County commission must abandon plan to study Fairgrounds
The Sarasota County Commission’s recent declaration that it wants to “examine the highest and best use” of the Sarasota Fairgrounds property sounds to me like the opening scene of a horror film titled “Nightmare on Ringling Boulevard” – with the commission playing the main role of the villain.
As a native of Sarasota, I can’t remember a time when we haven’t had a county fair. Sarasota County has a rich history of agriculture, and each year the fair pays homage to that legacy through its involvement with local farmers, area 4-H clubs, the Cattlemen’s Association and other agriculture-related organizations (not to mention the 20 dedicated and committed local individuals who make up the board of directors). The fair also provides wholesome, family entertainment during its run each year.
As a Sarasota County commissioner from 2008 to 2016, I represented the commission on the Fair Board – and I continue to do so as a member at large. That’s why I remain appalled by the county commission’s lack of communication with the Fair Board before it publicly raised the issue of the Fairgrounds’ future use. It was not a business-friendly approach, and it also showed a lack of respect, professionalism and courtesy.
I understand that just as in any other community, growth in Sarasota County is inevitable. However, I am a strong believer that how growth takes place is what ultimately makes or breaks a community. It is clear to me that erasing the history of the Fairgrounds would not be a proper way to promote growth, and it certainly would not represent “the highest and best use” of the property.
The Fairgrounds is a part of Sarasota County history that should be celebrated, not eradicated.
Does the Sarasota County Commission realize, understand or even care that ownership of this property was transferred to the Sarasota County Agricultural Fair Association by the county commission more than 70 years ago? Then again, what am I thinking? Perhaps I should not be surprised by this latest move given how the county commission has treated our local nonprofit agencies, which provide muchneeded services to Sarasota County residents, over the past year.
I respectfully urge the Sarasota County Commission to abandon its absurd mission regarding the Fairgrounds, And I call on it to apologize to the Sarasota County Agricultural Fair Association and the citizens of Sarasota County for this shameless effort to erase an important and integral part of our history.
Carolyn Mason is a former Sarasota County commissioner and a current member at large on the Sarasota County Fair’s board of directors.