Sebring council directs staff to draft RFP for municipal golf course amid public interest

Sebring City Council members on Sept. 2 asked city staff to develop a request-for-proposals framework for the municipal golf course so alternative proposals can be considered alongside the proposal from the Blackman family. The move came during council members’ reports and public comment after discussion at a prior budget workshop about whether the city should continue operating the course or seek private operators. Council discussion emphasized fairness and transparency. One council member said they preferred “to open it up, just in the interest of fairness when we’re getting rid of a potentially valuable city property,” and asked staff to prepare RFP documents and criteria. Another council member said the council had already “vetted” the Blackman proposal and favored moving forward with that offer, calling it “the best fit economically.” During public comment, three residents urged keeping the facility as a golf operation and said they would submit competing offers if the process were opened. Terry Martin, who identified himself as a golfer at the municipal course, said golfers he knows would consider buying or operating the course. A resident who asked how to find the course’s operating expenses was told by staff: “You could see the city's budget every year. It's published.” Joey Lang, citing a potential group interest, told the council: “If we're committed to doing an RFP process for transparency, I will withhold the number tonight. But I will make a compelling offer that brings value.” Council direction, not a formal vote, was to ask staff to “generate some criteria, send it out, and get some feedback” and then return suggested RFP language to council for review. The mayor indicated he believed council had reached a consensus to proceed with preparing the framework. The council did not adopt or authorize any sale, nor did it accept or reject any specific purchase proposal during the meeting. Any formal disposition of the property would require future action and, if applicable, a public notice or solicitation process following municipal procurement rules. Council members and residents emphasized competing goals: securing an economically viable operator, protecting city assets, and preserving access for local golfers. No timeline was provided for the RFP drafting, and staff indicated they would circulate draft criteria for council comment. What happens next: Staff will prepare draft RFP criteria and circulate them to council; the council will have an opportunity to revise the criteria before a public solicitation is posted.