Commission approves option to buy Wekiva Trail corridor, clears $23.5M gap funding pending due diligence

The Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with an option agreement negotiated by Trust for Public Land (TPL) to acquire Wekiva Trail Segments 1 and 5 and to allocate up to $23.5 million from the county’s public‑lands bond referendum to fill the remaining funding gap.

Melissa Hill of Trust for Public Land told the commission TPL negotiated a 24‑month option and stated both CSX and Florida Central Railway have confirmed a rail‑with‑trail configuration is not available for safety and regulatory reasons — making fee‑simple acquisition the only viable path. "CSX and Florida Central Railroad have both confirmed that they do not allow its rail corridors to be used for recreational use adjacent to their rail — a rail with trail is a non‑starter," Hill said. TPL and partners have an anticipated purchase price of about $27 million and identified roughly $3.5 million in potential state grant matching, leaving the $23.5 million gap requested from the county bond.

More than 30 residents, business owners and officials spoke during public comment. Supporters emphasized safety for cyclists and pedestrians, economic development for downtowns along the corridor, tourism and the project’s inclusion on state priority maps. City administrators from Mount Dora and Tavares described municipal commitments for maintenance and park investments. Opponents urged caution over habitat impacts and maintenance costs; multiple speakers asked the commission to be specific about bond use and to consider ongoing operating costs.

Commissioners discussed timing and financing: several said the county should preserve the option to proceed but delay closing until after the November referendum outcome and the resolution of Amendment 3 impacts on homestead rollback and bond‑payer composition. The board approved advancing due diligence, accepting the TPL option and earmarking $23.5 million from the bond while leaving final closing decisions and any TDT (tourist development tax) contributions to later budgeting discussions.

Why it matters: Purchasing the corridor would secure an 11‑mile connection through Mount Dora and Tavares, positioning Lake County to attract federal construction grants and private investment to build the trail and related infrastructure. The board’s vote preserves federal grant competitiveness while keeping options open on final financing.