Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/198837
Sarasota News Leader October 25, 2013 Buck O'Neil Complex at Twin Lakes Park in Sarasota, Pat Calhoon, the county's manager of sports development and athletics, told the commissioners during their regular meeting on Oct. 23. The expense budgeted for the new lighting is $1,241,112, though Calhoon said it appeared the project should come in under that. Part of the money — $250,000 — is coming in the form of advances on the 2014 payments from the county and the Orioles into the Capital Repair and Improvements Fund (CAPX) for the stadium. Both entities put in $125,000 per year, Calhoon noted. Page 70 Commissioner Joe Barbetta — a strong supporter of sports endeavors in the community — stressed to Calhoon that the CAPX financial report should be available in 30 days. "It's not an unreasonable request," Barbetta added. Calhoon's primary purpose in appearing before the board again this week was to secure approval for the lighting replacement project. Reiterating comments he made in a brief report on Oct. 8, Calhoon said, "We are moving on a fast track to do this before Spring Training [starts]." Bids are to be opened on Oct. 28, he continued, with plans to award the contract on Nov. (That fee will rise to $175,000 for both 12. Because of the long lead time necessary the county and the team starting in 2016, to purchase certain pieces of equipment — a Calhoon said.) transformer and switchgear — staff already The 'chandelier' in Ed Smith Stadium is a focal point at the main entrance. Photo by Norman Schimmel