Bunny's optics on Pirates Cove

Happy Tuesday! Let’s be clear from the start.

I’m not blaming Bunny for Monday’s lack of production.
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But it’s difficult to wrap my head around big picture stuff while this doggy is taking all my attention with her cuteness.

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I’ve been fostering Bunny for a week. Nothing at this point to suggest this fostering won’t lead to adoption. She’s fitting right in here at Just Wright Citrus World Headquarters on the shores of Big Lake Henderson.

We’re still figuring things out.

The crate, for example.

Bunny loved the crate at first until she realized sometimes I close the door. That part, she isn’t too thrilled with. So, if she’s not crazy about the crate, I’d rather not force it on her unless necessary.

She’s not a destructive dog, just a curious one and that means a few things with teeth marks here and there.

Part of this new adventure is seeing what works and what doesn’t. I had a Cattle Dog chat Monday morning and those generally go for an hour. Decided to give Bunny free rein of the house instead of the crate. The result was mixed. I’ll give it another go on Tuesday.

Right now, as I write, she’s lying underneath the desk at my feet. I think we’re getting along just fine.

And now for the work portion of our program.

One item on my mind from Tuesday's County Commission agenda: Pirates Cove.

The county received three appraisals — two are north of $1 million and the third is $679,000. That alone is odd, right? Three appraisals and one is way lower than the other two.

I’m not an appraiser and don’t pretend to understand how all that works.

The lowest number is the closest to what the county actually thinks the property is worth. I know that because the county in 2021, based on a similar appraisal, offered $616,000 and it was rejected.

If the county is thinking of upping that offer, it’s reasonable to ask why. A million dollars for this property equal about $300,000 an acre. Tell me: Is that what vacant residential acreage is going for, even on the water?

I’ve been a big supporter of this purchase from the start, but I still have questions. (By the way, it’s OK to support something but still poke holes in it. Welcome to my blog.)

If we truly are upping the offer by $400,000 from just three years ago, that seems a desperate move. Why is the property that much more valuable in a short time?

The answer is obvious: What’s changed is the county is growing like crazy. We have much more emphasis on preserving property from development than even five years ago.

Now, let’s slow the sky-is-falling train for a minute. Previous owners of Pirates Cove had plans for multi-story condos. County officials repeatedly rejected those plans, so it seems that Pirates Cove will never be more than seven or eight houses and a restaurant.

Yes, we want to preserve Pirates Cove for generations. It’s on the water, adjacent to a county park and boat ramp, and it has huge potential for partnerships with state and federal environmental agencies.

I’m all for the county buying Pirates Cove as a passive park. But let’s not scare people into believing Pirates Cove will be the next Betz Farm if the county doesn’t step in to stop it.

One more thing: I’d like to know how the Ozelloeans feel about this. From what I’ve heard, it’s mixed. The folks who have fought condos for years would like that development potential removed forever. Others, though, don’t trust the county after commissioners approved the glampground against their wishes.

Commissioner Jeff Kinnard, who has pushed for this purchase from the start, should lay out a vision of how it’s in the public’s best interest (here's his Chronicle column). What exactly are we doing with this property once we own it? What’s the plan? And how are we paying for all of it?

Doesn’t hurt to make an offer, and I’d be surprised if commissioners don’t take that next step. 

That’s it for now. Time for a Bunny walk.

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