Sanford's June concerts cancelled, July 4 a possibility

May 16—What was to be an exciting kickoff to the City of Sanford's Summer Concert Series has been canceled, and the reasons vary depending on who you ask.

During a work session Tuesday afternoon as part of an update on the construction of a new stage, Parks Director Nick Fortune broke the news, but as discussions continued, council members noted there may be more than one reason.

The move to Kiwanis Family Park at 1800 Wicker St., was driven by the renovations to Depot Park, which forced the close of the stage for 18 to 24 months. Council last fall gave approval to build a stage on the site at Kiwanis Family Park that has proven to be a hub for activity with a splash pad and newly freshened playground.

"We started the construction out there for the stage," Fortune said. "The contractor has done some grading out there, we've got our retaining wall in. We got a little washed out today, and it might be that way for the remainder of the week. The next thing is for the roof to come in — it's on order. Once it is in, we would do sound, electrical. At this point, we're unfortunately a little behind schedule for what we had planned on."

Fortune said that with the experience they want to provide, they need to cancel the June concerts.

"July 4 is kind of our next large event," he said. "We have the fireworks still planned, and we have some other things planned around the splash pad. Maybe July 4 we'll be able to have a band and move forward with that."

After mentioning fireworks, it was time for council's fireworks to get started as they discussed the cancellations.

Councilwoman Linda Rhodes said an email was sent about the cancellation of the concerts. "You made clear that it wasn't due to construction of the stage, which is a delay..."

"We're trying to create an experience," Fortune said.

Mayor Rebecca Wyhof Salmon said staff had concerns about the timeline.

Fortune said they looked at different options, locations and temporary stages, but it didn't work out logistically.

Councilman Charles Taylor, who helps coordinate the concert series, then spoke about the email.

"At the time of the email, we were on schedule — we had some contingencies to meet — but we were on schedule," he said. "The last part of that would be the audio. The audio had already been worked out for Rivermist to provide the audio and the lights for that event."

Rivermist was the band that was scheduled to start the series on June 6.

"What were the unforeseen circumstances? Rhodes asked Taylor.

"I think you know those, because obviously you're asking a direct question," Taylor said. "The big thing is, as you were polled on, is alcohol. Just leave it at that — it's in the county's hands now, but our first band was sponsored by Coors."

According to county policy, no alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park. The city and Lee County have a memorandum of agreement on the park that says the city must follow the rules and hours of the park. Signs to that effect are posted in the park. Any changes would have to be approved by Lee County and an adjustment made to the MOA.

"I had no knowledge of that," Rhodes said. "All I was told is that it was unforeseen circumstances."

Taylor noted that everything had to go through City Manager Hal Hegwer.

"I don't do anything without his permission," Taylor said.

Councilman Mark Akinosho said that as they worked with the issues, "No board member should be pressured to do anything — in terms of voting, either for alcohol or no alcohol — or anything," he said. "We should vote our conscience. I have seen that happen — I was pressured in the last week — and I said, 'no.' "

Akinosho said he wanted to bring that to the table.

"I should not be pressured to vote on anything," he said. "I should vote my conscience. I voted my conscience on alcohol ... I feel pressured — I feel insulted by my colleagues."

"Thank you for saying that Councilman Akinosho," Rhodes said.

"I believe that we all owe each other the respect of our own group," Mayor Rebecca Wyhof Salmon said. "That's why we've all been individually elected to be here. Everyone needs to make the decisions that they feel are right to make for their constituency."

Later, Akinosho said council needed to be informed and not pressured.

"No individual member is bigger than the board," he said.

Taylor said he never pressured anyone about the issue.

"I did talk to Mr. Akinosho," he said.

Taylor said after the meeting that he hoped the series could continue to grow.

"I couldn't be any prouder of the staff in the city parks department," he said. "This core group has established one of the premier summer concert series in the state. We strive to not only provide relevant and diverse entertainment but to create an environment that musicians want to play and showcase their talents."

Taylor noted that a lot of work had gone into the planning.

"Putting on events takes time and does not happen quickly," he said. "Each season, hundreds upon hundreds of hours are poured in going through submissions of those desiring to perform. Much of what you see is a reflection of 35 plus years of relationships — they don't develop overnight."

Taylor said surrounding areas were building on Sanford's success and starting events of their own.

"While it is great to see these things happening, it also applies pressure to elevate everything to a higher level," he said. "We leverage relationships with quality musicians to bring a value added entertainment experience to this community."