One of Florida’s oldest golf courses, the Capital City Country Club operated at a $1-a-year lease to the City of Tallahassee. However, when discussions on its sale began, the public fumed over the city’s decision to sell the public land to the private club. What has caused this backlash? More importantly, what is the city’s response to the controversy?

The City of Tallahassee has decided to end its 1954 lease contract with the club by passing on the ownership rights to them. Dealing with fiscal troubles has allegedly prompted the decision. The club’s appraisal valued the property at $1.15 million, while the city landed at $1.25 million as the final price tag for the transaction. But the decision won’t be as simple as a monetary exchange. The city is already facing heaps of criticism from the general public.

Concerns over the privatization of publicly-owned land are circling among the Tallahassee natives. Moreover, the public is worried about the uncertain future of the golf course. Some believe that real estate developments would replace the golf course. Historical and racial justice concerns have also found their way into the discussion.

Both the club and the city faced public outcry for failing to memorialize the graves of the enslaved. The officials promised that the fall of 2021 would witness finished memorials. Needless to say, the promise never turned into a reality. Now, with the sale agreement, the public fears the memorials will never materialize. The city has assured to use a part of the financial proceeds ($98,000) from the transaction to finally build the commemorative burial site. However, one of the biggest backlashes is probably due to the financial terms.

Apparently, the price tag feels too cheap, even though the club operated the course, paying only a dollar a year instead of an actual rent. According to some critics, including City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow, the city is selling public property at a bargain to a private group. “It seems to be a troubling trend that everyone just has their hand in the cookie jar to see whatever they can get from the city,” Matlow explained.

Not only does it spark outrage over the undervaluation of over 192 acres of land, but it also raises certain concerns over the course’s future. Some people believe that condos and buildings could replace parts of the golf course. As a result, they want to ensure legal safeguards are in place and maintained. In response, the official agenda has ensured the preservation of the golf course and public access to the cemetery. But the decision doesn’t seem to bode well with everyone.

Matlow was direct in addressing his disapproval of the decision. But the responses seem mixed. “This is not about creating a development opportunity,” Fred Baggett, chair of Capital City CC, wrote. “It is about sustaining one of Florida’s oldest golf courses under challenging conditions.”

To conclude the transaction, the Tallahassee City Commission has decided to meet on Wednesday, October 22. The commissioners would vote for their stance on the matter. The decision will be made by majority vote, with predictions suggesting a close outcome. The question remains, who stands with the decision, and who is against?

Mixed reception of the Capital City CC sale agreement

Jeremy Matlow is one of the biggest opponents of this sale. In contrast, Fred Baggett expressed a pro-sale sentiment in his statements. A broader look suggests that it’s not just the clash between these two minds. The $1.25 million sale of Capital City has generated both significant support and notable opposition.

Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey expressed enthusiasm for the transaction. He addressed the concerns of the public, assuring the preservation of the golf course. “Making sure that we properly preserve the cemetery with signage, with maintenance, with everything that the community came together to design,” Dailey said. “And I think we have an incredible opportunity to do so. So I am willing to take the next step and have it be brought to us, but I wanted to be very clear on the record what my thoughts are.”

City commissioner Dianne Williams‑Cox confirmed that she stands with the decision as long as the cemetery and the course remain protected. However, Williams-Cox is more of a proponent for the decision, making the sale a yes for her. Another city commissioner, Curtis Richardson, has also supported the agreement.

In contrast, Jack Porter has decided to move forward with the agreement until progress on the cemetery is visible. “Because I understand that there was a plan in 2021 that was presented to us, but has anything happened since then?” she questioned. Delaitre Hollinger raised similar concerns to the club and the city. Jeremy Matlow’s verdict was an overall disapproval of the “fire sale” agreement for the Capital City Country Club.

Ultimately, the debate over whether the sale should commence or not is full of nuance. While certain developments, including preservation of the course, might not be possible without the sale, it has its own downsides. The decision would come out after the decisive vote on October 22.