Pasco County and RADDSports Pasco Wiregrass LLC are in a dispute over RADDSports’ operations of the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County.
The county has engaged an attorney, and has given RADDSports 30 days to correct issues identified in a formal notice of default, overnighted to RADDSports’ officials on Oct. 19.
At its Oct. 25 meeting, the Pasco County Commission approved budget amendments of more than $2.8 million that would fund a county takeover plan of the facility, plus an additional $88,1000 and also authorized an additional $150,000 in purchasing authority for Carlton Fields, P.A., for its continuing legal services regarding issues involving RADDSports.
The board’s vote on the issue came as part of the board’s consent agenda, which means it was approved along with a group of other items in a single vote, without discussion.
Before that vote, representatives for RADDSports appeared during the public comment portion of the meeting, urging commissioners to either delay action, or remove the item from the consent agenda.
Anthony Homer, of RADDSports, told the board: “We were pretty shocked and blindsided to find out that this drastic change to our relationship with the County of Pasco was on the consent agenda.
“We weren’t notified of this ahead of time,” he said, adding that it’s a good thing they looked at the consent agenda for things related to RADDSports.
When they consulted their attorney, Homer said, they learned “that this is essentially not a discussion, that it is a termination asking us to vacate in 30 days.”
Homer added: “We have a contract that probably could use some modification. We’d love to come to the table. We have said that repeatedly in every communication with the county. We’re happy to work things out. It has to be mutually beneficial.”
Homer also told the board: “We think we’re doing a good job in Pasco County,” and noted that some commissioners have indicated this is a chance for negotiation.
Homer said he hopes that resolution can be achieved.
“Like any relationship, we want to avoid that divorce. It’s going to get expensive and nasty. Nobody wants that,” Homer said.
Richard Blalock, also of RADDSports, also addressed the board.
“We understand there are some gaps and weaknesses,” Blalock said. But he added that RADDSports remains committed “to make sure that this asset for Pasco County is positive.”
Attorney E. Colin Thompson, representing RADDSports, told the board that his client is committed to making the sports campus a success during the more than 18-year term that remains on the contract, agreed to by the county board approximately five years ago, when the county turned over the management and responsibilities of the sports venue to the private enterprise.
Thompson also told the board: “We would like to talk to this body and this staff to make sure there is no issue as to default.”
Barring additional dialogue, the attorney added, “We will be forced into a situation where we have to file and move on to litigation.”
In response for comment on the issue, Pasco County’s Media Relations and Communications office released this statement: “The Pasco Board of County Commissioners opened the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County in Wesley Chapel in summer of 2020 with a vision of making Florida’s Sports Coast a premier sports tourism destination – attracting tournaments and talent from around the country and the world. That vision has yet to be fulfilled by the existing operator of the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus (RADDSports). Our local hotels, restaurants and shops are not seeing the increased business they were expecting, and the impact to the county’s overall economy is not yet what the Board was anticipating.
“If RADDSports is unable to comply with the terms of its agreement, and fulfill the Board’s original vision, Pasco has a talented team of sports marketing experts and parks and recreation managers who can bring management of the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus in-house. Our Florida’s Sports Coast team is prepared to focus on booking outside events and attracting outside visitors. Our Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources team is prepared to manage the building and campus grounds. Our Parks team is prepared to honor all event contracts and work to ensure our local sports enthusiasts continue to have access to our world-class facilities.
“Pasco County looks forward to the future success of the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus and the resulting economic boost from sports tourism the campus was designed to create.”
Published November 02, 2022
