Cabinet Considers 6,000-Acre Land Deal in Polk, Hardee

The News Service of Florida

Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet on Wednesday are expected to consider a proposed deal that could help preserve more than 6,000 acres of agricultural land in Polk and Hardee counties. Under the proposal, the state would pay $9.79 million for a conservation easement that would cover 6,071 acres owned by Crews Groves, Inc. With conservation easements, landowners typically can continue to use the property for such things as agriculture but cannot develop it. The property is at the northeast corner of Hardee County and south-central Polk County, according to a Cabinet agenda.