Brevard County Commission Votes 3-2 To Direct Purchase $10M In Artificial Turf, Lighting For USSSA Stadium Deal

'This creates more risk for Brevard'

BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA,  FLORIDA – The Brevard County Commission voted 3-2 in favor of amending its agreement with USSSA by direct purchasing $10,000,000 in artificial turf and lighting.

Under the agreement executed in 2016, between USSSA and Brevard County, USSSA was to pay the $10 million in improvements. This amendment changed that plan.

“I just don’t like us changing the agreement,” said Commissioner Kristine Isnardi.

“If this is so wonderful, then why is USSSA not spending the money first like they said they would. This creates more risk for Brevard and it does not seem like a good thing for us to do,”

County Manager Stockton Whitten argued that the improvements would be owned by the county and that the county would be paying for them anyway.

“I hope this is a wonderful thing, but if we are buying items (improvements), we are supposed to use the bid process – this would violate that,” said Isnardi.

Commissioner John Tobia commented, “I’m glad that the folks from the Indian River Lagoon have left, because this would take money away from them.”

There was no comment from Commissioner Barfield or Commissioner Pritchett.

Commissioner Curt Smith asked County Attorney Scott Knox for comment.

“The taxpayers will have the benefit of the 75 annual community days to use the improvements,” said Knox.

Commissioners Smith, Barfield and Pritchett voted in favor of amending the agreement to direct purchase the $10 million in artificial turf and lighting, from sole source contractors as directed by USSSA.

Commissioners Isnardi and Tobia voted against the amendment.

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