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Commissioners debate $150,000‑a‑year recreation funding proposal and partnership with Starke and TDC
Summary
A multi‑partner proposal to fund a countywide recreation program and a recreation director drew broad support but no vote; commissioners asked for more budget detail and city and TDC commitments before approving a two‑year, $150,000‑per‑year county contribution.
Commissioner Riddick presented a proposal to create a coordinated recreation program that would hire a full‑time recreation director, pool city and county facilities and seek funding from the Tourist Development Council to improve fields at the Edwards Road complex.
Riddick asked the Bradford County Commission for a motion to fund recreation for two years at $150,000 per year from the county and said he planned to ask the City of Starke and the TDC board for matching contributions. He described a proposed governance board (one county appointee, one city appointee, one TDC appointee, plus two citizen members), a part‑time assistant, and a budget that would cover salaries, maintenance and program costs. Riddick said the TDC currently holds about $800,000 and brings in $20,000–$25,000 monthly.
Why this matters: commissioners and community speakers said affordable, locally available youth sports keep families in the county, reduce juvenile idling and support local business through tournaments. County staff and elected officials asked for clearer budget sources, a two‑year commitment, and city and TDC concurrence before any county appropriation.
Speakers at the meeting described existing local programs and facilities. Sheriff Gordon Smith called youth sports “crime prevention 101,” and Samson Jackson, the Bradford County athletic director, described an eight‑week youth league that used middle- and elementary‑school gyms to provide low‑cost, coed programming. A player named Weston said the spring league helped him improve his play and urged “please bring more sports for us kids.”
The presentation identified current assets: the Edwards Road complex (city‑owned) with six fields, a splash park, skate park and restrooms; Thomas Street football field; and the Bradford County Fairgrounds for larger events and parking. Riddick said immediate needs include 200‑foot removable home‑run fences, higher sideline fencing and additional porta‑potties for tournaments.
Several commissioners and the county clerk expressed strong support for recreation in principle but raised budgetary constraints. County staff said the current county recreation line item is $15,000. Several commissioners urged not to vote on a funding commitment until the city of Starke, the TDC and smaller municipalities (Brooker, Hampton, Lodi) are consulted and until budget planning identifies offsets. County Attorney and staff suggested the item be developed during the budget process and returned with firm city or TDC commitments and a two‑year plan.
Riddick said he would present the plan to the City of Starke on June 17 and return to the county commission for consideration. Several officials warned that tabling the proposal could delay implementation for years, while others said deliberate planning and guaranteed funding streams are necessary.
No formal motion to appropriate county funds was taken at the meeting; commissioners instructed staff to continue coordination with the city and TDC and to include the proposal in budget discussions.
