Land Acquisition and Management Program
100th Acquisition: Camp Venice
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources has completed its 100th land acquisition through ESLPP with the purchase of the former Camp Venice RV Resort, 4085 E. Venice Ave., Venice. The 20-acre property, located along the Myakka River next to Snook Haven Park and near Sleeping Turtles Preserve South, features diverse natural habitats and native vegetation. Plans are underway to reopen the site as a riverfront campground with upgraded utilities, improved accessibility and new connections to nearby parks and preserves.
Funded through the voter-approved ESLPP, this milestone marks the first joint acquisition between the two programs and the 25th anniversary of ESLPP. Since 2000, more than 42,000 acres have been protected under the program, safeguarding critical habitats and native species across Sarasota County.
For updates on Snook Haven Campground (Camp Venice), click the button below.
Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program and Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program
Highlighting Sarasota County’s Land Acquisition and Management Program
Hear from former and current Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources directors about the Land Acquisition and Management Program and how it has protected and preserved our natural resources and lands here in Sarasota County for 25 years.
Background and History
Sarasota County's Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP) and Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program (NPP) are voter-approved and taxpayer-funded programs designed to acquire and protect natural lands and parklands.
In 1999, voters approved a referendum for a not-to-exceed 0.25 mil ad valorem tax collected through 2019 to be used for the acquisition, protection and management of environmentally sensitive lands.
In 2005, voters approved a second referendum extending the ESLPP through 2029 and expanding the county’s land protection efforts to include the acquisition and management of neighborhood parkland.
Sarasota County also acquires land through other means, including grants, donations, partnerships and conservation easements. Citizens who wish to nominate land to be considered for county acquisition may complete a land nomination form.
Community Involvement
The Environmentally Sensitive Lands Oversight Committee and the Parks Advisory and Recreation Council are the two advisory boards authorized by the Board of County Commissioners to review nominated properties and make recommendations to the Board for the acquisition and use of environmentally sensitive lands and neighborhood parkland.
Fun Facts
- ESLPP lands provide safe habitat for many threatened and native species including gopher tortoises, Florida scrub-jays, West Indian manatees, bobcats, eagles and migrant birds. Acquisition and protection of these lands ensures that these natural areas will be there for future generations.
- Sarasota County has partnered in the past with non-profit land protection organizations including: The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Trust for Public Land and NorthStar to assist with land acquisitions for ESLPP and NPP.
- There are 32 diverse and environmentally sensitive areas/regions identified throughout the county for possible acquisition through ESLPP.
- 101 properties containing almost 42,000 acres of land have been protected through land purchases and conservation easements as part of ESLPP.
- 31 properties (143 acres) have been acquired through NPP, expanding existing parks and connecting people to trails, waterways and beaches.
Eligibility and Criteria
To be considered under the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program or Neighborhood Parklands Acquisition Program a property must have a willing seller.
The criteria for considering parkland acquisitions include:
- Location
- Broad community access
- Proximity and connectedness
- Natural features
- Cultural features
- Compatible community needs
- Water access
The criteria considered for environmental acquisitions are:
- Rarity
- Quality
- Connectivity
- Manageability
- Water quality benefits
The land nomination form may be used for either program and contains more information about the criteria.
Nominating Land
To submit a land nomination form, send the completed land nomination form to landnominations@scgov.net, or mail the form to:
Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources
Attn: Land Nominations
1660 Ringling Blvd., 5th Floor
Sarasota, FL 34236
For more information, call 311.
Documents
All Protected Lands in Sarasota County - December 2025- ESLPP and NPP Properties in Commission Districts - July 2025
- ESLPP Map - November 2025
- NPP Map - January 2025
- Land Acquisition Programs Nomination Form
- S.C.C.O. Ch. 54, Article IV. Environmentally Sensitive Lands
- S.C.C.O. Ch. 90, Article III. Neighborhood Parklands
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Agents of Discovery
Discover Sarasota County’s parks in a whole new way with Agents of Discovery, the award-winning mobile game that transforms your park visit into a fun and interactive mission! Explore nature, solve challenges and uncover fun facts.
Missions are live at select Sarasota County park locations. Choose from four different locations to play at any time! Click the button below to see when sites are active to play. Just grab your smart device, download the app and complete currently active missions on-site on your own time!
Let's grow something amazing together!
The LAMP Plantable Cards contain black-eyed Susan, also known as yellow coneflower, a native Florida species that benefits the local ecosystem by attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.