South Jax golf cart ordinance denied, Cornfield lineup announced

By Ryne Turke on July 7, 2016 at 10:50pm

Golf carts and recreational off-highway vehicles will not be allowed on South Jacksonville streets for the foreseeable future.

The golf cart ordinance, which has been in talks for the better part of a year, did not receive enough votes during Thursday’s meeting.

Voting in favor of the ordinance were Mayor Steve Waltrip and trustees Mike Elliot and John Gotschall. The “no” votes were cast by trustees Kem Wilson, Stacy Pinkerton and Paula Belobrajdic-Stewart.

Wilson says the residents of South Jacksonville she has talked with don’t want golf carts in the village.

“And I bet you I talked to, no kidding, two dozen people. They all have reservations about it. I agree with them and don’t think it is a good idea right now to go forward with it,” says WIlson.

“Has anybody been in favor that you have talked with,” asked WLDS-WEAI.

“Just the people that have come to our board meetings. I think it is a safety issue and an enforcement issue,” notes Wilson.

Pinkerton had a similar response.

“I had more people in the village come to me that didn’t want it than people who did want it. Since I was an elected official I feel I need to do what is best,” says Pinkerton.

“Do you have any problems with the golf cart ordinance,” asked WLDS-WEAI.

“No I don’t, but that is what the public wanted. That is what I am here for,” says Pinkerton.

Wilson says she would need an updated ordinance to change her vote. Pinkerton says she could eventually see golf carts in the village for special attractions like the Steam Show or Fourth of July.

In other action, Belobrajdic-Stewart, who also serves as the Concert in the Cornfield co-chair, broke down the lineup for the August 27th event.

“Oh we are really excited about it. Craig Morgan is an artist that has had several top hits. Also this newcomer William Michael Morgan has a hit right now on the charts, so that is a great thing. We are going to open at about 4-4:30 in the afternoon and have Exit 52, a local band, play in our beer tent. The opener will start at 7 p.m., Craig Morgan will start at 8:30 p.m. and when he is finished we will finish in the beer tent with the Devin Clemons Band. That is a new thing, to have beer tent entertainment before and after,” says Belobrajdic-Stewart.

South Jacksonville approved a preliminary budget of $100,000 for talent, but Belobrajdic-Stewart says the opener and headliner will only cost $40,000.

The entry fee for the concert will be $25.

Wilson also informed trustees a groundbreaking ceremony for Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores has been scheduled for July 25th at 1 p.m.