Lee County today completed the purchase of 104 acres along the Estero River in Bonita Springs called “The Boomer Estate.” The county split the $15 million price tag with the state. The county’s half came from Conservation 20-20 dollars…the state’s with Florida Forever funds.

Both programs purchase land for conservation, and light recreation. The Boomer Estate – which sits next to the Koreshan Historical Site – has about a half-mile of shoreline along the Estero River. It was settled more than a hundred years ago by one of the original Koreshan Families.

Lee County Commissioner - Bob Janes - says it took years of negotiations – but was worth the effort.

“We had a deal and it fell through…or we were about to get one…it just took a lot of negotiation and a lot of work, but it finally came to fruition. I was chatting with Mrs. Boomer today and she said that her late husband would be extremely pleased that it went for conservation purposes. It’s a great deal for people not only in and around Bonita, but for Lee County and southwest Florida.”

Nothing will be built on the land. Janes says it will be accessible for recreation…like hiking and canoeing. The Boomer Estate is now considered part of the 10,000-acre Estero Bay Buffer Preserve.