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Commission tables Liberty Networks offer to buy part of Field of Dreams parcel; legal review and community input requested
Summary
A private firm offering $500,000 for roughly three acres of a 57‑acre city parcel commonly called the Field of Dreams prompted debate about deed restrictions, the property’s intended use for a sports complex and the need for legal review and public outreach. The commission voted to table the proposal pending legal analysis and community outreach.
The City Commission heard a proposal from a realtor representing Liberty Networks LLC to buy roughly three acres of a 57‑acre tract owned by the city near Field of Dreams Avenue for an on‑site telecom exchange building tied to an undersea cable landing.
Denise Vickers, a Keller Williams realtor, told the commission she was authorized to offer $500,000 cash for a roughly three‑acre portion of Gulf County Parcel 03072005 R and that Liberty Networks needs a telecom exchange building within about six miles of the undersea landing zone near Salinas Park. "This proposal...is about investment and partnership," Vickers said, adding that the company expects to generate local construction jobs and some long‑term ad valorem tax revenue once built.
Commissioners raised legal and mission concerns. Several members said the tract had been acquired with the stated intent of hosting a future sports complex and that deed restrictions and prior public commitments must be checked. Commissioner Langston moved to table the offer and have the city attorney review deed stipulations and other legal requirements; the motion was seconded. Commissioners also requested community outreach so residents and prior interested parties could offer input.
Public commenters emphasized both sides of the question. Christie McElroy asked whether the parcel would be treated as surplus property under Florida law and whether county or other stakeholders had been consulted. Some residents urged holding the tract for the sports complex, while others said a $500,000 influx could be useful seed money. Staff and the city attorney were directed to research deed language and statutory requirements and return with findings at the next meeting.
Commissioners did not finalize any sale; the matter was tabled pending legal review and community outreach. Denise Vickers asked staff whether the review could be completed by the next meeting; staff said they expected to have preliminary answers by then.
The commission emphasized that any transaction must comply with deed restrictions and that previously expressed public objectives for the property remain an important factor in its consideration.
