Blueprint says fairgrounds construction waits on county‑led lease negotiations; commissioners press for faster action

Director White told the board the IA adopted a master plan for the North Florida Fairgrounds on Feb. 29, 2024 and has begun the design process, but that construction depends on renegotiated lease terms between Leon County (the property owner) and the Fair Association.

“On 02/29/2024, the IE board accepted, the master plan for the fairgrounds and initiated the design process,” Director White said, adding that the county attorney will lead lease negotiations and that “the item that will come to the county commission in December will be seeking direction from the county commission on those negotiations.”

Commissioners used the informational item to press for faster timelines and a clearer deployment strategy for Blueprint funds. Commissioner Proctor urged broader involvement and faster action, saying the site could host conferences and university events and asserting that the project has “transformative potential.” Proctor criticized the pace and said, “We gotta get more giddy up in our stride.”

Staff told the board that Blueprint’s implementation plan assumed the fair would stay on site and that planned improvements include a community building, restroom renovations, Capitol Park upgrades, Gene Cox Stadium parking improvements and underground infrastructure. Staff also noted the IA approved bond financing in prior years (issuances in 2022 and 2024) and that a bond issuance planned for 2026 has not yet been finalized.

Why it matters: The master plan envisions site upgrades that depend on lease terms. Commissioners expressed concern that delaying lease renegotiation will delay visible work and urged coordination with the county commission so Blueprint funds can be deployed effectively.