Tarpon Springs, Florida

Pinellas County is nearing a deal to buy and preserve 29 acres of environmentally significant land on Boca Ciega Bay, according to WK Preservation Group, the nonprofit that helped broker the agreement. The property, dubbed the Duhme Road Reserve, spans three parcels west of Bay Pines off Duhme Road, including an island (labeled Roasted Turkey Island on Google Maps) and a stretch of coastline. The land is largely pristine, thick with mangroves, and includes an extra-salty marsh supporting snook, trout, and fiddler crabs.

The purchase would be funded entirely through Penny for Pinellas, the county's 1-cent infrastructure sales tax, which has $7 million available for environmental land buys. County officials say the deal price will come in well below the roughly $3 million appraised value, though they declined to confirm figures while due diligence continues. Both landowners, who previously planned condo and commercial development, have signed agreements to sell for conservation. County Commission approval is expected this fall.

Pinellas County Schools has proposed closing seven schools — Tarpon Springs Fundamental, Kings Highway, Blanton, Azalea, Bear Creek and Sexton elementary schools, along with Lealman Innovation — as part of a plan to address declining enrollment across the district. Several other campuses would also be restructured under the proposal.

Superintendent Kevin Hendrick said the district's buildings were designed to serve about 115,000 students, but enrollment has fallen to roughly 70,000, driven by demographic shifts and higher costs of living deterring new families. Officials estimate the closures could save about $25 million a year, which would go toward teacher raises, staff raises and program improvements.

Reaction from parents is mixed: some mourn the loss of community tied to their local schools, while others, citing their role as taxpayers, support consolidating underused buildings. School Board member Eileen Long said most families will ultimately benefit. The plan is not final; the board is scheduled to take a final vote on October 13 after further public input.