Sarasota commissioners narrowly approve amendment to Bobby Jones clubhouse agreement after months of debate

The City of Sarasota Commission on Feb. 2 approved a third amendment to the contract with John F. Swift Construction for the Bobby Jones Golf Club clubhouse project following a hours-long debate over cost, scope and timing.

Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Fogel presented staff’s recommendation for the one‑story design variant, which staff estimated at roughly $7.2 million for construction, leaving remaining funding questions to be addressed through budget amendments and potential bonding. The commission spent much of the hearing weighing that estimate against an earlier two‑story concept — which had been previously designed and estimated at roughly $11–11.2 million — and the long-term effect on parks funding.

Opponents, led by Commissioner Alpert, argued the commission already had a construction‑ready two‑story design that could be built sooner and more reliably in today’s dollars; they warned that restarting design work would add months of delay and additional design costs, and that inflation could quickly erode any near‑term savings from choosing a smaller one‑story building. Supporters said the one‑story option reduces upfront construction debt the city would carry and aligns better with current funding constraints after an intense 2024 storm season.

During public comment, residents and local stakeholders described the clubhouse as a potential community destination that should accommodate a broad range of users — golfers, park visitors and event attendees — while noting concerns about footprint, parking and long‑term maintenance.

After several unsuccessful motions to deny the one‑story amendment and to ask staff to return with an alternate two‑story concept, the commission approved the third amendment, authorizing staff to execute the amended contract and proceed with the design‑build work for the one‑story clubhouse and cart barn variant. The vote was 3 in favor, 2 opposed. Commissioners who voted against cited fiscal caution and concern that the city would continue to incur design costs and schedule delays.

The contract amendment includes a not‑to‑exceed construction figure staff said is intended to contain escalation risk, but staff and several commissioners acknowledged that actual costs could change if construction is delayed. City staff said they will return with the companion budget amendment and additional detail on financing and implementation.

The commission also asked staff to explore options — including sponsorship or naming rights — to reduce the portion of the project paid from parks surtax funds and to limit impacts on other park projects. The Parks department said it anticipates returning with follow‑up materials on schedule and financing.