County staff provided an update on a proposed 500‑acre regional sports park, reporting that surveying and wetland delineation for phase 1 are underway and that engineers are developing site layouts for fields and concession areas. Staff emphasized the project is progressing slowly through design and that partnering — with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission referenced as a potential partner — and funding sources will determine how quickly construction can begin.

Board members asked when fields would come online; staff said there is no firm build‑out timeline and that the next schedule step depends on completion of engineering, identification of funding (public‑private partnership, county capital or legislative appropriation) and possible state‑level appropriations. One board member suggested a trip to Tallahassee to discuss potential appropriations once conceptual drawings are complete.

Staff framed the park as having substantial regional benefit and said they are coordinating with engineers and potential partners. No formal funding decision or timeline was approved at the meeting; staff will return with engineering deliverables and refined cost/funding options.