Editorial: Mound Key

Talk, they say, is cheap, but maybe not so with a potential purchase of Mound Key’s remaining acreage by Lee County.

All but nine acres of the island is already owned by the state, managed as part of the Koreshan State Historic Site. That last piece is owned by brothers Todd, Ted and John McGee, whose family has owned the property since the 1800s. They’ve offered to sell it to Lee County’s Conservation 2020 program for $15 million.

It is a long-standing saga to complete the purchase of what many would consider a priceless treasure. The outstanding parcel includes two Calusa Indian mounds that need to be in public hands.

The owners have hinted they would take less for the land, but, if they don’t get an acceptable price, plans could call for homes on the island.

Let’s hope the whole package can be wrapped up for public stewardship without further delay.