PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Over the past four years, the West Klosterman Preservation Group has been working to protect a preserve of the same name. 

What You Need To Know

  • The West Klosterman Preservation Group is raising money to protect a preserve of the same name

  • Last year, the Pinellas County Commission approved a joint funding process for $3 million

  • The West Klosterman Preservation Group needs to raise around $800,000 by September 15

Tex Carter, the president of the organization, is working to save the land so animals can have a safe place to call home.   

"It's 14 acres of upland ridge, coastland ridge, with endangered scrubs, with gopher tortoises, with a wide variety of animals," he said. "If it was sold to developers, it would be bulldozed."

To protect the land, they need to raise money.

Last year, the Pinellas County Commission approved a joint funding process for $3 million.

The county agreed to commit $1.5 million in funds while the rest was up to the West Klosterman Preservation Group. Carter said they still need to raise around $800,000.

That's why at Tampa Bay Brewing Company Saturday, they held a silent auction and brought out vendors to boost support. 

"All of these donations were given by people who wanted to help support the cause," said Carter. 

Carter said fundraising will continue throughout the next few months, and he's confident with the help of the community, they can raise the money they need before the Sept. 15 deadline.