by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
The First Tee of Jacksonville is feeling the pinch of the City’s budget cuts to the tune of $75,000.
The First Tee Executive Director Pepper Peete has asked the City for $125,000 to help cover the maintenance costs associated with the First Tee’s nine-hole course in Brentwood. However, according to Susie Wiles, Mayor John Peyton’s chief of special initiatives and communications, only $50,000 has been budgeted for The First Tee through the City’s Parks and Recreation Department for the coming fiscal year.
Wiles cited citywide cutbacks for the $75,000 shortfall.
“Funding is not as great this year for the not-for-profits as they have requested,” said Wiles.
Last year, The First Tee was bailed out by City Council member Mia Jones, whose district includes Brentwood. Wiles said Jones used her authority as a Council member to shift $75,000 worth of discretionary funds to The First Tee, an option that Jones could employ again this year if the funds exist.
“She could,” said Wiles. “We (the mayor’s office) propose a budget that City Council approves. If she finds the money within the budget, it could be shifted and earmarked for The First Tee. That’s the give-and-take process of the budget. However, this is a more difficult year and most sources of extra money have been exhausted.”
Jones did not return several calls seeking comment.
Peete said she couldn’t comment on the funding shortfall until she is officially notified in writing, but did say City funding is imperative to keeping The First Tee’s nine holes in great condition.
“Our maintenance existence depends on City money,” said Peete. “Maintenance-wise, we want to stay up to par, so it is important we continue to receive funding from the City.”
The First Tee of Jacksonville was established in 1998 as an initiative of the World Golf Foundation which is part of the World Golf Village in St. Augustine. Today, there are 238 chapters in 38 states with one in Canada. Each The First Tee location is dedicated to teaching kids values such as honesty, integrity and dedication through the game of golf. According to Peete, The First Tee of Jacksonville has grown over the years from 50-75 kids in 2000 to many more than 1,000 in the coming year. Peete says its size and its own course make The First Tee of Jacksonville fairly unique.
“I’d say we are in the top 25 of all the chapters,” said Peete, who is married to former PGA Tour professional Calvin Peete. “We are one of the few that has the responsibility of maintaining its own nine holes. Some of the other First Tees have three holes or are attached to an 18-hole course.”
The First Tee is also facing a contract renewal phase with the City. The current contract expires Sept. 30. Wiles said there haven’t been any renewal talks yet, but since funds have been budgeted for next year, it’s likely the contract will be renewed for another five years. Peete said the land The First Tee occupies is actually owned by the Duval County School System, which leases it to the City, which in turn leases it to The First Tee.