Wall Springs Park will grow

PALM HARBOR — In a reversal of the usual scenario, homes will be coming down so gopher tortoises can spread their burrows into new territory cleared for parkland.

Pinellas County commissioners last week agreed to buy 4.4 acres between Wai Lani Road and Harry Street for $1.2-million and add them to Wall Springs Park. The total cost, with appraisal and other fees, as well as demolition costs, is estimated at $1.26-million.

The 12 parcels include five homes and are owned by Venie W. Brinson, Don A. Brinson, Cynthia G. Brinson, Frank D. Brinson and Jeannie D. Cagle. Once the county closes on the property, residents — who are friends of the Brinsons — will have 90 days to leave, then the buildings will be demolished.

The Brinson family previously sold 11 acres to the county that are already part of Wall Springs Park.

"Our family has been there 63 years," said Don Brinson. "We always felt that once the county bought the spring, it made sense for us to make it part of the park system and not develop it."

They turned down many offers from developers, he said, and now all county residents will benefit.

"There are some of the most beautiful, gorgeous oaks anywhere in the county back there," he said.

Although county finances are tight, commissioners quickly agreed to the purchase.

"Time is money," Commissioner Bob Stewart said. "How long have we been trying to acquire properties along Wall Springs in that particular area?"

Stewart did question whether a Florida Communities Trust grant the county hopes to use for half the purchase has been secured.

No, staff said, the county will apply for that grant soon.

"But there is no funding in that pot and it doesn't appear that there will be," said Commissioner Susan Latvala. "Then we use Penny for Pinellas funds?"

Yes, officials said, then all of the money would come from the county's Penny for Pinellas infrastructure sales tax.

Stewart said the package could have been clear, more transparent, on the issue of grant funding.

"Can we work on that?" he asked.

"It's done," said County Administrator Fred Marquis.

Marquis said county staff is now negotiating one more purchase of a few more acres in the same neighborhood.

"That will pretty much complete the acquisitions at Wall Springs," he said.

Theresa Blackwell can be reached at tblackwell@sptimes.com or (727) 445-4170.