SUBJECT
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Approve Grazing Lease Agreement between Polk County and Stuart Cattle & Equipment, LLC. ($7,500 annual revenue)
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DESCRIPTION
In December 2024, the County purchased a large tract of land located along Friedlander Road in the Lake Wales area in conjunction with a recommendation by the Conservation Land Acquisition Selection Advisory Committee (“CLASAC”). The property contains a total of approximately 649-acres the majority of which was historically utilized for cattle grazing operations. Cattle grazing has been previously utilized as beneficial and effective tool to aid in the management of certain properties acquired for conservation purposes. The Parks and Natural Resources Division requested Procurement solicit proposals from qualified vendors to lease portions of the County-owned property, totaling approximately 633 acres. Request for Proposal (RFP) 26-095 was issued and two proposals were received. On April 7, 2026, the Board approved the selection committee’s recommendation to enter lease negotiations with the highest ranked proposer, Stuart Cattle & Equipment, LLC (“Stuart”). Negotiations between the County and Stuart have resulted in an annual lease amount of $7,500 and Stuart has executed and delivered a Grazing Lease Agreement with an initial term of five (5) years beginning July 1, 2026 which includes two 5-year renewal terms. Approving the aforementioned Grazing Lease Agreement will allow Stuart Cattle & Equipment to utilize the designated portions of the property for its grazing operations and assist the County with maintenance associated with the property.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve the above-mentioned Grazing Lease Agreement with Stuart Cattle & Equipment, LLC.
FISCAL IMPACT
Annual lease proceeds in the amount of $7,500 to be deposited into the appropriate fund, as determined by Finance and Accounting.
CONTACT INFORMATION
R. Wade Allen, Director
Real Estate Services
863-534-2577