Historical Marker Coming Our Way!

As you may recall over the past 2+ years we’ve updated you on our efforts to pursue placement of a Historical Marker denoting the unique history of the land on which Forest Lakes resides. This effort was announced recently when Dr. Bill Taft was recognized at the 2025 Annual Meeting for his role in leading the Historical Marker committee to success.

The 2+ year application effort went through a rigorous process including hundreds of pages of research in both Sarasota and Manatee County archives, as well as title research going back to the early 1800’s. It was ultimately approved by the Sarasota County History Center (SCHC) and finally by the County Commissioners.

The 2-sided marker’s location will be determined by the SCHC and is intended for completion in late Fall 2025. The SCHC hosts a ceremony for its placement. If you have never participated in an event like this, it will be a very unique and exclusive opportunity.

We also wish to thank Dan Bailey and Connie Neeley for their lengthy efforts to support Dr. Taft and see the effort through to fruition.

Below is a brief synopsis highlighting a few key components embedded within the application. Take a look and take pride in the land whose history played a role in the growth of Sarasota County.

Hyde Park Groves/Forest Lakes Estates

• This property was part of 4,000,000 acres of swampland purchased from the State of Florida in 1883, by Hamilton Disston.

• 80,000 acres of this wet land was purchased by Bertha Palmer.

• Bertha, her brother Adrian, and her sons, played major roles in Sarasota’s growth. This land serves to denote their contributions.

• Driven by agricultural potential, Bertha and Adrian drained the swamp land and created fertile farmland. This launched the 4 th largest celery market in the U.S.

• After Bertha’s death, her sons, Honore’ and Potter II developed the Hyde Park subdivision followed by Hyde Park Citrus Groves.

• By the 1930’s the 1200-acre grove was the largest citrus grove in Sarasota County, contributing to the state’s number 1 agricultural export.

• After two decades, the Palmer’s Florida Corporation sold the Hyde Park Subdivision to Carney Groves who later sold the land to the Palmer Bank & Trust Corporation. This transaction, in partnership with Developer Roland King, brought the Palmers full circle with this land.

• In 1963 the Palmer & King partnership developed the 227-acre golf course with country club, 3 swimming pools and 401 homes called Forest Lakes Country Club Estates. 
  

60+ years later, this marker is a testament to the growth and development of Sarasota due to the vision of the Palmer family. And it had its beginning right here in Forest Lakes. Stay tuned for information on the celebratory event’s time and place.