The Bradford County Tourist Development Council voted Thursday to give Bradford Sports United $150,000 in bed tax money for improvements at the Edwards Road ballfields, $60,000 more than the group requested.
The $90,000 request would have paid for a covered practice facility: a 40-by-84-foot pole barn with a concrete slab at $68,000, three nylon batting tunnels at $5,400 and turf pads at $10,000. County Recreation Director Deana DeSiena, who presented the proposal, said better facilities would help the county compete for multi-day tournaments that fill hotel rooms. A Babe Ruth district tournament hosted by Palatka this year drew an estimated 3,600 people.
Starke Mayor Andy Redding moved to match last year’s $150,000 grant instead, arguing the county and city are unlikely to keep funding the fields. Brooker Mayor Gene Melvin seconded.
New member Danny Stefanelli questioned the return, noting last year’s grant was described as one-time. Group President Danny Riddick, a county commissioner, promised not to return next year for a third request.
Stefanelli ultimately voted in favor of the $150,000 grant. TDC chair and County Commissioner Carolyn Spooner cast the sole dissenting vote. The grant must still be approved by county commissioners.
Click here for the full story: Sports group asks for $90K, TDC approves $150,000
