Leon County Commission Chair Brian Welch blasted actions by the North Florida Fair board on Monday as “completely inappropriate and utterly confounding,” adding he will seek a review by both Leon County Government and the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency to determine “what level of oversight we have in the management of the fairgrounds.”
“I cannot believe that a non-profit board that oversees the administration of a public asset would act in such an irresponsible way,” Welch wrote. “I intend to ensure that both Leon County Government and the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency investigate this situation as soon as possible.”
Tallahassee City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow also weighed in on Red Tape Florida publisher Skip Foster’s Facebook page saying the gift was “incredibly out of touch.”
Florida State Rep. Allison Tant also registered her outrage: “If this watch was paid with anything supported by tax dollars, it should be returned and refunded,” Rep. Tant said. “And the fairground authority should be audited. This is not what public or not-for-profit funds should be used for.”
Welch’s post landed as social media comments were unanimously outraged and featured calls for accountability. A sampling:
Anger over spending and priorities
- “Blatant misuse of funds.” — Allison Flynn
- “Personally, I don’t think anyone should have a $35,000 watch when children are homeless and/or going hungry!” — Liz Jameson
- “$200 watches work just as well.” — Colleen Castille
Credit for dissent and calls to return money
- “Proud of Rachel Sutz Pienta and the others who resigned. Now, how about the director refuse to take it and return the $? That’s what should happen next.” — Carrie Boyd
- “What incredible audacity! … Bravo to Rachel Sutz Pienta and the other board members who refused to go along with this…” — Rick Oppenheim
Governance and oversight concerns
- “Truly outrageous. I wonder if an audit would reveal other reckless expenditures.” — Bill Berlow
- “The fairgrounds board has had a cloak of protection… They answer to no one. This can only change with leadership addressing it.” — Henree D. Martin
- “This is the ‘rest of the story’ I’ve been waiting for.” — Pam Jordan Anderson
Bigger-picture ideas
- “The fairgrounds need to relocate to Gadsden County. Become truly regional.” — Ed Murray Jr.
Why it matters
The North Florida Fair is run by a private not-for-profit association but operates a community asset and regional venue. That public–private mix is fueling questions about who sets the rules, how directors are chosen, and what public oversight exists.
What’s next
- Welch says he’ll press for County/Blueprint inquiries into oversight levers (leases, grants, interlocal agreements).
- Commenters are calling for the Fair Association to publish its bylaws, explain how board seats are filled, and return any inappropriate purchases.
- Several readers urged a full audit and a public workshop before any board changes move forward.
RTF has requested the association’s governing documents and any county/Blueprint agreements related to the fairgrounds. If you have records or perspectives to add, email info@redtapeflorida.com.