BY JOE BALOG

By now, every outdoor junkie in West Volusia has heard of Alexander Island, the 170-acre parcel purchased by the City of DeBary intended to become one of the area’s best parks. This riverfront gem was saved from development, according to reports, finally bringing consideration of environmental impacts to our developing locale. “Quality of Life” became a slogan tossed around by city managers.

I wanted to see for myself. I’d heard other news of an urban overhaul in the area, including DeBary’s plans to construct a mainstreet plaza close by, large town homes already being erected on-site. Could this all somehow mesh?

DeBary’s communications team of Shari Simmans and Kasey Hewitt met me early, determined to get a tour in before we’d succumb to midmorning heat. Three hours later, they’d just gotten warmed up.

The team’s enthusiasm for this place was overwhelming. Finally, I thought, a group of individuals more concerned about preservation than the tired narrative of progress.

Read more: Outdoors with Joe: Taking it all in

Still, there would be lots of questions to answer. Let me share with you what I uncovered.

Keeping up with the financing for the purchase of Alexander Island made all of our heads spin in early 2023. At one time, the property was a target of the lucrative private real estate market. All that was to be decided was how to carve it up. Seventeen acres were buildable, zoned for 64 homes.

Then we heard rumors of the Florida Forever program financing a greenspace for the city. That deal fell through early on. Later, the Volusia Forever program — also aimed at preserving heritage and environmentally rich lands — came to bat, but never agreed with DeBary on who owned what.

Finally, it was the federal American Recovery Act — signed into law in 2021 to help the economy dig out of the pandemic — that allowed DeBary to secure the funds to buy the land. The deal was closed in February.

On our way to the site, we drove by large-scale development. New subdivisions expanded just outside the gates. My initial questions were cynical, but answered directly. Growth in our area was unstoppable, according to the team, so sustainable growth was the goal. The land being dedicated for a downtown hub, featuring shopping, dining and entertainment choices, was initially eligible for 1,200 apartments. Community areas seemed a better choice.

“The city can’t buy every piece of property,” Simmans commented. So they aimed for the best pieces they could find.

Across the street was the connection of the three largest hiking and biking trails in this part of Florida, a spot unique to DeBary.

Lifestyles rich in walking and biking, I was told, would be considered in all the city’s plans for the area. The SunRail, as we’ve all learned, will also be a major part of public transportation here.

Once on Alexander Island (reachable by foot, as today the land is more of a peninsula), it became evident why this parcel was at the top of the pyramid. Immediately, our group was taken back to old Florida. Spanish moss swayed in giant live oaks, the forest floor dappled in light, generating its own growth of delicate ferns and flowers. Pollinators were everywhere. Turtle egg shells littered the trail, evidence of a busy raccoon.

We had crossed a massive wetland area, quickly taking us to a raised berm. Traversing much of the property, this ridge was originally constructed as part of a river-widening project in the 1950s, a shortsighted attempt to control flooding and increase commercial traffic, leaving out any consideration for the health of the river. In a short time, that same berm will allow visitors to see the nature they’ve been missing. Compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act will first need to be considered, allowing everyone an equal shot.

A number of groups have been involved in the surveying, mapping and planning of Alexander Island. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection was mentioned, as was their citizens support group, the Aquatic Preserve Alliance. I heard talk of a possible freshwater research center.

The Florida Native Plant Society has been involved, identifying the beloved pawpaw plants. They’re endangered and indigenous to this land, the sole host of zebra swallowtail butterflies.

Audubon’s West Volusia chapter cataloged more than 50 bird species. Across the river, Sanford’s Black Bear Preserve may someday join forces.

Our tour took us across a small creek, then down to the riverbank, where a “No Trespassing” sign was posted to help control litter. Here, plans for a kayak launch and kiosk were at the forefront, allowing those with and without a paddle craft to join in the fun. It’s a program that’s popular on nearby Lake Monroe. The small beach access would be limited to vessels without motors.

Quickly, we were met by locals in a pontoon boat. They’d hung out here for generations, according to the captain, and wondered why the new owners were kicking them out. This was public land, in their mind. Any use should be allowed.

I briefly considered their viewpoint. But then I also considered what would have happened if DeBary hadn’t purchased and preserved this land. What would be the course if it was left on the market, later purchased by developers eager to build million-dollar mansions? How would those new property owners handle these weekend partiers, I wondered?

A proposal for a fishing pier or a small boat harbor has been tossed around for Alexander Island, too. I’d guess that, once area managers begin to see interest from boaters traversing the river, they might be open to accommodations for everyone to dock and enjoy. It worked at Hontoon Island.

Recent reports of phase one of DeBary’s plan for Alexander Island outlined restrooms and observation decks, picnic areas and parking — getting the property opened up for residents who are open to the outdoors.

Yes, you’ll likely see an alligator without a walled partition. If you’re lucky, you may also spot a roseate spoonbill, rare for the freshwater St. Johns, a soft-shell turtle or a limpkin. Taking to the water in a kayak, you’ll be cautioned to steer clear of the manatees you’ll no doubt bump noses with.

DeBary is growing. We’re all growing. But, for the first time since I’ve been paying attention, I hear a plan I can agree with.

“Quality of life for our residents is at the core of all of this,” Simmans insisted, and I believed her. It’s important that we consider all sides in this issue. Development of this land will bring a lot more users to the river. That could be seen as good or bad. But along with our new friends will come more awareness for the real issues affecting the St. Johns. And, for those, we’ll need all the help we can get.

I hope you plan to support, and experience, Alexander Island. When you do, I’ll see you out there.