SUBJECT
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Declare surplus and authorize the public sale of County’s interest in Parcel ID Number 292912-000000-043010, together with and adjacent platted park. (Potential for $159,000 or greater, one-time revenue)
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DESCRIPTION
The County acquired a fee interest in Parcel ID Number 292912-000000-043010 through a corrective Quit Claim Deed dated April 11, 1985 which was recorded in Official Record Book 2324, at Page 1766, Public Records of Polk County, Florida. The parcel, located along the east side of Camp Lester Road at its intersection with Reese Drivel in the eastern part of the county, contains approximately 10,000 square feet, and is improved with a building that was previously utilized as a fire station. The station is no longer in use and the county has no need or use for the property. In December 2023 the county completed a Quiet Title action to clear any clouds on the title caused by ambiguities and reveter provisions in the vesting deeds. The property lies adjacent to a platted Park as shown on the plat of Camp Lester, recorded in 1948 in Plat Book 33, at Page 38 on which the County has performed routine maintenance for years. The former fire station site and park were separated by platted right-of-way shown on the Camp Lester plat which was vacated in June of this year resulting in its assemblage into the Park parcel. In an effort to eliminate maintenance activities on the former station and park site, staff is requesting the Board declare the parcels surplus and authorize the public sale of the County’s interest in the parcels, as a single unit, to the highest bidder whose bid meets or exceeds the minimum bid. Together the parcels contain approximately 35,000 square feet. The County hired an independent appraiser to establish market values for the parcels and a value of $110,000 was established for the fire station parcel and a value of $49,000 was established for the park parcel including the vacated right-of-way. Staff is requesting the Board approve the total appraised amount of $159,000 as the minimum bid amount for the sale of the property as a single unit.
Florida Statutes allow for the disposal of County-owned real property, and allow for the conveyance by the County of lands dedicated for park purposes by declaring the properties surplus and authorizing a public sale to the highest bidder. Declaring the parcel surplus and authorizing the sale will allow the public to purchase the parcel, place it back on the tax roll, remove the properties from the County Land Inventory and allow the County to cease maintenance activities associated with the properties. In accordance with the Florida Statutes any funds to the County from the sale of the dedicated lands shall be used for park purposes.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board declare above County-owned parcel and platted Park surplus and authorize their public sale, as a single unit, to the highest bidder at or above the minimum bid amount. Also, request Board approve the minimum bid amount of $159,000 for the purchase of the combined parcel with the condition that the recording fees and documentary stamps shall be borne by the prospective buyer. The County’s interest in the subject parcels, including any interests that may otherwise be reserved by Florida Statute, will be conveyed in its “as is” condition via County Deed.
FISCAL IMPACT
Proceeds from the sale of the subject parcels to be deposited into the appropriate fund, or funds, to be determined by Finance and Accounting with the appropriate portion being utilized for park purposes.
CONTACT INFORMATION
R. Wade Allen, Director
Real Estate Services
863-534-2577