News Summary
The Capital City Country Club’s proposed land sale and recent appraisal have sparked controversy among Tallahassee community members who argue it favors a select demographic. With the appraisal set at $1.5 million for 192 acres, concerns have been raised about the valuation of public assets. The club seeks to exit its $1-per-year lease amid financial challenges and community leaders debate the land’s future use amidst historical significance tied to enslaved individuals.
TALLAHASSEE – The Capital City Country Club (CCCC) is under scrutiny for its recent land appraisal and proposed sale, which some community members have criticized as benefiting a narrow demographic. The appraisal, valuing the 192 acres occupied by the club, including its historic clubhouse, has been set at $1.5 million. This figure has sparked concerns about how public assets are valued before potential sale.
The club has requested to break its 99-year lease with the city, which currently costs $1 per year. This request is driven by financial difficulties stemming from competition, a decline in membership numbers, and ongoing recovery efforts following tornado damage last year. The club’s member base has been referred to by critics as predominantly consisting of “old white duffers,” a characterization that member Tyler Schmidt argues inaccurately reflects the club’s culture and diversity. He maintains that the country club promotes community accessibility and hosts youth golf programs, as well as collaborations with local high schools and Florida A&M University’s golf team.
Tallahassee City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow has voiced strong opposition to the potential sale of the property, expressing concerns over undervaluations of public assets. He described the situation as reminiscent of a “fire sale” trend, calling for increased transparency in the valuation processes of public properties. In contrast, Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox has advocated for a second appraisal, stressing the need to compare data points to ascertain a fair market value for CCCC.
Amidst the ongoing discussions about the land appraisal and sale, it is important to note that the CCCC has historical significance connected to its location above unmarked graves believed to belong to enslaved individuals from the former Edward Houstoun Plantation. The club and the city are working together to establish a commemorative site to honor those buried at the site. This context adds a layer of complexity to the conversations about the club’s future, emphasizing the necessity of honoring the historical aspects of the land.
The CCCC’s proposal includes an offer to purchase the land it occupies for approximately $1.15 million, alongside commitments to invest in improvements to the golf course and to respect the historical significance of the site. However, there is still a pressing need to address deferred maintenance issues, which are estimated to cost millions. These challenges underscore the importance of developing a sustainable operational model for the golf course moving forward.
The debate surrounding the property also includes discussions on its future use, with differing opinions on whether it should remain a golf course or be repurposed for redevelopment. Community leaders, historians, and residents are encouraged to engage in conversation around the club and its significance, with opportunities to visit the club and experience its community atmosphere personally.
The outcome of the discussions regarding the appraisal, the potential sale of the property, and its historical significance may greatly influence both the Capital City Country Club and its integral role within the Tallahassee community in the years to come. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial for stakeholders to navigate the complexities of maintaining a space that balances community needs with the preservation of its historical legacy.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Portrayals of Capital City Country Club Are Misleading
- Tallahassee.com: Matlow Blasts Possible Capital City Country Club Sale
- WTXL: City to Conduct Second Appraisal of Capital City Country Club Land
- Tallahassee Reports: City Considers Selling Capital City Golf Course
- Tallahassee.com: An Improved Capital City Country Club a Win for Tallahassee
- Wikipedia: Tallahassee
- Google Search: Capital City Country Club
- Google Scholar: Capital City Country Club
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Capital City Country Club
- Google News: Capital City Country Club
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
