State buys 83 acres in north Lake County for conservation

Gov. Ron DeSantis this week approved the purchase of 83 acres on Lake Norris as part the state’s Florida Forever program.

At its Tuesday meeting, the Cabinet unanimously agreed to purchase the five contiguous lakefront parcels near Paisley for $540,000.

“Florida’s array of natural resources is key to the identity of our state,” DeSantis said in a statement. “I thank the Florida Cabinet for their support in approving these land acquisitions and look forward to continuing to work with them to protect and conserve what makes Florida so special.”

The land, owned by Brian A. Richards, will connect the Seminole State Forest to the Bear Track Preserve, which is owned by the Lake County Water Authority.

In a meeting last summer, the LCWA committed up to $225,000 toward the purchase of Richards’ land.