Martin County approves $1.98 million purchase to expand Perry Beach conservation holdings

Martin County on Jan. 27 adopted a resolution to acquire a 1.019-acre vacant parcel at 220 Southeast McArthur Boulevard, extending the county’s Perry Beach holdings.

Environmental staff presented the parcel details: it was listed at $2,200,000, had an average appraised value of $1,987,500, and the county negotiated a purchase price of $1,980,000. The property sits on both the river and ocean sides adjacent to existing county-owned Perry Beach properties; the west side of the road is largely mangroves with a narrow upland band.

Funding will come from the county’s conservation lands half-cent sales tax. Staff reported title work is complete, a beneficial-interest disclosure and affidavit of no conflict have been received from the owner, and closing is targeted on or before March 16, 2026.

Commissioners described the purchase as a strong example of the Blue Ways shoreline-protection initiative and praised staff for sourcing parcels across the county. The board moved and unanimously approved the resolution and authorized the chair and county administrator to execute the contract and closing documents.

Ending: The acquisition expands public shoreline and mangrove protection in Martin County and will be managed as part of the county’s environmental-lands holdings; staff will return with closing documentation once completed.