Eustis leaders working out deal to buy mobile park land for development

EUSTIS, Fla. — The city of Eustis had big plans to develop its waterfront, but a mobile home park is standing in the way.

Commissioners want to buy a piece of Sharp’s Mobile Park, which sits on Lake Eustis, in order to extend Ferran Park and get access to the lakefront.

About five years ago, the city said it appraised the land for about $2.6 million, and that’s what commissioners offered.

The owners, however, asked for $7 million.

Although talks stalled, the city remained interested in the property and listed it as one of the key parts in the downtown master redevelopment plan.

“It is on the lake, it’s very close, if not considered downtown, so it is some property that presents some really exciting opportunities,” said Tom Carrino, the economic development director for the city.

City leaders would like to see homes, businesses and a hotel on the property, which they believe would pump millions into the economy.

“Additional activity in the city and in downtown, economic activity and social activity. It means additional tax revenue,” Carrino said.

The property has been on the market for a while, so the owners have lowered the price to $3.3 million, hoping to land a buyer.

The city is in the process of having the property appraised, so the city will know how much it’s worth and what it should offer.

WFTV