General Meeting Minutes

Date: Tuesday, 1/06/2026            

Executive Board members present: Wade Prevatt, Sue Moulton, Richard Fulton, Miranda Brigham
Board Members in attendance: Harry Lindenmuth, Danny Pass, Cary Prevatt, Gary Fields
Park Staff in attendance: Kyle Easley, Chris Sardinas, James Aldridge, Meredith Campbell- via Teams.

Meeting called to order at 6:35 PM by Wade Prevatt.        

Announcements: New meeting days will be the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm in the Admin Bldg.

President Update: 
Wade expressed his appreciation for the Executive board vote, acknowledging the difficulty of the process. He would like complete transparency, all questions should be asked openly at meetings.  Negative CSO matters should not be discussed publicly; concerns should be brought to the board at meetings or via email to executive members. 

Old Business:
Need to look into ordering more stickers. Haunted Woods vendor outreach & advertising efforts will expand beyond social media to reach a broader audience. Planning and improving this large fundraiser will start earlier, ideally by Summer to avoid unnecessary challenges. A smoother, cooperative process between the park and the CSO is a priority, addressing issues from previous years.

Upcoming Events:
Listen On The Lawn: “Pieces of Eight” 1/17/2026, 6:30-8:30pm at the stage. Suggested donation of $10 per person, Children 5 and under are free. One admission tent will be used and will be distributing wristbands.
Volunteers are needed for parking, setup and cleanup from 6-8pm.
The ballfield and stage areas will be treated for ants prior to event.
Three Above-ground fire pits will be used; Cary is donating one fire pit from home. Roger and Richard are assigned to manage fire pits during event. Kyle requested fire pits to be started around 3:00 p.m.

Need to outreach to high schools and colleges for bands and volunteers (Jan–Apr). CSO will pay bands $350–$400 for a two-hour performance; Pieces of Eight receives higher compensation.

Ft. Foster Days: February 14th-15th (13th is a set up day)
Confirmed vendors: Jim Farley and Ma’s Fried Bread, additional vendors will be contacted. Need to order powder, we have musket powder but are out of cannon powder.  Harry is researching pricing. The CSO still owes Payne’s Creek cannon powder. Miranda will contact Holly. Vendors cannot be inside the Fort. Food trucks can be stationed in the parking lot, providing participation opportunities and free advertising. Will be looking into adding a non-meat option for volunteers and scheduling a timeframe for volunteers to eat.

Respect Your Mother/Earth Day: April 18th
Ranger James will be contacted regarding volunteering in the dunk tank; other park staff may participate.

Haunted Woods 2026: October 16th - 17th
Early planning needed for vendors, volunteers, and advertising (start by summer). The goal is to have a smoother coordination than last year. Future meeting will discuss reducing costs by reassessing light towers and placements.

Fort Foster Candlelight:  December 12th – 13th 

CSO Christmas Party: TBD at a later meeting.

Fort Foster: Suggestions to offer period-correct classes (blacksmithing, candle making, leather work, hammer press forge, pine needle baskets, etc.)
Activities must align with 1838 Seminole War Era and be state approved. Classes could provide educational programming and potential revenue for the CSO.

Danny suggested graphics and outreach. He has been posting on social media, making flyers for Fort Foster events and has done a great job with graphics and redesigning the web page. Wade motioned to have Danny
fill the position of Media Chair, vote was unanimous, motion passed.

Treasury Report:
The CSO is still awaiting full access to account information through Sunbiz, then will be added to bank account. 

Firewood and Ice:
Ranger Station sales: QR Firewood $3,540.00     QR Ice $ 440.00    
Campground sales:    QR Firewood $70.00         QR Ice $ 5.00        
                  Cash Firewood $ 375.00    Cash Ice $ 40.00

Merchandise and Donations:
       QR        
T-shirts        $ 50.00
Coffee Cups    $ 10.00
Stickers    $ 305.00
Donations:       $ 29.00        

Fort Foster Candlelight Event: Dec 12th -13th, 2025
Income:
Admissions QR $180.00, Cash $790.00
Donations $5.00
Vendor Fees $35.00
Fort Donation Box $75.00
Wooden Fort Block $50.00
Total Income: $1,135.00
Expenses:
Food, paper products, batteries $440.13
Port-A-Jon services $860.00
Total Expenses $1,300.13

Event Net: –$165.13

2026 Budget:  
Listen on the Lawn: $2,000
Earth Day: $1,000
Fort Foster Candlelight: $2,000
Fort Foster Days: $2,500
Haunted Woods: $7,000
Teco: $2,700
Annual Expenses: $5,000
Display/Marketing:  $1,000
Facilities/Maintenance: $2,000
Vehicle/ golf cart Maintenance & parts: $2,500
Volunteer Recognition & Uniforms: $2,500
Park Manager: $5,000
CSO President: $5,000

Park Budget Allocation: $16,800
Possible reallocation of $5,000 from Fort Foster’s budget; further discussion at future meeting
Harry motioned to approve the 2026 Budget, seconded by Sue, motion passed.

New Business:
Danny exploring donating a truckload of cut logs from his place of employment; volunteers to split wood
for pure CSO profit.
Miranda is researching alternative suppliers for bagged firewood to improve profit margins.

 

 

Next CSO Meeting:   02/03/2026 @ 6:30 PM in the Admin Building

Wade P. motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:56PM, seconded by Sue M., motion passed.