T
ampa Bay area residents may notice a change in the landscape as Big Cat Rescue, a local rescue that gained national attention through Netflix's "Tiger King" series, has sold off some of its property for nearly $20 million.

    The sale, finalized in December, clears the way for the development of approximately 300 townhouses on the site. According to Howard Baskin, co-owner of Big Cat Rescue with his wife Carole, the transaction marks a significant step forward for the area.

    A Clearwater-based developer, Boos Development, acquired the property through an entity for $19.5 million, as per Hillsborough County records. The rescue relocated its animals to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas, where the Baskins invested in larger enclosures than what was possible on their Tampa property.

    The Big Cat Rescue site is situated between Citrus Park and Westchase.