Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved the investment of more than $17.7 million to conserve more than 3,500 acres across the state. The five properties stretch from Nassau County south to Charlotte County and protect or buffer lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a recently designated network of connected lands crucial for wildlife habitat. They also complete two Florida Forever projects. The acquisition of 8.68 acres within the Charlotte Harbor Estuary Florida Forever project in Charlotte County will help preserve natural areas around the Charlotte Harbor Estuary, which is one of the largest and most productive estuaries in Florida and supports a vital recreational and commercial fishery. Conservation of this highly developable parcel will also help safeguard water quality in the Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve, state officials said. This property will be managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as an addition to Don Pedro Island State Park and will expand boating opportunities to the park from Lemon Bay.