under the city’s land conservation program.

Assistant City Manager Reuben Franklin told commissioners the commission had negotiated each sale at the appraised value. The larger Van Dyke parcel on May Street (described in staff materials as roughly 1.11 acres adjacent to Hospital Creek) would be purchased at the appraised value of $1,140,000. Two additional conservation purchases approved that evening were an 11.39-acre Avery Street property and a 4.56-acre parcel in the Fullerwood neighborhood commonly called the “100 Acre Marsh,” the latter appraised at $600,000.

Franklin summarized city funding: the conservation program held $677,562 and the city had $3,000,000 in general fund unrestricted reserves. Purchasing all three properties would draw conservation program funds and reduce unrestricted reserves; staff presented options showing the city would retain an unrestricted balance of roughly $757,562 if all three purchases were completed.

Public commenters from the Fullerwood and surrounding neighborhoods urged the commission to approve acquisition of the 100 Acre Marsh to preserve flood mitigation and habitat. Resident Ruby Raley told commissioners, “we care about the 100 acre marsh … we feel that any hard surfaces added to this area are gonna exacerbate flooding. There are elderly people who cannot afford to raise their houses … it's going to change so much.” Tawny Kern, a neighbor, said, “please keep it natural if this goes through because we need some wild spaces,” and noted local flooding concerns.

Other residents emphasized wildlife, neighborhood drainage, and the previous owner’s wish for conservation. Charles Pappas said the marsh “is one of the last relatively large open spaces in the neighborhood where water can be absorbed as the tide recedes” and called acquisition “a low risk, high reward proposition.”

Bill Curtis, an attorney representing Kevin and Marcy Van Dyke, attended to answer questions about that sale. Franklin said each owner was willing to sell at the appraised value and that appraisals had been completed for all three properties. Commissioners discussed budget and reserve levels before voting.

Commissioners noted the conservation program’s popularity and thanked neighborhood advocates and staff. Mayor Nancy Sykes Klein and other commissioners praised citizens and staff for their outreach and work negotiating appraisals.

Actions taken: The commission passed Resolution 2025-02 (Van Dyke purchase), Resolution 2025-04 (Avery Street purchase) and Resolution 2025-05 (100 Acre Marsh purchase) by unanimous roll-call votes. The clerk recorded affirmative votes from Mayor Nancy Sykes Klein, Commissioners John De Prater, Cynthia Garris, Jim Springfield and Vice Mayor Barbara Blonder.

Next steps: Staff said it will coordinate with owners on closing steps, prepare conceptual management plans (removal or retention of noncontributing structures was discussed) and brief neighborhoods on the proposed uses and management of each acquired parcel.