Wakulla residents and environmental advocates recently showed up to a county commission meeting with one goal in mind—stop the county commission from changing the local comprehensive plan and approving a rezoning proposal sent in by Southwest Georgia Oil. The company had previously proposed building a gas station near Wakulla Springs.
Now, it appears residents may get what they’ve been asking for. Wakulla County Commission Chairman Ralph Thomas says the state’s Department of Environmental Protection will attempt to buy the land from Southwest Georgia Oil through the Florida Forever program.
“I cannot promise anything but there’s a very good likelihood that we believe the State of Florida through the Forever Florida fund will purchase this land,” said Thomas.
What is Florida Forever?
Florida Forever is a state program funded by tax dollars. The program has been buying up property around the state for more than two decades. Its goal is to preserve it and use it for conservation and recreational purposes.
State Representative Jason Shoaf (R) is partnering with the county to push for the deal. He describes it as a win-win for the county and Southwest Georgia Oil.
“It just seemed like a good match to protect that property," said Shoaf. "If we go that route, we're also protecting the property owners' rights. It's an arm's length transaction. We’re not stepping in as a government and taking someone's land or dictating what they can and can't do.”
It's a long process.
Before the state can purchase any land or property, it has to go through many steps.
First, DEP reaches out to Southwest Georgia to notify it of the intent to buy and if the company is willing to sell.
Next, comes a land appraisal. The 7-acre lot was purchased in 2021 by the company for $732,000. It sits at the corner of Crawfordville Highway and Bloxham Cutoff Rd, directly over one of the largest underground cave systems in the U.S.
Once the appraisal is done, both the state and Southwest Georgia can start crunching numbers to agree on a price. The contract proposal is then sent up through DEP for approval. Then it goes to the state cabinet. If passed, the Governor would give the deal a final nod and a check can be sent to the company.
"This is in my opinion, the type of property Florida Forever is designed to protect," said Shoaf. "I can’t speak for Florida Forever, but I can tell you I will be completely supportive and behind their approval of this purchase.”
Wakulla Commissioners will hold their next meeting in two weeks, August 21st at 5:00.