About Us - History of Bay Acres
Located on the Intercoastal, Bay Acres represents the best of Florida living in Sarasota County
History of Bay Acres Estates Association (BAEA)
The land of Bay Acres was originally owned by property developer Clyde H. Wilson. The Bay
Acres Subdivision came to be in 1952, when Wilson subdivided the land into residential lots.
The following year, major improvements were made to the subdivision which resulted in what is
referred to as Bay Acres Re-Subdivision. First, this included the addition of some lots as well as
the creation of different lot sizes. Secondly, was the construction of a drainage easement running
into the boat basin from Tamiami Trail and Bay Avenue. Lastly, Wilson reserved the land of 426
Bayshore Dr, Osprey, FL, to be used solely as a park and boat berthing/docking for the residents
of Bay Acres.
In the late 1950s, Bay Acres consisted mainly of vacant lots and only a few homes. The vacant
land that surrounded those few homes was overgrown with tall grass and weeds. Therefore, the
small group of neighbors donated their time to help maintain the empty land and improve the
appearance of the neighborhood.* Through this pact, the group of neighbors formed the Bay
Acres Estates Association (BAEA).
On November 28, 1958, our charter (BAEA) was approved as a corporation not for profit.
On October 8, 1963, Clyde H. Wilson deeded the community park/boat basin land (known as
426 Bayshore Dr, Osprey, FL 34229) to the BAEA.
The BAEA is a membership association guided via by-laws; as such, the association has a Board
of Directors consisting of members elected through a voting process in November of each year.
The elected officials are volunteers and must maintain membership with the association.
Why we need a Board of Directors:
To maintain order by drafting rules (which are subject to change), and creating a yearly budget
for the purpose of covering expenses such as: liability insurance, property taxes, lawn
maintenance, dock maintenance, dredging, etc.
[Researching the BAEA history was completed by Richard and Joan Kassay, 2021-2022].