County amends IRSC lease to add 30.72 acres for sports fields; commissioners secure public‑access language
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Summary
The board approved a first amendment to the lease with Indian River State College to add roughly 30.72 acres for sports facilities and granted a nonexclusive access/maintenance easement; commissioners required an amendment to guarantee public access to the recreational facilities (not the high school) and approved the motion unanimously.
The Martin County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Jan. 6 to approve a first amendment to the county’s lease with the District Board of Trustees of Indian River State College (IRSC) to add 30.72 acres adjacent to the Indiantown High School campus for sports fields and related facilities.
Mandy Johns, real property professional for the county, described the amendment as expanding the leased boundary to include athletic facilities and granting a nonexclusive access and maintenance easement along Citrus Boulevard. Dr. Moore, representing IRSC, said the college and the Johnson Family Foundation are seeking $10–13 million in legislative funding this year and noted a $2 million pledge from the Johnsons toward site improvements.
Commissioners raised three principal concerns: the overall length of the lease term (presented as a structured 50‑year initial term with successive renewal options that could be described cumulatively as 99 years), whether the community would have access to recreational fields, and whether Martin County receives direct rent or other taxpayer benefit.
Commissioner Campey moved to amend the staff recommendation to direct county legal staff to work with IRSC to add lease language guaranteeing public access to the recreational facilities (not the charter high school) subject to county attorney and college approval; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Dr. Moore said the college would work with the county to define hours and access. Commissioners also emphasized that donated or grant funds have supported much of the campus construction and cited local economic investment tied to the project.
The board recorded a unanimous vote to approve the amended lease and authorize the chair to execute documents.
Authorities and clarifications: staff explained that the original parcel acquisition involved partnerships with the South Florida Water Management District and that Martin County residents previously paid for part of the parcel acquisition; the lease requires the trustees to use the premises solely for construction and operation of a charter school, and the amendment adds recreational uses.
Next steps: legal staff will draft the specific public‑access amendment language for execution alongside the lease amendment documents.