County To Seek Eminent Domain Solutions In East Lake

    A divided Lake County Commission on Tuesday voted to pursue eminent domain proceedings to secure land for a recreational train extension in East Lake County. The commission voted 3-2 to continue the acquisition of parcels for the Wekiva Trail Segment 2, which runs from SR 46 to Hojin Street in Sorrento, and will serve as an extension of the Seminole Wekiva Trail, the River to Hills Trail, the Cross Seminole Trail, and the Florida Coast To Coast Trail.
   “The WKT project includes construction of an approximate 14-foot-wide trail, drainage improvements, and associated storm pipe conveyance systems to meet the increased demands on the County trail system and to otherwise benefit the citizens of the County,” wrote Michelle Wilkinson, Property Manager for Lake County in a brief presented at Tuesday’s meeting. “Funding has been designated in the 2025 FDOT 2024-2028 Five Year Work Program. The estimated cost is $4,064,188 which is 100% funded by FDOT.
   “The right of way acquisition commenced on January 30, 2020. To date, seven parcels of eleven, at a cost of $808,863.95, have been acquired. A total of $2,273,826 has been budgeted, leaving $1,464,962.05 to complete the acquisition process. Per the FDOT agreement, all acquisitions are to be completed by April 30, 2025.”
   Two properties were identified on Tuesday as being the focus of the proceedings.
   Commissioners Josh Blake and Kirby Smith voted against the action, citing private property rights and concerns over using eminent domain in the current case. Commissioners Leslie Campione, Sean Parks, and Doug Shields voted for the process, citing the public need.