Nearly 30 Acres Along Boca Ciega Bay Could Be Saved From Development

Pinellas County is running out of places like this. Nearly 30 acres of waterfront, mangroves, coastal upland, and aquatic habitat along Boca Ciega Bay could soon become protected conservation land instead of another piece of property waiting for development.

WK Preservation Group is working with Pinellas County to preserve 29.14 acres west of Duhme Road in unincorporated Pinellas County. The proposed Duhme Road Reserve would combine three adjoining properties that include mangroves, submerged aquatic habitat, coastal upland, and an island just offshore. The land supports marine life, birds, and other wildlife while sitting in an area already surrounded by homes, condos, and other development.

A Rare Chance to Save Waterfront Before It Is Gone

The property has been considered for development in the past, including potential condo and commercial projects. The current owners have now agreed to pursue a conservation sale, giving Pinellas County an opportunity to protect the land before that possibility changes again.

If the acquisition moves forward, Pinellas County would purchase the property using Penny for Pinellas funds and preserve it as public conservation land. An official purchase price has not yet been finalized, and the proposal still needs to move through the county approval process. WK Preservation Group hopes the agreements can reach county commissioners before the end of 2026.

Preservation would also give the county the ability to restore parts of the property where invasive Brazilian pepper has spread, while protecting the mangroves, shoreline, and surrounding habitat from future development.

Saving It Is One Question, What Happens Next Is Another!?

Support for preserving the property appears strong, but residents are already split on what public access should look like. Some want the land left almost entirely untouched, while others have discussed limited options such as trails or kayak access. No final plans have been approved.

That debate can come later. The bigger issue right now is whether Pinellas County takes advantage of a chance that is becoming increasingly rare. Nearly 30 connected acres of natural waterfront have somehow remained undeveloped while much of the surrounding area has changed dramatically. Once land like this is cleared and built over, it is not coming back.

Growth is not stopping in Tampa Bay, which makes the places we choose to protect even more important. Pinellas County may still have the chance to keep this piece of Boca Ciega Bay exactly where it belongs: along the water, covered in mangroves, and out of the hands of future development.