Save Land in Florida, Protect Historic School

Legislators urged to fully fund Florida Forever program and preserve Stuart High School

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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In a series of letters to the editor, readers discuss the importance of protecting Florida's natural lands through the Florida Forever program, as well as preserving the historic Stuart High School building as a cultural center rather than demolishing it for a park. The letters highlight the value of environmental conservation, adaptive reuse of historic structures, and investing in arts and culture to benefit the local community.

Why it matters

The Florida Forever program is crucial for acquiring and protecting millions of acres of important natural habitats, wetlands, and outdoor recreation areas across the state. Allowing this funding to fluctuate puts these lands at risk of being developed. Additionally, repurposing historic school buildings as cultural centers can help preserve community identity and spur economic activity, rather than simply demolishing them. These issues are important for maintaining Florida's natural resources and vibrant local communities.

The details

The letters discuss the success of the Florida Forever program in protecting lands like the Savannas Preserve State Park, which spans over 7,000 acres. However, the program's funding fluctuates year-to-year, making long-term planning difficult. One letter urges state legislators to fully fund Florida Forever at or above the recommended $115 million to prevent developers from purchasing high-priority conservation land. Another letter focuses on the historic Stuart High School, arguing that allowing the campus to sit vacant or deteriorate would erase an important piece of the community's shared history. The writer suggests the school could be successfully reimagined as a cultural center hosting performances, classes, and community events, similar to adaptive reuse projects in other cities.

  • The Florida Forever program has been in place since 2001.
  • The governor has recommended $115 million in funding for Florida Forever this year.

The players

Florida Forever

A state program that has allowed Florida to acquire and protect millions of acres of farmland, wildlife habitat, wetlands, water resources and other outdoor recreation areas since 2001.

Sen. Erin Grall

A Florida state senator who the letter writer urges to support full funding for the Florida Forever program.

Rep. Dana Trabulsy

A Florida state representative who the letter writer urges to support full funding for the Florida Forever program.

Stuart High School

A historic school campus in Stuart, Florida that educated generations of residents and represents an important part of the community's shared history.

Elise Raffa

A Stuart resident who argues the historic Stuart High School campus should be preserved and reimagined as a cultural center rather than demolished for a park.

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What they’re saying

“Protecting our wetlands, wildlife, and water resources cannot wait. I encourage all to contact their offices during the current legislative session and ask them to prioritize conservation funding for our community and future generations.”

— Jayden Weil, Fort Pierce resident (tcpalm.com)

“The future of this site will shape more than a property. It will signal what we value, what we preserve, and what we choose to build for the next generation.”

— Elise Raffa, Stuart resident (tcpalm.com)

The takeaway

These letters highlight the importance of environmental conservation through programs like Florida Forever, as well as the value of preserving historic community assets and investing in arts and culture. Protecting natural lands and adaptively reusing historic buildings can help Florida communities maintain their unique identities and quality of life for current and future generations.