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County declines $200,000 FRDAP grant after bids exceed budget for Douglas Brown courts
Summary
Staff recommended and the board approved notifying the state it will not proceed with a $200,000 FRDAP grant to build new basketball courts at Douglas Brown Community Center after bids exceeded $400,000 and timing constraints made completion within the grant window infeasible.
Okeechobee County staff told commissioners they will notify the state that the county cannot proceed with a $200,000 Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) reimbursable grant for new basketball courts at the Douglas Brown Community Center.
Parks and tourism staff (speaker 13) said the grant was for construction of new courts in a different location near existing restrooms, but the lowest responsive bids exceeded $400,000 — well above the grant amount — and the timeline did not allow for procurement and construction within the grant window. "We do not have the funds budgeted for that type of a project here," the parks director said.
Commission action: Commissioners voted to decline or return the grant under the current terms and directed staff to explore alternatives, including applying for larger grants (e.g., Land and Water Conservation Fund) or reconfiguring the project for lower cost elements such as drop‑in bathrooms or resurfacing under different funding. Staff clarified the FRDAP award was reimbursable and the county had not yet received funds.
Community impact: Staff noted the courts and restroom access remain community priorities and said they will continue to pursue other funding opportunities to complete the broader vision for the facility.
