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Board votes 4–1 to send letter about LaBelle Swamp Cabbage festival after dispute over $50 fee
Summary
Commissioners directed staff to prepare a letter of concern to the LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Committee after the committee’s decision to charge a $50 entry fee led LaBelle High School to withdraw; commissioners debated volunteer shortages, festival costs and potential county assistance before approving the letter 4–1.
The Hendry County Board of County Commissioners voted 4–1 on Feb. 10 to send a letter expressing concern to the LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Committee after the committee charged an entry fee that resulted in LaBelle High School’s withdrawal from the parade.
Vice Chair Emery Howard opened the discussion, noting the band director reported a conflict over a $50 entry fee and that, because of timing, the school had already booked another event and would not participate. “They won’t be in my lifetime, I believe, first time that they will not be marching in the swamp cabbage parade,” Howard said, urging the board to use the words “concern” to seek dialogue.
Commissioners voiced sympathy for the students and criticized the lack of volunteers helping run the festival. Some commissioners said the county provides in‑kind support and tourism dollars and suggested the committee should not impose fees on school nonprofits, while others warned the festival requires significant volunteer labor and operational funding. Commissioner Emma Byrd and others emphasized recruitment of volunteers as a longer‑term solution.
After debate, Commissioner Howard moved and Commissioner Byrd seconded a motion directing staff to draft a letter of concern to the Swamp Cabbage Committee. The motion passed 4–1. Commissioners asked staff to gather information about county in‑kind contributions and any funds expended by public safety or county departments in support of the festival so the letter could reflect operational context.
The motion does not itself change festival policy or provide county funding; it asks the county administrator to prepare a formal letter for board approval and to collect relevant cost information.
