Gilchrist Island, , FL 34453

Gilchrist Island is a pristine and untouched private island with over 94 acres of "Old Florida" natural habitat. Gilchrist Island is 30 minutes south of Ocala and just east of the City of Hernando situated in the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes in Citrus County Florida near Florida's Nature Coast. The unique island property shares a border to the East with the 9,300 acre Potts Nature Preserve; a wildlife sanctuary with 30+ miles of hiking trails and 12 miles of equestrian trails, (see youtube video links at end of listing). Gilchrist Island is an oasis of natural flora and fauna with cabbage palms, oak hammocks, large cypress knees, and even some wild orange trees. On the property we have seen everything from wild boar, whitetail deer, tortoise, and even a bobcat was spotted several years ago. Bird watching and fishing opportunities are unsurpassed. Lake Tsala Apopka has largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, striped bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. Gilchrist Island is currently zoned CL MH for Low Intensity Coastal and Lakes District. The MH (manufactured homes allowed) designation is a bonus for developers as this designation is difficult to obtain. There are so many possibilities for use or development of this high ground island parcel. Permitted uses range from large upscale island estates (one per 20 acres), to a religious retreat, a wildlife sanctuary, a hunting or fishing camp, a nature oriented bed and breakfast, a horse ranch, a cabin resort community, a fish farm, or even a golf course Gilchrist Island has abundant buildable highland ground and actually has some of the highest elevation of any property in the area (59' as per the Citrus County General Parcel map). The island exceeds the elevation of all of the adjoining 9,300 acres of Pott's Nature Preserve. Airboat or Argo amphibious ATV is the best means of access to the island. Standard prop boats for fishing and water skiing are fine for the main "open water" body of the lake but can only access certain open water points on the island, (many floating tussocks and lily pads surrounding perimeter of island). Gilchrist Island truly is a beautiful and unique property. Bordered by a 9,300 acre Nature Preserve, the island is very secluded and yet you are still just 30 minutes away from the high end restaurants and upscale shopping in Ocala. You have the best of both worlds. The current property taxes are only $2,023 yearly. The property has not had a modern survey but was described in an 1845 Government survey as having an area of 107.25 acres. The full legal description for this property is: SE 1/4 OF SE 1/4 SEC 19-18-20---AND--- NE 1/4 N & E OF LK TSALA APOPKA SEC 30-18-20 TITLE IN OR BK 1154 PG 1077. A map "Section" contains 640 acres so the legal description of this parcel is of an area that encompasses a total of 200 acres, (if above water level it's part of the parcel). Citrus County tax records are currently in error and list the property as 72.16 acres. When we purchased property in 2006 Citrus County records and our purchase documents listed the property as two parcels totaling 94 acres. Current taxable size is reflective of highland areas and does not reflect wetland areas in the 200 acre legal description. Actual property size could only be determined by a survey and may be anywhere between 72.16 acres to 107.25 acres. Gilchrist Island is a pristine example of untouched Old Florida. The following links provide additional photos of Gilchrist Island and Pott's Preserve: 1. Gilchrist Island FB: https://www.facebook.com/gilchristislandflorida/ 2. Potts pres: http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/areas/potts.html 3. Potts pres: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWL17jm2WWs 4. Potts Pres: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blGrZ56f6fY