Volusia County Expands Conservation Efforts with Major Land Acquisition

Posted On: June 25, 2024

The Volusia County Council approved the purchase of 2,508 acres consisting of three properties for $4.7 million during its June 18 meeting. The land is within the City of Edgewater, east of I-95 and south of Indian River Boulevard. It encompasses important wetlands that are hydrologically connected to and flow into the North Indian River Lagoon.

This is the first Volusia Forever purchase within the City of Edgewater and the largest acreage purchase since 76% of voters reauthorized the conservation land-buying program in November 2020. Following the purchase, the state’s land acquisition program, Florida Forever, will reimburse the County $3.21 million for the purchase of the largest 2,047-acre property.

The property was purchased from the Stewart family, who played a significant role in Volusia County’s success and growth. Attorney and judge Isaac Stewart set up the first law partnership in DeLand, representing both Henry A. DeLand and John B. Stetson, and was instrumental in creating the county seat in DeLand and served as a member of the County Commission. In 1908, Mary Stewart Howarth-Hewitt, daughter of Isaac Stewart, was the first woman to graduate from a Florida law school, the Stetson University College of Law, and the first female lawyer recorded by the Florida Supreme Court.

“We could not be more thrilled with the acquisition of this land,” stated Volusia County Land Acquisition Manager Tim Telfer. “Over the years, the Stewart family has left its mark on Volusia County in more ways than one. This purchase will not only allow us to conserve thousands of acres forever but also preserve the Stewart family legacy.”

This acquisition has been a high priority for the Volusia County Council because of the opportunity to preserve the natural floodplain, create public recreation, and protect water quality in the Indian River Lagoon, which acts as a refuge for countless species and as a spawning and nursery ground for many fish found off Florida’s coast. Volusia County is scheduling a ribbon cutting for the property to occur before the end of the year.