JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A former Jacksonville Tourist Development Council member said the decision to cancel Florida Country Superfest came from the lack of a long-term commitment from the promoters.
The same group has created a new event, which is being called the Country 500 music festival in Daytona.
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Fred Pozin, the former TDC member, said the decision to award a $100,000 grant to the promoters called for a third year commitment from Florida Country Superfest to have the event in Jacksonville, which wasn't agreed.
"We were a little concerned about that," Pozin said. "if you are committed, show us that either in a multi-year deal or change the name because we believe you need to be committed to Jacksonville."
In 2013, Florida Country Superfest asked for a $300,000 grant for events in 2014, 2015 and 2016. They were awarded a maximum of $200,000 for 2014 and a maximum of $100,000 for 2015. The agreement for 2015, however, also called for a third year.
"When they (the council) went back to them (the promoters), they would not sign on for a third year. This was not the city's fault. This is a promoter doing what promoters do," Pozin said.
Pozin said he feels the event was given to the highest bidder after two years of establishing itself. He said that losing successful events is always disappointing for the city, but it won't stop the efforts to bring big events in the future.
"If they want to come, we would love to have them back again," said Pozin. "But we feel like our money needs to stay here in Jacksonville."
News4Jax is waiting on a response from the promoters.