Bikers Will Have Their Rodeo

The makeup of the audience at Tuesday's county commission meeting couldn't have been more diverse.

There were older men from local veterans organizations, wearing their uniforms and medals.

There were men and women in business attire - the kind of folks who can be spotted in any community.

And then there were the bikers. About 20 of them, some dressed in their leather or denim motorcycle jackets, trademark ponytails and weathered look from riding their choppers in the Florida sun.

For about 90 minutes, this disparate group came together as one to discuss a request from a Brooksville rancher to continue to hold a biker rodeo at his eastside ranch.

The veterans supported the event because it would raise money for their disabled compatriots.

The neighbors were against it because of the noise and what has been described as lewd and unacceptable behavior at these events.

The bikers said they're not out to harm anyone and want to help the veterans.

All three groups were cordial as they presented their respective views.

In the end, county commissioners compromised: They granted a permit allowing the rodeo to go on in October - as long as the bikers keep the noise down and provide on-site security.

The rodeo is the brainchild of Brooksville rancher Jimmy Batten, who asked county commissioners for a conditional use permit to for the rodeo on his 40-acre ranch at 27151 Soult Road.

In doing so, they went against their staff's recommendation of denial.

Batten had already held a rodeo there in 2007 after receiving a permit.

Zoning Administrator Gary Fisher, in a letter, said another event was held on-site in May 2008 without Batten receiving a permit and that there were numerous violations of county ordinances.

As a result, and after the county heard of complaints about questionable activities during the last event, officials denied a permit for any more such events.

A biker rodeo would be "contrary to the public interest" and "incompatible with the lawful uses of property," the county said.

But Batten, brandishing a bushy white beard and wearing an orange short sleeve shirt with pictures of motorcycles on it, assured commissioners he would control the attendees, which could number in the hundreds.

"I'm doing this for the benefit of disabled veterans," said Batten. "I'm willing to sit down with the commissioners and planning and zoning to work out anything we need to work out."

County Commissioner Rose Rocco told Batten she appreciates what he is doing for veterans.

"However, some of the events that were scheduled have been a little bit promiscuous to say the least," she said.

Except for beer-drinking and rumors of fights in the parking lots, no other instances of questionable behavior were specified during Tuesday's meeting.

Rocco said she would only vote in favor of an annual rodeo if there were adequate controls.

To that end, the board's unanimous approval came with several conditions, which include traffic control by Hernando County sheriff's deputies and a mandated meeting with commissioners and staff afterward to determine whether all noise ordinances were followed.

The event, which will be limited to people over 18, will take place the last weekend in October.

If all goes well, Batten plans to do the event annually starting in May 2009 and would need another permit.

Commissioner Diane Rowden said it's a shame that people have to raise money for veterans. She applauded Batten for doing his part.

"As for the complaints of rowdy behaviors at previous biker rodeos, Rowden said there are "more obscenities going on in Wall Street (than) what we hear are taking place here."