Many issues that come before the County Commission (BOCC) are highly nuanced. This Thursday, January 29, Item I is an exception to that rule.

It is a black and white decision to head in one of two directions.

Is Chinsegut Hill Sanctuary going to be open for daily public use or absorbed into a gated institution?

The BOCC put out a Request for Proposals (RFP) that anyone could respond to. Historic Hernando Preservation Society (HHPS) submitted an RFP, as did a few others. The HHPS proposal overwhelmingly scored highest, and the HHPS President has signed a lease agreement as written by County staff. The 52-page HHPS proposal (see link below to read the whole thing) includes a commitment to immediately opening the grounds DAILY for the public, as well as a plethora of community programming and events.

Florida A&M University (FAMU) chose not to submit an RFP, but has recently submitted a letter (link below) to the BOCC asking to be allowed to manage the property. Though their proposal does not meet the minimum standards of the RFP and would therefore have scored very poorly, their proposal is also being heard by the BOCC on Thursday.

Below are key contrast points of the proposals. I’ve included where the information was found for each point. For FAMU, that’s pages 1-10. For HHPS, it’s pages 1-52.

GROUNDS PLANS
FAMU does not offer to open the grounds daily to the public.

HHPS will open the grounds seven days a week (pg. 21)

COTTAGE PLANS
FAMU intends to shut down the retreat center cottages and use them for “housing and workspace for researchers, graduate students, and personnel.” (pg. 1)

HHPS will keep the cottages available to the public for rent for $95/room. (pg. 51)

PUBLIC RENTAL PLANS
FAMU’s proposal does not include opportunity for the public to rent the grounds, dining hall, or classroom to the public.

HHPS will continue to provide the public opportunity to rent the grounds, dining hall, and classroom. This has been standard practice for decades, and facilities have been used for family reunions, weddings, business and church retreats, baby showers and birthday parties. (pg. 31)

PUBLIC PROGRAMMING & COMMUNITY GROUP MEETING SPACE
FAMU will host some public programming, but will prioritize FAMU’s “use for research and extension activities.” (pg. 6) Due to FAMU policies, programming will be highly restricted. At last year’s Farm Fest, they couldn’t have a petting zoo because they weren’t “FAMU rabbits.” This type of institutional red tape would greatly inhibit activities.

HHPS will continue to host monthly meetings like the Sons of the American Revolution and the community Easter service(pg. 26)

HHPS will also create free community events to attract locals and regional attendees (pg. 32)

MANOR HOUSE MUSEUM
FAMU wants to have be in charge of the museum, with the Tampa Bay History Center reporting to them. (pg.10)

HHPS will not interfere with the Tampa Bay History Center agreement with the County so they can continue their operations. (pg. 40)

ARCHEOLOGICAL FIELD SCHOOL
FAMU does not offer a proposal for an archeological field school.

HHPS will work with Gulf Coast Archeological Research Field Schools to continue to discover the history under Chinsegut’s feet. (pg. 33)

MARKETING
FAMU’s proposal does not offer marketing services.

HHPS has secured $14,000 in marketing commitments and will increase marketing as operations commence. (pg. 37)

LEASE
FAMU calls theirs a “no cost” lease but that is not an accurate assessment. (pg. 7)

• It will cost the county a conservative loss of $25,000 in Chinsegut cottage rental tax revenue and much more once the retreat is fully operational.
• It will cost the county all Tourism Development tax revenue generated from Chinsegut.
• It will cost us routine access to a property that has been a community hub for over 180 years.

HHPS is asking the Manor House terms with Tampa Bay History Center to remain unchanged and will initially coordinate management with a team of 16 professionals with Chinsegut experience and expertise). (pg. 9)

CHINSEGUT IS FOR EVERYONE. OR NOT.
The BOCC have two clear options.

FAMU wants to absorb it into their current operations that began when President Obama granted them 3800 acres in 2015. Since then they have gated that land, cutting off access to the Lake House that for generations hosted Hernando High School clubs and ceremonies, weddings, and parties. They have cut off access to the Memorial Fountain that also hosted weddings and community gatherings. Their plan will close the retreat and create more closed gates.

HHPS has committed to opening Chinsegut’s gate every day. Prom pictures, hikers, community gatherings, bird watchers, dinner on the grounds, archeological digs, concerts, and proposals can continue unhindered.

There’s a reason when Raymond and Margaret Robins donated 2000 acres to the Federal Government they did NOT donate the land currently under debate. While the rest of their farmland was intended for agricultural research and educational outreach, the top of the hill was supposed to be a community gathering space. Let’s hope the BOCC see it that way too.

Because I believe Chinsegut is for EVERYONE.

Commissioners can be reached via email at:

• Ryan Amsler   ramsler@co.hernando.fl.us 
• Brian Hawkins bhawkins@hernandocounty.us 
• John Allocco JAllocco@hernandocounty.us
• Chairman Jerry Campbell  jerryc@hernandocounty.us
• Steve Champion schampion@hernandocounty.us