A. Initial Meeting

April 15th, 2022

VISIT REPORT

Project: Volusia County Fairgrounds Date: 21st March 2022 Present: Bradley Burbaugh, PhD Resource Stewardship Director, UF|IFAS, ECHO Volusia Director Kalan Taylor, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent II, UF|IFAS Trish Smith, Volusia County Planner III Ronnie Hull, Fair Manager Steve Crump, Farm Bureau Executive Director Bill Hester, Farm Bureau Prof. Martha Kohen, Director UF|CHU Maria Estefania Barrios, Research Assoc. UF|CHU

RE: Minutes from Initial Meeting / Martha Kohen (PI) and Maria Barrios (RA)

An in-person meeting was held to visit and discuss the possibilities for the site of the Volusia County Fairgrounds. Martha Kohen and Maria Barrios traveled by car for the meeting. The visit started at 9.30am with an appreciation of the excellent teaching Gardens, led by Brad Burbaugh, Trish and Kalan Taylor. The importance of agricultural education for children and youth was highlighted. The group then convened in the Auditorium and received the other participants, highlighting the presence of Bill Hester, legendary promoter in the area. The discussion was centered about each institutional representative manifesting the history, challenges, possibilities, visions, and aspirations for the future of the site. At 11.00am, the group toured the site, external and internal appreciations, parking areas, exhibition halls, arena, historical pavilion, West and South Entrance gates. A description of the buildings and grounds will be provided with our first report. The various buildings, spaces and surrounding areas were documented photographically. At 12.45pm the group reconvened in the Auditorium for lunch, offered by Bradley Burbough and staff. Finally, we formally evaluated the visit outcomes and future steps for the various participants, that will be detailed later in the report.

Take away from the presentations and visit The Stakeholders

Three of the Stake holders were present at the meeting, The Volusia County, the Fairgrounds Association, and the Farm Bureau. The Cattlemen Association was not represented, but the important takeaway is that the four stakeholders are in harmony and share goals for the development of the property’s future. The Volusia County and its ECHO program, together with the IFAS extension office housed in the premises, will play an important role in the environmental, agricultural, and cultural aspects of the project. The Farm Bureau with its double role of Insurance and Consultancy, have a very strong presence through the Weekly Farmers Market that is called to enlarge its social reach. The Fairground Association understands its role in the region as an expanding cultural service, specially after the pandemic experience, as well as the emergency management and response performances, The Cattlemen Association is a powerful Statewide institution with strong political links.

The current planning considers Commercial uses in the site, due to its strategic I4 proximity, but a main concern of the group is to avoid that development and increase the support for the population and the agricultural world, as well as the protection of environmental assets. The enlargement of the current area through the acquisition of adjoining forested properties (East and West) is under consideration.

Buildings and infrastructure

The buildings visited are in excellent maintenance form, and apt to sustain the current and future activities. The exception is the Farm Bureau building that requires a roof solution. Three new building interventions were mentioned: an open air covered shed that will allow car circulation inside (Testing, Vaccines ), an open air auditorium for musical festivals, and “ village historical buildings” to complete a historical tourism experience. If the site will house a role of stewardship and slow tourism promotion, (A gateway to the conservation areas) it would be desirable to develop a specific facility. The grounds lack an attractive signage system, and an overall image identity that is perceived as an important requirement for the future.

The grounds luminous provision is decidedly insufficient and should be upgraded, especially for the early morning set up of the markets and Fairs. Solar energy options to be considered for self-sufficiency, inclusive of shaded parking by solar panels.

The road system and parking lots are able to be reorganized for a more efficient entry and exit fluidity, prioritizing the two lanes of the main entrance for incoming visitors, with the option of adding an additional late, and channeling exit through the two existing internal roads towards Prevatt avenue. Parking is apparently sufficient now, but two improvements would be useful: extra RV hookups, priority paid parking section, but retaining all the rest of the parking free of charges. The pedestrian experience is unprotected from direct sun exposure and rain. In general terms, the facility lacks adequate botanical shading for the itineraries.

The grounds are linked to the city sewage system.

The outstanding problem to be addressed is the drainage of the grounds, with insufficient retaining ponds and frequently obstructed connector to the County System. With our projections of increased rain intensity, this is a priority for the operational level. The adjacent parcels that are considered for acquisition are heavily wooded, but swampy. It would be desirable to allow its curated vegetation, linked as well to the creation of internal shaded landscapes and a self-guided visitor’s center.

Main Themes initial record

1. Secure the territorial integrity, through modified land use actions, acquisition of neighboring parcels.

2. Recondition the grounds, through adequate drainage, lighting, hookups, shading landscaping,renewable energy generation and addressing buildings deficiencies. 3. Realign focus, to build on the existing activities, but incorporating the stewardship of the Volusia County conservation lands assets, and associating with Seminole, Brevard, Orange, Osceola and Flagler to promote a Compact for the protection of the natural areas between the coastal and central settlements.

4. Develop new venues, historic village, open air Covered Arena, Stewardship Center, resiliency demonstration facility, eco-system interactive and interpretive center 5. Promote education, especially informal and early agricultural education intensifying the use of existing facilities. 6. Public Communications program. Develop an image. Reformat digital outreach, signage, increase visibility through celebrations of the 100 years of the Fair (1923-2023) and the 50 years of the Market (1975-2025) as planned landmarks for inaugurations and special events.

Additional Notes and links

Budget

Bradley Burbough BB directs ECHO Volusia County The operations are self-funded, and no fees are charged for the Parking or the Fairgrounds. • 750K for upgrades • 500K state appropriations • ECHO matching grant (Environmental, Cultural, Historical and Outdoor recreation) o Funds quality of life projects such as:

- Public access

- Theaters, community centers, preservation + restoration

The site

• The Palmetto Curtain divides east and west Volusia, it is considered the wild heart of Volusia

o The east side (Daytona, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna have the Atlantic Ocean has assets as well as intense pointed tourist attractions as the Daytona Racetrack, Bike Week, Spring week, etc. and has civic facilities

o The west side, centered in the cities of Deland and Deltona needs a facility for concerts,

graduations, sports o https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1990-09-30-9009280849-story.html

o Need to implement a smart growth strategy that incorporated Deltona, the biggest city in the area that serves as suburbs to Orlando

o The Central area of the County holds a multiplicity of conservation areas, offering an opportunity for coordination between the ECHO program and the various stakeholders o The agricultural areas are in the North West and South East regions of the County and are very strongly represented in the aspirations for future activities.

• Adjacent west rural lots development

o Not seen in a positive way o Commercial development presents accessibility issues and encroachment - The right of way is blocked by the fair property o Is the last commercial site in I-4 (12M for 120 acres) o Kilimanjaro Acquisitions LLC is responsible for the sale of plans for development

- https://www.volusia.org/core/fileparse.php/5906/urlt/8-CPA-19-001.pdf o Look into the old subdivision patted to the west side – contact Ruth

• Farmer’s Market

o Developed in the early 70’s, 1975 by Bill Hester, as the idea to have an agricultural center. Originally an 18-acre acquisition, all remaining individual lots were bought to what it is now 90

acres. Once the Fair was closed, it was relocated to this location. Today it provides non-profit scholarships and offers 20’ spots for $10

o There are over 18 markets in the area limiting the possibility for the market to operate in the afternoon since facilities are rented out for various events. There are not that many vendors and

the competition is getting higher. A new market just opened in DeLand in the evenings. The main

audience are non-workers and snowbirds

o The advantage of a morning market is the avoidance of summer thunderstorms o Local farmers and Wholesalers are the main vendors – inexpensive produce o SNAP/EBT accepted o Market functions from 4am (entry of produce and products), opening at 7.00 for the public. till noon

o Focused on young people to provide education and training in agriculture and conservation

- Watermelon seed pit contest - Open to host any type of appropriate show, such as car/boat shows, Food trucks, etc. o Is the most affordable market for families

o Strong youth and agricultural community • The Fair was founded in 1925

o Lasts 11 days (two weekends) o 2-lane in access via Gossamer Rd., out via Prevatt Ave.

o Free parking and free admission o Average of 20-24k visitors daily – 169 - 198k for the entire duration o Main circle serves as the eating/resting area since is the only shaded zone within the fair • Hub for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations

o Issues on rainy days

• Bikers

o Host over 600 bikers on site every year in March Bike Week o 98 hook ups for power

• Daytona

o Received 5M visitors every year • Big Plant Sale every year

• Volusia Taste

o $35 meal ticket w/food

• Agricultural Lands o Are located to the middle and west of the region • No equestrian facilities

• Restrooms are connected to the city sewage, no mayor issues with lines and waiting time

Building Stock + Assets

• Fair owns 66 acres

• Fair building o leaky roof in Farm Bureau due to a series of additions

• Bill Hester Exhibit Hall Building o Owned and maintained by the county o Opportunity to bring in new technologies and sound systems for educational purposes o Implement glass doors for natural light and allow visitors to see what is happening inside during the fair, air barrier

• Mitchell’s Barn

o Over 60 volunteers manage the exhibition during the fair • Antique Engines & Tractors Building

• Tommy Lawrence Arena o People and pet shelter for emergencies - 10’ x 10’ space per family

- Vet on site

o Auction hub during the fair - 20’ screen

- Bar

- 500 people on each bleacher (3) or 1500-1900 on the floor

• Hubert S. Talton Exhibit Hall

o Board meeting room o Small animals pavilion

• T.R. Townsend Livestock Pavilion

Wishes + Opportunities

• Signage + Fence o Not Visual from the road

o Marquee

• Traffic Flow

o Widen the main entry to a 3-lane access with lit sidewalks for safety o Possible implementation of a roundabout to provide an easier exit to Prevatt Ave • Existing infrastructure and built environment are in good condition

o Need to invest on aesthetics

o Resolve drainage issues - Could be funded by ECHO o Lack of exterior lighting for early market set up times

o New pavement o New open arena for covered car access activities

• Open air - Emergency management

- Equestrian shows - Ultimate multifunction facility protected from the elements

- A community gathering space – something unique!

• Drive-thru accessible

• Protected from the weather

o Sub-station for the sheriff department

• Acquisition of adjacent lands for the county – 11 acres, possibilities for:

o Motor pool o Workout areas / sport facility - Boombah Sport Complex, Sanford FL - https://playorlandonorth.com/facilities/details/boombah-sports-complex

o Facilities related to agriculture o Expand fair parking o Pastures for cattle

o Cattle operation for education – school tours o Fishery – Geno Evans (partnership and research w/UF)

- https://shellfish.ifas.ufl.edu/wpcontent/uploads/EDISFA221_Obsticles_to_Florida_Aqua culture.pdf

- https://foodsystems.ifas.ufl.edu/media/foodsystemsifasufledu/pdfs/ISFS-2015-2019- REVIEW-2-17-20-.pdf

- https://issuu.com/flagriculture/docs/flag_july2020_panaprint o Solar farm – west side of DeLand

- https://solarcollab.com/community-owned-solar-farm-program-for-landowners-in-west deland-florida/

- Could be founded by ECHO • Develop a village setting like the one in Clay County • Possibility to build another arena/shelter space next to the existing Tommy Lawrence Arena • Conservation areas within 10 minutes of the fair

• Inclusive design for owners and the community

• Farm Building o Provide solutions for leaky roof - Paul Rudolph – Umbrella House - https://www.dwell.com/home/umbrella-house-885e22eb

• Farmers Market

o Connect the Spring Hills Afro-American community by providing transportation to and from the fair

o The “veggie express” o Food Brings Hope – Hosseini Family Foundation (Mory, Board of Trustees, wife) - https://www.foodbringshope.org/

• Wooded areas

o Opportunity for a self-guided visitors center

o Example: Hontoon Island, DeLand

- https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/hontoon-island-state-park • Agro-tourism o U-pick farms

o Weddings o Small farmers showcasing their produce farming methods

o Not as an overnight stay

• Emergency planning

o Create a better plan and flow for emergency situations/vaccinations/testing/shelter o The site can become the hub for state/local/regional supply for emergencies

• Increase in Agricultural Revenue o Increase in small farms

o Hobby farms are turning into formal farms o Small chicken farms

o Huge increase in retirees wanting to do agriculture o Look into the low impact report by Pierce Jones (UF) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierce-jones-1655a6b/

- The Program for Resource Efficient Communities (PREC) promotes adoption of best design and management practices that measurably reduce energy and water consumption and environmental degradation in new master planned residential community developments. Our focus extends from the lot level through site development to surrounding lands and ecological systems. PREC conducts workshops, continuing education programs, applied research projects and academic training programs. PREC also consults directly on selected development projects identifying and evaluating implementation of innovative resource

efficient design, construction, and operational practices. We are especially interested in projects with the potential to serve as case studies and demonstrations of successfully applied low impact development practices.

Next Steps

• Bradley Burbaugh to deliver

o User participation stats

o Blueprints

o Roads diagram for drainage and flow of traffic (emergency deputy) o Footprint of properties available for sale for future expansion o GIS topo material

o 2M wish list

o Public engagement and online survey with the community to develop themes and wishes for the

master plan • CHU to deliver

o List of possible themes for the master plan

We believe these minutes accurately represent the discussions held. Please provide any additions, deletions, or revisions within 7 business days. Please specify well the names and positions of participants, (Trish, Cattlemen association) CC: Project Team, via email