CITY OF WINTER HAVEN: Lake Elbert Trail Acquisition Project: Donation Solicitation and Voluntary Services (2020-2022).

FLAA was selected to identify and acquire all properties, by donation and/or voluntary settlement, as identified by the City of Winter Haven as necessary for the proposed Lake Elbert Trail Project. The proposed 2.4 mile 8-foot-wide paved trail would provide a safe multimodal corridor and recreation opportunity for the community. Utilizing parcel estimates, verbal in-person offers were made to the required 56 parcel owners surrounding the lake. Within 30 days of receiving title reports, FLAA executed 14 purchase agreements all at offer value, and acquired 6 parcels via voluntary warranty deed. Through significant negotiation efforts, technology-based innovative approaches, and consistent Project Manager availability for client communications, the project was completed with a 100% negotiated settlement rate on over 50 parcels.