20/08/2026
Homestead City Hall Packed as Youth Leagues Say NO
Homestead City Hall was packed with families, coaches, athletes, and supporters from organizations including AYSO Homestead, Southern Homestead League, and others who came prepared with signs and a clear message to the City Council: DO NOT approve the no-solicitation item without addressing the concerns of the community.
Parents, coaches, and even children pleaded with the City Council to reconsider and ensure that these leagues can continue playing on the fields without losing access to accommodate the needs of a private investor or a proposed academy.
Despite the crowd and the concerns expressed, the City Council voted 6–1 to authorize the City Manager to continue negotiations with private investors regarding a potential investment of nearly $9 million for Harris Field upgrades.
Many in the crowd expressed concern that this could ultimately become a bait and switch when the stadium and improvements are completed, public access to the facilities could become limited or potentially unavailable.
According to several coaches in attendance, Sean Fletcher indicated that if the community brought a large crowd to the meeting, he would vote NO. However, he ultimately voted YES along with Steve Losner, Kimberly Konsky, Clemente Canabal, Jenifer Bailey, and Larry Roth. Erica Avila was the only council member to vote NO.
It is important to clarify: this was NOT a vote approving the final contract. The vote authorized the City Manager to continue negotiations and bring a potential agreement back before the Council for consideration.
Councilmember Erica Avila has already expressed concerns that discussions and negotiations have essentially already taken place and questioned whether this process is necessary.
The next major date is September 8.
That meeting could determine whether the City Council ultimately moves forward with the proposed $9 million investment in Harris Field and its upgrades.
For now, the message from the community is clear: Homestead’s fields belong to Homestead, Our kids deserve access to them.
