OSPREY, FL (April 14, 2025) Big Waters Land Trust is pleased to announce the permanent protection of 34 acres on Sandpiper Key in Englewood. Part of Sarasota County’s Lemon Bay Blueway Paddling Trail, the newly conserved land is located within Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve – an Outstanding Florida Waterbody – and is part of Charlotte Harbor – an estuary of national significance.
In 2022, Big Waters began working with the property’s conservation-minded realtor, Scott Polisar, to protect the 34 coastal acres. Big Waters then worked with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to incorporate the parcels in Florida Forever priority boundaries. FDEP purchased the property for conservation in January 2025 using Florida Forever Funds and it will be managed by the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves.
Protecting this land strengthens resiliency for the barrier island community of Manasota Key. The extensive mangrove forests and seagrass beds of the property naturally reduce erosion, store excess nutrients, and improve water quality. The newly conserved land also helps safeguard the adjacent development and infrastructure – especially along Manasota Key’s Beach Rd, which provides the primary ingress/egress to the key – by protecting shorelines from storm-driven waves and flooding.
“If the community had not banded together to champion the protection of these 34 acres, they would not be conserved today,” comments Christine P. Johnson, president of Big Waters Land Trust. “We thank local residents, Scott Polisar, and the State of Florida for working together to protect this special place – future generations will thank you too!”
Big Waters Land Trust is committed to helping landowners navigate conservation programs and find opportunities to achieve their conservation goals. Landowners interested in learning how land conservation might work for them are encouraged to contact Big Waters by calling their office at 941.918.2100 or completing their online inquiry form at bigwaterslandtrust.org/savemyland.
About Big Waters Land Trust
Big Waters protects land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature. Through strategic collaborations with individuals, groups, organizations, and government, they work to ensure all people have access to clean water, fresh air, nutritious food, abundant wildlife, beautiful natural areas to enjoy, and all the other physical and mental benefits nature provides. Their vital work strengthens Southwest Florida’s resiliency to storms and floods, enriches lives, and helps safeguard our community for generations to come. Learn more at bigwaterslandtrust.org.
