Lee County signals interest in Edison Farms
Lee County's renewed interest in purchasing 4,000 acres for conservation has gained the support of south Lee County officials.
On Tuesday, Lee County announced that county commissioners unanimously voted to obtain three appraisals of the southeast Lee County property, known as Edison Farms, for consideration as a Conservation 20/20 site.
Conservation 20/20 is Lee County's taxpayer-funded program for acquiring and maintaining preserve land.
Land Solutions CEO Randy Thibaut — who represents Edison Farms exclusively for the owner, Investors Warranty of America — put out a call for offers on the south Lee property earlier this month.
“Acquiring it for preservation has been a topic of conversation ever since I was appointed a commissioner in 2014,” Commissioner Brian Hamman told the Fort Myers News-Press. “I think this might be one of the best opportunities we have to purchase it.”
The property north of Bonita Springs and east of Estero is largely undeveloped and prime real estate for preservation, Estero Mayor Nick Batos said.
“This is an almost untouched piece of land," Batos said. “It is enormously important."