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Crist backs plan to buy, preserve Cross Bar Ranch

Pasco wants to buy the land from Pinellas, but the price and financing are far from settled.

By STEVE BOUSQUET, Tallahassee Bureau Chief
Published January 24, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Charlie Crist on Wednesday threw his support behind Pasco County's efforts to acquire the 12,500-acre Cross Bar Ranch and preserve it for future generations.

Crist's enthusiasm for the project will likely ensure that the sprawling ranch in central Pasco remains on the priority list of projects targeted for preservation under the Florida Forever program.

"It's important to preserve land," Crist told county leaders at the end of a 20-minute discussion in his conference room. "I think it's important that we preserve for future generations the opportunity to enjoy what we've had the chance to enjoy."

The governor's enthusiasm for the project was expected: His roots are in the Tampa Bay area and he understands the popularity of green space.

What made it easier for Crist was that he didn't have to guarantee any money.

The big questions, such as how much the site will cost and where the money will come from, were not addressed. County officials said it's too soon for that.

Pasco wants to buy the land from Pinellas County, which acquired it in the 1970s and 1980s and dug 17 wellhead sites at the height of the region's so-called water wars.

The creation of Tampa Bay Water, a region-wide water supply authority, ended the water wars. That agency now owns about 7 acres of land that include the wellheads. Pinellas would like to sell the rest of the property to help pay for a $70-million expansion to its utility system.

"We are definitely a willing seller," Pete Dunbar, a lobbyist for Pinellas, told Crist.

Making the pitch to Crist was County Commissioner Ted Schrader, a fourth-generation Pasco resident who spoke of wanting to build a legacy by creating a "wildlife corridor" in the heart of the fast-growing county.

"There are still parts of old Florida that are very special to us. We need to partner together," Schrader told Crist. "We are absolutely committed to seeing this property protected, and we obviously need the assistance of the state."

The land is home to more than a dozen endangered or protected species and a profitable pine-straw operation.

Accompanying Schrader were County Administrator John Gallagher, Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, and Rep. Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel.

Crist has never seen the property, but he told Schrader a story about hunting on the adjacent Starkey Ranch a long time ago.

"I used to hunt there. In fact, I shot one deer in my life, and I shot it on that land," Crist said. "So I know the kind of land you're talking about."

The next step will likely happen on Feb. 26, when Crist and the Cabinet will vote on the A-list projects.

Another 21 projects are ahead of Cross Bar on the list, ranked by a state panel known as the Acquisition and Restoration Council. But a favorable Cabinet vote will trigger an appraisal and will intensify the search for other funding sources.

The Cross Bar project is supported by county governments and legislators in both Pinellas and Pasco, environmental groups and the Southwest Florida Water Management District, which may help in the financing.

Pasco's property appraiser has estimated the land is worth $176-million, and Florida Forever will not be able to pay for more than a fraction of that amount.

Florida Forever is set to expire in 2010, and the Legislature is expected to create a successor program before then.

Steve Bousquet can be reached at bousquet@sptimes.com or 850 224-7263.

[Last modified January 23, 2008, 23:12:20]