In a pivotal City Commission meeting held on September 17, 2025, the future of the Capital City Golf Course, located at 833 Santa Rosa Drive, took center stage as city officials discussed a proposal to sell the land to the Capital City Country Club. The golf course, which has been leased to the club since the 1950s for a nominal fee of one dollar per year, has become a focal point of community concern, particularly regarding its historical significance and the presence of unmarked graves of enslaved individuals on the property.

City Manager Christian Doolin presented the proposal, seeking authorization to obtain an independent appraisal of the golf course and prepare a formal proposal for its sale, which the country club has valued at $1.15 million. The club aims to invest in improvements to the aging infrastructure of the course, which has been in operation for over a century. However, the proposal has sparked significant debate among city commissioners and community members, many of whom expressed strong opposition to the sale.

Commissioners raised critical questions about the implications of selling the land, particularly concerning the preservation of the cemetery that contains the remains of enslaved individuals. Several speakers during public comment emphasized the need for protections to ensure that the cemetery remains undisturbed and that the golf course continues to operate as a recreational space for the community. Concerns were voiced about the historical context of the lease, which many believe was established to circumvent integration laws, and the perceived inequities in the club's long-term use of city-owned land.

Community members, including representatives from local historical and civil rights organizations, passionately argued against the sale, urging the commission to consider alternative solutions that would keep the land in public ownership. They highlighted the importance of memorializing the graves and ensuring that the history of the site is honored and preserved.

As the meeting progressed, commissioners expressed a desire for more information before making any decisions. They emphasized the need for legal assurances that the cemetery would be protected in perpetuity and that the land would remain a golf course or park, free from future development. The commission ultimately agreed to move forward with obtaining an appraisal and further exploring the implications of the proposed sale.

The discussions reflect a broader conversation about the intersection of history, community values, and land use in Tallahassee. As the city grapples with these complex issues, the outcome of this proposal will likely have lasting implications for both the community and the historical narrative of the site. The commission's next steps will be closely watched by residents and stakeholders invested in the preservation of the golf course and its historical significance.