The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast has announced that more than $1 million has been pledged toward the purchase and preservation of 34-acre Braden River Preserve. The Conservation Foundation has an option, which expires March 30, to purchase the property for the appraised value of $3 million. The Manatee County Commission votes this Wednesday, March 20, on whether to establish a special tax district in order to help finance the purchase. Developer Pat Neal and his partners currently have approval to develop the property as a gated subdivision.