Deadline extended to save 14 acres of old Florida in Pinellas County

• The initial deadline passed Sunday.

State of play: Since last month, the group has experienced a flurry of support that closed the gap by more than $200,000, Carter said.

• The group that once got 20 donations on a good day was now fielding hundreds.
• He attributes that to news coverage and a trickle-down effect from the widespread public outcry over a now-defunct plan to build athletic courts and hotels in several Florida state parks.

What they're saying: "It was just incredible," Carter said.

• "People realize that green spaces are very important, and it's going to take some work to preserve them, but they're willing to help."

Catch up quick: The nonprofit and the county agreed to split the $3 million asking price for the land off West Klosterman Road, just south of Tarpon Springs.

• The parcel, known as the West Klosterman Preserve, represents less than 1% of original Florida scrub left in Pinellas.
• It's currently owned by Pinellas County Schools, which in 2020 planned to sell the land to developers before residents stepped in.

What's next: Carter is confident they'll hit the new deadline.

• And once that project is done, the nonprofit will stick around to help organize more opportunities to preserve land in Tampa Bay.