A campaign to create a new Pinellas County preserve is gathering pace, with a non-profit seeking to protect 29 acres of largely undeveloped land along Boca Ciega Bay from future construction.
The West Klosterman Preservation Group has secured agreements with the owners of three adjoining parcels near Duhme Road, including an island known locally as “Roasted Turkey Island”. It is now working with county officials on a possible purchase for conservation.
The proposed Duhme Road Reserve would cover 29.14 acres of coastal upland, wetlands, mangroves and aquatic habitat. The site is surrounded by established development but remains largely natural, providing habitat for birds, marine life and other wildlife.
Duhme Road Reserve plans
Two of the parcels, covering about 28.53 acres, are held by Skycrest Properties LLC. A separate 0.61-acre site near Duhme Road and 48th Avenue North is owned by CKC Properties II LLC.
The preservation group says the smaller parcel could provide safer access from the busy road if the deal goes ahead. It also wants invasive plants, including Brazilian pepper, removed from parts of the upland area and the site restored to more natural conditions.
The island would remain protected as natural habitat. Possible public facilities being discussed include a low-impact kayak launch, nature-friendly parking and, potentially, a walkway or other form of access, although no plans have been finalised.
Pinellas County officials have been examining the potential acquisition and are understood to be carrying out due diligence. The purchase could be funded through Penny for Pinellas, the county’s sales-tax programme, subject to an agreement with the owners and approval by the Board of County Commissioners.
If the negotiations remain on schedule, the proposal could be brought before commissioners for consideration during the final quarter of 2026. The county has not disclosed a purchase price.
The project follows the group’s campaign to help secure the 14-acre West Klosterman Preserve in Palm Harbor in 2024. Tex Carter, president of the West Klosterman Preservation Group, said that success had given the organisation momentum to pursue another conservation project.
“It’s a very quick success after the completion of our first project,” he said. “That will help us with the branding and the momentum and help other people see that it really is possible to get out there and save natural habitat in Pinellas County.”
The group is holding a public meeting with Pinellas County Commissioner Brian Scott and a representative from the county’s Parks and Recreation department at the Seminole Parks and Recreation Department from 3.30pm to 5pm on Monday, September 28.
