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Fla. Hall in danger of closing

Compiled from Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 20, 2001

The Florida Sports Hall of Fame in Lake City has reduced its staff from six to three, scaled back its hours and postponed this year's induction ceremony because of financial troubles that might close the Hall.

The Florida Hall of Fame Foundation couldn't afford the $35,000 for this year's induction ceremony and so has indefinitely postponed it.

Without help from the state, officials said the facility might have to close. They're searching for ways to avoid that possibility.

"We're not thinking in those terms yet," said Sandra Dillard, executive director of the Hall. "We're not thinking about closing. We're thinking about a way to win. Money, that is."

Already, the Hall is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays in an effort to save money.

The attraction is behind a tourist information center off Interstate 75.

Visitors pay $3 ($2 senior citizens) to see the Hall's exhibits from every sport played in high schools, colleges or at the professional level in the state. The Hall also has exhibits on each of its 172 inductees.

Members include Florida football coach Steve Spurrier, Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden, broadcasters Red Barber and Dick Vitale, tennis legend Chris Evert and the 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins football team.

About 30,000 people a year visit the museum.

Any money the facility manages to get would have to first help eliminate $30,000 in debt.

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