Conservation Foundation update: Contributions total 7% of deadline goal

Verbatim email from Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast:

Dear Friend of Conservation, As you know, we have been on a fast track to save Graceland, with a goal to raise $650,000 in community donations by June 30th in order to fulfill the terms of our contract and protect this land forever.Although we raised $46,240 from generous supporters in the community, this represents only 7% of our goal. Therefore, sadly, Conservation Foundation is unable to meet the initial deposit deadline, which terminates our contract to purchase Graceland and conserve it for generations to come. We are extremely grateful to all who helped spread the word about this campaign. Our deepest appreciation to those who donated to protect this rural area for wildlife and for those who live, work and play in Sarasota and Manatee counties. If you made a donation, please know that you have the option to allow your gift to go towards other Conservation Foundation projects that save land and unique places in perpetuity. Or, you may request a full refund. Please click on the button below, and let us know your intention. Conservation Foundation cares deeply about the community's open space needs. And, we support the community's ongoing efforts to protect the Celery Fields and its surrounding lands like the Quad parcels.  Thank you again for your support and advocacy of our mission to save our region’s beautiful and wild places. Yours in conservation,   Christine P. Johnson President

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Conservation Foundation seeks Rural Heritage Area

A Public Notice from the County announces rezoning of the NW parcel of the Quads at Apex and Palmer from its open use rural designation to Government Use. Hearing scheduled for July 10, 9 a.m. It appears that the rezone is solely addressing the fire station portion of the parcel - 2 acres - leaving about 7 acres for another use yet to be determined.

By the way, County notices published in the HT can be found online here  Also -- 

***HELP IF YOU CAN*** 

At the eastern end of the 1,300 acres which the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast envisions for a Rural Heritage Conservation Area (this "central park" would contain the Quads, the Celery Fields, Big Cat Habitat and more) the Foundation is trying to preserve 24 acres near Tatum Ridge Elementary from yet another housing development. If the Foundation can reach its goal, he parcel would become a permanent conservation area set aside for the community's benefit. It currently has a horse farm on it.

If you have a little spare cash, please consider helping them meet a June 30 deadline to come up with an installment payment of $650,000. Your help would also demonstrate community support for the larger Rural Heritage vision.

If the County sees we care about this "Central Park" for East Sarasota, perhaps they'll be less inclined to expand industrial uses on our public lands at the Celery Fields.

Thank you.