On June 14, 2011, Hernando County entered into a ground lease agreement with the Hernando County Fair Association for Lonnie Coburn Park. At the Board Of County Commissioners (BOCC) regular meeting on May 11, 2021, Deputy County Administrator Tobey Phillips brought to the board the county’s decision to terminate the Fair Association’s tenancy of the Park as of July 1, 2021.
Discussed several hours after the Fair Association’s presentation regarding the condition of the fairgrounds and safety policies, this topic was not addressed by any of those members. County Administrator Jeff Rogers stated that his staff had been in contact with the Hernando County Fair Association regarding the non-renewal, and stated that “They’re fine with it.”
Commissioner Wayne Dukes said that he would like to see the Parks and Recreation department increase public awareness of the park, encouraging visitors to enjoy the scenery and rent pavilions.
