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Performing arts center fails to find key support
By MOLLY MOORHEAD ZEPHYRHILLS -- One by one, residents and arts patrons approached the podium and told pleading, personal stories about how their lives would be improved by the addition of a multipurpose performing arts center. In the end, it was not enough to convince a divided City Council of the need for such a center, and a motion to purchase a piece of property failed for lack of a second. "We're not looking very far," said council president Clyde Bracknell, who has championed construction of a center. "I'm greatly disappointed." Council member Liz Geiger made a motion to approve a task force recommendation to purchase property for the center. But Cathi Compton and Mike Bussell, who have opposed the project repeatedly in the past, declined to act. Member Lance Smith, the potential swing vote, also remained quiet. Numerous people, from winter residents to arts enthusiasts to 9-year-old dancer and singer Elizabeth McLaughlin, made their case before the council to move on the project. "If you have something like a good (YMCA) or a good performing arts center, it can attract people," said Jack Wreck, a winter resident from Canada and member of the Zephyrhills Art Club. McLaughlin, barely tall enough to speak into the microphone, told the council about her friends who are involved with theater. "I know plenty of people who go to Zephyrhills High School and their stage is too small," she said. "I think it's sad that they love to put on those great plays" but they need more room. Bussell and Compton both recognized the support in the city for a center but had reservations about how to pay for it during a tight budget year. "I'm concerned about the cost and where we'll get the money," Bussell said. Smith, who appeared at times ready to support the project, also said it came down to money. "I have no doubt in my mind that it would be used probably beyond our wildest dreams," Smith said. "The nagging thought in my mind is the cost.' The council was considering a $551,000 piece of property on North Avenue west of Eighth Street. A push to buy that land failed last year also when members voted it down after heated debate. Monday night was no different. Bracknell and Bussell bickered over feasibility and operating costs. Bussell was concerned about $65,000 the city would have had to cover to keep the center running, but Bracknell argued those details could be worked out in later phases. The center, which would have been built and financed over the next five years, was projected to cost $3-million. The issue is probably dead for at least a year. "I think that we will regret not taking steps in this direction," Geiger said.
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