We’re getting lots of questions about how a proposed City of Brooksville policy will impact events in the city.
The new 25 page application (current policy has 8 pages to fill out) includes some of the following changes:
1. Permits for all events in the city, even if they don’t close streets and even if the event is held on private property
2. Mandatory appearance before City Staff to answer questions about your event for them to decide if you are allowed to have it
3. Minimum $1000 security deposit for events of any size
4. Applications must be submitted at least 60 days in advance – this means no events will be able to occur in the city in April or May. This will mandate cancellation of Friday Night Live, Orange Avenue Market, Brooksville Bike Rally, our Art Stroll and anything else currently planned by anyone.
The scope is so broad it can be used to require churches to get city approval for events on their property and even require individuals to get city permission for weddings, birthday parties or family gatherings.
But to clarify, City Council did not write this policy. They can stop it by voting it down, but they did not write it. It was developed by City Staff under the direction of City Manager, Mark Kutney. For those not familiar with City government structure, City Council are elected and hire a City Manager to run day to day operations. Individual Council members cannot direct the manager’s activities; the manager does what the Council collectively asks him to do.
You can email City Council to share your thoughts on the subject. They will vote on the policy MONDAY, MARCH 15 at their 7PM meeting.
Pat Brayton, Mayor (pbrayton@cityofbrooksville.us)
Robert Battista, Vice Mayor (rbattista@cityofbrookville.us)
David Bailey, Council Member (dwbailey@cityofbrookville.us)
Blake Bell, Council Member (bbell@cityofbrooksville.us)
Betty Erhard, Council Member (berhard@cityofbrooksville.us)
To read the full 25 page application, click on this link:
Natalie Kahler
Executive Director
Brooksville Main Street