Everything we’ve accomplished since we first announced our contract to purchase the Babcock Florida Company last July has been founded on our commitment to preserve as much of the Ranch as possible. It’s hard to believe that less than a year later, we are on the verge of finalizing the sale of 81 percent of the Ranch for permanent preservation.

While we have encountered plenty of skeptics along the way who thought we were dreamers to set such an ambitious goal, there have also been plenty of others who shared our vision and have also shared in making the necessary commitments to move this project forward. The goal would not be within reach without their strong and constant support.

Now that Charlotte County commissioners have approved the Comprehensive Plan amendment for the new Babcock Ranch community, we can move forward on our contract with the State of Florida. Lawmakers are poised to approve a management and funding plan. Transfer of the approximately 74,000 acres to the State is set to close in July.

It’s an historic accomplishment. I believe that together, we are setting a new standard for responsible growth for current and future generations. I also believe that, with the strong support of dedicated public servants, we have proven that a true public-private partnership can be extraordinarily successful. We are writing a new chapter in Southwest Florida history – and I am very proud to be part of it.