Hernando commission approves biker rodeo

Supporters applaud the Hernando County Commission decision to allow the Brooksville Old School Biker Rodeo to be held this year. [RON THOMPSON | Times]

BROOKSVILLE -- The "Brooksville Old School Biker Rodeo -- Party in the Pasture 4" is on for Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. The Hernando County Commission voted 5-0 Tuesday morning to grant a permit for the event, which a magazine Web site describes as "Beer, T--s & Biker Shenanigans."

The county's staff had previously denied the permit, believing the rodeo violated the county's 2002 ban on public nudity. In approving the permit, the commission placed several traffic and security restrictions on the event. Commissioners will also require a "report card'' after the event to help determine if future permits will be allowed.

The debate, which lasted nearly two hours, was less about nudity that has occurred at past rodeos than it was about concerns over noise, traffic and security. Several residents who live near the east Hernando property owned by rancher Jimmy Batten said they were opposed to the permit because of problems with past events on the property, which is east of Brooksville.

Supporters of the rodeo pointed out that the event is a fundraiser for disabled veterans.

-- Times staff writer

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