News Summary
Tallahassee’s Capital City Country Club proposes purchasing a 178-acre city-owned property for $1.15 million, raising concerns among residents about the sale’s implications. Critics argue the price undervalues the land, citing its historical significance and calls for public access. The city plans to pursue a second appraisal amid discussions about community use and honoring the site’s history. Club officials cite financial needs due to infrastructure struggles following tornado damage, complicating the negotiations around this controversial sale.
Tallahassee is currently facing a potentially significant change with the proposal from the Capital City Country Club (CCCC) to purchase a 178-acre undeveloped property owned by the city for $1.15 million. However, the proposed purchase price has raised eyebrows, with some residents perceiving it as a low-ball appraisal for land that could be worth millions. The widespread concern centers around the fact that this land is public property belonging to Tallahassee’s citizens, and the implications of its sale are stirring up considerable debate.
CCCC has been leasing this property under a 99-year agreement with the city since 1956, paying only $1 per year, which has added up to a mere $69 over 69 years. This highly favorable lease arrangement has drawn criticism for being a vestige of a racist past that perpetuated segregation in golf. Historically, the club admitted its first African-American members decades after its founding, contributing to ongoing concerns about equity and access for local residents.
As discussions unfold regarding the potential sale of the property, residents have expressed apprehension about the idea of selling public land for what they perceive as “pennies on the dollar.” Many community members advocate for alternatives that would allow for continued public access to the land. Among the proposals is the idea of city management of the golf course, akin to the successful operations at Hilaman and Jake Gaither public golf courses. Additionally, some residents suggest integrating the property into the city’s parks and recreation portfolio, creating opportunities for community use, including hiking trails and recreational facilities.
The land is adjacent to a historic cemetery for enslaved individuals, where unmarked graves were discovered in 2019. This has amplified the discussions around how the property is utilized and raised concerns about memorialization and the importance of honoring the history associated with the site.
City commissioners have opted to pursue a second appraisal of the land to ensure an accurate assessment of its value, as well as to consider various proposals regarding its sale. Club officials from CCCC cite financial struggles and immediate infrastructure needs, which they assert have been exacerbated by tornado damage. They believe that acquiring ownership of the property is crucial not only for securing loans to facilitate essential property improvements but also to meet NCAA standards for potential collaboration with the Florida A&M University golf team.
Historical markers and memorials for the unmarked graves have been suggested as part of potential negotiations regarding the future of the land. City leaders are keen to navigate the ongoing debates surrounding the value of the property, the management of potential redevelopment, and the significant task of preserving the cemetery site.
While the sale remains a focal point of contention, varying perspectives within the community illustrate the range of priorities, from the need for immediate financial relief and infrastructure development to the desire for public ownership and ongoing community benefit from the land. As negotiations continue, the city is faced with the challenge of balancing these differing views while ensuring that any future decisions honor the history and needs of Tallahassee citizens.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Must Ensure Golf Course Properties Remain Public
- City to Conduct Second Appraisal of Capital City Country Club Land
- City Considers Selling Capital City Golf Course
- Tallahassee to Explore Capital City Country Club Sale Amid Outcry
- Members at Florida Golf Club Want to Purchase Property from City
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Capital City Country Club
- Google Scholar: Tallahassee Public Access Land
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Tallahassee 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.
