In a surprise twist to a high-stakes real estate auction, a mystery company has outbid a prominent Northeast Florida developer to secure the purchase of the Marineland property for $7.1 million, according to newly filed court documents.
Delightful Development LLC emerged as the winning bidder during Monday’s bankruptcy auction, eclipsing the early frontrunner, The Hutson Companies, which had submitted a stalking horse bid of $3.5 million and increased its offer during the bidding process before ultimately exiting the pool.
The identity of Delightful Development’s leadership remains unclear, with no additional information beyond the company name disclosed in the filings. St. Augustine-based Hutson is listed in court papers as the backup bidder.
The name does not appear in Florida LLC databases, suggesting that the auction winner is from out of state.
The property, located along the scenic coastal stretch near the St. Johns and Flagler County line, is currently home to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure park — a site with deep historical roots, having opened in 1938 as one of the world’s first oceanariums.
The sale comes as part of bankruptcy proceedings initiated by The Dolphin Company, Marineland’s Mexico-based owner, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 31.
The company cited financial difficulties and concerns about animal welfare that were flagged in recent federal inspections.
In July, the 27-acre waterfront site was officially listed for sale as the bankruptcy court sought to recover funds for creditors.
The Hutson Companies, known for large-scale residential projects like Oakleaf Plantation and Silverleaf in Northeast Florida, submitted the initial stalking horse bid, aiming to establish the floor price for the auction.
It remains unknown what Delightful Development intends to do with the Marineland site.
A final court hearing to approve the sale is scheduled for October 27 in Delaware.
