During the DeBary City Council meeting on February 1, 2023, Mayor Chasez formally signed the final paperwork for the City's acquisition of Riverbend South, also known as Alexander Island. This island, situated near Ft. Florida Road, will be transformed into a tranquil park offering public river access and eco-tourism opportunities such as kayaking, fishing, biking, hiking, and birdwatching.
The decision to purchase Alexander Island was approved by the DeBary City Council in a unanimous vote during their prior meeting on December 7, 2022. The City purchased the property from a private group seeking to sell it to residential developers. Alexander Island had a future land use plan allowing for 64 homes to be built on the property. State property rights statutes prohibit local governments from making changes to future land uses without the property owner's consent. Now, owned outright by DeBary, the City will create a passive recreation park.
Beyond recreational amenities, the park's features will encompass a freshwater research and educational center managed by the Aquatic Preserve Alliance of Central Florida. This pioneering research facility will hold the distinction of being Florida's sole state-operated center for freshwater research and education. Its activities will encompass ecological surveys, river cleanup initiatives, environmental research, and educational programming.
Community Involvement in Alexander Island's Future
On April 1, 2023, the City of DeBary hosted Alexander Island tours for the public as a means of introducing the park and providing a sneak peek of the land that had been recently acquired. 400 people were in attendance. The City of DeBary held a public forum event the Monday after the preview event at DeBary City Hall in order for members of the community to be able to engage with City representatives and Parks and Recreation staff in open conversations regarding Alexander Island and any future amenities that the public would like to see implemented. An online survey focusing on the same topics and with the goal of assisting in the prioritization of which amenities or facilities are most appropriate for the park was created, shared with the public, and open until Sunday, April 16, 2023.
Alexander Island F.A.Q.
The above F.A.Q. was created by the City of DeBary Communications department for the Alexander Island preview event on April 1, 2023. The information above holds true to this day. Alexander Island is closed to the public for approximately 18 months while necessary improvements are made to allow accessibility to the park regardless of any physical limitations. This is a State of Florida requirement, but is also something the City stands behind 100% so that Alexander Island may be easily enjoyed by all visitors.
More Questions?
It's only natural to be curious about such a magnificent park (especially when it's practically in your own backyard!). We wholeheartedly invite questions, concerns, and further conversations. Please email us at info@debary.org or contact Shari Simmans, Economic Development, Communications, and Government Affairs Director for the City of DeBary, at (386) 601-0200 or ssimmans@debary.org.