The $8.9 million auction of the Etter Family Portfolio represents a significant land transaction in southeast Polk County along the scenic Lake Wales Ridge.
Key Highlights of the Sale
- Total Acreage: ~584 acres offered across 27 separate parcels.
- Sale Price: Bidders collectively committed $8.9 million across the portfolio.
- Location: Situated along Scenic Highway 17 between Babson Park and Frostproof.
- Brokerage & Auctioneer: Handled by Lakeland-based Saunders Real Estate (Saunders Auctions, LLC).
- Timeline: Timed reserve online auction opened on October 20, 2026, and concluded on October 22, 2026.
Property Characteristics & Potential
- Citrus Operations: The portfolio consists primarily of active citrus groves with established production (including Valencia and Hamlin oranges) and deep irrigation wells.
- Geographic Features: Includes elevated terrain with rolling hills characteristic of the Lake Wales Ridge, offering scenic views and frontage near Reedy Lake.
- Buyer Profile & Usage: The multi-parcel structure allowed for price discovery and flexible acquisition by agricultural operators (growers looking to keep citrus operations active), land bankers, and potential residential/development investors.
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