Leaders, public discuss Big League Dreams

'Secret meetings' investigated by FDLE

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Clay County commissioners met with the public Tuesday in a special meeting to discuss the status of the proposed $22 million Big League Dreams complex.

The meeting came not long after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed it was investigating allegations of missing public records and closed-door meetings.

Commissioners began the meeting by saying there would not be a vote Tuesday.

Still, many people for and against the ballpark were there to voice their opinion.

Supporters said the complex would bring revenue to the area. But some have argued against it, especially since the FDLE released a report confirming it was investigating allegations of "secret meetings."

"What I'm against is, using taxpayer funds to build a baseball park that the keys are going to be handed over to a private company to operate," Joe Riley said. "Then keep meetings about the negotiations for the contracts in the shade."

Some supporters say although the possibility of secret meetings raises questions, they still believe the payoff is worth it in the end.

"So maybe there were some things that weren't done correctly, but that doesn't negate the perks, the benefits of providing a facility that parents can invest in their children," Matthew Wiegand said.

Toward the end of the meeting, the commission did vote to provide guidance to the involved attorneys on moving forward with things, such as an environmental study, plus a title to the land.


About the Author:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.