Florida is poised to spend $83.3 million to buy 4 acres in the Panhandle from a real estate investor and campaign donor, prompting concerns among conservationists who argue the state should prioritize precious land-buying dollars elsewhere.

The landowners looking to sell the property are Pointe Mezzanine LLC and Pointe Resort LLC, both of which are registered in state corporate filings to Robert Guidry, a Louisiana business owner. Guidry is a prominent donor to state politicians and local officials in the Panhandle county where his property is located.

The purchase, expedited this summer when lawmakers added last-minute language to the budget prioritizing the parcel, would expand beach access and protect it from development. But experts say its conservation value doesn’t justify the pric

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