News Summary
The Tallahassee city commission’s recent vote to sell the Capital City Country Club land has ignited a heated debate. Critics argue the $1.15 million appraisal undervalues the property while supporters claim ownership is necessary for renovations. Opponents advocate for public use of the land, highlighting its historical significance linked to past racial injustices, environmental concerns, and the need for equitable community spaces. The discussion continues as local leaders and residents push for a decision that reflects the community’s values.
Tallahassee has become the center of a contentious debate following a recent vote by city commissioners regarding the proposed sale of the Capital City Country Club (CCCC) land, an area encompassing 180 acres of prime real estate in downtown. The commission voted 3-2 to authorize an appraisal for the club’s proposal to purchase the land for $1.15 million, a figure that critics argue significantly undervalues the property.
The Capital City Country Club has operated under a 99-year lease from the city since 1956, paying a mere $1 annually. This arrangement has drawn criticism, as many view it as a continuation of systemic racism, given the club’s history of catering to a predominantly elderly, white membership, and its ties to past racial injustices, including its location on a former plantation site that includes a slave cemetery.
Opponents of the sale express significant concern regarding the future use of the land. They advocate for the area to remain a public space that serves the entire Tallahassee community. Proposed alternatives include transforming the area into a public park or even a city-run golf course that would be more accessible and inclusive than the current private club. Some community members envision the development of public recreational facilities complete with trails, courts, and potentially affordable housing, emphasizing the need for greater equity in land use.
Supporters of the sale argue that the current lease limits CCCC’s ability to undertake necessary renovations and secure financial investments due to uncertainty regarding ownership. The club has outlined plans for significant improvements, including upgrading the golf course to NCAA standards and partnering with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) to support their golf team. Although these plans could benefit local sports programming, they raise questions about the broader implications for community access and historical preservation.
The land’s historical context adds another layer of complexity to the debate. The CCCC is situated near what is believed to be a slave cemetery with evidence of at least 23 anomalies suggesting potential unmarked graves. Community members have voiced concerns that the sale of the land could risk memorialization efforts for the graves, which are essential for honoring the area’s history and the African American community’s ties to the site.
Furthermore, criticism has arisen regarding the potential environmental impact of golf course operations. Opponents of the sale argue that the continued functioning of golf courses contributes to environmental degradation and that transforming the land into a public park could serve a greater purpose for community well-being. The community’s call for alternative use highlights a growing movement towards rethinking land use in a way that promotes inclusivity and environmental sustainability.
As discussions continue, the tension between historical significance, environmental concerns, and community needs remains palpable. The proposal to sell the Capital City Country Club land raises critical questions about the future of downtown Tallahassee and the commitment to addressing historical injustices, promoting equitable access to recreational spaces, and preserving the memory of those who suffered in the past. Community members and local leaders are expected to remain engaged in the conversation as the appraisal process unfolds, advocating for a land-use decision that reflects the values and needs of all Tallahassee residents.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Make Capital City Country Club Tallahassee’s Central Park
- Tallahassee.com: Tallahassee Must Ensure Golf Course Properties Remain Public
- WTXL: City to Conduct Second Appraisal of Capital City Country Club Land
- Tallahassee.com: Capital City Country Club Wants to Purchase Property from City
- Wikipedia: Tallahassee
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.
