I was out shooting photos in Robinson Preserve this morning, one was this mourning dove sitting on a perch. She was beautifully lit and I couldn’t resist taking a few photos. At about that time, the news was on its way to Manatee County that Bill Robinson had died. As I looked through my photos from this morning, the shot of the mourning dove seemed to tell the story of just how much Bill Robinson meant to this county.
Bill Robinson, changed Northwest Manatee County for the better when he partnered with the county to turn 487 acres of former farmland into Robinson Preserve, known for its hiking trails, wildlife and mangrove habitats. Robinson died today at the age of 70, according to the Sarasota Herald Tribune.
His legacy will live on through the contribution he made to conserving the vital lands and waterways of Robinson Preserve. It is one of the most utilized parks in all of Manatee County. Kayakers, runners, bikers, birdwatchers, dog walkers and photographers take advantage of the preserve daily.
Robinson, a Manatee County native and tree farmer, took 487 acres he owned and helped return it to vital habitat for wildlife. Developers had hoped to turn that same land into a golf course and housing development. The county purchased the land from the family for $10 million — $6.4 million came from the Florida Communities Trust and county taxpayers paid the balance. It was a good move for the county and for Bill Robinson who, like many county residents, visited the park often.
I am grateful for this gift to the county. I am grateful county leaders had the wisdom preserve this land and that there was money available from the Florida Communities Trust to help pay for the land. It’s wonderful to have people with the foresight to set aside land for wildlife and people. I wish there was more of that kind of thinking.
