District board votes to donate Gemini Springs Addition to Volusia County
PALATKA, Fla., June 14, 2016 — The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Governing Board voted today to donate the 947-acre Gemini Springs Addition to Volusia County with a conservation easement to protect its conservation values and to comply with the mitigation permit requirements.
The Gemini Springs Addition was identified in the 2012 District Lands Assessment Implementation Plan as one of seven properties for potential donation to Volusia County. Acquired by the district in 1999, Gemini Springs Addition is located on the northwest corner of Lake Monroe and is connected to the county’s Lake Monroe Park by a multi-use trail.
In April 2016, the county filed paperwork to start the transfer process for the Gemini Springs Addition. The board today approved the donation of the property subject to a conservation easement and a reverter clause that would return ownership to the district if the terms of the conservation easement are violated. The conservation easement will include prohibitions and restrictions on use of the property.
Today’s vote was 7-0, with Chairman John Miklos abstaining.