In March 2022, the City issued a Request for Proposals for design of the Jaycee Park Improvements. City selected Pennoni Associates Inc. in May 2022 to provide design and engineering services.  Initial Concept for Jaycee Park presented at City Council Winter Retreat in January 2023. City Staff conducted public involvement activities in August, and Council approved a resolution on October 18 authorizing Pennoni to begin design work.

On November 17, the City received an unsolicited P3 Proposal from Fortress Secured.  The proposal was deemed a “qualified” proposal according to the requirements of Section 255.065 of Florida Statutes. Per the requirements of Section 255.065 of the Florida Statutes in place at that time, the City published the Notice of Receipt of an Unsolicited P3 Proposal for Jaycee Park Improvements on January 3 and January 10, 2024 in the News-Press.  The notice also was placed in the Florida Administrative Register on January 2 and January 9 as required.  The deadline to submit competing proposals was January 26, 2024.  No competing proposals were received. 

On February 15, the City had a kick-off meeting with the Fortress Secured P3 group.  Key members of P3 team began participating in weekly update meetings with the City and Pennoni on February 16.

Shortly after negotiations began, Wharton-Smith withdrew from the P3 team and was replaced by Florida Premier Contractors from Punta Gorda.

Negotiations are in progress on a comprehensive agreement and a concessionaire's agreement, with both nearing completion. 

Florida Statute 255.065 was amended this year by the Florida Legislature and approved by Gov. DeSantis becoming effective July 1, 2024.  The new statute requires two public comment opportunities on any unsolicited proposal received by a public entity.  This is the first public hearing on the general concept.  The second public hearing will be Wednesday, August 7 and will include a final comprehensive agreement and a concessionaire's agreement for Council approval.