County Preserves Piece of History: Final 13 Acres of Pine Island Sold by Graham Family After 114 Years

Manatee County has acquired the final privately owned portion of Pine Island, preserving the remaining 13 acres of a property initially purchased by George Graham Jr.’s family in 1911. At 83 years old, Graham sold the land — including the northern tip of Pine Island and surrounding mangrove islands — to the county for $41,500, officially ending his family’s 114-year connection to the area.

The purchase was approved unanimously by the Manatee County Commission in May, with Commissioner Tal Siddique absent. The funding came from the 2020 Conservation and Parks Projects Referendum, which authorized up to $50 million in bond funding following a 71% voter approval of a 0.15 millage ad valorem tax to protect natural lands.

Though the purchased parcel measures 13 acres above the mean high water line, including submerged land would total approximately 78 acres. Graham, who grew up in Miami and now resides near Orlando, had not visited the island in half a century but held onto it as a family heirloom. The sale simplifies conservation management efforts already in place for the rest of Pine Island.

The county had previously partnered with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and the City of Bradenton in 2003 to purchase the initial 66 acres of Pine Island, primarily to prevent residential development. Manatee County has managed the entire island since then, despite not owning Graham’s portion. In 2017, SFWMD officially transferred its ownership stake to the county, with the requirement that the land remain available for public use; otherwise, it would be reimbursed.

With full ownership now secured, the island will continue to be maintained at a minimal level, focusing on prescribed burns, invasive species control, and trash removal. Public access is available by water only, with kayak and boat access under a mile from the State Road 64 boat ramp. The island features informal trails, but improvements will depend on public interest.

Ecologically, Pine Island supports a rich mix of wildlife, including bald eagles, gopher tortoises, and occasional sightings of feral hogs. It lies just a quarter-mile from the Dot Dash Dit Critical Wildlife Area, the Tampa Bay region’s only coastal wood stork rookery. The preservation of Pine Island helps protect the surrounding mangroves and supports native bird populations, including roseate spoonbills, great egrets, and great blue herons.

Natural Resources staff say full ownership not only benefits habitat preservation but simplifies stewardship, eliminating the need for access agreements with former landowners. The purchase ensures that Pine Island remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a living piece of Manatee County’s pioneering history.

The Graham family's legacy is deeply rooted in Manatee County. George Graham Jr.'s great-grandfather, John Alexander Graham, originally bought the 6,000-acre tract in 1911 and was known for his involvement in local transportation and commerce. He established one of the county’s first trolley lines and built a wharf at the end of 26th Street, helping connect riverboat freight to inland destinations.

Now, more than a century later, Pine Island remains a testament to both Manatee County’s natural heritage and its commitment to conservation.