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i 4W C7 Tdophone:1561j567.9004 BOlARE OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 1849 25th Street, Vero Reach, Flarida 32960 + September 19, 2000 Mr. Larry Pendleton Florida Sports Foundation 2930 Kerry Forest Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32308 + Re: Indian River County Application for Cert'sfication of Dodgertown as a Retained Franchise Facility Dear Mr. Pendleton: On behalf of Indian River County, Florida, please accept this letter and the enclosed Application to consider the existing baseball spring training facility being acquired by Indian River County and generally known as "Dodgertown" for certification as a "retained spring training franchise facility" in accordance with Section 288.1162(5)(b), Florida Statutes. Dodgcrtown has continuously been the spring training home for the Los Angeles Dodgers (the "Dodgers") since the Dodgers' acquisition of the land from the City of Vero Beach, Florida in 1948. Indian River County has entered into final contracts for the acquisition of Dodgertown including the existing spring training facilities and lands and for the construction of various improvements to Dodgcrtown. Dodgertown also includes Holman Stadium, where the Dodgers have conducted spring training games since 1953. The County is very optimistic about the future economic benefits of retaining the Dodgers and their spring training activities in htidian River 1 County„ especially in light of planned private development on lands surrounding i Dodgertown resulting from the Dodgers agreeing to a long terni commitment to stay in Indian River County. As the applicant, Indian River County respectfully requests the appropriate certification for Dodgertown as a "retained spring training franchise facility" and the full allotment of funds permissible under Section 288.1162(5)(c), Florida Statutes. The details of the County's application, the rationale for certification and copies of the various agreements are found in the application.