SANFORD, Fla. — Seminole County commissioners are acquiring more than 40 acres of land at the WB Equestrian Horse Facility in Sanford in a $9.55 million purchase.

What You Need To Know

  • Seminole County Commissioners are acquiring more than 40 acres at the WB Equestrian Horse Facility in Sanford, to be placed in a land bank for future use

  • Suggestions include using it as green space or creating soccer fields for events, but traffic, drainage, and maintenance costs remain significant concerns, particularly for nearby residents

  • The county has authorized an environmental assessment of the property, which is adjacent to Sylvan Park, to ensure its suitability for future development

The land will be placed into a county land bank while officials deliberate its future use. Advocates, such as David Bear, president of Save Rural Seminole, say the acquisition presents an opportunity to enhance the county’s green space and address connectivity challenges.

“This land allows the county to connect otherwise disconnected areas,” Bear said. “Its value is multiplied by linking resources like the nearby soccer complex, making it much more than just a 45-acre addition to green space.”

While the property has been floated as a potential site for soccer fields to host sporting events, commissioner Andrea Herr, who represents the area, expressed concerns about the impact on local residents.

The land, adjacent to Sylvan Park, is also under review for potential environmental concerns, with staff authorized to conduct assessments.

Commissioners cited traffic and drainage issues as key considerations as they weigh options for the property’s future.