Hernando County Fairgrounds Plan Draws Mixed Reaction From Local Leaders

The Hernando County Fair Association presented a redevelopment report and a preliminary vision for the county fairgrounds to local commissioners on Oct. 27. The presentation was a mandatory deliverable under a legal settlement that required the association to share its master plan and a detailed history of property improvements from 2008 through July 2026. In exchange for this documentation, the county agreed to drop its lawsuit against the group.

State Rep. Jeff Holcomb, a former commissioner who recently sought a return to the board, argued that the current state of the fairgrounds is an embarrassment to the county. Holcomb stated that the association requires new leadership to regain public trust. He cited the condition of the property and unresolved payment issues as primary reasons for his stance. "I’m sick of looking at Citrus County Fairgrounds and saying, ‘They’re way better than us,’” Holcomb said. "Why can’t Hernando County have a great fairgrounds?"

Richard Klimas, the association's operations manager, outlined a proposal for a 40,000-square-foot arena designed for horse shows, including the Ohio Horse Show. Klimas projected that the facility would attract visitors from a 50-mile radius. He noted that Manatee County is constructing a similar venue that also serves as a hurricane shelter. Klimas suggested a Hernando County arena could fulfill the same dual purpose. He also indicated that a neighboring business is willing to invest in hardware for the property, though some structures need demolition and others, including the auditorium, require upgrades.

Joe Mason, the attorney who represented the fair association in the lawsuit, acknowledged a strained history between the group and the county. "We have had a rough relationship," Mason said, "but in the last six months we’ve had a much-improved relationship." He described the presentation as a set of ideas for future development rather than a finalized master plan. The association intends to pursue grants to fund specific projects, a process that will require cooperation from the county.

Commissioner Steve Champion said he viewed the presentation as a positive step forward, noting it was an improvement over previous offerings. He emphasized the need for professionalism and transparency to restore confidence. Champion referenced a specific grievance where 4-H members waited months to be paid for animals sold at the fair. Klimas explained that livestock buyers often purchase on credit and committed to ensuring students are paid in the future. He also admitted that last year’s midway had issues, including a bounced check, but stated that next year will see improvements.

Holcomb maintained that the presentation did not change his mind. He pointed out that fair board members were absent from the meeting and that Mason spent time reading a newspaper. "The grant funders are not going to believe in the current leadership that we have here," Holcomb said. Champion countered that the county negotiated the settlement in good faith and that two commissioners, Ryan Amsler and John Allocco, serve on the fair board. Amsler stated that small improvements can greatly enhance the property's appearance. Commission Chairman Jerry Campbell called the presentation a first step in mending the relationship.

The Hernando County Commission will hold its next land-use session on Nov. 10, followed by a regular meeting on Nov. 17. The board’s reorganization meeting is scheduled for Dec. 15. The full presentation is available in the Oct. 27 agenda packet on the county's website.