According to Florida Statute 1013.28, on October 17, 2017, the School Board of Hillsborough County, Florida authorized the Superintendent to dispose of real property, if said property was deemed surplus and unnecessary for educational purposes.  By School Board Resolution, the property located on the north side of Lithia Pinecrest Road, southeast of Fishhawk Trails Drive, Lithia, Florida, 15.33 +/- acres, (folio 88106.0200) has been deemed surplus, and is no longer required for educational purposes. 

Two property appraisals were performed with values of $998,000 and $1,050,000; an asking price of $1,050,000 was established.  On October 16, 2018, the School Board accepted an offer of $1,075,000.   During the due diligence period the prospective buyer withdrew the offer due to unexpected costs related to the future development of the property.   The same buyer has made a subsequent cash offer for $800,000 with no contingencies to close on March 28, 2019.

While other offers have been received for higher prices, they have included a significant contingency that the property undergo comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning to increase residential density on the property prior to closing.  The School Board would be required to authorize these processes to occur.   It can take a year to complete these approval processes and there is no assurance that a requested change in residential density would be approved.  The current offer will be quicker and most likely to close as scheduled.