LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A push to preserve Wilson Island took a step forward after Groveland residents and city leaders urged Lake County advisers to consider buying the 177-acre wildlife area before it is developed.
Dozens of people traveled by bus to the Lake County Administration Building to speak before the Lake County Public Lands and Trails Advisory Committee. Their request was clear: Use some of the $50 million approved by voters in 2024 for conservation land purchases to keep Wilson Island in its natural state.
The land sits along the Palatlakaha River and is considered by many residents to be one of Groveland’s remaining natural gems.
“I just felt like Wilson Island, it just doesn’t deserve to be destroyed,” Groveland resident Samuel Silva Fore said. “I’ve been fishing there my whole life.”
Wilson Island is already approved for 181 single-family homes, along with more than 85,000 square feet of commercial and mixed-use development. Residents who spoke at the meeting said they worry the project would permanently change the character of the land.
“It’s always important to keep natural environments out there just for the sake of the kids and grandkids coming along to experience nature,” Groveland resident Mike Archer said.
Khrystyna McCoy-Tremaine, another Groveland resident, said residents understand growth is coming but believe some places should be protected.
“We know it’s going to change,” she said. “But when you have something special, like a gem like Wilson, those are some parts you just want to remain untouched.”
Dale Ladd, who co-owns the property with his brother, said they have been working toward development for decades. He said they have held off on moving the project forward while discussions about preservation continue.
“We’ve been waiting for 28 years to do this, and we’ve stalled all our permitting process for the last five years in cooperation with Groveland and trying to get this thing preserved,” Ladd said.
After hearing from residents and leaders, the advisory committee voted to recommend that Wilson Island’s appraisal be considered as part of a potential purchase for preservation.
The next step is for the Lake County Commission to decide whether to move forward. If the county buys the land, Groveland hopes it will eventually be deeded to the city.
