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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 MinutesTO: COMMISSIONER CLIFF FROM: DOUGLAS M. ANDERSON, IMUNTY ADMINISTRATOR DATE: DECEMBER 30, 1998 SUBJECT: TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX This is in response to your December 81' memorandum requesting information on the County's Tourist Development Tax. Please find attached reports provided by both Management and Budget and the Attorney's office with answers to your questions. If you need additional information, please let me know. Thank you. DMA:98-332 c: Board of County Commissioners Harvey Lincoln, Management/Budget Manager Phil Freeland, Assistant County Administrator Jack Doughney, Leisure Services Director Dan McIntyre, County Attorney BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEMORANDUM CLIFF BARNES COMMISSIONER TO: DOUG ANDERSON, COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR FROM: CLIFF BARNES, COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 5 DATE: DECEMBER 8, 1998 RE: OUR TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX Would you advise as to 1) Total yearly revenue = 2) Amount and percentage that is dedicated to Mets Stadium 3) Whether a portion of the balance could be bonded for other projects, and specifically, for the Sunrise? CHB:jbh HAWAMEMOSUOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX SUNRISE.wpd JOHN D. BRUHN, District No. 1 • DOUG COWARD. District No. 2 • PAULA A. LEWIS, District No. 3 • FRANNIE HUTCHIN: County Administrator - Douglas M. Anderson 2300 Virginia Avenue • Fort Pierce, FL 34982-5652 • (561) FAX (561) 462-2131 • TDD (561) 462-1428 NNA DEC 9 DEC 1998 ate, N, DisMitt-did — CLIFF 081C; p� tt No 5 CO. ADt`!iiN. 62--1408--- OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET MEMORANDUM TO: Doug Anderson, County Administrator FROM: Gary Perdew, Senior Budget Analyst X 17 SUBJECT: Tourist Development Tax DATE: December 23,1998 In response to your request for information regarding the tourist development tax, I have summarized the revenues collected for the past five years. I have also shown a breakout of where each of the 4 cents are currently being allocated. If you need additional information please call. 2 Attachments GMP:gmp G:\budget\gary\wpdocs\nick2mem.wpd FISCAL YEAR 1994-98 TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX REVENUE ANALYSIS The Tourist Development Tax within Saint Lucie County is currently four cents with 1 cent going to tourist development, 2 cents going to the stadium operations and the fourth cent designated for the county "Investment For The Future" program. Revenues from the fourth cent are being used to pay debt service on funds borrowed to renovate and improve the Thomas I White stadium. FY 94 FY96 FY96 FY97 98BUDGET 98 ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGET 798,383 861,653 855,623 922,183 1,144,000 1,241,096 108.49% Analysis FY 98 revenues collected from the tourist development tax exceeded our estimates by 8.49%. After adjusting for the additional 4th cent tax the revenues were a very modest increase of 1 % over FY97 collections. As of 23 December 98 we have collected the following amounts for FY99: Tourist Development Stadium Operations Investment For The Future 1400000 1200000 1000000 800000 600000 400000 200000 Budgeted Actual $315,000 $29,677 $630,000 $59,353 $315,000 $29,677 TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX — - — _.- ---- ----- FY 94 -- FY95 FY96 ---- - -- ---- -- - FY97 -"-- 98BUDGET -- 98ACTUAL G:lbudge6QUATTR01988UDGET%OTRREPORIQTRREV4. WB2//12/23M Z G m 0 c � -1 c cn � o c � m p � m < m _0 m _ m zi O czn c m cNn o � 0 0 0 0 0 0 cn D >c 22 m z O 0 -n m m r O Boa m Z T z c 4 c m m 0 z p N C m m r m z —I X m m z c m z In a r X s tt) co INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA TO: Douglas M. Anderson, County Administrator FROM: Daniel S. McIntyre, County Attorney C.A. NO. 98-1872 DATE: December 18, 1998 SUBJECT: Tourist Development Tax As part of responding to question #3, 1 would like to outline the history of the tourist development tax as follows: The County currently is levying a four ($.04) cent tourist development tax. FIRST TWO CENTS: The first two ($.02) cents were approved by the County's voters in a 1984 referendum. The two cents are pledged to pay for St. Lucie County Sports Complex operations and to the extent available, to pay for debt service on industrial revenue bonds issued to finance construction of the stadium complex. As a result, the two cents are not available for use as a pledge to finance other projects. THIRD CENT: In 1987, the Board adopted Ordinance No. 87-82 levying a third cent tourist development tax to promote and advertise tourism in St. Lucie County. Revenues raised by this additional tax may not be used for debt service on or refinancing of existing facilities as specified in Section 125.0104(5)(a)1 unless approved by a resolution adopted by an extraordinary majority of the total membership of the Board of ICounty�� Commissioners. Subsection 5(a)1 provides that tax revenues c ,) us0d. ..�cqi , PJ DEC 2 2 C(D_ :. w. 0FFICE I t auditoriums that are public owned and operated or owned and operated by not -for -profit organizations and open to the public. Subparagraph 5(c) authorizes the county to pledge the tourist development tax to secure and liquidate revenue bonds issued by the county. If the Board determined to use some of the third cent to issue bonds to acquire the Sunrise Theatre, a super majority of the Board would need to amend Ordinance No. 87-82 and adopt the resolution contemplated by Subsection (3)(d) of Section 125.0104. FOURTH CENT: In 1997, the Board levied a fourth cent tourist development tax by adopting Ordinance No. 97-14 to pay debt service on bonds issued to finance the renovation of the St. Lucie County Sports Complex. As a result, the fourth cent is not available for use as a pledge to finance other projects. DSM/caf Copy to: Board of County Commissioners Management ar Budget Manager Leisure Services Director Finance Director R. Freeman, Esq. B. Leedy ST. LUCK COUNTY FORT PIERCE INN ST DEVEIQPMENT PORT ST LUCIE CO�]ES��, HUTCHINSON ISLAND FLORIDA To: Doug Anderson, County Administrator Through: Jack Doughney, Director, Leisure Se From: Gayla Barwick, Tourism v / Date: November 19, 1998 Re: Your Memorandum # 98-292 I regret the delay in answering your question regarding the utilization of AAA Going Places magazine. Unfortunately, your November 4th memo was not received in the Tourism office and the only reason I am now aware of it is because of Mr. Doughney's follow up to me. After researching my files I find that I had sent press information that included a calendar of events to AAA Worldwide in March, please see the attached letter that covers my requesting that they use our information in any of their publications. During the course of a year, I send out many media informational packets to the publishers of travel magazines and to travel writers, as well as hosting press fams to the County. Regrettably, we do not have the resources to follow up with the many media packets that are sent out to see if our information is being utilized. We can only hope that by providing information and having it readily available in their files it would better assure that we do get mentioned. So, in answer to your question, we do try and use this type of advertising medium quite often. I thank you for brin_.g' rny-attention-and-1 will follow- up by sendirig out media information directly to this particular publication instead of relying on AAA World headquarters to distribute. Thank you. NOV 2 o iqw 2300 Virginia Avenue, Ft. Pierce, FL 34982 ♦ (407) 462-1535 ♦ FAX: (407) 462-2132 ♦ 1-800-344-TGIF ST. L�U�IE CCOUNTY ( FORT PIERCE J 1 DEVELOPMENT 1ij.J`�PMENT PORT ST LUCIE s cod" HUTCHINSON ISLAND \ \V FLORIDA March 5,1998 AAA World Magazine ; Editorial Department 10399 SW 156th Street Miami, Florida 33157 Enclosed, please find a media kit for the St. Lucie County, Florida area for your files for future editorial reference. The kit contains various destination press releases that range from horseback riding on the beach, touring a working Florida cattle ranch to our Manatee Observation Center. You will also find an assortment of attraction brochures, a calendar of events and locator romps. This office has an extensive photo \ slide library , a 7 minute visitor video is available, and should your needs require, we can provide contacts for interviews. We encourage you to utilize this information when possible in any of your AAA magazines requiring this type of editorial. Please call if you have a special focus or theme that you need additional specific information on and our office will be happy to assist in anyway. Sincerely, d Gayla Barwick Tourism Manager pd9s a Jam" �,ef uxr�orva'rd. Jam" f:�l u�v�ovrl�.C. 2300 Virginia Avenue, Ft. Pierce, FL 34982 ♦ (561 ) 462-1535 ♦ FAX. ( 561 ) 462-2132 0 1-800-344-TGIF ST. LUCID COUNTY FORT PIERCE ��® , ST DEVEWPMENT ® PORT ST. LUCIE ��� COoaL HUTCHINSON ISLAND FLORIDA MEMORANDUM To: Doug Anderson, County Administrator / Thru: Jack Doughney, Leisure Service From: Gayla Barwick, Tourism Date: December 10, 1998 Re: Chamber of Commerce - Breakfast Seminar The Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee met last Thursday to try and finalize the breakfast program. The breakfast will be held at Harbor Branch on Thursday, January 14, 1999 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.. The purpose of this program is to invite the local hospitality industry, i.e., hotels, restaurants, etc., to this educational seminar that will inform these front line people who deal daily with tourists about the many attractions and places of interest St. Lucie County has to offer its visitors. It is hoped that once this group has the needed information and the Tourist Development Council's attraction maps they will be better equipment to answer the question "What is there to do in St. Lucie County?" If this first program is successful, there will be more seminars held throughout the year. It is still a bit premature to confirm the morning's itinerary. Speakers are still being secured. As soon as everything is confirmed, invitations will be sent out to not only the industry, but to county and city officials. At this time, it is not anticipated that any officials will be asked to speak, but will certainly be acknowledged from t I hope this information will be of some help to Thank you. GB:mc P'. UU ,. DEC 1 i 1998 _.__ -- CO. AD; Y;N. OFFICE 5f u,n". vtltd. 55 u"�M- 2300 Virginia Avenue, Ft. Pierce, FL 34982 ♦ (561) 462-1535 • FAX: ( 561 ) 462-2132 • 1-800-344-TGIF ST. LUCIE COUNTY FART PIERTOURIST DEWIQPMENT ® E�C. PORT ST LUCIE HUTCHINSON ISLAND '✓ FLORIDA MEMORANDUM To: St. Lucie County Hospitality Industry From: Gayla Barwick, Tourism Division Date: August 25, 1998 Please be advised that the next Tourist Development Council Meeting is scheduled for: Wednesday, September 2, 1998 12:30 P.M. - Conference Room Three Roger Poitras Annex 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce We hope you will be able to attend. R 1 TDC\Notice � " Y T� 2300 Virginia Avenue. Ft. Pierce. FL 34982 • (561 ) 462-1535 • FAX ( 561 i 462-2132 • 1-800-344-TGIF FORT PIERCE PORT ST. LUCIE HUTCHINSON ISLAND FLORIDA ST. Luac- Coumy '',,)MST DEVELOPMENT Co \ \1` d�e� To: Phil Freeland, Asst. County Administrator Thru: Jack Doughney, Director, Leisure Servic From: Gayla Barwick, Tourism ly 16 to Date: October 26, 1998 VV5 Re: 2nd Draft of TDC Grant Program Attached please find the 2nd version of Draft for the TDC Grants Program. With this edition, I have incorporated yours and Mr. Anderson's suggested changes along with Heather Young's, Jack Doughney's and the TDC Review Committee. On page 4 you had specifically asked why we were listing what " Grant funds may not be used for". This particular subject was discussed in depth with the Review Committee, and the feeling was that this "extra" information may prevent having staff to answer a lot of various types of questions. Please advise, should you have any additional questions or changes. Thank you attachments 2300 Virginia Avenue, Ft. Pierce, FL 34982 ♦ (407) 462-1535 ♦ FAX: (407) 462-2132 ♦ 1-800-344-TGIF (�2nd ST. LUCIE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TOURIST DEVELOPMENT ADVERTISING GRANT APPLICATION PACKET 2300 Virginia Avenue, Ft. Pierce, FL 34992 ♦ (561) 462-1535 ♦ FAX (561) 462-2132 ♦ 1-800-344-TGIF TABLE OF CONTENTS - History ....................................................................... I - Objectives.................................................................. 2 - Criteria for Evaluation of Funding Application ........... 3 - Application Review Process ....................................... 6 - Grant Advertising Options Available .......................... 7 - Application Time Table .............................................. s - Guidelines for Funding Procedures ............................. 9 - Advertising Grant Application 10 .................................... ` � ST. Lucy CouNTY FORT PIERCE \, I{Quwsr DEV "PMEN T Co PORT S T L U C I E i v 1 HUTCHINSON ISLAND FLORIDA HISTORY OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL The St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) created the Tourist Development Council (TDG) by ordinance in November 1983. The Council serves in an advisory capacity to the BOCC in matters of tourism development. The Tourist Development operating division is known as the St. Lucie County Tourism Office. The TDC is comprised of .a nine -member board that represents hotels, businesses, and elected -government officials. The TDC was established, based on statutory guidelines, to oversee programs that will promote and advertise St. Lucie County as a visitor destination and to increase the number of overnight stays in the county. Funding for the TDC advertising program comes from 1 % of a 4% resort tax placed on short term rentals of hotels, motels, resorts, RV parks, campgrounds, condominiums, and apartments of six months or less in St. Lucie County. 2300 Virginia Avenue, Ft Pierce, FL 34982 • (561 ) 462-1535 • FAX ( 561 ) 462-2132 • 1-800-344-TGIF i N AA law OBJECTIVES OF ADVERTISING GRANT PROGRAM The objective of the Tourist Development Advertising Grant Program is to promote local quality events, while enhancing St. Lucie County as a visitor destination by encouraging more advertising opportunities as is allowed by Section 125.0104, Florida Statutes. Advertising must be placed in areas outside St. Lucie County at least 2 hours driving time from the County, or in regional, national, or international publications that will generate more media exposure for our area and its tourism offerings. These additional advertising opportunitiesnd largerwllfurther enhance the numbers of visitors into local County. nsm industry by bringing more r Priority will be given to requests for receiving advertising grant funding that will have the greatest potential to increase room nights duringtraditional low occupancy periods, especially April through December. Grant funds from the Tourist Development Tax are intended to supplement the sponsoring organization's advertising budget, not replace it. 2� 2300 Virginia Avenue, Ft. Pierce, FL 34982 ' (561) 462-1535 ' FAX: (561) 462-2132 ' 1-800-344-TGIF CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF FUNDING ADVERTISING GRANT APPLICATIONS The advertising grant dollars being offered by to TDC must be used for advertising of local events. The advertising must take place in areas outside of St. Lucie County and at least 2 hours driving time (i.e., Tampa, Miami). This is to ensure that funds will be used to attract visitors who are likely to stay in St. Lucie County paid accommodations for at least one night or more. The kind of events described herein are eligible for advertising funds at the discretion of the TDC. The TDC will take into consideration the nature of the proposed special event and its effect upon tourism and the local economy in St. Lucie County. These events must complement the efforts of the TDC by demonstrating an ability to attract tourists. Priority will be given to multiple day events occurring during non -peak times, mid -week programs, or events which target markets not currently reached. In order to qualify for a Tourist Development Council Advertising Grant, an organization must meet the following criteria: 1. Organizations will be required to offer an event that will promote tourism into St. Lucie County along with enhancing the quality of life for the local residents. The event should add to the visitor's experience, encourage visitors to extend their stay, provide for excellent "word of mouth' advertising, and enhance their time in St. Lucie County. 2. Event will be marketed to the fullest extent possible in an effective manner that will attract more tourists and increase their length of stay. 3. Programs, festivals, or special events should have a history of or the potential for attracting out -of -county visitors either as participants or spectators who will stay overnight in hotels, motels, resorts, RV parks, campgrounds, and other short term accommodations. 4. Sporting events must be planned to attract large number of participants to compete and spectators. 3 2300 Virginia Avenue, Ft. Pierce, FL 34982 ' (561) 462-1535 ' FAX: (561) 462-2132 ' 1-800-344-TGIF 5. Promotional events and/or competitions must utilize or display significant features of St. Lucie County and will encourage over night stays. 6. If requested, applicant shall allow the TDC or its representatives permission to conduct surveys during the event. If a survey is conducted, the survey results will be tabulated by the TDC. 7..An organization will be ineligible to apply for an advertising grant if admission to any attraction, event, activity, or point of interest is based upon a membership fee or other means of exclusive admission, rather than general admission open to the public at large. 8. If requested, applicant shall allow the TDC to distribute tourist information brochures at the event or facility. If necessary, racks will be furnished by the TDC. 9. Project should have clearly identified objectives, realistic timetable for implementation and have additional funding sources available that will be utilized to accomplish the events stated objectives. 10. The organizers must demonstrate a willingness to work with the tourism industry, plus have local community support and interest for the event. 11. The project should help strengthen St. Lucie County tourism's position as a destination by offering a wide array of desirable activities to our visitors that will encourage additional room nights. 1. Local advertising expenses in conjunction with an event to increase the awareness of St. Lucie County. 2. Construct or improve publicly owned sports or meeting facilities. 3. Annual operating expenditures for the project or event. 4 4. Legal, medical, engineering, accounting, auditing, planning, feasibility studies, or other consulting services. 5. Salaries •or supplements to salaries for existing or future staff, or employrrtent of personnel to the project or event. 6. Real property or capital improvements to privately owned facilities. 7. Tangible personal property including, but not limited to office furnishing or equipment, permanent collections, or individual pieces of art. 8. Interest or reduction of deficits and loans. 9. Expenses incurred or obligated prior to or after the grant project period. 10. Prize money or scholarships. 11. Travel expenses. 12. Private entertainment, food, and beverages. 13. Activities and events intended only for the applicants membership or local community. 14. Printing of newsletters to members only. 15. Activities and events which do not promote and advertise tourism in St. Lucie County. 1 5 APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS The following procedures shall be used by an applicant to secure support of an advertising grant: A. Applicants are required to submit an original and four (4) copies of the completed advertising grant application to the St. Lucie County Tourism Office. An incomplete or insufficient application will automatically be returned. B. The TDC reserves the right to request additional information beyond what is required in the funding application. C. The TDC Grant Review Committee will evaluate all grant applications to determine if they meet the established criteria for funding. Only those requests that have the greatest potential to increase room nights in the County will be considered further. D. The Review Committee will present their findings to the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council Board who will vote on each qualifying application and provide funding for those advertising grants that are approved. All materials submitted with the grant application will become a matter of public record, open to inspection as provided in Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. 6 2300 Virginia Avenue, Ft. Pierce, FL 34982 - (561) 462-1535' FAX: (561) 462-2132 - 1-800-344-TGIF GRANT ADVERTISING OPTIONS AVAILABLE OPTION 1 - BANNER TAG LINE If the applicant has chosen this option, TDC Staff will proceed with the banner art production and see it through until the publication is published. Maximum cost the TDC will underwrite one (1) Banner Tag Line is $500. It will not be necessary to transfer any grant dollars to the approved organization as the TDC will pay for all the art work charges up to $500. Example of what a Banner Tag Line looks like on an existing ad: 50� — Staff will provide the organization with a copy of the ad after publication date. OPTION 2 - ORGANIZATION PLACES OWN AD An organization can choose to place an ad in a publication, newspaper, television or radio commercial whose circulation or viewing audience reaches out at least 150 miles away or two (2) hour driving time from St. Lucie County. Grant dollars available for this option are up to $1,000. Reimbursement will be made to the organization after ad or commercial has been placed. These dollars can be used towards the cost of ad production and/or ad placement by the organization or radio and television commercials. All Option 2 grantees should include the phrase, "This ad sponsored in part by the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council" on ads and/or commercials placed using Tourist Development Tax dollars. The TDC will not pay any grant dollars towards an ad or commercial unless the Tourism Manager has first approved, in writing: the text, form, creative content, and placement of ad. 7 2300 Virginia Avenue, Ft. Pierce, FL 34982 ' (561) 462-1535 ' FAX: (561) 462-2132 ' 1-800-344-TGIF APPLICATION TIMETABLE The TDC will review advertising grant application for funding once each year. Completed application must be received no later then 3:00 p.m., March 15, 1999. Priority will be given to events taking place during April ttuough December. Should a significant advertising grant request be made outside the grant cycle, the request will be reviewed by the Tourism Manager and per their discretion, a special meeting of the Review Committee may be called to consider the grant application. TIMETABLE FOR SUBMISSION OF ADVERTISING GRANT APPLICATIONS Advertise Grants - — - - January 11 -15 Application Available ---- -- - - January 11 - February 12 Application Deadline 3:00 p.m. - - - - March 15 Review by TDC Program Manager ---- -- March 16 - April 5 Review by TDC Grant Committee April 6 - April 23 Recommendation to the TDC TO Wednesday in May Funding Available --- ---- -------- After advertising has been Placed Completed typed applications must be received by 3:00 p.m. on March 15, 1999 at the: St. Lucie County Tourism Office Attn: Grants 2300 Virginia Avenue Fort Pierce, FL 34982 561 /462-1535 Late applications will not be accepted. 8 GUIDELINES FOR FUNDING PROCEDURES UPON APPROVAL OF AN APPLICATION, THE TOURISM MANAGER WILL: A. Establish which advertising grant was approved, Option 1 or Option 2 and determine what level of advertising grant dollars has been requested and approved. B. Advise the applicant in writing that the application has been approved subject to the funding requirements, and the dollar amount authorized. C. The applicant and the Tourism Manager shall execute a grant contract prepared by the County Attorney. GUIDELINES FOR APPROVED ORGANIZATION: After receipt of fully executed grant contract, organization contact person should follow these guidelines dependant on which option was requested: OPTION 1 - BANNER TAG UNE Meet with Tourist Development Council Staff and look at upcoming ad campaigns and determine what TDC ad will be used for the Banner Tag Line and verbiage. The TDC will underwrite this Banner up to $500. It will not be necessary for the organization to request any funds for this option, as the TDC will pay for art work charges themselves up to the maximum grant. A copy of the ad will be provided to the organization after the publication date. 9 ST. LUCK COUNTY FORT PIERCE ST DEVMPMENT ` PORT ST LUCIE COe$C4 HUTCHINSON ISLAND FLORIDA 1. 2. 3. 4. ADVERTISING GRANT APPLICATION (4 Parts) Name of person filling out this application: Phone: Name of organization, you represent: Mailing address: 5. City: State: Zip: 6. Event Contact Person Authorized to represent event to the Tourist Development Council: Title: 7. Phone: Fax: 8. Name of Event: 9. Location of Event: 10. Event date(s): 11. Specify Advertising Option being requested: Option 1 Option 2 (As stated on page 8) 12. If Option 2 was designated, state amount being requested (maximum of $1,000): 13. Signature of organization's chief official: Signature Title Typed Name 2300 Virginia Avenue, Ft. Pierce, FL 34982 • (581 ) 462-1535 • FAX ( 561 ) 462-2132 • 1-800-344-TGIF TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION: A. What is your organization's physical B. Dgscribs the purpose/mission of your organization: C. How long has organization been in existence?: D. Number of members in organization: TDC APPLICATION-- PART 3; TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR EVENT: A. What are your event's goals and obodives? B. Who is your target audience? C. if Option 2 is applicable, how and where will you advertize? (Note: Advertising must take place at least two (2) hours driving time from St. Lucie County) D. Is this a first time event? If yes, answer questions E through H, M and N. If no, answer questions I through N. t. What is the anticipated attendance at your event? (You must give an estimate or your application will not be reviewed: F. What percentage of attendees will come from out of town? (you must give an estimate or your application will not be reviewed) G. Approximate number of room nights anticipated for your event? (you must give an estimate or your application will not be reviewed) H. List hotels, motels or RV Parks that your organization plans on having blocks of rooms for this event: How many years has your organization held this event? J. What was the number attendance at last year's event? If possible, provide copy of attendance records . K What percentage of above attendance figures came from out of town? L. List hotels and other paid accommodations that can verify number of room nights that were generated from last year's event: OR - have these properties submit, in writing, these numbers and attach to application. M. Will other organizations participate in your event as co-sponsor? Who? N. What kind of tourism revenue can local businesses expect from the event? Please read and sign the certifications below: Representations made by applicant: I have reviewed the attached grant application to the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council. I understand the advertising funding requirements stated therein. I asW that the information contained in this application and any attachments is accurate and complete: I realize that these representations will be relied upon by the TDC and the Grant Review Committee. Please check: I have enclosed one (1) original and four (4) copies for the TDC. 1 understand that any advertising funding I receive requires my organization to include the phrase, "This ad sponsored in part by the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council" on ads placed using Tourist Development Tax dollars. I understand that if Option 2 has been approved, and before organization can be reimbursed for ad placement (maximum grant $1,000) my organization must first submit proposed ad to the Tourism Office to receive written approval of ad content. After advertisement has been published or aired the organization -must submit an invoice and copy of tear sheet or provide proof that commercial has run. Signed Submission Deadline: Date All completed, typed applications must be post marked or hand delivered by 3:00 P.M. on deadline date noted on the application timetable to: St. Lucie County Tourism Office Attn: Grants 2300 Virginia Avenue Fort Pierce, FL 34982 561 /462-1535 /r 3Fp?� r, j x d • . a�tNA l_liil J.: Rr . T..�`—:�•F2C:c a� Object: Touriat Statist-ics / '_t =aG aed i a - st n istics my tFxf has J.. 151? epA 1 i a - � `_. ` •- t .. vc:u ;�� ,.�n�. chef; �sef::1 re. -aced to this vital i . L�:'it Z i��i-tC: Y Pv `raV�l and i icon ycur �� il�tGRt.� oy .O- may cc ::-actY a:: ��2 -31G5- 1''r, �•�.:�d '_lQll :_��Cc S::"`•l_�Ci i.! ��.�=�%t': .. �. Chris� D�'f-:-2-u(^J "PI-e-ESS Ge,neraa TOuriS= St�a:isciCS r-_or Reference -updated by I�• char-apr 5-20--3, 202-224--2196 aff.iCc of Lexiator n b Graham, WaeLiugtou, D.C. ' iii7 iZi-, J(1 (<<ii 7• Na (�'-g3P. r T� rIC):�_,a7rd:zSt�2 i,.ar'L_i= dtable c,"�K-t Txave_ Bus:�rie�•s Rcur. 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'ne- Zi'�I .-,)p eSt= &'iJl1i u�i= �113tC)?'1( S1tE�I C'i�i�i; beaches, lake' g/ it1-". k+=izzins, x Small husinesses account for y4% Of Lh�_ industry. �T;,A; * Sy year L;,C_ ,� .:4:� aterr:atioiial vis-ttors is CXPected, 57.2 Rif __on visitors. {' By ,rt—a l?, _._L = !di �vna. -'i iico 5 t : uhe U. Y. T•ri1= spend :.1G�•C to .$8GInI11zoAI --nos t ___•s N_rEsf I-n iaa$473 hi ri.'.o . * A 1rt growth td" Ilion _-cc , 000 I Jcns. Y The $ 2 6 biIIion grade ruzF the alltoniobi to aa,5 aiatomot'vE Y SSA r , . iun dl ri fa_� i_. �. 9; �_- =rc.<< - ! 5 ; r rnj Y Rate Spy _-ndinq w _ 1 1 1Ti: > 3.3 = rr ., Z j%sCr * LS "r t1 C�.' lI_ r:JUYJ-Cll r_I-1 :'.�T-S iJC"• t�,aZi ..a 41�.��a SCAT rar_:caa _ �W1CZC`"� 3%u ai C. �EL'7fi'1:]d �D�2',C: i�'.�2"•� i:.k_=.I: '�:� .-.� I,�i:�. a ? n'r.. ft _:n this tcp _ d��t_... vi .*.� �rinc 5�.4 sIL7,Tcr; a.:d ;;1. :,c .i�rr ;obi t tiie ;1?iC; * 7'o1r;.LT. e:*ra1oy;= 26C. r:. : __c•T7 peCpla wo_y3wiC'2 toi:.al wor'<ffc•rce. (1n'rO + t_O predicts global ti a . el =Z 5 mac_ :it•,^. e _ 'an Z and Er_niturea -.cre 6 trilitn 2pn_cbv r'^'i ,�i �'O',.:�.'.,x i`�'uL-Rn Lam. "iOT,• �J 'n France Spain Spain z_azy -8r4--A ar_tain Cercrany ra 1=_i: G z r is Me>_ a - Hong Xonc Hungary China Poland S w i zeria_:d .^_a::ada so'!rC:-' it old Tou _`7S L t�+C::ai i.'�.�_ :] artQ T_�avel' r_,siness lad ST. LUCIE COUNTY FORT PIERCE /URIST DEVELOPMENT PORT ST LUCIE '1� Cod�C4 HUTCHINSON ISLAND v FLORIDA MEMORANDUM To: Doug Anderson, County Administrator Thru: Jack Doughney, Leisure Services Dire From: Gayla Barwick, Tourism Date: August 12, 1998 Re: 1999 Billboard Campaign Regarding an e-mail received from Commissioner Barnes requesting to see the Sea Horse art work being used on the landfill billboards, attached is a prototype of the proposed art work that is being looked at. This original concept was designed by Comet Creative during the Tourist Development Council ad agency RFP process. Staff has met with Comet and discussed various changes that need to be accomplished to turn this design into more of a Florida feel good concept (no sweaters or long sleeves) and to continue to use the Sea Horse tag line. This project will begin in January 1999. If there are any questions please call me at extension 1535. Thank you. GB:mc Attachment cc: Board of County Commissioners OrTICE EEF7LI®RI AUG 1 31998 ;� C! } N N Lr) L 0 �w N L O �cS�6' ST. LUCID COUNTY ✓`� FORT PIERCE —�` , ST DEVELOPMENT PORT ST. LUCIE CO (�� HUTCHINSON ISLAND FLORIDA MEMORANDUM To: Doug Anderson, County Administrator Jack Dou hne Director -Leisure Service Thru g Y� i .22tM From: Gayla Barwick, Tourism Date: May 22, 1998 ' c Re: Recent TDC Meeting As you may know, the TDC held its monthly meeting on Monday, May 18. The Tourism 2000 project was on the agenda along with several other items. Commissioner Charles chaired the meeting that had five other TDC members in attendance. Staff gave an overview of the entire Tourism 2000 program along with back up material showing the results of the findings compiled from the surveys that were sent out. An in-depth conversation took place on the grants program which was the first of the six initiatives to be discussed. The debate centered around the pros and cons of granting dollars. The TDC's thoughts ranged from not wanting to just give dollars away to events that would not generate overnight stays, but, to possibly continuing with a program that is already in existence. It consists of where the TDC, if an event warrants, will place a tag line promoting that activity on an existing ad placement approximately one or two months out from the event. The final recommendation from the TDC was that they were not in favor of granting dollars to various organizations, but open to continuing on with promoting qualified events through advertising tag lines. Enclosed are the very lengthy TDC minutes for your perusal and if you would like a tape of the meeting, I have a copy. I am uncertain as to how you would like for me to proceed in conveying the feelings of the Council to the Board. Please advise, thank you. GB:mcunacorvd Attachments 2300 Virginia Avenue, Ft. Pierce, FL 34982 ♦ (561 ) 462-1535 ♦ FAX: ( 561) 462-2132 ♦ 1-800-344-TGIF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 18, 1998 The Tourist Development Council met on Monday, May 18, 1998 at 2:00 P.M. in Conference Room Three, 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL. Chairman Charles called the meeting to order. Ed Croke, Vice Chairman, led the Pledge of Allegiance. The following members were present: Jean Costa, Ed Croke, Patti Hancock, Marilyn Minix, and Michelle Valvano. Members not present: Mary Ann Bryan, Ms. Cernuto, and Juanita Landreneau had prior commitments. Also attending: Gayla Barwick, Staff; Heather Young, Asst. County Attorney; Sandy Mass, MBI Advertising; Karen Parker, Connor Consultants; Jack Doughney, Leisure Services; Shirley Burlingham, Ocean Resorts; Mark Harrison, Florida Ranch Tours; Andrea Mellon, The Mellon Patch; and Maryann Collins, Recording Secretary. MINUTES The minutes from the April 1, 1998 meeting were approved with no discussion. Motion to accept the minutes was made by Ms. Valvano, seconded by Ms. Minix; motion passed unanimously. MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT Ms. Barwick went over the financial report from February which reflects the 1% resort tax collections of $48,557, this figure is up over this time last year by $1800. The beginning fund balance is $139,250, with February collections and interest/miscellaneous income of $1,722 this comes to $303,264, less expenditures of $112,973 leaves an ending fund balance for February of $190,292. Since there were no questions Ms. Minix motioned to accept the financial reports for audit, Mr. Croke seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. MBI UPDATE Ms. Mass advised that all insertions are placed for the Summer Campaign up through May. Ms. Mass brought tears sheets from USA Today, which ran in May in their East Region - Destination Section; and from Florida Today. Both ads reflect the new art work, USA in color and Florida Today in blackand white. MBI INVOICE FOR APRIL Ms. Barwick Went over the MBI invoice for April 1998 in the amount of $8,110.67 which reflect charges for ad placements, research for the Summer Campaign, PR coordination, ordering of the plastic rack brochure holders, ad production costs, expenses, and fees. Since there were no questions, Ms. Minix motioned to submit the invoices to the Board of County Commissioners for approval of payment, Ms. Costa seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. STRATEGIC PLANNING RESULTS FOR TOURISM 2000 Ms. Barwick began by giving a history beginning with the January 1998 Board Strategic Planning Meeting and did a run through of all the exhibits. Ms. Barwick advised that out of the 67 counties in Florida there are 46 that have a resort tax; and out of that number there are 11 that have a resort tax budget comparable to that of St. Lucie County's 1 %. These 11 counties have a budget from -0- to $400,000, and St. Lucie County's 1% collections are approximately $289,000 - looking at $300,000. Ms. Barwick went over the following: Exhibit 1 and 2, written historical references as described from the January Strategic Meeting. Exhibit 3, copy of the fax survey sent to the 11 TDC's. Exhibit 4, copy of the survey that was faxed to the local properties. At this point Ms. Barwick passed out the surveys which were returned by the TDC/CVB's and the local hotel industry. Exhibit 5, a spreadsheet showing the results of the 11 surveys returned from the TDC/CVB's. At this point, Mr. Croke questioned how many of the 11 counties surveyed had a grants program. Ms. Barwick advised that of the 11, 2 counties have discontinued the grant program. The reasons stated for dropping the program was that it had become very time consuming. Ms. Barwick stated that after speaking with both counties, they related that depending on how the program policies are written, after the application was picked up and filled out, a presentation had to be made to a reviewing committee, the committee had to determine qualification, after the festivity is finished follow up is necessary to determine various factors, i.e. if "heads on beds" is a determining factor, staff would have to find out if, in fact, the festivity had generated heads on beds. Ms. Barwick reiterated that only 2 out of 11 have dropped the grant program. Exhibit 6, results of the surveys from the local hotel industry. Ms. Costa noted that from this survey most hoteliers wanted to keep the current advertising program, in general; with heavy emphasis on eco-tourism, and a welcome center. Ms. Barwick advised that so many people know the benefits of having a welcome center. When St. Lucie County had one at the Manufacturers Outlet Center it was busy all of the time. Discussion followed regarding location, manning a center, House of Seven Gables, and possible volunteers such as tourism students. Exhibit 7, the tally sheet combining the results from both fax surveys. To expedite matters, Ms. Barwick went through this exhibit and gave a synopsis of each category as follows: Grants - Out of the 11 surveys, 9 have a grants program - 2 do not. 'here does not seem to be any accepted industry formula as to how many dollars are used on a grant program. Each county weighs their own priorities in allocating the grant dollars and what type of events would be most beneficial to a county. An example is Okeechobee County, their annual budget is $84,000 and they put a little over $30,000 into a fishing tournament. Then there is the Columbia TDC who has a budget of $255,000 and they put 17%, or $15,000, into a grants program. Lake County, one of the counties to drop the grant program, has just built and are manning a visitor center, therefore directing these monies in to another venue. Matching Grants - There is only 1 out of 11 TDC's that have this program. Visitor Information Center - 6 of 11 have centers, all of the 6 except Putnum County ($85,000) have larger budgets. Eco-Tourism Program - 4 of 11 have eco-programs, 3 of the 4 except Putnum County have larger budgets. Sports Programs - Sports, entertainment type programs falls under the generic term "grants", there are a couple of TDC that have specifically put dollars away for the grants program. 2 of the 11 have dedicated dollars toward sporting activities. Ms. Minix noted that 3% of St. Lucie County's collections go toward the stadium and she questioned whether any of the counties surveyed directed money to stadium or the like or just for sporting events. Ms. Barwick advised that at one point in time, the Columbia TDC in Lake City for a number of years dedicated 50% of their annual collection, in conjunction with the State of Florida, toward the Sports Hall of Fame until the museum became self-sufficient. They are now directing that money to their tourist information center. Contingency Fund - 4 of the 11 contribute to a contingency fund. 3 of them have the larger budgets. St. Lucie County currently has, and have always tried to have a contingency fund. Again, the dedicated amount is whatever is most appropriate for the particular county. Although, our county has not necessarily earmarked a specific percentage to go into this fund each year, the amount was dependant on how the budget worked out each year. At this point Mr. Croke stated that he felt this was a great survey, however looking at the different organizations involved - what are their main attractions in their areas that warrant them having either a contingency fund or a sports activity. Mr. Croke feels that for St. Lucie County he can see an eco-tourism program. Ms. Barwick stated that she could not give specifics for each county. Her feelings are that some of the smaller counties have grant programs for festival and events in the hopes that it would bring people into their area. Ms. Barwick noted that if St. Lucie County does go into a grants program that maybe we could cultivate or institute a couple of new programs that, in time, would be comparable to SunFest or the Strawberry Festival. Ms. Barwick mentioned that the Tribune is presently working on the Grapefruit Festival, If St. Lucie County could get to a point that we could have some events that could generate room nights. Presently, St. Lucie County has a couple of fishing tournaments that are bringing people in; one is the Fishing Frenzy. Mr. Doughney advised that there were about 90+ offshore and inshore another 100+ registrants for this tournament. He feels that the offshore registrants were more out of town visitors and the inshore was about 50-50. 1cscivals`? -, -., "it: taming about festivals, how m . Rainbow Festival, Festival of the someone from'bow Arts, the Grapefruit nY of them are goin to attract bed? Y Orlando to come do P fruit Festival -are the . Croke stated that he had just recently arneaads hat For 3 Y going to attract become involved in a national s days and put their head on a he feels that this would b • Porting event for childre t. Pierce and St. Lucie are g people from n, bull or something going to nature- He feels that an event of this nature vs ver• the g of that nature and money on, He Country to come to something of this further questioned who was o- infra -county festival would what kind of monies would be s S g to be on the reviewing ant spending spent on what kind of �,nt8 ewurg Committee to watch over Ms. Hancock noted that People, i.e. the Coconut most festivals start outs ~ Grove Arts Festival which�s 1 with t� hopes of People come from all over to a �� out v getting bigger and attract Hitch and maybe ttend• She feels that this is what this azea�r and has grown to bring People 1 Y �Pefruit Festival is something neat - �g to do, find its P Pan their calendar around the D g we are the grapefruit capital of the world. Dade City Strawberry Festival. �'. Croke reiterated, from a marketing county. Ms. Hancock stated mathait takestandpoint are these events going to be anyone else gamble. Mr. Croke again to produce for the about. Ms. B aside from the TDC that will over 8 questioned if there was Barwick stated that it would behoove see these grants, if and when it some names to be on a r the TDC to comes Procedures n reviewing co�ttee. Mr. B' and have Staff come u need to be put together. Ms. B Barwick noted that first of all P with Policies and procedures from the Barwick Stated that she has ° Policies and these policies as Counties surveyed and the Obtained S or 6 sets of guidelines for St. Lucie County,CQ1rrrruttee could take the to be first the and foremost con and if it is agreed upon that, "heads on beds', s concern before granting money, has s Ms. Valvno questioned whether or not, would have a grants program. at this Ms. B Point, it was inevitable that St. Lucie County the Board decides one way Barwick said that it is d ty and that is when Staff y or the other. May 28 and 29 is the new rat gic pl if that is the day that the will Present the 'TDC's thou 'rDC has always gone along Skits, surveys, and results. among Meeting and mailings of visitor g various all of these types of programs, Ms. Minix noted can that be consider guides and various brochures and P gr�' assisting with advertising as a portion of this that is a rather costly and v Barwick stated that if that was the recommendation grant Program' if in fact we have to arY helpful - the recommendation that the onl rnndation of the TDC then it could be theto it. Ms. advertising. Ms. Minix stated that she thought thaOf grant llwoul at are v main thrust of that's the area given would be strictly for ea we need to Put it in - adv d be excellent, because quite frankly reiterated, it is dependant on how the policies t at Puts ' q n�Y, dollars Puts `heads on beds." Ms. B will only be given if an event creates heads on beds Procedures are arwick again whether the wntten -that it would state that Y P$Y directly for the advertis and if it is used Strictl for have to go before some form of auditing or not. Ms. Minix noted that Y advertising; line to our present advertisingS Ms• Valvano said that ma be w � expenses would a lot of a vet for whatever event; we are advertisin Y could just add a tag xposure to the event end would Barwick noted that the TDC Promote St. Lucie County g anyway and that would give frame that will has to be very cognizantthat these tY at the same time Ms. always offered to do this o addaanner to our advertisin groups come to us in a time various events. Ms. Barwick Ms. Minix stated that the TDC has Service" was the TDC's way of helping arwick related that by doingt that advertising is usually P g since the Council did not "in -kind the only wayy a good Portion of any events bud et grant money. Mt Minix rioted considered to give those Organizationsevent. Ms. B e ,because of the fact that usually Barwick then stated that, it could also be a chance to publicize in their own publication. A publication that the TDC wouldn't necessarily be placing an ad, but because we gave them x- number of dollars for advertising, they could place an in a particular publication that would draw people, so there are a couple of ways that we could look at if that it the decision; instead of just saying we will put a tag line on our advertising. Mr. Croke noted that the TDC should not create a blanket policy, each case would have to be looked at individually. Ms. Valvano agreed that advertising was a better idea than handing over cash hoping the organization spent it properly. Ms. Barwick stated that by law we have to keep a close rein on how the resort tax collections are spent, that is why the TDC is here is to oversee how the tax dollars are spent. Any time the TDC starts spending dollars that are not doing what they are supposed too, according to the Florida Statute it is the members place to get in touch with Tallahassee. Ms Minix stated that the TDC utilizes a majority of dollars during the Summer and Fall ad campaigns, and questioned what happens when someone who wants to hold an event in January or February when the hotels do not have any openings. Mr. Doughney offered that the TDC could prohibit an organization from having activities when the County doesn't need the business. The TDC could state that they were only going to fund summer activities and these are the only events they will entertain; a summer festival or summer sports event. The TDC could dictate their wishes. At this point Ms. Barwick referred to the schedule of "What's Happening" at the stadium this summer, which includes baseball camps and invitational of the Cayman Islands Baseball Teams. Ms. Barwick noted that Albie Scoggins and his staff have worked very diligently on putting this Summer program together. They are the types of activities that brings money in. Ms. Barwick stated that it was up to the Council to make a recommendation on these matters that would be presented to the County Commissioners for their final decision, then Staff would come back to the Council to decide on the how the policies and procedures should be written. After the policies and procedures are finalized they would be presented to the Board for their approval. Chairman Charles noted that the Board will want to know the recommendations for the upcoming planning session and the Board will give an indication at that time as to whether they will go for something like this or not, and whatever decision is made, it will have to come up at our next TDC meeting in June. Ms. Valvano asked how the input from this TDC meeting going to get to the County Commissioners for their decision since the meeting is just next week. Chairman Charles advised Ms. Valvano that Ms. Barwick will be present at this next meeting. Ms. Valvano then repeated for clarification that Ms. Barwick will be talking about the TDC's discussions and opinions stated during this meeting. Ms. Barwick then mentioned that what had been talked about and she assumes she can still do, is to take this particular item from the TDC Meeting minutes and make it into an executive summary with the discussion that took place today and she can give it to Administration and hopefully get it into the Board's packets for the upcoming meeting on the 28th. Mr. Doughney confirmed Ms. Barwick's statement and noted that would be the best way to capture the TDC's thoughts. Ms. Minix then said that maybe the TDC should come to some conclusion as to what the members feelings truly are on this issue. Ms. Minix's personal feelings are that whatever the TDC does should be oriented toward "heads on beds" and it should be in the form of advertising; because when you are advertising - you are not just advertising an event, you are advertising the whole area. You are bringing people into the County and they may come back for whatever reason. When giving an organization money toy spend to make their situation a little better, they may not have your expertise in advertising to be able to get it out to people to get more people in and so Ms. Minix feels that the TDC should have some control on how the money is spent and it should be spent toward advertising. bed..••� un b w ._ " LdL ivts. Minix had to s. '° beds" Which would be the summerdactually have the event coi aY and the oyy other t ' months and the coincide with hotel needs lung most important factor be "heads on Mr. for Doughn available, that ssu88ested that if the With the civic not allocated to othernty needed a filler in Jul visitors. The and sports clubs pre -determined events; the TrDCand ft'the TDC event would h t° see if someone had $2,400. where you have to r have to be tailor locally wanted to Might try to shop it to behoove the maser on Frida tailored to create Put some�g on to bring in locally Participants tot Y, and the heads on beds, have a week aloe a hotel room, event takes off so early on end event Ms. Mass co Y Saturday that it days forces commented that would People to stayyou need to look at the length of the over right, Mr. Dou event, an event that lasts 4 or 5 �eY noted like that Ms. Barwick their calendars Sport Which is a gorgeous khad an excellent caiendazs and � their events point regard - that middle class g other outside adv constantly, Person that car free t are °V�ghters� Tthl�'s s about all the different h ertln8, Y, tennis, golf, etc. themselves up for the lon anc�ulaz ma gears boyi es and g week- gazine do a H�son wised t n end of sports and they dolt Festival gram called Indian p March the Florida Ranch T ►'Will be held out at the ranch.ncess, which is a father/dau ours, through the 1'MC can do the Indian p ranch. ghter event. Princess event It looks like he going to a Land Reme1nber and have �at �� Harrison is S before ed Festival that the first stab at trn g to Pull toer� rate j Christmas because would have having 4,000 to S,000 People ranch an event wh People could a lot of hi peo ere the Ranch have crafts that th ory and perha Ps do this fe ple and have draw. could use a lot P This w eY could buy for Chrism rival a month of crafts ould be the type of event s 9'fts. This is Mr. Croke said this is could stated that if the T'DC Why he does not w festival could leave ant to box Harrison is talking ourselves o m May thN September !' be able to do so g about, that Pen to somethin as he previously minds mething for a would come 8 of a special nature and restrict advertising qualified urti fied event during the winter such as this ertising qua fled events Mr' Croke heels months, we would Ms. g just to Ma that the TDC shouldn't closest Barwick asked if the Cou y thna that like to look at for havin ncrl would like to t alk Program. g a grants Program or the do 'bout the percentagethes that the TDC would like to TDC would Ms. Minix noted that the TDC has Put towards this sort of indicated that they do not �. Croke stag that hat the grants should be bar Want to grant dollars. g would cost at the time ed on the n ine. Mr. Croke ask necessity t just s. Mass answered that if the ty Of the event, whatever t month of a existin Ms' Mass what the cost Would be fo he oing into v M$Y for this year the ��hedule is used and is that various media. If has $93 �'e tag existin r a tag were running there was an event t in advertisin g ads - You look gout this event happenin that would be $93 hat was °Orrin g expenditures that are Auld co Forth g up June and we could to those cost the TDC g in St- Lucie County of advertising g those to put these to tY in June. Ms. g that would carry a b tags on the existing ads banner •x then questioned how Ms. Mass stated that if the much it ads were u,acx ana white it would probably be under $200 to add the tag and provide new art work to all the riewspapers, etc.; however, if the ad is color new film has to be sent if the ad is changed and that would be approximately $200 per each ad. Ms. Minix then stated that she thought the TDC should cap the money to $200 for changes in the TDC cost and then whatever the advertising for that period, so it would behoove the people putting on the event to come to the TDC early. Ms. Mass then reiterated that, for instance, in July there is one color and two black and white ads so for that $11,000 worth of advertising is would cost probably $500 - $600''to change those three ads. Mr. Doughney noted that Ms. Mass' point is that if the event planners were a year ahead of time the TDC would have no changes and they would still get the value. So, for no extra cost ou the TDCt of 's pocket the TDC would have another partner if they brought in room nights and u would be a good deal if the event was planned early enougit h. Ms. Costa did not feel that there would be that many people prepared to stay a year ahead. Ms. Minix advised that the TDC wants the organizations to plan for these events early, the whole secret of it is that if the organization is not going to plan for the event and it's not worth putting their efforts into it then why should the TDC give them dollars to throw away. Ms. Mass advised that with big sporting events, or the Special Olympics they are 2 or 3 years out even to be booked to be considered as a location. Mr. Croke then brought up the time element, 60, 90 days, 6 months, or a year as a constraint to be put on whatever monies the TDC is going to decide to fund. Ms. Barwick noted that would fall into policies and procedures. Mr. Doughney asked of the Chairman, when the County Commission listens to the information are they more inclined just to say - we see there is some merit in this initiative or that one, go forth and give us all the details. Mr. Charles said that would work, but if it comes to the Board and they see where we have made a radical change; then that is when it is going to be pulled. Mr. Doughney then asked if the Board would want all the details by the time they caucus on the 28th. Mr. Charles said he didn't think so and stated that everything that they are going to be working on now will be going back to the Board in July when they do the budget. So, whatever the Board hears on the 28th and the 29th will have bearing and will actually take place in July when the Board will budget for next year. Ms. Minix asked the Chairman, after hearing all the TDC members restraints and concerns, what is the feeling of the County Commission - does Mr. Charles think they are going to say `eve really want to see you give dollar grants to people"'? Mr. Charles feels that the Board does not want to see that, the Board does not want to give anything away. Ms. Minix asked Mr. Charles if he believes that what the TDC talked about here today is going to be acceptable to the Board. Mr. Charles stated that he does, he would think that if the TDC put a cap of say $1,000, but he doesn't think that if it were any more he does not think it will go. Ms. Minix stated that she was thinking more in the terms of $200 to $300 per event and Mr. Charles said "ok." Mr. Charles stated that the whole moral is that they want this to work and the County to grow and you have to spend money to make money. Ms. Minix continued by reiteratipg that the TDC is very much in favor of giving the advertising, but that the TDC is not in favor of grants. Mr. Charles stated that he feels that would go over even better. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE Ms. Valvano stated that the Chamber did question why St. Lucie County was not in the Visit Florida ad that went into the Tribune in April, which Ms. Barwick has already addressed. Ms. Valvano noted that the Chamber has taken a stance supporting asking the County to strengthen their current adult establishment laws, now that the City has strengthened theirs. Chairman Charles stated that he would love to see that happen, but he is the only commissioner that is backing that issue. Chairman Charles further stated that he brought up this issue 1 '/z to 2 years ago and all of the commissioners at that time were against it. Chairman Charles noted that in the last 10 days he has had Mr. McIntyre go back around to the commissioners and he has not gotten any feedback at all. Discussion ensued regarding the County's present laws. Ms. Valvano then advised that the Ft. Pierce Area Council brought to the Board of Directors the fact that they were supporting changing the name of South Hutchinson Island to Ft. Pierce Beach. According to Mr. Doughney the Ft. Pierce Area Council has since back off. Ms. Valvano stated that the Chamber said no - that this is not a Chamber issue. VISIT FLORIDA CO-OP ADVERTISING INSERTS Ms. Barwick referenced the insert from Visit Florida USA regarding the Visit Florida Co-op Advertising offering 3 options for brochure ads. Ms. Barwick stated that the options are in -state marketing, which is what we have participated in prior to this one; out-of-state, and a Canadian issue. All of these ads will be out on August 29. The Partner price would be the cost to the TDC. Ms. Barwick advised that she will have to wait until it gets closer to the ad date to know if their will be enough funds available to do all 3 ads at a cost of almost $9,000, as the budget is a little tight presently, but if there was an interest in doing 1 or 2; if the Council would advise their thoughts on this item, Ms. Barwick would go ahead an give the commitment. Ms. Valvano expressed concern regarding shelf life of the Canadian ad as she feels August is rather early to be placing a Canadian ad. Ms. Mass advised that there is an average of about 3 months out for planning vacations. Discussion ensured regarding the Canadian market slowing up. Ms. Minix stated that since the TDC can't afford all 3 it might be better to do the out-of-state and the Florida. Ms. Barwick reiterated that it is the wishes of the TDC to look into doing the in -state and out-of-state. Council confirmed. MANAGER'S REPORT Ms. Barwick advised that the Undiscovered Florida ad that was approved at the last meeting which was to be coming out in two different publications: Recommend Magazine for the- travel trade and Sierra Magazine. It has been decided not to use Sierra and to put the ad in National History which will bring the total circulation from 250,000 to 3 50,000 for the same price. Ms. Barwick also noted the new exhibit at the Historical Museum and the 1999 Treasure Coast Opera Society schedule. OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Minix advised that the phone company is now starting websites and this year they will do your 3-page website free. Ms. Minix noted that shje didn't know how much advertising the TDC did with the phone company and if the TDC can afford a website, but it might be something for Ms. Barwick to look into by calling Southern Bell advertising. Mr.Harrison advised that he will be one of the speakers at the Watchable Wildlife Conference. He wanted to report to the TDC that things are going very well at the Ranch. ADJOURNMENT Since there was no other business, Ms. Minix motioned to adjourn, motion was seconded by Ms. Valvano; motion passed unanimously. The next meeting will be held June 3, 1999 at 12:30 p.m. in Conference Room Three of the County Administration Building, 2300 Virginia Avenue, Ft. Pierce. _ "ON 0 ST Lucy COUNTY FORT PIERCE ro17RIST DE1 LllOPMENT PORT ST LUCIE9��n 6�� HUTCHINSON ISLAND FLORIDA MEMORANDUM To: St. Lucie County Hospitality Industry From: Gayla Barwick, Tourism Division Date: May 14, 1998 Please be advised that the next Tourist Development Council Meeting is scheduled for: Monday, May 18, 1998 2:00 P.M. -'Conference Room Three Roger Poitras Annex 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce We hope you will be able to attend. GB:mc TDC\Notice 2300 Virginia Avenue. Ft. Pierce, FL 34982 • (561 ) 462-1535 • FAX ( 5611 462-2132 • 1-800-344-TGIF ST. LUCI£- COUNTY FORT PIERCE < ��.; `,IOIMST DEVEPOPMENT C`06 �" V PORT ST LUCIE h� HUTCHINSON ISLAND \`✓ FLORIDA CHANGE OF SCHEDULED MEETING MEMORANDUM To: St. Lucie County Hospitality Industry From: Gayla Barwick, Tourism Divisiorf� Date: May 12, 1998 Re: Cancellation Notice Please be advised that the next Tourist Development Council Meeting which was scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 1998, has been canceled. We will notify you shortly of the re -scheduled date. We sincerely hope that this will not cause any inconvenience. 2300 Virginia Avenue, Ft Pierce. FL 34982 0 (561 ) 462-1535 • FAX ( 561 ) 462-2132 ♦ 1-800-344-TGIF M ST. LUCK COUNTY FORT PIERCE P�® , ST DEVEIQPMENT ® PORT ST LUCIE CO� HUTCHINSON ISLAND FLORIDA To: Doug Anderson, Thru: Jack Doughney, From: Date: Re: Gayla Barwick, April 6, 1998 MEMORANDUM County Administrator Director -Leisure Servic Tourism Universal Outdoor Delinquent Sales Tax After contacting Universal regarding their delinquent sales tax payments on the billboards, they sent me a copy of the attached Department of Revenue Certificate of Direct Payment. This certificate was sent to Finance for their final decision. The Finance Department has informed me, via a phone call to Nancy Lange, that Universal has paid the taxes directly to the State and that this situation is no longer an issue. Thank you. GB:mc Attachment cc: Dan McIntyre, County Attorney Harvey Lincoln, Manager -OMB Jam" � �orcvwrvz(�d. ��u�r��oaCuC. 2300 Virginia Avenue, Ft. Pierce, FL 34982 ♦ (561 ) 462-1 535 ♦ FAX: ( 561) 462-2132 ♦ 1-800-344-TGIF JLL-e1-1997 e9: qg Flo't TRFWE ADVF#iTFGE 7D STATE Or FLORWA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TAi.tJ11{AWX-... 1'1.()i~i11)A 12IY941100 GsnvM Tom Adw*dWedo., Ch" Support fntwaaiwn CERTUnCATE OF DIRECT PAYbIENT AUT"ORrtf r4aWw T'A&'W* ."*n ^*Wdr&..a+f. s..mi, FOR REAL PROPER'IY LEASE Imo"n Swvioas E�artiw t>iraccor DPA CerUrnatc Nuaybcr- ""ISO -73 Universal outdoor, lac. Saks & Use Tune NO.: 58-1jUly 1, 99 5333 Old Wlatac Garden Road Expka a Date Oman&. Fkriid* 32811 Expiration Date: June �Q, 2002 Ladies oc Cmmdc nea: . Ontdoar.lnc,. for Lute Purpose of pe ntutting This Di:ret Pa)nucnt Atrllx�rity C�tiCreaUc is issued to S�tstsa- lix privkge of purdtssiog reg property kz= without du pa)'mcat Of fknr+dl Saks and use tic to the ksw of tare property. Tile Florida department O[Revawre Ins auarvrimd t(re ccrtilrcate luoider to sdr-soave and mink tlxs saks and use tsx &=tiY to d'c Dq>vrtazrn This eextiGcate shalt remain in elred wail its expiratiat Gate as stated above. A jhNnrrM of Otis ocrtifi��lc nail he _rival w cdi kcmw ftrtn •lixuti the tertifieate la►1c1cY k�sx~< real prnrexty The ksw must rnsinta;u LLis ecrtir►eate in its rwwds a-, dommoklatiat fcx nut colialing sates wx Iran the octtiftcate hoicks on its real property kaces. - The nano of ti c kssOc, date certificate gi%-al to kssor, aad the audxxixai sihuature must be canpktad before cxLwdmg the taliGcAe to the kssor. St . Lucie Count '- "j"'� �— Nart a[ Scticr Data Givtu to Shca -,U omfificate bolder agues not to permit any other party W use this oe"wAte to kW real PrOpertY f= Saks Laos Sisnatum: WDY&sai srtner, Ofiieu, or Autirorinod Rgpresa►tau+►c) FLOCUEMDE W, David Y Tax Spocialist GTA Cwtral I Olt REVENUU & Use Tax Board: X=Zone could harm tourism Scott Hovanyetz 2 TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER ST. LUCIE COUNT — Plac- ing all adult establishments in Fort Pierce near Interstate 95 may have a negative effect on tourism, members of a county board said Wednesday. The St. Lucie Tourist Develop- ment Council discussed a city ordinance that would banish X- rated businesses to a 200-acre section along Okeechobee Road between I-95 and Florida's Tlirn- pike. The plan is being reviewed by the Fort Pierce City Commis- sion. The area was picked because it is on the outskirts of the city, far away from the downtown area the city is trying to revitalize. In the past, the city has had trouble defending anti -nudity laws, which have resulted in lawsuits and earned suspicion from the court system due to possible First Amendment violations. Members of the tourism board said they weren't against the con- cept of limiting adult businesses to one area, but they did wish the city would pick another spot. "I saw with my own eyes what this can draw," board member Ed Croke said. "I'm not a moralist. but I look at history; I've seen what this can do." Board members noted that there are five hotels near the pro- posed zone. Church and family groups use those hotels for get- togethers and meetings, they said. "It just happens to be in my back yard," said Michelle Val- vano, a board member and gener- al manager of the Days Inn near Okeechobee Road. "Personally,,I think that's where tourists come into St. Lucie County. That's where our future residents come in." Adult businesses might also attract unsightly billboards, they said. Members also worried that the businesses would conflict with the Tourist Development Council's own advertising efforts. "I think it could hurt some of our groups," Council executive director Gayla Barwick said. "You have to remember, we've spent thousands of dollars adver tising for families." i ST. LUCIE COUNTY FORT PIERCE � � TOUIusT DEWIQPMENT 6��PORT ST LUCIE HUTCHINSON ISLAND FLORIDA MEMORANDUM To: Board of County Commissioners Thru: Doug Anderson, County Administrator From: Gayla Barwick, Tourism - Date: March 3, 1998 Re: Comet Creative Advertising Agency l5 l7 f AR - 3 1998 This memo is in response to Comet Creative's letter of February 24, 1998 that was sent to the Tourist Development Council and copied to the Board. (Attached) After reading Mr. Jenkins' letter, my first thought is to defend the ethics of the eight Tourist Development Council Board members that took part in the scoring of the three short listed ad agencies. These individuals, some of whom are elected city officials, are dedicated, community minded business leaders of St. Lucie County. They are appointed to these seats for four year terms. They have made a commitment to play a viable part in the promotion of tourism into St. Lucie County. Mr. Jenkins' letter states "We understand that professional competence may not have been the only factor considered in evaluating the candidate agencies." I can't imagine anyone being able to suggest to this group to vote one way or the other. It was also noted that the RFP process was bias in favor of the incumbent. This RFP has been utilized three times over the last seven years and I have to admit that out of the approximately 14 agencies that have submitted proposals over the past years, this is the first time I have heard that it is biased. Please be assured, I will be more than happy to contact Mr. Jenkins and ask for his written suggested revisions for the RFP. 2300 Virginia Avenue, Ft Pierce, FL 34982 • (561 1 462-1535 • FAX ( 5611 462-2132 • 1-800-344-TGIF Re: Comet Creative Advertising Agency March 3, 1998 Page 2 During the presentations, everyone had the same opportunity to sell their agency, staff, and product. It was up to the individual to make their presentation and "close the deal," so to speak. In the 15 minutes allotted there were no hard and fast rules as to what the agencies discussed, they could have given an overview of what they had submitted in their RFP, they could have elaborated on past accomplishments, or they could have taken this time to discuss proposed strategies and plans to meet the goals of the Tourist Development Council. It was all up to the individual ad agency's discretion. We can certainly look at expanding the 15 minutes for oral presentations and five minutes for questions and answers. Although I do believe, the recording tape of the entire presentations will prove that sufficient time was allowed for all questions being asked by the Tourist Development Committee. It was also stated that Comet Creative had not received an "official notification" that they were not awarded the bid. The reason for this is that Staff would not presume that MBI's contract has been finalized, even after they had received the highest score by 117 points and after the Board of County Commissioners had approved to enter into contract negotiations. Not until the final approval is given by the Board would Staff inform the second and third place winners they we not selected. There are too many variables to consider and this is the precise reason that Comet Creative and A. E. Lynch have not received any official notification of being eliminated as Mr. Jenkins is under the impression his agency has been. Although the ranking has been commonly known, in the future Staff will share this information in a more formal manner. Attached you will find copies of the short listing and oral presentation score sheets, please note, each agency was scored on eight non bias categories. If the Board has any questions or would like to discuss this further, please call me at extension 1535. Thank you. GB:mc Attachments cc: Jack Doughney Tourist Development Council A-- khk Mir C O MET C RE AT IV E INTEGRATED MARKETING / NEW MEDIA SERVICES February 24, 1998 St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council Administration Annex Building 2300 Virginia Avenue Fort Pierce, FL 34982 RE: RFP #98-20, Advertising Services for Tourist Development Council Dear Council Members: My partners and I thank the Tourist Development Council for considering Comet Creative in yotir advertising agency review. We are, of course, disappointed that we did not win the contract —especially after reviewing the competing proposals. We could not help but realize that we offered the TDC clearly superior marketing capabilities and creativity. However, we understand that professional competence may not have been the only factor considered in evaluating the candidate agencies. In the spirit of constructive criticism, we must say that we found the RFP process to be biased in favor of the incumbent, no matter which agency that may be. We urge the TDC to consider revising the RFP to permit the competing agencies to offer not only their capabilities, but their strategies and plans for meeting the goals of the TDC. We also suggest that the time permitted for the agency oral presentation be expanded. Fifteen minutes simply is not sufficient time to make a presentation that is persuasive enough to level the playing field between a contender new to the TDC and an incumbent whose capabilities are well known. Nor is five minutes an adequate amount of time for all council members to pose their questions and for the agency to fully answer them. —more- 100 AVENUE A, SUITE 2C, FORT PIERCE, FL 34950 VOICE 561-465-4654 / FAX 561-466-5428 / COMETMAIL@AOL.COM 0 St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council February 24, 1998 Page 2 Nonetheless, we accept the Council's decision and look forward to again vymg for the contract to provide advertising services to the TUC when the current contract expires. In the meantime, as a loyal member of the St. Lucie County business community, Comet Creative will strive to make beneficial contributions to the mission and goals of the TDC. Sincerel , William Jenkins Partner P.S. If this letter seems a wee bit after the fact, please accept our apology. 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U > CC t7 J Z p Y Q Z J m O W a M V O V = >- J_ J W J } p LL J J ~ Q 1 LU a V V ' a o i E RFP Score Sheet RFP # 98-20 Advertising Services for the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council. Score all Proposers in all categories with a point value of 0 - 10. 0 = unsatisfactory, 3 = poor, 6 = average, T = good, 10 = excellent. Please note, it is essential that all boxes have a score ranging from 0 to 10. Criteria for reviewing and short listing written bid proposals: PROPOSERS I 1 2 3 4 5 6 Rate the professional and creative overall 8 look of the submitted bid proposal. Judge agency experience in placement of destination ads in print and broadcast media. C Financial strength and credit history of agency. S g Tourism experience of assigned account personnel. 4 Rate the creative look of the three ad samples ? S J (D �.- included in proposal. Rate agency on its in-house public relations 41 capabilities. Rate if all 26 questions in the qualifications g g 8 g questionnaire were fully addressed by agency. Related advertising experience in St. Lucie County. -2 -7 TOTAL POINTS J .53 RANK I Z 5 3 Scorers Signature 1 = Osprey Marketing Group 2 = MBI Advertising 3 = A. E. Lynch Advertising 4 = Simple Success Marketing 5 = Comet Creative Integrated Marketing 6 = Barnette Advertising Group I�-24-1 Date RFP Score Sheet RFP # 98-20 Advertising Services for the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council. Score all Proposers in all categories with a point value of 0 - 10. 0 = unsatisfactory, 3 = poor, 6 = average, T = good, 10 = excellent. Please note, it is essential that all boxes have a score ranging from 0 to 10. Criteria for reviewing and short listing written bid proposals: PROPOSERS 1 2 3 4 5 6 Rate the professional and creative overall�-- look of the submitted bid proposal. Judge agency experience in placement of destination ads in print and broadcast media. Financial strength and credit history of agency. (� Tourism experience of assigned account personnel. / �� 174 Rate the creative look of the three ad samples included in proposal. Rate agency on its in-house public relations capabilities. / (� G D Rate if all 26 questions in the qualifications questionnaire were fully addressed by agency. �D Related advertising experience in St. Lucie County. TOTAL POINTS p? ia� �a S o RANK Scorer's Signature 1 = Osprey Marketing Group 2 = MBI Advertising 3 = A. E. Lynch Advertising 4 = Simple Success Marketing 5 = Comet Creative Integrated Marketing 6 = Barnette Advertising Group Date 102- RFP Score Sheet RFP # 98-20 Advertising Services for the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council. Score all Proposers in all categories with a point value of 0 - 10. 0 = unsatisfactory, 3 = poor, 5 = average, T = good, 10 = excellent. Please note, it Is essential that all boxes have a score ranging from 0 to 10. Criteria for reviewing and short listing written bid proposals: PROPOSERS 2 3 4 5 6 Rate the professional and creative overall bid �r look of the submitted proposal. Judge agency experience in placement of destination ads in print and broadcast media. Q U ./ Financial strength and credit history of agency. Tourism experience of assigned account personnel. Rate the creative look of the three ad samples-� included in proposal. , Rate agency on Its in-house public relations �- capabilities. Rate if all 26 questions in the qualifications questionnaire were fully addressed by agency. Related advertising experience in St. Lucie County. TOTAL POINTS ! _(' / d RANK L Scorees Signature . Date �= Osprey Marketing Group MBI Advertising ✓g A. E. Lynch Advertising f¢ = Simple Success Marketing ✓5 = Comet Creative Integrated Marketing -,.A = Barnette Advertising Group RFP Score Sheet RFP # 98-20 Advertising Services for the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council. Score all Proposers in all categories with a point value of 0 - 10. 0 = unsatisfactory, 3 = poor, 5 = average, 7 = good, 10 = excellent. Please note, it is essential that all boxes have a score ranging from 0 to 10. Criteria for reviewing and short listing written bid proposals: PROPOSERS I I 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 Rate the professional and creative overall V 0 look of the submitted bid proposal. Judge agency experience in placement of broadcast media. g destination ads in print and Financial strength and credit history of agency. 3L93 g n Tourism experience of assigned account personnel. 9 Q' S Rate the creative look of the three ad samples in 7 Q "I / iv Q 9 included proposal. Rate agency on its in-house public relations capabilities. Rate N all 26 questions in the qualifications �y questionnaire were fully addressed by agency. Related advertising experience in St. Lucie County. 9 TOTAL POINTS V % 2. RANK Scorer's Signature 1 = Osprey Marketing Group 2 = MBI Advertising 3 = A. E. Lynch Advertising 4 = Simple Success Marketing 5 = Comet Creative Integrated Marketing 6 = Barnette Advertising Group Date /' — "�% A RFP Score Sheet RFP # 98-20 Advertising Services for the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council. Score all Proposers in all categories with a point value of 0 - 10. 0 = unsatisfactory, 3 = poor, 6 = average, 7 = good, 10 = excellent. Please note, it Is essential that all boxes have a score ranging from 0 to 10. Criteria for reviewing and short listing written bid proposals: PROPOSERS 1 2 j 3 4 5 6 Rate the professional and creative overall look the submitted bid proposal. 5 of I O Judge agency experience in placement of destination ads in print and broadcast media. K C •1 Financial strength and credit history of agency. (C 0 3 C Tourism experience of assigned account personnel. 5 /j Rate the creative look of the three ad samples included in proposal. rf I S 5 0 Rate agency on its in-house public relations — 3 capabilities. 5 5 Rate if all 26 questions in the qualifications questionnaire were fully addressed by agency. / 10 3 10 Related advertising experience in St. Lucie County. I TOTAL POINTS C � 0 S71 36 a, / 4 a RANK Scorer's Signature 1 = Osprey Marketing Group 2 = MBI Advertising 3 = A. E. Lynch Advertising 4 = Simple Success Marketing 5 = Comet Creative Integrated Marketing 6 = Barnette Advertising Group Date is I 1 � A RFP Score Sheet RFP # 98-20 Advertising Services for the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council. Score all Proposers in all categories with a point value of 0 - 10. 0 = unsatisfactory, 3 = poor, 6 = average, T = good, 10 = excellent. Please note, it Is essential that all boxes have a score ranging from 0 to 10. Criteria for reviewing and short listing written bid proposals: PROPOSERS 1 2 3 4 5 6 Rate the professional and creative overall look of -the submitted bid proposal ' Judge agency experience in placement of destination ads in print and broadcast media. j Financial strength and credit history of agency. i �l Tourism experience of assigned account personnel. Rate the creative look of the three ad samples included in proposal. Rate agency on its in-house public relations capabilities. -- o-#e K all 9a nusatinne in the qualifications questionnairewere fully addressed by agency. Related advertising experience in St. Lucie County. TOTAL POINTSa 's RANK Scorer's Signature - - 1 = Osprey Marketing Group 2 = MBI Advertising 3 = A. E. Lynch Advertising 4 = Simple Success Marketing 5 = Comet Creative Integrated Marketing 6 = Barnette Advertising Group Date /, RFP Score Sheet RFP # 98-20 Advertising Services for the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council. Score all Proposers in all categories with a point value of 0 - 10. 0 = unsatisfactory, 3 = poor, 5 = average, 7 = good, 10 a excellent. Please note, it is essential that all boxes have a score ranging from 0 to 10. Criteria for reviewing and short listing written bid proposals: PROPOSERS 1 2 3 4 5 6 Rate the professional and creative overall look of the submitted bid proposal. i i Judge agency experience in placement of destination ads in print and broadcast media. Financial strength and credit history of agency. !1 Tourism experience of assigned account personnel. I Rate the creative look of the three ad samples included in proposal C ce 4 Rate agency on its in-house public relations capabilities. l �j cj y Rate if all 26 questions in the qualifications questionnaire were fully addressed by agency. Related advertising experience in St. Lucie County. �A p 4 TOTAL POINTS J U RANK S a 3 Scorer's Signature 1 = Osprey Marketing Group 2 = MBI Advertising 3 = A. E. Lynch Advertising 4 = Simple Success Marketing 5 = Comet Creative Integrated Marketing 6 = Barnette Advertising Group fp. Al-.�hk 1 COMET CREATIVE INTEGRATED MARKETING / NEW MEDIA SERVICES February 24, 1998 St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council Administration Annex Building 2300 Virginia Avenue Fort Pierce, FL 34982 RE: RFP #98-20, Advertising Services for Tourist Development Council Dear Council Members: My partners and I thank the Tourist Development Council for considering Comet Creative in your advertising agency review. We are, of course, disappointed that we did not win the contract —especially after reviewing the competing proposals. We could not help but realize that we offered the TDC clearly superior marketing capabilities and creativity. However, we understand that professional competence may not have been the only factor considered in evaluating the candidate agencies. In the spirit of constructive criticism, we must say that we found the RFP process to be biased in favor of the incumbent, no matter which agency that may be. We urge the TDC to consider revising the RFP to permit the competing agencies to offer not only their capabilities, but their strategies and plans for meeting the goals of the TDC. We also suggest that the time permitted for the agency oral presentation be expanded. Fifteen m"WIMI sufficient time to make a presentation that is persuasive enough to level the playing field betwe6rt' er new to the TDC and an incumbent whose capabilities are well known. Nor is five minutes ate amount of time for all council members to pose their questions and fo the agency to f �`swer them. I411- a1 �� G�s —more- 100 AVENUE A, SUITE 2C, FORT PIERCE, FL 34950 VOICE 561-465-4654 / FAX 561-466-5428 / COMETMAILOAOL.COM r E B 2 5 1998 CO. ADMIN. OFFICE St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council February 24, 1998 Page 2 Nonetheless, we accept the Council's decision and look forward to again vying for the contract to provide advertising services to the TDC when the current contract expires. In the meantime, as a loyal member of the St. Lucie County business community, Comet Creative will strive to make beneficial contributions to the mission and goals of the TDC. Sincerely, William Jenkins Partner P. S . If this letter seems a wee bit after the fact, please accept our apology. Although we heard of the TDC's decision "through the grapevine" a few days after our presentation, we held off sending you our thanks until it became apparent that we would not receive an official notification. pc: St. Lucie County Board of Commissioners C O MET C RE AT IV E INTEGRATED MARKETING / NEW MEDIA SERVICES February 24, 1998 St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council Administration Annex Building 2300 Virginia Avenue Fort Pierce, FL 34982 RE: RFP #98-20, Advertising Services for Tourist Development Council Dear Council Members: r Y5 Camd&AI '(1y) el- 7) Ad My partners and I thank the Tourist Development Council for considering Comet Creative in your advertising agency review. We are, of course, disappointed that we did not win the contract —especially after reviewing the competing proposals. We could not help but realize that we offered the TDC clearly superior marketing capabilities and creativity. However, we understand that professional competence may not have been the only factor considered in evaluating the candidate agencies. In the spirit of constructive criticism, we must say that we found the RFP process to be biased in favor of the incumbent, no matter which agency that may be. We urge the TDC to consider revising the RFP to permit the competing agencies to offer not only their capabilities, but their strategies and plans for meeting the goals of the TDC. We also suggest that the time permitted for the agency oral presentation be expanded. Fifteen minutes simply is not sufficient time to make a presentation that is persuasive enough to level the playing field between a contender new to the TDC and an incumbent whose capabilities are well known. Nor is five minutes an adequate amount of time for all council members to pose their questions and for the agency to fully answer them. —more- 100 AVENUE A, SUITE 2C, FORT PIERCE, FL 34950 VOICE 561-465-4654 / FAX 561-466-5428 / COMETMAIL@AOL.COM d F E B 25 1998 CO. ADMEN. OFFICE St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council February 24, 1998 Page 2 Nonetheless, we accept the Council's decision and look forward to again vying for the contract to provide advertising services to the TDC when the current contract expires. In the meantime, as a loyal member of the St. Lucie County business community, Comet Creative will strive to make beneficial contributions to the mission and goals of the TDC. Sincerely, William Jenkins Partner P. S . If this letter seems a wee bit after the fact, please accept our apology. Although we heard of the TDC's decision "through the grapevine" a few days after our presentation, we held off sending you our thanks until it became apparent that we would not receive an official notification. pc: St. Lucie County Board of Commissioners ST. LucE COUNTY FORT PIERCE \ <_� ` ', �TOMST. DEVMPMENT C06��PORT ST LUCIE RUTCHINSON ISLAND FLORIDA CHANGE OF REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING MEMORANDUM To: St. Lucie County Hospitality Industry From: Gayla Barwick, Tourism Division Date: March 2, 1998 Re: Cancellation Notice of March Meeting Please be advised that the next Tourist Development Council Meeting which was scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 1998 has been canceled. We sincerely hope that this will not cause any inconvenience. TDCINotice 2300 Virginia Avenue, Ft. Pierce. FL 34982 • (561 ) 462-1535 • FAX ( 561 ) 462-2132 • 1-800-344-TGIF 0 r TO: Board of County Commissioners FROM: Gayla Barwick, Tourists 7 Date: 2/3/98 RE: A Hollars Paid to MBI Advertising in 1996/97 Plea a forgive the manner in which this repof being presented, MY c puter is being overhauled. The following report wil1L--aht4 what was paid to MBI, please note even though we paid this to MBI, they in turned paid all the adver- tising cost out of this amount along with their expenses and fees. I will be happy to go over any of these figures with you. Thank you. 1-7 _ /87s, 00 110,00 3yl. �.r _4.yofos Lays oo S/s//,3S # 379,o0 57,yg 90.,v :IOU 1p,f IIA�a C ov.Gox. Y9 "�' �� •?a5 ,8g �oS 73 dd,PV 3al1ar AWWIly . . t0 a9� yy yn ISUae lArY,AI 51,73 34o.00 71/3...V 1 y 51► l r, eJMY 5y3S,o� 55708.61+ 1,457. 60+ 181.50+ 7,768 • 28+ p.,...N. 464.55+ 5.435.00+ 007 80,899.69*+ M. A-1 • 1. TO: BOARD OF COUNTY CONKISSIOMERS ITEM NO. C-Z vimm: November 12, 1996 SUBMITTED BY(DEPT): Leisure Services -Tourism Division =_ 4 e) OF] ! i rim pRa$BriTiD BY: MBI Advertising has been contracted to provide advertising services for the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council. The invoices with all backup included in the amount of $23,608.96 for October represents cost for the following: """WPR"- $11,818.88 Media placement - Magazines/Newspapers $ 1,368.75 Fees $ 163.50 Ad for Canadian Travel Press $ 111.75 Stats for Gannet N.Y. Travel Group and Montreal Gazette $ 69.75 Stat with banner for Orlando Sentinel $ 53.50 Ad for Toronto Star $ 9,262.80 Coupon Book/2nd Printing $ 73.03 Expenses $ 687.00 4-Color Ads for Travel Agent Magazines, Travel America and Florida Naturalist Request approval for payment on the invoices for the month of October in the amount of $23,608.96. The invoices have been reviewed in detail by Tourism Staff. Packets with supporting material are available in the Tourism Department for review. FUNDS AVAIL.(State type & No. of transaction or N/A): N/A PREVIOUS ACTION• RECOMMENDATION: The Tourist Development Council and Staff recommends Board approval to pay the attached invoices. AQXXDA REQUEST TO: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ITEM NO. C-10 DATE: December 10, 1996 REGULAR [ l PUBLIC BEARING ( Comm [ x � SUBMITTED BY(DEPT): Leisure Services -Tourism Division PRESENTED BY: Gayla Barwick MKBI Advertising has been contracted to provide advertising services for the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council. The invoices with all backup included in the amount of $8,886.32 for November represents cost for the following:"Mom, $8,675.96 Media placement - Magazines/Newspapers $ 166.25 Fees $ 44.11 Expenses Request approval for payment on the invoices for the month of November in the amount of $8,886.32. The invoices have been reviewed in detail by Tourism Staff. Packets with supporting material are available in the Tourism Department for review. FUNDS AVAIL.(State type & No. of transaction or N/A): N/A PREVIOUS ACTION: RECOMMENDATION: The Tourist Development Council and Staff recommends Board approval to pay the attached invoices. I AGENDA REQUEST TO: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIOURRS ITEM NO. C-7 DA22: 1/21/97 SUBMITTED BY(DEPT): Leisure Services -Tourism Division : MBI Adv PRBSENTSD BY: NBI Advertising has been contracted to provide advertising services for the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council. The invoices with all backup included in the amount of $4,149.49 for December represents cost for the following: $ 2,997.75 Media Placement in Newspapers and Magazines $ 961.25 Fees $ 160.05 Ads for Boman's Day and Family Circle $ 30.44 Expenses Request approval for payment on the invoices for the month of December in the amount of $4,149.49. The invoices have been reviewed in detail by Tourism Staff. Packets with supporting material are available in the Tourism Department for review. FUNDS"AVAIL.(State type & No. of transaction or N/A): N/A PREVIOUS ACTION: RECOMMENDATION: The Tourist Development Council and Staff recommends Board approval to pay the attached invoices. AGENDA REQUEST TO: BOARD OF COUNTY COMISSIONERS ITEM NO. C-7 DATE: 2/11/97 REGULAR [ J PUBLIC REARING t l ca"ZoTtxl SUBMITTED BY(DEPT): Leisure Services -Tourism Division PRESENTED BY: SUBJECT: MBI Advertising Invoices BACKGROUND: MBI Advertising has been contracted to provide advertising services for the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council. The invoices with all backup included in the amount of $3,779.41 for January represents cost for the following: $ 3,148.30 Media Placement in Newspaper and Magazine $ 572.50 Fees $ 58.61 Expenses Request approval for payment on the invoices for the month of January in the amount of $3,779.41. The invoices have been reviewed in detail by Tourism Staff. Packets with supporting material are available in the Tourism Department for review. FUNDS AVAIL.(State type & No. of transaction or N/A): N/A PREVIOUS ACTION: RECOMMENDATION: The Tourist Development Council and Staff recommends Board approval to pay the attached invoices. AGENDA REQUEST TO: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ITEM NO. C-3 DATE: 4/8/97 REGULAR [ PUBLIC =ARING [ CC==T c x I SUBMITTED BY(DEPT): Leisure Services -Tourism Division_ PRESENTED SY: BACKGROUND: MBI Advertising has been contracted to provide advertising services for the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council. The invoices with all backup included in the amount of $2,409.94 for February represents cost for the following: W"ONOW-Mm $ 1,875.00 Media Placement in Newspaper/Magazines $ 348.75 Fees $ 180.00 Map Reprint $ 6.19 Expenses The invoices with all. backup included in the amount of $9,187.16 for March represents cost for the following: $ 8,250.00 Media Placement in Newspaper/Magazines 265.00 Fees 22.16 Expenses 120.00 Production Coordination on Rack Brochure 530.00 Production Coordination, research, etc. for Tourism Page for Chamber Website Request approval for payment on the invoices for the month of February in the amount of $2,409.94 and the month of March in the amount of $9,187.16 for a two month total of $11,597.10. The invoices have been reviewed in detail by Tourism Staff. Packets with supporting material are available in the Tourism Department for review. FUNDS AVAIL.(State type & No. of transaction or N/A): N/A PREVIOUS ACTION: AQWDA ARQUEST ITEM NO. C-6 DATX s May 13, 1997 RBGUI U [ PUBLIC Wi1AING j ) cat kT ( x ) TO: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENTED BY: SUBMITTED BY(DEPT): SUBJECT: MBI Advertising Invoices ZACKGROUND: MBI Advertising has been contracted to provide advertising services for the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council The invoices with all back up included in the amount of $7,206.84 for April represents cost for the following: $ 6,245.00 Media placement in Newspaper/Magazines $ 90.00 Fees $ 336.25 Revise Coupon Book New Estimates $ 441.35 Reprint Business Cards. $ 42.75 Revisions to.Coupon $ 51.49 Expenses Request approval for payment on the invoices for the month of April in the amount of $7,206.84. FUNDS AVAIL.(State type & No. of transaction 21 N/A): PREVIOUS ACTION: AGENDA REOUEST TO: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ITEM NO. C-2 DATE: June 10, 1997 REGULAR [ ] PUBLIC ®EARUM [ j consm [ X ] PR28zVTED BY: SUBMITTED BY(DEPT): Leisure Services -Tourism Division Gayla Barwick _ MBI Advertising has been contracted to provide advertising services for the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council The invoices with all back up included in the amount of $6, 236.44 for May represents cost for the following: $ 86.50 Ads for Travel American and Orlando Sentinel $ 5,622.50 Rack Brochure Production/Art Mork to date $ 481.25 Fees $ 46.19 Expenses Request approval for payment on the invoices for the month of May in the amount of $6,236.44. FUNDS AVAIL.(State type i No. of transaction or N/A): PREVIOUS ACTION: RECOMMENDATION: The Tourist Development Council and Staff recommends Board approval to pay the attached invoices. COMMISSION ACTION: CO i U 1 [ APPROVED [ ] DENIED [ ] OTHER: - IJ-A.— Dou_Anderson County Administrator Review and Auarovals County Attorney: Management 6 Budget: Originating Dep :. Other: Finance: (Check for Copy only, f ap�p'li cable) Purchasing: Other. AGENDA REQUEST ITEM NO. C-3A DATE: July 8, 1997 REGULAR [ ) Punic H un#G [ 1 conalm [ x l PMEBZMD BY s SUBMITTED BY ( DEFT) : Leisure Br•j jjs-Trur4 eta RjYj ji�tM MBI Advertising has been contracted -to provide advertising.services for the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council. The invoices with all back up included in the amount of $2,508.74 for JWW represents cost for the following: --MMON. $ 2,058.88 Media Placed in the Orlando Sentinel $ 321.25 Fees $ 22.88 Expenses $ 105.73 Logo Sheets Request approval for payment on the invoices for the month of June in the amount of $2,508.74. The invoices have been reviewed in detail by Tourism Staff. Packets with supporting material are available in the Tourism Department for review. FUNDS AVAIL.(State type 6 No. of transaction _oA N/A): PREVIOUS ACTION: RECOMMENDATION: The Tourist Development Council and Staff recommends Board approval to pay the attached invoices. CONXISSION ACTION: CON [ APPROVED [ ] DENIED [ ] OTHER: 4oAjnderson County Administrator Review and rovals county Attorney: alrayunn;irt-i Budget'! Originating Other: Finance: (Check for Copy onl if ca e) Purchasing: Other: AGENDA REQUEST TO: BOARD OF COUNTY COMISSIOURRS ITEM NO. C-2 DATE: August 19, 1997 REGULAR [ ] PUBLIC SEARING [ ] CONSM ( X ] SUBMITTED BY (DEPT) : Lsisur�arviC0s-3=LW . WAL2A pRESENTBD BY: MBI Advertising has been contracted to provide advertising services for the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council. The invoices with all back up included in the amount of $3,828.90 for July represents cost for the following: $ 3,118.90 Media Placed in the Orlando Sentinel, Southern Living, and Bergen Record $ 350.00 Fees $ 52.95 Expenses $ 307.05 Ad Production Costs Request approval for payment on the invoices for the month of July in the amount of $3,828.90. The invoices have been reviewed in detail by Tourism Staff. Packets with supporting material are available in the Tourism Department foz. review. FUNDS AVAIL.(State type & No. of transaction or WA): .PREVIOUS ACTION: RECOMMENDATION• The Tourist Development Council and Staff recommends Board approval to pa, the attached invoices. COMMISSION ACTION: [ APPROVED [ ) DENIED [ ] OTHER: Review aad Approvals County Attorney: _ Management & Budget: Originating Dept. Other: Other: Finance: (Check for Copy only, if applicable) CON C : D ug derson County Administrator Purchasing: Other: AQZXDA RZQUZST ITEM No. C-3 DATE: September 9, 1997 REGULAR [ l PUBLIC HEARING [ ] CONSMT [ X ] TO: BOARD OF COUNTY CONKISSIONBRS PRNSENTSD BY: SUN(ITTED BY (DSPT) s La� ;� Services-TouriM Division issvia- sty .m+tts r SjM"CT:-Advertising MBI Advertising has been contracted to provide advertising services for the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council. The invoices with all back up included in the amount of $1,184.21 for , t represents cost for the following: $ 1,029.44 Media Placed in the Huntsville Times and Indianapolis Star $ 150.00 Fees $ 4.77 Expenses Request approval for payment on the invoices for the month of August in the amount of $1,184.21. The invoices have been reviewed in detail by Tourism Staff. Packets with supporting material are available in the Tourism Department for review. FUNDS AVAIL.(State type S No. of transaction gK N/A): PREVIOUS ACTION: EECOMMENDATION: The Tourist Development Council and Staff recommends Board approval to pay the attached invoices. COM 155ION ACTION: [ APPROVED [ ] DENIED [ l OTHER: 4 4uAnderson County Administrator Review and Approvals County Attorney: t1airryemerrt-4 Budget: Originating Dept.: Other: Finance: (Check for Copy only, 1 a licable) Purchasing: Other: 0 r FORT PIERCE PORT ST LUCIE HUTCHINSON ISLAND FLORIDA ST. LUCBE COUNTY 1URIST DEVELOPMENT Coep ' To: Bong Anderson From: Gayla Barwicg&�--> Date: 2-6-98 Re: Billboards Attached please find zeros copy of the art work for the Nets billboard. A.E. Lynch designed the art work along with a committee comprised of Mets personnel, and stadium staff. Lynch hopes to have it in camera ready fora by neat Monday, the 9th. They will be hung at the Landfill. The other design is for the Tuskeegee Airmen exhibition at the Historical Museum. Plans are to hang on US I. Thank you. cc: Jack Doughney attachments CO. ADkj'N. OFFICE ,J" �i,ef arrcv�owalal. �� cti.v�pozltd . 2300 Virginia Avenue, Ft Pierce, FL 34982 • (561 ) 462-1535 • FAX ( 5611 462-2132 • 1-800-344-TGIF km m ■ u TOURIST TOWN St,, Lucie pushes area's attraction to state residents By Amy Ellerson I �1 of the News staff 1 I zL� 9J FORTPIERCE — Local boosters want more people to come to St. Lucie County for weekend getaways and family vacations. But how will they do that? Nearly 100 business owners and economic development spe- cialists have gathered this week- end to come up with a plan. "A lot of people say there's nothing to do here, and we know that's simply not true," said Al Rivett, acting executive director of the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce. He said the county's chal- lenge is to spread the word about its natural and man-made attractions, places such as Adams Ranch, the St. Lucie County Historical Mu- seum, the Manatee Observation and Education Center, Heath - cote Botanical Gardens, Club Med and Savannas State Park. "Tourism does bring in a lot of dollars, but we feel St. Lucie County is not getting as many tourists as we could get if we focused all our efforts on it," said Joan Steel, a Fort Pierce business owner who is chair- woman of the chamber's tour- ism committee. A public forum, called "Tourism St. Lucie: Directions for the 21st Century," is being sponsored by the St. Lucie County Chamber and its Tour- ism Development Council. It got under way Friday night and continues through noon today at Indian River Community College. Norma Thompson, director of IRCC's Business Develop- ment Center, is moderating the discussion. Frank Nocera, exec- utive vice president of the Tal- lahassee -based Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corp., is the guest speaker. "We have several groups in our community involved in tourism in one fashion or an- other, and it appears we're not all pulling in the same direc- tion," Rivett said. "This is an opportunity to come together and work more closely to achieve a more viable econ- omy." Tourism is growing as an economic force here. Last year, the county collected $955,441 from a 4 percent tax on hotel stays — up from $855,623 the previous year. "That means our advertising campaign is working," said Gayla Barwick, director of the tourism development council. The county launched a mar- keting campaign two years ago, running five different ads in na- tional and regional publica- tions, including Southern Liv- ing, Better Homes and Gardens and USA Today. The campaign, with the slogan "still uncrowded, still un- spoiled," elicited more than 36,000 visitor inquiries last year. "St. Lucie County is trying to make its . mark as a well-known visitor destina- tion," Barwick said. "We're a very family- and senior -o- riented market, and wonderful for the Florida vacationer be- cause of our proximity to I-95 and (Florida's) Turnpike." In expectation of more visi- tors, two new resorts will open this year, adding 254 hotel rooms. The Radisson Beach Resort, on North Hutchinson Island, is expected to open next month with 150 rooms and meeting areas. The Fair- field Inn will add an additional 104 rooms this summer in St. Lucie Vest. Also, two additional projects are scheduled to begin con- struction this year. The Holi- day Inn Express will add 70 rooms on Hutchinson Island, and Vistana will contribute 250 golf villas in St. Lucie West. With more hotel rooms, and a clever advertising campaign, the county hopes to capture weekend vacationers from across the state. "If your week- end's too short, if the Caribbe- an's too far, and if your bud- get's too tight, we've got your number," reads one ad target- ing Florida residents. A toll -free number, (800) 344-8443, connects readers to the county's tourism develop- ment office. "We're a 90-minute drive from Orlando and just over an hour from Fort Lauderdale," Barwick 'said. "We're doing a lot of advertising in the state, hoping to snag our Florida res- idents." Forum shows ways to promote county Doug Trapp TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER FORT PIERCE — Until Sat- urday, Capt. Kellee Tartanis did- n't exactly know where to send stranded boaters looking for entertainment in St. Lucie Coun- ty. To find out, Tartanis, who owns Fort Pierce Tow Boat, attended a two-day tourism seminar held Friday night and Saturday morning at Indian Riv- er Community College. "I came here for an educa- tion," Tartanis said. "We need to educate ourselves as to what we have so that we can tell (visi- tors)." The forum, organized by the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce and the St. Lucie Tourist Development Council, was also designed to make sure organizations weren't duplicat- ing services, and to brainstorm the most effective ways to pro- mote the county. About 30 representatives from organizations such as the Adams Ranch, the St. Lucie County Mural Society, the Pro- fessional Golfers' Association of America, St. Lucie County Leisure Services, and Main Street Fort Pierce attended the forum. The crowd agreed that St. Lucie County has a lot to offer tourists. They mentioned boat- ing, fishing, golf and the beach- es. The Lucie Belle trolley failed after seven months because St. Lucie West could only afford one of the $100,000 trolleys, which meant passen- gers had to wait up to 45 minutes to catch a ride. The debate was over how to promote tourism without spend- ing a lot of money. One popular and simple idea is for local businesses attending out-of-town trade shows to bring brochures with them that pro- mote the county. For example, the 18-page booklet prepared by the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council would is ideal to hand out as trade shows. "There's not a better bang for your buck than going to a trade show and getting litera- ture in everyone's little paws," said Gayla Barwick, the coun- cil's manager. Barwick said the Council attends about 12 shows each year. Rae Pike, president of the Parkway Place Village Associa- tion, said the Inlet would be the perfect place to host sailing competitions, which she sai could bring in millions of dollar in a matter of days. d Other environmentally friendly attractions, such as nature tours and bird watching, were well -received. Danny Miller, spokesman for St. Lucie West developers, said the forum was focusing too much on Fort Pierce and was neglecting Port St. Lucie attrac- tions, such as New York Mets spring training games.. Miller said Chamber Inter- im Executive Director Al Riv- ett's idea to put up billboards on Interstate 95 and broadcast radio promotions was one of the best he heard. Miller warned the group not to get into expensive ideas with- out studying their feasibility in detail. That's what happened to Miller in 1995 when he tried to set up a trolley system in St. Lucie West. The Lucie Belle trolley failed after seven months because St. Lucie West could only afford one of the $100,000 trolleys, which meant passen- gers had to wait up to 45 min- utes to catch a ride, Miller said. Similar trolleys also failed in Stuart and Jensen Beach. The next step is for chamber members to sift through the ideas collected at the meeting and decide which ones are fea- sible. In coming weeks, chamber members will also present the s forum's ideas to the County Commission. St.,,Gcie County Cambet ''f� of ( V'Its m=I l.0 "Business United For A Better Community" Serving St. Lucie County January 9, 1998 Doug Anderson, County Administrator St. Lucie County 2300 Virginia Avenue Fort Pierce, FL 34982 <04'- cprnrvl6eC� �.2 16A-C_Kur" Re: Tourism St. Lucie Visioning Program January 23 and 24, 1998 Dear Doug: ACCREDITED CHAMBER Of COMMERCE ,pf .fi On behalf of the St. Lucie County of Commerce, in conjunction with the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council, I am pleased to announce the Tourism St. Lucie Visioning Program to be held at the Indian River Community College Science Hall. This program will be facilitated by Dr. Norma Thompson, Director of the Business Development Center, at the Indian River Community College. It will also feature remarks by Frank "Bud" Nocera, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation. The Chamber has underwritten the entire cost of this event. I have attached a copy of the Agenda for your convenience. Given the emphasis on economic development during my year as President, I wanted to recognize the tourism industry as a significant part of St. Lucie County's economic engine. Unfortunately, we have never focused on tourism in an effort to establish a tourism master plan for this community. Accordingly, the tourism visioning program was selected as a high priority action item at our Retreat last August. We have spent several months getting ready. We are very excited because representatives of the Chamber and the TDC are together hearing from tourism operators to see where we have been and where we want to go- The, _ Chamber and the TDC will be working together to help make t iorgaa#tyT [ We cannot achieve this vision, however, unless the decision o is P. 0. Box 8209 • Port St. Lucie, FL 34985-8209 Fort Pierce - 2200 Virginia Avenue • Port St. Lucie - 1626 SE Port St. Lt (561) 595-9999 • FAX (561) 461-9084 (Ft. Pierce) • FAX (561) 335-4446 ( Web address: http://www.co.st-lucie.fl.us • E-Mail address: siccoi J A N 12 1998 ort S}t. Lucie IN. OFFICE I 4-/- 4 e7 eo6 _ez - ____ --ate - �'"�®�-ems _-- - /� �__ _ _-----�s-vim.--_-_1_/-� - - ---------- /0 7t� f tt4 r TE�C D SIGh WMAIR INC. top Nir0ortown Dr., Suites f0llAfsOR IN1fR1DA 015161 Phone (br) gbS•6ti It. Pierce, ft ;4146 IZk &j 51541: j FACSIMILS TRANSMISSION To: �y�.�' 19A R W I CJe date: & JAA) Fax No,: No. of Pages: q MESSAGG: o!�AV(A, -n-IE r-buWwrNG pax is A D¢AF:r Foe.. )WOW IF MW `MC, U)OUL 3 U V...6 T'O J" TjZ O P U C.6 A 567COU451jrt 1F AQJLUS lit d MO 5p �v , a r, AOkA i r' 00 WISH i sip tau Love OUR. LASt' -T60MIS r C4AAA41FEC AA616TYJ �; 6U a&)r cta t GC.- i -50►�4 K, 1 IV 600 Octet, ��— Jiro WON Steel, IIOA, R Lic 10-0001401 * :+1*d:*a:�::{ { {:►::+:A ;cWsl :k�:*$:,;:*$ h%1:*d :**+::**.I::r**:y.:►: k::4(*4: k W *► �:i P 01 » TRANSACTION REPORT * DEC-31-97 WED 12:00 DATE START SENDER RX TIME PAGE NOTE DEC-31 11:59 5411 0 CANCEL. 5614619084 „ de ounty �a�mber Crnmerce swvhg St. trade County ST. LUCIE CHPIPER 79 15 F01 DEC 31 197 16:27 "`Business United For A Better Community" • , fir' P. 0. Sox 8200 - Port St. Lucie, FL 3498M209 Fort Ple►re - 2200 Virginia Avenue Fart St Lucie -1626 S5 Port SL Lucie Blvd. http:11www,co,st4ucie.fl.us *e-mail: sic' com21tate.net (407) $96-9999 • (800) 532- M • FAX (40713354446 (P$L) • (407) 4Gf-M4 THIS FAX CONSISTS OF _ 3 AAGe(S), 1NCL.UOING THI: COVER SHEET. IF YOU HAVE ANY OUESTIONS REGARDING THIS TRANSMISSION, OR IF IT IS RECEIVED IN ERROR, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHAMBER OFFICE AT (Q07) 695_9M. DATE: TO; CAS ��Mu�s FAx COVER PAGE �6�t QSt December 31, 1997 Joan Steel, Dr. Norma Thompson, Dan Fuller & -Bill Schulte Mom: Al Rlvett The following is a draft of the Tourism St. Lucie agenda as we prepared on December 18. Please review and forward to me arty, changes, I have one concern; I wonder if we should Include a representative of the TDC (other than Gayla's presentation) to Introduce a segment? ' I f we are to be hosting the program "in conjunction with the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council", shouldhW. Ahey do something? What .do you think? ToVAYs1K sr. Luca DRA" Directions for the 21$t Cerrtu"Y January 23-24,1998 Hosted by the St. Lucie County CbOfnber of CQMU=Oe in Conjunction with the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Cuunctl AGENDA Friday, January A 1998 7:15 PM Wcicome 1 Opening Remarks I Purpose Hobby Kle4 Prmidtnt St. Lucie County Chamber of Comnwwc 7:20 PM Introduction of Elected Officials Mr' K°m 7:25 PM hcvicw Agenda , 1vir. Klein A. Intrahrction Tourism Committee Chairperson ....................... . B. Review Agenda ....................... Joan Steel, Chairperson, Tourism Commrttcc St. Luc le County Chamber of Commme 7:35 PM Introduction / "Tourism. St. Lucie" Paailitater Ms. Steel 7:40 PM Rcgistm6on Dr, Norma Thompson, Director Business Development Ceatu Indian River CorrihtunitY Caltege 7:50 PM TOURISM ST. LUM: What @titre is to do! Dr. Thompson A. Introduction ....... C........... .. ...... ........ ...... B. Power Point Presmrtation. C. Brain Stonning Session: What tiidd'is to do! pr. Tfronrpao>i D. Review Saurday Session .................. ............. • .. . 1, Announce Net vorking Brcaltfast 2. `Brlag Your Brochures" . 8:20 PlA TOURSM ST. LijCIE. Our Tourist Development Efforts . • . Dr. Thoswzon A. B. [otroductions ............................. .............. r1orida Tourisrn�Cor'omissiOu •(25 minutes) ..... ..... .. • • . . • • • • • • ' ' ' . ' IBA C. St. Lucie County l Tourist Development Council (10 minutes) ........ C,uyla 1'�arwick, i)irectar . 2. Chamber of Comrncroe (10 minutes) ..... ...... .............. . ....TBA 9:05 FM TOURISM ST. LUCIE: Our Future 0pgorhuaiti4s A. introduction of Session . .................... . ....... ... . Dr. Thvnrpsoa B. Brain Storming Session; What we need to work on! 9:25 PM Review Saturday Program .. ...... . Dr. Thompson 9:30 PM Adjournment` . -1 B::31 b17� t-1"f, e TOYJ USM S r. I,UCfE Directions [vr the 2114 Centitry Page 2 Saturday, January 24, .1998 8:00 Ali Networking Breakfast DRAFT 8:30 AM Announce End of Networking Breakfast TBA 8:40 AM Call to Order / lntrodwtions Joan Steel, Chairperson, Tourism Co=i t e St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce A. Review Pw posc B. introduction of Elected Officials C. Re -Introduction / "TQurisita St. Lucie" Facilitator 8:45 AM TOMSM ST. LUCIE: Reitw Friday Program 8:50 AM TOURISM ST. LUCIE: Our Future Opportunities A. Review t Edit OWTtur►ities List B, Prioritize List (if n mestwy) 9: I5 AM TOURISM ST. LUCIE: Realizing Our Opportunities 11:15 Alva TOU USM ST. LUCIE: Where we go from here! A, Evaluation Fomis B. What's Next 11:25 AM Sw=ary I Closing Rcnwks r 12:00 PM AQjotunaicut Dr. Norma Thompson, Dircotor Business Developtneat Ccater Indian River Community College Dr. Thompson Dr. 'Thompson Dr. Ttwrnpmu Bobby Klein, President St. Iucie County Chamlxr of Commeroe MEMO RAND UM#98-3 TO: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSION RS JACK DOUGHNEY, LEISURER�/ DIRECTOR GAYLA BARWICK, TOURIS A ER FROM: DOUGLAS M. ANDERSONPWUNTY ADMINISTRATOR DATE: JANUARY 8, 1998 SUBJECT: ECOTOURISM/HERITAGE TOURISM REPORT Delores Hogan Johnson, President of the Waterfront Council, requested that I distribute this Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee Report to you. Thank you. DMA:98-3 c: Phil Freeland, Assistant County Administrator Ray Wazny, Community Development Director Delores Hogan Johnson, President, Waterfront Council ,t AXA Vc'� TO: BOARD OF COUNTY FROM: DOUGLAS M. ANDERSON jQbU NTY ADMINISTRATOR DATE: JANUARY 8, 1998 SUBJECT: ECOTOURISM/HERITAGE TOURISM REPORT Delores Hogan Johnson, President of the Waterfront Council, requested that I distribute this Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee Report to you. Thank you. DMA:98-3 c: Phil Freeland, Assistant County Administrator Ray Wazny, Community Development Director Delores Hogan Johnson, President, Waterfront Council Ise Report of the: Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee Recommendations on the Statewide Plan to Protect and Promote the Natural, Coastal, Historical, Cultural and Commercial Assets of Florida r� �0 �rI J r Planning for the Florida of the Future September 181', 1997 Table of Contents Acknowledgments Recognition......................................... Providers of Donated Services ............... List of Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Committee Members .................. ""' • .............. iu to iv Executive Summary The Mission of the Advisory Committee ............................................. .... A - 1 ...... ...... The Committee's Vision for the Future ......................................................A - 2 to A - 3 ReportOverview........................................................................................................ A - 4 Forward The Committee's History, Charge and Structure ........................................ B - 2 to B - 3 The Committee's Approach....................................................................................... B - 4 Howto Read This Report ........................................................ ..................... B - 5 Introduction to Ecotourism and Heritage Tourism Definitionsin Legislation.......................................................................................... C - 2 Definitions of Ecotourism and Heritage Tourism ...................................................... C - 3 ...................... The Opportunity to Build a Sustainable Future for Florida's Natural, Coastal, Historical, Cultural and Commercial Resources ...................... C - 4 Conservation Benefits.......................................................... C - 5 ...................................... Economic Benefits ................................................ Qualityof Life Benefits........................................................... ....................... C - 9 Plan Components STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS Rationale............................................................................................................... D - 1 Goalsand Strategies............................................................................... D - 2 to D - 3 Recommendations....................................................... ................. D - 5 ......................... INVENTORY Rationale........................................................................ ......................... ...........E - 1 Goals and Strategies.................................................................. _ ..............E-2toE 3 Recommendations................................................................................................. E - 5 PROTECTION Rationale ....................... Goals and Strategies...:.. Recommendations ......... EDUCATION ...................................................................................... F - 1 ...................................................................F-2 to F-4 .............................................. F - 5 Rationale............................................................................................................... G - 1 Goalsand Strategies .......................................... .....................................G - 2 to G - 3 Recommendations................................................................................................. G - 5 MARKETING Rationale .................................................. H - 1 ............................................................. Goalsand Strategies...............................................................................H - 2 to H - 3 Recommendations................................................................................................. H - 5 Synopsis of Recommendations......................................................................... I - 1 Appendix Exhibit 1: Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Geographic Regions ............................... Exhibit 2: Detailed Information About the Committee's Approach ........................ J - 2 Exhibit 3a: Examples of Economic Value of Ecotourism and Heritage Tourism - Exhibit 3b: Additional Economic Examples of Ecotourism and HeritageTourism ................................... ................................ J - 8 to J - 9 Exhibit 4: Comprehensive List of Information Services Relating to Ecotourism and Heritage Tourism .................................. J- 10 to J - 30 Exhibit 5: Definition of Carrying Capacity ........................................................... J - 31 Exhibit 6: Model of Ecotourism and Heritage Tourism VisitorGuidelines.............................................................................. J - 32 Exhibit 7: Model of Ethical Behavior for Tour Providers ..................................... J - 33 Acknowledgments `% Recognition ';'� Providers of Donated Services The Committee ;.l Recognition The Co -Chairs of the Committee, Fran Mainella and Malcolm Patterson wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of the Committee members for their dedication and perseverance in creating this plan. All of the members devoted their personal time and funds to assure the success of the project. They took time from their businesses and busy schedules to travel from all regions of the state to twelve all -day meetings within a nine month period. In addition to the meetings, there were homework assignments. The members compiled information necessary to create the plan and spent time composing various sections of the plan assigned to them. It was a massive project with a very short timetable, but the members rose to the task. The Committee received no compensation from the Commission for its contributions to this project. In addition to the Committee were the countless hours spent by the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation (FrImc) staff as well as the staff of the Florida Division of Recreation and Parks on the dissemination of information, support for meetings, editing and rewrites, compilation of notes and comments, response to special requests for information and/or materials and coordination of the administrative details for the project. Our special thanks go to Dee Ann Smith and Tonja Wilt of the Frimc and John Baust, Ben Harris, Vera Jordan, Claire Ferrara, and Carlene Barrett of the Florida Division of Recreation and Parks. Debbie Von Behren of Von Behren • Alba Associates, Inc. served as the facilitator of this project. She was hired by the FrIMc at the request of the Committee to prepare the final plan and keep the Committee on track and on time. She and her staff performed admirably and went far beyond the requirements of their contract in support of the project. They were always available and accessible, even though the outcome of the project required many more meetings, phone calls and faxes than were originally anticipated. Without Debbie's professional guidance and expertise, this process most certainly would never have been completed. We are grateful to the Division of Historical Resources of the Florida Department of State which provided financial assistance to the Frimc for a portion of the funding for our facilitator. Additionally, Dr. Duane DeFreese with the Brevard County Endangered Lands Program provided his assistance to the Committee in composing and editing the plan. Dr. DeFreese has had extensive experience working with ecotourism and environmental groups in Florida. His knowledge and insight were invaluable to the Committee. There were many individuals and organizations who extended their generous hospitality to the Committee during its deliberations. On the next page is a list of those who donated space, meals, transportation or educational tours for the Committee. Y h, Providers of Donated Services Adventures Unlimited Ah-Tha-Thi-Ki Museum Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Duval County Tourist Development Council The Florida Aquarium The Florida Companies Florida Division of Historical Resources Florida Division of Recreation and Parks Florida Seminole Tourism Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee County Planning Department Jacksonville and the Beaches Visitor and Convention Bureau City of Kissimmee Leon County Sam Meiner, Bubbalou's Bodacious Barbecue North Beach Camp Resort South Walton County Tourist Development Council St. Johns County Visitor and Convention Bureau Walt Disney World Winter Park Boat Tours Winter Park Civic Center ii The Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee Co -Chairs Malcolm Patterson Executive Director South Walton County Tourist Development Council P.O. Box 1248 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (904)267-1216 FAX (904) 267-3943 Fran P. Mainella Director Division of Recreation and Parks Florida Department of Environmental Protection 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard 550 Douglas Building — MS500 Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000 (904) 488-6131 FAX (904) 488-8442 Facilitator and Project Coordinator: Von Behren - Alba Associates, Inc. P.O. Box 421562 Kissimmee, FL 34742-1562 (407) 933-5264 FAX (407) 344-0930 iii Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee Robert A. Christianson, Director Department of Planning and Acquisition St. Johns River Water Management District Wendall Collins, President Discovery Lodge, Inc. Representing Arthur Hertz Bill Dodd, Staff Director Public and Government Affairs AAA Dr. Allan L. Egbert, Executive Director Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission Clay Henderson, Chairman Florida Greenways Coordinating Council President of Florida Audubon Society Leroy Irwin, Manager Environmental Management Office Florida Department of Transportation Karl P. Siderits, Forest Supervisor USDA Forest Service Michael Kelley, Managing Partner The Florida Companies Joy Mills, Director Office of Communications Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mike A. Morawski, President Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum James F. Murley, Secretary Florida Department of Community Affairs Alternate: Ralph Cantral Christina Orr-Cahall, Director The Norton Museum Wit Ostrenko, President Museum of Science and Industry George W. Percy, Director Division of Historical Resources Florida Department of State L. Earl Peterson, Director Division of Forestry Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services John C. Racaneili, President/CEO The Florida Aquarium Armando Rodriguez, Director Environmental Affairs Division Walt Disney World Co. Jack Sanborn, President Adventures Unlimited Roxie Smith, President Pink Shell Development Lee Tiger, President Lee Tiger and Associates representing Florida Seminole Tourism Betty Usina North Beach Camp Resort Eleanor Warmack, CLP, CAE Executive Director Florida Recreation and Park Association Larry White, Executive Director Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau IV The Mission of the Advisory Committee The Florida Commission on Tourism's Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee will develop a blueprint that identifies goals, strategies and recommendations needed to create a statewide, regionally based plan to effectively protect and promote the natural, coastal, historical and cultural assets of Florida, and to link these to commercial tourism in Florida. This plan benefits the citizens of Florida and our visitors, today and in future generations. EcotourismlHeritage Tourism A - 1 The Committee's Vision for the Future In the 21st century, Florida has preserved significant examples of native landscapes and ecosystems, historical and archaeological sites, ethnic and cultural traditions that represent the diverse geography, history, and cultural life of the Sunshine State. The contemporary cultural life of the state is represented by a diversity of museums, performing arts centers, other cultural facilities and presenters. Communities, private businesses and individuals enjoy expanded economic prosperity derived from the creative use of Florida's natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial resources as visitor attractions. The use of these resources has provided the basis for new marketing strategies presenting Florida as a vacation destination with expanded recreation and educational opportunities. Examples of all types of natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial resources have been identified, protected, and made accessible in all regions of the state in such abundance that they are within easy reach for Floridians and out of state visitors. The diversity of resources forms a complex system of coastal and interior areas, including scenic wilderness, wildlife overlooks, Native American Reservations, botanical sites, beaches, water bodies, parks and open spaces, working landscapes, historical and archaeological sites, museums and other cultural attractions that are linked, where appropriate, by greenways, trails, roads and other types of corridors that provide opportunities for public access and use. The system of natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial resources has been carefully planned at statewide and regional levels with the cooperation of public agencies, nonprofit interest groups, private businesses, and landowners. The system is integrated with tourism industry marketing programs for Florida. It is designed to increase Florida's marketable identity and provide the basis for a coordinated, focused cam- paign of marketing Florida as a unique ecotourism and heritage tourism destination. At the same time, it gives regions of the state a framework for identifying their special characteristics and promoting their natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial assets. Residents and visitors are connected to Florida's natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial resources in ways which provide recreational enjoyment, educational appreciation, and promote sustainability. Specialized marketing strategies, promotional and educational information, and visitor services facilitating access to Florida's resources have been developed at statewide and regional levels, providing the traveling public easy access to consistently high quality information about recreational and educational opportunities and to the attractions. A _ 2 EcotourismWeritage Tourism Public and private landowners and tourism industry operators respect the fragile, nonrenewable nature of Florida's natural, coastal, historical, and cultural resources and have developed marketing and management strategies that encourage sustainable use as well as recreational enjoyment. A diversity of educational programs is in place providing the traveling and general public, children and adults, with information about Florida's fragile environment, historical and cultural assets and nonrenewable resources in ways which promote sustainable use and enhance the visitor experience of Florida's unique places and events. Ecotourism and heritage tourism help sustain Florida's future by providing continuing economic benefits, conserving the natural, coastal, historical, and cultural resources and improving the quality of life by creating a strong sense of place, community, and multicultural appreciation on the part of all Floridians. Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism A - 3 �1 f Report Overview A rising tide lifts all boats. This truism summarizes the strategy and sentiment of the Ecotourism/ Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee report and recommendations. Everyone in travel and tourism understands the impact of extended stay, repeat visitation and influencing destination choice and how these can be maximized through well rounded visitor opportunities. By promoting all of Florida's natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial aspects visitors have more options, are encouraged to stay longer and return more often. This "rising tide" of increased visitation can provide benefits for all tourism assets and an economic "ripple effect" to counties throughout the state. The recommendations of this report do not focus on "either/or" but "both/and" to create win/win opportunities. Travel and tourism is the largest industry in Florida. If we speak with one voice and work synergistically, much more can be accomplished. The recent Governor's Conference on Tourism indicated that the tourism industry as a whole seems to be heading toward a more integrated approach to common needs. Ecotourism and heritage tourism in particular are quite fragmented in terms of promotion and protection strategies. This plan recommends a framework that connects ecotourism and heritage tourism interests on a local, regional and state level and links them to other commercial tourism through Regional Committees and a State Advisory Committee all under the leadership of The Commission on Tourism. The legislation that formed the Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee calls for a regional plan to promote and protect all of Florida's natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial aspects. Although no "regional" format is perfect, the committee adopted the regions as outlined by The Commission on Tourism as a basis for the plan (see Exhibit 1). The regions used in this plan are for planning and organizational purposes only. They are not necessarily intended to alter or negatively impact any existing tourism partnerships. In addition to recommending a framework to connect all tourism assets (what the plan refers to as Strategic Relationships) — Inventory, Protection and Education are key components of this plan. The Advisory Committee recommends a non regulatory, incentive based approach to these issues and suggests that the State Advisory Committee and Regional Committees take responsibility for these critical activities. The plan does outline strategies for all of these components. The plan places responsibility for statewide Marketing of ecotourism and heritage tourism with the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation (Mmc) so that it can be incorporated into the overall tourism marketing strategy of Florida. Finally, the Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee suggests that the Commission on Tourism provide leadership in implementing this plan and recommends that the Legislature support the Commission in this effort. A - 4 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Forward The Committee's History, Charge and Structure "� The Committee's Approach How to Read This Report The Committee's History, Charge and Structure During the summer of 1995, the House Tourism Committee conducted an interim study focusing on rural economic development. The conclusion of the study was that an integrated regional tourism promotion plan could serve as a catalyst for economic development in rural counties as well as a stimulant for augmenting growth in counties where tourism is already a significant economic factor. The goal of the plan would be to unify and stimulate tourism promotion by involving non-traditional partners. The Legislature responded to the study's recommendations by including the following directive to the Florida Commission on Tourism in F.S. 288.1224(11): F.S.288.1224(11) Shall create an advisory committee of the commission which shall be charged with developing a regionally based plan to protect and promote all of the natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial tourism assets of this state. The Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee was created by the Commission to comply with this directive. The statute identified specific state agencies for inclusion on the committee: (a) Members of the advisory committee shall be appointed by the chair of the commission and shall include representatives of the commission, the Departments of Agriculture, Environmental Protection, Community Affairs, Transportation, and State, the Florida Greenways Coordinating Council, the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission, and, as deemed appropriate by the chair of the commission, representatives from other federal, state, regional, local, and private sector associations representing environmental, historical, cultural, recreational, and tourism -related activities. Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism n The Governor, as chair of the Commission on Tourism, officially appointed each committee member including the Co -Chairs: Malcolm Patterson Co -Chair Executive Director South Walton County Tourist Development Council Fran P. Mainella Co -Chair Director Division of Recreation and Parks Florida Department of Environmental Protection The plan was to be completed and submitted for review in December, 1997. (b) The Advisory Committee shall submit its plan to the Commission by December 1,1997. The Commission will then review the plan and make recommendations to the Legislature. (c) The Commission shall review and make recommendations on the plan, including recommending any legislation considered necessary for implementing the plan, to the Legislature by January 1,1998. Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism B - 3 M The Committee's Approach The Committee first met on October 31, 1996 at Wakulla Springs State Park to discuss its legislative direction and charge. At a subsequent meeting, the Committee developed a strategy for the project. The Committee's first task was to develop a working draft plan outline. The draft was refined at following meetings with the help of public attendees. Formal public hearings were held to solicit further public comment. The plan was revised accordingly and presented in draft form to the Florida Commission on Tourism in June, 1997. Based on Commission input and continuing public comment, the plan was finalized in August and formally presented to the Commission in September. Because of the varied representation mandated by the statute, the committee viewed this as an opportunity to involve agencies and entities who do not normally work and plan together, but whose decisions and actions are interrelated as they affect the future of tourism and more specifically of ecotourism and heritage tourism in Florida. The committee defined it's role as creating a "blueprint" that can be used by regions to develop a plan tailored to the needs and concerns of each region. This blueprint can be utilized on a statewide level and, when followed, will facilitate the intended outcome of the legislation. The involvement of all members and input from citizens throughout the state afforded the best opportunity to create a workable and effective plan. The Committee's intent after developing a draft was to identify the plan's strengths, weaknesses and additional strategies to make the plan actionable. The committee recognized that much work has already been accomplished on local and regional levels and was anxious to integrate and support these efforts in the final plan and recommendations.. More detailed information about the Committee's approach and specific meetings is included in the Appendix section of this plan (Exhibit 2). B - 4 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism How to Read This Report Acknowledgments: This section gives the reader information on who was involved and who participated in the development of this report Executive Summary: This section gives the reader a "snapshot" of the mission, vision and a narrative of the conclusions and recommendations of the Committee Forward: This section gives the reader information on the legislation which initiated this report and the methodology used by the Committee Introduction to Ecotourism and Heritage Tourism: This section provides an understanding of how the Committee defined the legislation and the terms Ecotourism and Heritage Tourism. It also provides documentation in the Opportunities and Benefits portions on why this effort is important Plan Components: This section gives the reader the specifics of the Committees goals, strategies and recommendations. There are five main components, each of which had a working subcommittee. They are: Strategic Relationships Inventory Protection Guidelines Education Marketing Each component focuses on a key area and begins with a rationale page, highlighting why the committee felt it was important to address this issue Next the goals of the subcommittee are outlined in bold Each goal is then supported by strategies that subcommittee members concluded would be critical to achieving the stated goal Finally, each section outlines the recommendations of the subcommittee in a shaded box at the end of the section Synopsis: This page provides the reader with a succinct overview of the recommendations of the Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee EcotourisndHeritage Tourism B - 5 Introduction to Ecotourism and Heritage Tourism � Definitions in the Legislation `% Definitions of Ecotourism and Heritage Tourism '--% The Opportunities "� The Benefits «o Definitions in Legislation The committee sought to clarify the legislative direction and so defined the component words. The plan was to protect and promote the following kinds of assets as defined below: Natural — Properties that are present in or produced by nature, not artificial. Coastal — Locations along the Atlantic coast or Gulf of Mexico such as beaches and the off coast assets such as coral reefs, estuaries, etc. Historical — Of or relating to past events based on or concerned with events in history. Cultural — Properties or events that focus on socially transmitted behavior patterns characteristic of a people or a state of social and artistic expression — intellectual or artistic activity. This plan combines these assets under: Ecotourism and Heritage Tourism Commercial — Properties engaged in commerce, having profit as a major aim. Many commercial tourist assets exist outside of what would be considered ecotourism or heri- tage tourism. This report considers how to utilize natural, coastal, historical and cultural assets while ensuring their protection and linking them to other commercial tourist assets. C-2 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Definitions of Ecotourism and Heritage Tourism Ecotourism Responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people while providing a quality experience that connects the visitor to nature. Included in ecotourism are: • Nature based tours • Managed access to sanctuaries • Wildlife viewing • Nature based attractions • Visitation to natural areas such as beaches, forests, lakes and greenways • Outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, canoeing, snorkeling, horseback riding, boating, diving, kayaking, biking, fishing etc. • Native American Reservations Heritage Tourism Responsible travel to historic and cultural sites and activities that educates the community and visitors by providing a quality experience. Heritage is evidence of our history and culture. It is represented in our customs, values, beliefs, art and artifacts. It is our inheritance as a society, and gives us a sense of who we are. Heritage tourism consists of activities or locations that connect us to history and culture. Included in heritage tourism are: • Museums • Historic sites • Cultural events • Agricultural tours • Architecture and engineering works • Native American eco/cultural sites • Performing Arts Centers • Festivals • Interpretive facilities • Archaeological sites • Cultural landscapes EcotourismlHeritage Tourism C - 3 The Opportunity to Build a Sustainable Future for Florida's Natural, Coastal, Historical, Cultural and Commercial Resources When Florida entered the union in 1845, it was a rugged frontier state with vast areas of unexplored, unspoiled wilderness. Over the past 150 years, Florida's population has grown to approximately 14.5 million people and many natural areas have been developed. With the ever expanding population growth of Florida and over 43 million tourist visitors per year, there is a growing need and responsibility to protect Florida's natural, coastal, historical and cultural resources. Today, one of Florida's greatest challenges is to build a sustainable future in which the needs of the present generation are met in ways that enhance, rather than degrade, the opportunities for future generations. It is important to sustain Florida's system of native landscapes, rich biological diversity, clean air, clean water and natural scenic beauty that attracts both residents and visitors to "natural" Florida. A healthy infrastructure of natural areas is the underlying basis of Florida's sustainable environmental and economic future. These natural resources enhance the continued viability and expansion of Florida's traditional and nature -based tourism industry. The rich historic and cultural heritage of the state is an equally important part of Florida. Historic Indian sites, preserved historic buildings, monuments, museums, sculpture and other public works of art, folk festivals, traditional communities, historic trails and working landscapes combine to form the natural Florida. These are the natural, non-renewable assets that make Florida's history and human spin come alive. These resources connect the citizens of Florida and our visitors with the land, with the past and with one another. The protection of Florida's non-renewable natural, coastal, historical and cultural resources provides a sense of place for residents and visitors who wish to experience and understand the unique quality of Florida life. Florida has a strong foundation to build a strategy to protect this quality of life. As we approach the year 2000 and the next century, Florida has an opportunity to build on the success of public programs, like Preservation 2000, that have invested heavily in the protection and management of natural landscapes and ecosystems. Through many other successful public and private programs, Florida has developed recreational areas, rehabilitated and interpreted historic sites and expanded museums, performing arts centers and other cultural facilities. The emergence of nature, heritage and cultural tourism as major forces in the domestic and international tourism industry provides an opportunity for Florida to offer new and improved opportunities for residents and visitors to experience Florida's rich natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial resources. Plans to improve public awareness of these unique treasures and to enhance public access to these sites must be based on policies that ensure resource protection. Ecotourism and heritage tourism offer great potential to provide new and continuing economic benefits to Florida_ These economic benefits can be enjoyed by Florida's current and future residents as well as visitors only if people experience these non-renewable resources in ways which protect and maintain their integrity while providing enjoyment. C - 4 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism The Benefits of Promotion and Protection of Florida's Natural, Coastal, Historical, Cultural and Commercial Assets Conservation Benefits: By focusing on protection at the same time as promotion, ecotourism and heritage tourism can produce significant benefits. > The protection and conservation of environmentally sensitive lands provides an inheritance for future generations. > The protection of historic sites provides a link and legacy to our historical and cultural past. > The protection of natural and historical assets provides maintenance and conservation of non-renewable natural and historic resources. > The protection of the natural ecosystem process is essential to our life support systems including surface water quality, aquifer recharge, wetland functions, natural flood control, nutritional cycling, global life support, and other ecosystem functions. > The careful planning and protection of natural resources maintains the beauty of indigenous natural landscapes and species composition of Florida. > The protection, preservation and conservation of cultural artifacts found in Florida's museums provide a multicultural legacy for citizens and tourists. > The preservation.of those artists who work either in the visual or performing arts represent a resource which must be nurtured and encouraged. They bring enormous cultural diversity to us as well as objects and events of great beauty and meaning. > The properly executed ecotourism and heritage tourism strategy will help Floridians and visitors understand what is unique about Florida and encourage the protection of natural and cultural assets and its ecosystems. EcotourismWeritage Tourism C - 5 Economic Benefits Ecotourism, Heritage and Cultural Tourism Ecotourism and heritage tourism represent significant and expanding markets within Florida's tourist industry. Successfuf protection, development and promotion of these resources can improve the economic viability of rural and urban communities and benefit the statewide economy. Understanding the economic values of natural, historical, cultural, and coastal tourism assets of Florida as complements to the commercial tourism industry encourages protection and responsible stewardship of these non-renewable assets. Clearly, these assets represent current and future strategies to market and protect the "real" Florida. Examples of economic benefits are provided below and in Exhibit 3a and 3b of the Appendix. Heritage/Cultural Tourism > 165.3 million people traveled as heritage tourists in the United States in 1995. ("South Carolina's Heritage Corridor." Business and Economic Review. Volume 42, Number 4: pp. 3-6.) > The top two favorite family vacations were visits to the ocean/beaches (41 %) and historic sites (40%). (Report from Better Homes and Gardens on 1995 Travel Industry National Conference.) > In 1995, 3 1 % of all foreign visitors to the U.S. visited historical places (5th most popular activity), 23% went to an art gallery or museum (8th), and 16% went to a concert, play or musical (1 lth). Of domestic travelers, 16% visited historical places or museums (3rd most popular activity) and 10% attended cultural events or festivals (6th), ranking ahead of such activities as sporting events, night life, or amusement parks. (National Assembly of State Art Agencies.) > For 62.6% of Southern Living Magazine readers, the proximity of historical attractions influenced their choice of vacation destination. (The South Watch Travel Survey, 1966.) > Florida's cultural industry contributes over $1.1 billion annually to the state's economy and creates approximately 18,000 full-time jobs. (Economic Impact of the Florida Arts and Cultural Industry, William B. Stronge. 1994.) > Travelers who include historic sites in their itineraries stay an average of a half day longer and spend an average of $62 more than other travelers. (National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1995 Study.) > Annual attendance at art museums in Florida is over 6,000,000 people. (1995-1996 fiscal year survey for the Florida Art Museum Directors Association). C - 6 EcotourismWeritage Tourism > The economy of local communities is enhanced by Heritage and Cultural Tourism. One cultural event can play an impressive role in stimulating a local economy. The 1995 Treasures of the Czars exhibit in the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area contributed $62,287,475 to the local economy. (1995 Treasures of the Czars Economic Impact Study, Research Data Services, August 9, 1995). > Tourism can be a significant economic force in communities where historic sites, archeological sites and battlefields are protected and open to visitors. In Florida there are over 19,000 known archaeological sites recorded in the Florida Master Site File and over 86,000 historic structures. (Florida Bureau of Historic Preservation, Division of Historic Resources.) > Predictions of a viable and expanding heritage tourism industry is consistent with recent national studies and a 1988 joint study by the Florida Department of State, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the (former) Florida Division of Tourism, and (former) Florida Department of Natural Resources which found that more than 70% of travelers in Florida included visits to historic sites. Other economic examples are provided in Exhibit 3a of the Appendix. Ecotourism > Ecotourism is the largest growing sector of world tourism growing at about 30% per year. (William Ruskin and Candice Bock. Sustaining Natures Treasures: Ecotourism 1991-1995 and beyond. 1995 World Congress on Adventure Travel and Ecotourism.) > Wildlife related recreation is one of the most popular forms of recreation in the U.S. In 1991, national expenditures for wildlife watching was $18.1 billion. (Caudill. 1997. 1991 National Economic Impacts of Non consumptive wild -life related recreation. Div. of Economics. U.S. Fish and wildlife Service. Arlington, VA. 8p.) > Based on Fiscal Year 1995-1996 data, the Florida state park system had an overall direct economic impact of $201 million on local economies throughout the state. Approximately $14 million was contributed to the general revenue fund in the form of state sales taxes and over 6,000 jobs were created as a result of state park operations. See Exhibit 2b in Appendix. (Florida State Park System Economic ImpactAssessment, 1995-1996.) > In 1991, 2.4 million people spent a total of $1.2 billion for watchable wildlife activities in Florida. See Exhibit 2a in Appendix. (The 1991 Economic Benefits of Watchable EcotourismWeritage Tourism C - 7 > The 32 mile Pinellas Trail attracts approximately 1.1 million out -of -area visitors a year. (Herb Hiller. Florida Trend. March 1996. pp. 4148.) > Visitors to the 16-mile St. Marks Trail "grew by 103,000 to 224,000 in 1995" a leap unmatched by any other Florida State Park. (Wall Street Journal, April 17,1996.) > Seventy canoe liveries in Florida generate $38.5 million per year. For every $1.00 paid to canoe outfitters, customers spend $5.00 for other trip -related expenditures such as gas, food, and lodging. (Economic Impacts of Protecting Rivers, Trails, and Greenway Corridors. Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program. National Parks Service. 1991.) > Florida is the second -ranked state in the nation with $477 million in retail sales generated by bird watching and non -consumptive bird use. (What's a Bird Worth? Bud Conservation Magazine. American Bird Conservancy. Spring Migration 1997.) Other economic examples are provided in Exhibit 3a and 3b of the Appendix. C - g EcotourismWeritage Tourism Quality of Life Benefits: To Florida's local communities, ecotourism and heritage tourism can provide both economic impact and increased protection of natural, coastal, historical and cultural sites. Florida possesses rich and untapped resources for ecotourism and heritage tourism promotion. Protection of ecotourism and heritage tourism sites enhances urban and suburban landscapes and architecture. > • Natural areas, historically significant sites and cultural richness have a profound impact on community self image and pride. The protection and promotion of these assets enhances the visitor experience and community quality of life. 10- Quality of life in a community is an important factor incorporate relocation decisions and contributes to sustained community growth and development. Ecotourism and heritage tourism destinations and events provide first hand educational opportunities that can enrich and facilitate understanding of the importance of natural communities, the lessons of history and the richness and diversity of culture. > A well developed network of visitor opportunities will allow Floridians and visitors to experience, see and learn about a wide spectrum of natural, coastal, historical and cultural locations and events that will increase their understanding of the environment and enrich their lives. Health is enhanced through physical activity found in many ecotourism and heritage tourism experiences. > Ecotourism and heritage tourism sites are often considered safe places to visit by tourists. EcotourismWeritage Tourism C - 9 7 t"jq,-,j Plan Components Strategic Relationships Inventory Protection Education Marketing Strategic Relationships Rationale The development of ecotourism and heritage tourism requires an integrated approach and collaboration among many public and private sector entities. These include federal, state and local government agencies and commercial enterprise. Their efforts will have to be combined with the interest and activities of conservation organizations, historical and archaeological groups, museums, the tourism industry, the Florida Commission on Tourism, Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, tourist development councils, convention and visitor bureaus, tour operators and providers of all kinds, private industry groups and committees at large. Increasing the level of ecotourism and heritage tourism development and balancing conservation, preservation and commercial interest involves integrated planning and a diversity of strategic relationships or linkages in the public and private sector throughout the state. Ecotourism and heritage tourism and the commercial tourism industry are diverse multi -disciplinary industries with non- traditional partners that have not historically worked together. An organized strategy enhances a competitive position. There is need for a statewide directive. Efforts are underway throughout the state at various levels to facilitate ecotourism and heritage tourism. The goal is to create a new framework while supporting existing initiatives. The emphasis is to establish a regional framework that supports local efforts. D- 1 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Goals: I. Create a regional plan that sectorfforts to protect and promote natural, nsstate coordinates public and private coastal, historical, cultural and commercial resources I1. Encourage the integration of ecotourism and heritage tourism into comprehensive land -use plans III. Develop necessary initiatives to provide public access while ensuring protection of ecotourism and heritage tourism assets IV. Increase private sector participation in natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial tourism assets Goal I — Create a regional plan that links state and community initiatives and coordinates public and private sector efforts to protect and promote natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial resources Strategies: 1.1 Establish an Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee with active representation of the public and private sectors that: > Plays a continuing role in developing and reviewing ecotourism and heritage tourism policies > Assists in coordination and cooperation among federal, state, and local government agencies and private sector interests > Encourages all levels of government and the private sector to cooperate with agencies and associations to: • Develop common standards and mechanisms for ecotourism and heritage tourism • Coordinate product development, marketing and conservation strategies > Develops strategies for ecotourism and heritage tourism research programs (to include marketing, education, protection and inventory) I.2 Establish Regional Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Committees with representation on the statewide Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee 1.3 Provide leadership and dedicated onAdvis Advisory Committee enhance and implement the work of the regional and statewide Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism D-2 Goal II — Encourage the integration of ecotourism and heritage tourism into comprehensive land -use plans Strategies: II.1 Create management plans for conservation and preservation II.2 Review existing land -use standards for the purpose of enhancing ecotourism and heritage tourism opportunities Goal III — Develop necessary initiatives to provide public access while ensuring protection of ecotourism and heritage tourism assets Strategies: III.1 Address landowner liability associated with public access and recreational use of private lands 111.2 Consider incentives for the development and/or improvement of recreational use of private or public lands I11.3 Improve information delivery at rest areas and recreational facilities on road systems and along road right -of ways I11.4 Develop interagency strategies for enhanced public access through facility design and retrofit for all ecotourism and heritage tourism sites Goal IV — Increase private sector participation in natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial tourism assets Strategies: IV.1 Provide incentives from government to enhance private sector participation Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism D-3 Strategic Relationships p Recommendations I. Establish a statewide EcotourismAleritage Tourism Advisory Committee as part of the Florida Commission on Tourism Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism D - 5 Inventory Rationale If Florida's natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial tourism assets are to be promoted and protected, it is fundamental that they be identified and inventoried. The legislation calls for a regional plan, so it is appropriate that the inventory be gathered on a regional level. It is also critical that this inventory be available on a statewide level if it is to be effectively promoted. With this in mind, it was the goal of the inventory subcommittee to identify current information sources that list inventory and create a methodology whereby regions can identify their assets and link them to a statewide inventory. Successful ecotourism and heritage tourism depends on the quality of the visitor experience, therefore, assets to be promoted should be high quality. It was not the desire of this committee to create additional regulatory agencies or bureaucratic red tape, but to approach this issue in new and effective ways. These concerns were shared by other subcommittees. Finally, accessibility to inventoried locations was considered. It will be important that safe public access and appropriate signage be in place to make it easy for visitors to find and enjoy these locations. This subcommittee began by gathering available information sources to identify various assets that might be included in the inventories. They also sought to include information on a more local level by contacting municipalities and asking at regional meetings, "What additional resources could be tapped?" From this information, they developed recommendations for regions to follow to create a complete and consistently formatted inventory that can be utilized on a regional and statewide level. Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism E - 1 Goals: I. Develop a list of information sources (by region) which would inventory all ecotourism and heritage tourism resources by category and division thereof II. Develop criteria that would "qualify" resources to be included on the inventory list (i.e. public access) III. Assess and improve directional and educational signage for ecotourism and heritage tourism destinations and coordinate with other programs IV. Create a plan to identify additional infrastructure needed to access resources Goal 1— Develop a list of information sources (by region) which would inventory all ecotourism and heritage tourism assets by category and division thereof Strategies: I.1 Identify information sources )10-- Contact Tourist Devlopment Councils (TDC's), Convention and Visitor Bureaus (CVB's) and Chambers of Commerce Contact other state agencies to ascertain what resources they produce or to which they have access Contact the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation (Frimc) and Enterprise Florida for resources they may produce Contact any other statewide organizations which may produce resource lists )Pp- Contact any land managers to determine possible inclusion of publicly accessed lands that may be suitable as eco-destinations Contact educational institutions )0- Contact Florida Indian Tribal Governments Attend regional meetings to discover unknown sources Utilize GIs, GPs information systems I.2 Create a comprehensive list of information sources which can be used to identify regional inventory lists (See Appendix — Exhibit 4) I.3 Create a mechanism for keeping the inventory updated and accurate E - 2 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Goal 11- Develop criteria that would "qualify" assets to be included on the inventory list (i.e. public access) Strategies: II.1 Determine a list of minimum standards (i.e. public access) and define those standards II.2 Determine a process to monitor quality for inclusion on the inventory list Integrate with the guidelines the Protection Guidelines Subcommittee is advocating Determine a non -regulatory, self monitoring process Determine where this information would be kept — who would be responsible Goal III -Assess and improve directional and educational signage for ecotourism and heritage tourism destinations and coordinate with other programs Strategies: III.1 Work with providers to emphasize the importance of signage which allows better accessibility III.2 Coordinate with Scenic Byways Program (Florida Department of Transportation (FDoT)} and other state and local agencies to facilitate signage that allows better access to all Goal N - Create a plan to identify additional infrastructure needed to access resources Strategies: I VA Encourage working with disabled non-profit groups to assist in testing accessibility IV.2 Work with Florida Department of Transportation and others to see that roads and other access is in place EcotourismWeritage Tourism E - 3 E - 4 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Inventory Recommendations 1. Assist regions in utilizing the research of the committee by making the list of information resources available (See Appendix — Exhibit 4) Z. Encourage regions to complete their inventory in time to be included in the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation's (FraKC) 1999 marketing plan 3. Duplicate resource lists and: mail to regions 4. Determine that in order to be included in the inventory a site must: a. meet criteria of. definition outlined b. have appropriate public access S. Encourage regions to monitor` quality and determine inclusion on their list 6. Afford an opportunity for ecotourism and heritage tourism providers to join the Frwc as partners 7. Encourage regions to work. with Fwr and disabled groups to ensure proper access is in place Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism E - 5 Protection Rationale The emergence of ecotourism, which includes heritage tourism as one of the fastest growing segments of the world's tourist industry, represents a unique opportunity to create partnership between the tourist industry and the conservation community. With over 43 million visitors each year, Florida is an established tourist destination with sophisticated tourist infrastructure that markets high volume use. Although Florida is most widely known for its traditional tourist destinations, Florida has many natural wonders and historic and cultural assets that attract growing numbers of visitors each year. As ecotourism and heritage tourism become more widely known, without proper management, the danger may be that our state's natural, coastal, historical and cultural treasures may be degraded, through use, rather than preserved or conserved for the future. A successful and sustainable ecotourism and heritage tourism industry must maintain the sensitive balance between ecosystem protection, site preservation, conservation and public access. There must be careful consideration of the carrying capacity of a particular site, protection and conservation guidelines and ethical behavior of providers. We should focus on providing a quality experience in a well -managed environment. Quality is more important than quantity. Development of a long-term sustainable ecotourism and heritage tourism industry is more important than maximizing short term annual profits at the expense of natural, coastal, historical or cultural sites. Opportunities for ecosystem protection, historical site preservation or conservation and expanded ecotourism and heritage tourism will be determined by the decisions that are made today. If land and site management decisions are wise, Florida can provide natural areas, coastal beaches, cultural and historical site networks with great value to future generations, their environment, their connection with the past, their culture, their economies and their quality of life. The Ecotourism/ Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee took the lead in outlining strategies that will provide enhanced ecosystem protection, preservation of sensitive historical and cultural sites and high quality ecotourism, cultural and heritage tourism experiences. Defining initial recommendations of appropriate guidelines and encouraging their use became the role of the Protection/Guidelines Subcommittee. Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism F - 1 Goals: I. Identify the Sovemment and the private sector roles in maintaining ecotourism and heritage tourism guidelines II. Determine a method for management and protection guidelines III. Define "carrying capacity" and encourage the development of site -specific guidelines (See Appendix — Exhibit 5) IV. Create a model of ecotourism and heritage tourism visitor guidelines (See Appendix — Exhibit 6) V. Create a model of guidelines for ethical behavior of tour providers (See Appendix— Exhibit 7) Goal 1 — Identify the government and the private sector roles in maintaining ecotourism and heritage tourism guidelines Strategies: I.1 Ensure that regional and statewide tourism guidelines stress a policy of sustainable tourism development I.2 Include tourism in land -use planning — such plans should consider and address external influences that may affect the integrity of natural, coastal, historical, and cultural resources I.3 Encourage area and sector -specific research of the environmental, cultural and economic effects of tourism I.4 Support the development of economic models for tourism to help define appropriate use levels and types of tourism for natural and urban areas I.5 Assist and support local governments in developing tourism strategies I.6 Develop standards and guidelines for environmental and cultural impact assessments, including monitoring of existing and proposed tourism developments. Ensure that carrying capacities defined for tourism destinations reflect sustainable levels of development and are monitored and adjusted appropriately I.7 Provide the elements necessary to design and implement educational and awareness programs to sensitize people about sustainable tourism development issues (See Education) p - 2 EcotourisrWHeritage Tourism I.8 Provide guidelines to protect and manage environmentally sensitive areas I.9 Develop stewardship programs at all levels of government to help ensure that protection of natural, coastal, historical and cultural resources will not be sacrificed for economic objectives Goal 11— Determine a method for management and protection guidelines Strategies: II.1 Guidelines should be created for resources appropriate to the use of an area or resource II.2 Regional committees should encourage the use of site specific management and protection guidelines Goal III — Define "carrying capacity" and encourage the development of site -specific guidelines Strategies: III.1 Educate providers about the concept of carrying capacity (See Appendix — Exhibit 5) III.2 Regional committees should identify and communicate benefits of carrying capacity guidelines III.3 Each site on the inventory should identify site -specific carrying capacity guidelines based on overall guidelines provided Goal IV — Create a model of ecotourism/heritage tourism visitor guidelines Strategies: IV.1 The Advisory Committee will research possible guideline criteria and recommend a model for broad -based use that will allow sites to prepare appropriate visitor guidelines (See Appendix — Exhibit 6) IV.2 The model should be communicated to every provider on the inventory list IV.3 Providers should be asked to design site -specific guidelines and include them as part of visitor education Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism F - 3 Goal V — Create a model of guidelines for ethical behavior of tour providers The providers of ecotourism experiences will play the most important role in protection of the resource. While their livelihood will depend on a worthwhile experience by the ecotourists, it is imperative that ethical behavior be followed. Strategies: V.1 Research guidelines for ethical behavior of tour providers (See Appendix — Exhibit 7) V.2 Create an incentive based credentialing/certification program for ecotourism and heritage tourism providers, addressing specific criteria (See Education) V.3 Encourage compliance with provider guidelines F - 4 Ecotourirm/Heritage Tourism Protection Recommendations 1. Encourage all public and private entities who provide ecotourism, cultural or heritage tourism to design and comply with appropriate guidelines Z. Disseminate models of guidelines to every provider on the inventory list 3. Create a self regulating mechanism where each provider indicates compliance to applicable guidelines on a yearly basis 4. Provide special designation for those providers who have been through credentianngfcertincation process (See Education) S. Charge Statewide Advisory and Regional Committees with reviewing and encouraging use of appropriate guidelines (See Strategic Relationships) 6. Focus on the education: of people as a means of protecting the resource (See Education). EcotourismWeritage Tourism F - 5 Education Rationale With the promotion of ecotourism and heritage tourism and increased public access to these resources, comes the responsibility to educate the visitors. Each visitor should be made aware of the place they are visiting and to understand that their presence and behavior has a direct impact on resource quality and the quality of the experience for other users. However, environmental education and historical and cultural education is not a traditional service provided by the tourism industry. If the state is to promote a natural, coastal, historical and cultural resource network for residents and visitors, then its foundation must be on education. Additionally, the quality of the nature based, historical or cultural experience often depends on the educational component. Often it takes an experienced and knowledgeable guide to highlight the beauty and complexity of Florida's natural areas and the significance of historical and cultural sites. For most tourists the discovery of the natural Florida — its people, history, culture and natural resources — must be facilitated through an educational component. Those knowledgeable about ecosystems, history and culture are often limited in their knowledge of the tourism industry. Therefore, much of the success of Florida's increased emphasis on its well rounded visitor products will -rest on the ability not only to provide a solid and quality experience for the visitor, but for the providers to understand how to use ecotourism and heritage tourism as a tool to educate the visiting public and thus better protect the resource. Finally, the education of Floridians on the natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial assets of their local area increases their appreciation of the resource and their quality of life and encourages them to be more proactive in the protection, preservation and conservation of these assets. It is therefore incumbent on this committee to determine gaps in the education and information needed to provide successful ecotourism and heritage tourism. Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism G - 1 Goals: I. Develop local and regional training and credentialing/certification programs for ecotourism and heritage tourism providers H. Encourage and support the development of local, regional and statewide educational initiatives focusing on the natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial tourism assets of Florida designed to inform and educate residents, visitors, government officials and the tourist industry III. Encourage and support local, regional and statewide partnerships to develop and share educational information, materials, programs, etc. Goal I — Develop local and regional training and credential Ing/certification programs for ecotourism and heritage tourism providers Strategies: I.1 Support and encourage the creation of guidelines to support local and or regional and state incentive based credentialing/certification programs developed for ecotourism and heritage tourism providers I.2 Develop incentives for those participating in the credentialing/certification programs I.3 Develop a system to recognize and approve credentialing/certification programs Goal 11— Encourage and support the development of local, regional and statewide educational initiatives focusing on the natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial tourism assets of Florida designed to inform and educate residents, visitors, government officials and the tourist industry Strategies: H.1 Encourage, support and provide assistance in developing local, regional, and statewide guide books on ecotourism and heritage tourism in Florida for industry, residents, and visitors II.2 Encourage, support and provide assistance in developing television, radio, and print media educational spots on ecotourism and heritage tourism in partnership with other state agencies and organizations G - 2 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism II.3. Encourage, support and provide assistance in developing local, regional, and statewide educational materials on ecotourism and heritage tourism in Florida for industry, residents and visitors Goal III — Encourage and support local, regional and statewide partnerships to develop and share educational information, materials, programs, etc. Strategies: III.1 Encourage the development of centralized local, regional, and statewide educational resource agencies, organizations, libraries, repositories, etc. EcotourismWeritage Tourism G - 3 1. Identify funding sources for ecotourism and heritage tourism 3, Encourage the public's eduItonn1pets and heritage tourism Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism G - 5 0-4 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Goal 11- Assist regions in their efforts to promote the natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial tourism assets in their area Strategies: II.1 Coordinate regional "packaging" seminars for tourism providers {produced by The Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation (Frimc) and Department of Environmental Protection} II.2 Develop a "how to" (package/market) manual to be used in conjunction with seminars and for independent distribution (produced by FrIMc and Department of Environmental Protection) II.3 Incorporate ecotourism and heritage tourism components into the annual tourist conference Goal III - Simplify the ability to select and achieve an ecotourism and heritage tourism experience for our visitors Strategies: III.1 Create marketable identities or "brands" for principal categories of tourism resources (e.g. Florida Heritage, Florida Greenways, Florida Parks, Florida Association of Museums, Native American Lore, Florida Scenic Highways, etc.) III.2 Create a complete and cross referenced log and internet link to all of Florida's tourism assets by various designation i.e. region, resource type, activities, etc. Goal IV - implement an ongoing data collection mechanism to determine future marketing priorities Strategies: IVA Create an in-house computerized database system within Frimc IV2 Create an inventory "master plan" form to collect uniform data I V.3 Create a performance measures file to gauge and track progress of industry segment and regions Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism H - 3 Goals: I. Expand the vacationing consumer's perception of Florida to a more well- rounded experience including nature -based, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial activities II. Assist regions in their efforts to promote the natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial tourism assets in their area III. Simplify the ability to select and achieve an ecotourism and heritage tourism experience for our visitors IV. Implement an ongoing data collection mechanism to determine future marketing priorities Goal I — Expand the vacationing consumer's perception of Florida to a more well- rounded experience including nature -based, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial activities Strategies: I.1 Work with various agencies, local governments and the private sector to produce and disseminate uniform, resource based collateral material which promotes the natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial assets of Florida I.2 Develop an implementation strategy to be incorporated into Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation's overall marketing plan that reaches the consumer and wholesaler in the decision -making stage. These would include: Travel trade programs Advertising and consumer promotions Internet Publicity efforts Vacation guides I.3 Develop and implement a "branding" package/message to promote the "other" side of Florida H - 2 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Marketing Rationale Ecotourism and heritage tourism represent a growing market in the $35 billion Florida tourist industry. Ecotourism is the largest growth sector of tourism, growing at about 30% per year (Ruskin and Bock, 1995). For example, the number of visitors to the 11 national park areas in Florida has grown by 12% during the past five years and Florida State Parks experienced a 5.9% increase for 1996 versus 1995. Nearly half of the estimated 43 million tourists who visited Florida in 1996 visited a state or national park area. In 1995, it is estimated that between 40 — 50% of all tourists visited historical sites, museums and/or art galleries. Also, that between 10 —20% visited regional cultural events or festivals. Still, there is no unified, strategic marketing plan to promote all of Florida's natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial tourism assets. Maintaining Florida as a tourism leader will depend on our ability to react to shifting market demand. Clearly ecotourism and heritage tourism represent a growing market that should be addressed and indeed, targeted. Tourism generates revenues from lodging, food and recreational services, as well as contributions to economic vitality and increased local employment opportunities. The average Florida visitor spends about $75 per day in the state and for every 55 visitors, one job is created for a Florida resident (Florida Tourism Association). We would like to increase this economic "ripple effect" that contributes to economic vitality and increased local employment opportunities to all parts of the state — each with a viable and important part of our well- rounded visitor opportunities. Currently the marketing of ecotourism and heritage tourism is very fragmented, making it difficult for our visitors to know about and access our diverse resources. The consumer perception of Florida is largely limited to gated attractions and beaches. While attractions and beaches are some of our most valuable assets, they only represent a portion of the portfolio of visitor opportunities available. This Committee's job was to make a recommendation to assist regions in expanding consumer awareness of the vast array of experiences Florida has to offer. Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism H - 1 1. Establish a statewide Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Advisory 3. Include; ecotoiurism ,and heritage tourism to all future I IMC marketing plans Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism H - 5 H - 4 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Synopsis of Recommendations Establish a statewide Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee as part of the Florida Commission on Tourism. 2. Encourage regions to establish Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Regional Committees to coordinate local efforts, share information and resources to promote and protect Florida's natural, coastal, historical, cultural and commercial assets. Each Regional Committee should provide representation on the statewide Advisory Committee. 3. Encourage regions to support city, county and other existing ecotourism/heritage tourism entities and to integrate these strategies with the statewide initiative. 4. Provide dedicated administrative support to assist with the work of the Committees and provide professional expertise and coordination of a statewide initiative. 5. Include a strong ecotourism and heritage tourism component in future Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation marketing plans. 6. Encourage regions to complete their inventory in time to be included in the Frimc 1999 marketing plan and keep inventories current for inclusion in future marketing plans. 7. Afford an opportunity for ecotourism and heritage tourism providers to join Frimc. 8. Encourage the Commission on Tourism, the Statewide Advisory Committee, Regional Committees and administration to develop and support local, regional and statewide models, strategies and methods for achieving the various goals listed in this plan such as research, education, inventory, credentialing/certification programs, conservation management, quality of providers, public access, signage, land use plans, etc. 9. Identify funding resources in the form of grants or other mechanisms to implement the strategies contained in this plan. 10. Increase private sector participation in natural, coastal, historical, cultural, and commercial tourism assets. 11. Focus on education as a key to implementing this plan. Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism I - 1 r Me Exhibit 1 Central East Central West South West J-1 EcotourismWeritage Tourism Exhibit 2 (from section B-4) Detailed Information about Committee's approach List of Meetings: Date Location Description October 31,1996 Wakulla Springs State Park Organizational meeting December 11, 1996 Tampa Definition of plan components and approach January 30, 1997 Winter Park Subcommittee outlines develop February 20, 1997 Tallahassee Task force develop plan draft March 21, 1997 Jacksonville Subcommittee re -write of plan draft April 14, 1997 Tallahassee Task force rewrite of plan draft May 6 — 8, 1997 Public Workshops Presentation of plan draft for public Fort Lauderdale, Kissimmee comment and Tallahassee June 20, 1997 Bradenton Report of public comment and integration, committee integration into plan July 11, 1997 Tallahassee Task force for development of final draft for presentation to whole committee July 24, 1997 Orlando Full committee reviewed and discussed changes to draft and approved, pending agreed upon revisions J - 2 EcotourismWeritage Tourism Exhibit 3a (from section C-8) Examples Of Economic Values Of Ecotourism And Heritage Tourism Historical and Cultural > In Florida, the arts are flourishing at the local level and contributing significant values to local communities: Broward County: Based on 1994 statistics collected from 24 cultural organizations, the total economic impact on the local economy by the arts was $141. 8 million. (Assessment of the Economic Impact of Cultural Activities on Broward County. Florida Atlantic University/Florida International University Joint Center for Environment and Urban Studies. 1994.) Metro Dade County: Based on 1991-1992 statistics gathered from 61 participating institutions, the total economic impact was $201 million. ("Your Investment in The Arts Works Harder Than You Think:' Metropolitan Dade County Cultural Affairs Council. 1993.) Sarasota County: Based on statistics gathered in 1991 from 697 businesses representing groups and individuals involved in the creative process and in the manufacture or distribution of art materials and services, the arts generated sales revenues of $454.6 million and employed 8,657 people with an annual payrolls of over $140 million. (Economic Impact Study of The Arts. Sarasota County Arts Council, March, 1993.) Palm Beach County: In 1996 cultural tourists (i.e. those who visited an art museum or attended a performing arts event) surpassed tourists who played golf by 31 % to 22%, even though Palm Beach County has the greatest number of golf courses of any county in Florida. ( Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council Survey, 1997) > One cultural event can play an impressive role in stimulating a local economy. One such example is the impact of the 1995 Treasures of the Czars exhibit on the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area. Of the 602,715 individuals who attended the exhibit, only one in five resided in Pinellas County. The typical visitor spent three nights in the area. The economic impact of the exhibit on the local economy was $62,287,475. (" 1995 Treasures of the Czars Economic Impact Study." Research Data Services. August 9, 1995.) Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism J - 3 Individual tourists who enjoyed Florida's arts and cultural programs had a larger economic impact than tourists in general. These cultural tourists spent an average of $481 each while visiting Florida, compared to $310 spent by other tourists. (Economic Impact of the Florida Arts and Cultural Industry, William B. Stronge. 1994). >� The Travel Industry Association of America reported that 45% of American adults planning a pleasure trip in 1996 planned to visit a historic or cultural site. Heritage tourism is gaining nationwide support as a strategy to enhance rural community development. The proposed South Carolina Heritage Corridor is a ten-year, three phased plan that enables rural areas within the corridor to capitalize on and protect natural, cultural and historic resources. The Heritage Corridor is expected to attract an additional 700,000 people per year to South Carolina with projected annual visitor expenditure of $83 million. (South Carolina's Heritage Corridor. Business and Economic Review. 1996. Volume 42, Number 4: 3-6.). The South Watch Travel Survey conducted by Southern Living Magazine showed that 63.9% of Southern Living readers who took a domestic trip in 1996 visited a historical attraction. For 62.6% of the respondents, the proximity of historical attractions influenced their choice of vacation destination. >� Florida has a strong history of providing historic destinations for tourist visitors. A 1988 joint study estimated the historic visitor economic impacts in Florida. (Florida Tourism and Historic Sites. 1988. Florida Department of State, the National Trust for Historic Preservation. the (former) Florida Division of Tourism. and (former) Florida Department of Natural Resources, Tallahassee, FL). Economic Impact Direct Indirect Output $605.4 million $1,491.9 million Employment 15,740 jobs 22,860 jobs Earnings $1643 million $2743 million State Revenues $21.0 million $35.2 million Local Revenues $53 million $8.8 million In rural areas, historic sites, like civil war battlefields, can enhance local economies. For example in Cobb County, Georgia, which includes a civil war battlefield, tourism is a major economic benefit. (FH. Kennedy and D.R. Porter. DoUars and Sense of Battlefield Preservation, a handbook for conununity leaders. The Conservation Fund. 1994. The Preservation Press, National Trust For Historic Preservation, Washington D.C.) Visitor expenditure in Cobb County (1991) $871 million Number of visitors to Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield (1992) 787,400 Number of travel -related jobs (1991) 22,700 Travel -related employment payroll $380 million Local tax receipts $34 million J - 4 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism A growing national interest in ecotourism provides new revenue opportunities and a compelling reason to protect Florida's natural lands and waters. A 1997 study of national economic impacts (1991 data) of non - consumptive wildlife related recreation identified the following economic benefits. (Caudill.1997.1991 National Economic Impacts of Non consumptive wild -life related recreation. Div. of Economics. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Arlington, VA. 8p). Participation Total Expenditure Total Economic Activity Employment Employment Income State Sales Tax State Income Tax Federal Income Tax 76.1 million people $18.1 billion $39.9 billion 766,000 jobs $17.6 billion $724 million $211 million $2 billion Protection of Florida's coastal lands and waters contributes to local economies and enhances opportunities for public recreation and ecotourism. A 1995 study of the Indian River Lagoon estimated the economic value of this coastal estuary at over $700 million per year. (Economic Assessment and Analysis of the Indian River Lagoon. Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program. Apogee Research, Inc. & Resource Economics Consultants, Inc., 1996). Recreational fishing & shellfishing $3385 million Commercial shellfishing $12.6 million Swimming $135.9 million Boating $58.6 million Nature Observation $88 million Water sports $4.8 million Hunting $1.6 million EcotourisnWHeritage Tourism J _ 5 Many tourists come to Florida to experience outdoor recreation opportunities like saltwater fishing and beach going. Saltwater Recreational Fishing (1991-1992. Florida) (Bell, 1993. Cunent and projected tourist demand for saltwater recreational fisheries in Florida Florida Department of Natural Resources. Florida Sea Grant Program. Gainesville. FL; N illon & Thunberg, 1993. A regional analysis of current and future Florida resident participation in marine recreational fishing. Florida Sea Grant Program. Gainesville. FL ). Number of adult tourists fishing (1991) 17.9 million Annual expenditures $13 billion Ripple effect 23,518 retail & service jobs; $235 million in wages Tourist saltwater anglers expected to double by 2010. Total resident fishing trips expected to increase 39.7% by 2010. Economic Impact of Beach Tourists in Florida (Stronge,1994. Beaches, Tourism and Economic Development Beaches, Autumn Issue). Number of beach tourists 21.6 million Beach tourist spending $7.9 billion Ripple effect to the economy $15.4 billion Jobs created 359,450 Prior to the construction of the Pinellas Trail, the city of Dunedin had a 50% occupancy rate in its downtown business district. At the present time there are no vacancies. Since the construction of the Pinellas Trail, bike shops in the area have reported a 20% increase in sales. (Economic Benefits of Greenways Summary Sheet Department of Environmental Protection. 1996). Conservation of natural resources not only protects the basis of a growing ecotourism industry, it provides additional economic benefits to local communities related to the following growth management issues: Public conservation lands can enhance nearby real property values, thereby offsetting the loss of taxes and decreasing the cost of infrastructure development and maintenance. Conservation of flood prone and other high hazard areas decreases the costs of post -storm redevelopment and insurance costs while protecting the health, safety and welfare of citizens. These types of natural areas may be more suitable for ecotourism than for residential or commercial development. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognizes the need for open space preservation in the Community Rating System of the National Flood Insurance Program. J - 6 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Conservation of open space, conservation lands and greenways contributes to the quality of life in local communities. Even small urban ecosites and greenways can provide economic benefits as well as locations for tourism enhancement. In Dade County trees and green space accounted for 1996 summer energy savings of $5.3 million, reduced stormwater impacts and improved air quality worth $4.8 million annually. (Urban Ecological Analysis for Dade County, Florida. 1996. American Forests. Washington D.C.) Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism 7 - 7 Exhibit 3b (from section C-8) FY 1995/96 Florida State Park System Economic Impact Assessment Summary of Data Based on fiscal year 1995/1996 data, the Florida state park system had an overall direct economic impact of $201 million on local economies throughout the state, direct economic impact is defined as the amount of new dollars spent in the local economy by non -local park visitors and park operations. Approximately $14 million was contributed to the general revenue fund in the form of state sales taxes. In addition, over 6,000 jobs were generated as a result of the state parks' operations. (Figure 1) The implication of this data is that for every 1,000 persons attending a state park the total direct impact on the local community is about $14,000. On average, if a state park was closed for one year, it would mean a loss of about $1.5 million to the local economy. If the state park system increased its annual attendance by ten percent during the next fiscal year, it would impact the state's economy by an additional $17 million. FIGURE 1 Administrative Unit Total Direct Impact Increased Sales Tax Jobs Generated 2*?,3i.1 .. , ..; ' District 2 $ 33,813,596.00 2,366,952.00 1014 OWN ...:...:........ .:........ .. District 4 $ 45,466,291.00 $3,182.640.:.;:<:.<:>::>::>::>::>:>:::><»::>:;:::<>::<«>::::::;::>>:.;::>::<:<:::»>::;>:: 1364 .91 Statewide $201,330,721.00 $ 14,093,150.00 6040 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism J - 8 Total Direct Impact by District District 5 28% Distri 17% District 1 15% District 3 17% District 2 17% Direct Economic Impacts of Florida State Parks (FY 94-95) John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park $ 17.9 million St. Andrews State Recreation Area $ 7.4 million Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area $ Honeymoon Island State Rec. Area 6.9 million Lloyd Beach State Recreation Area $ 5.8 million Bahia Honda State Park $ 5.7 million Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Rec. Area $ 5.5 million Gasparilla Island State Rec. Area $ 5.4 million Blue Spring State Park $ 4.8 million Anastasia State Recreation Area $ 4.3 million $ 4.2 million — Florida State Park System Economic Impact Assessment,1996 Revenue From Florida's National Forests Apalachicola Ocala Osceola Choctawathcee Type of Franklin $ 4,591 Lake $ 240,229 Baker S 71,655 Okaloosa $ 546 Revenue: Lyon S 18,726 � Marion S 786,868 Columbia $ 62,913 Walton $ 544 25% gross Liberty $ 50,053 Putnam $ 67,439 receipts Wakulla $ 30,800 Santa Rosa S 113 Totals: $104,170 a 1,o9a,s36 $134,568 $ 1,203 Apalachicola Ocala Osceola Choctawathcee Type of Franklin S 11,135 Lake S 7.809 Baker Revenue: Leon $ 53,199 Marion S 25,910 Columbia S 11,983 Walton Okaloosa Payment in Liberty $ 135,832 Putnam S 2,400 $ 149 lieu of taxes Wakulla S 87,566 Santa Rosa S 138 Totals: $ 287,732 $ 36,199 $ 26,370 $ 665 EcotObt ismWeritage Tourism 1-9 Exhibit 4 (from section E-2) Comprehensive List of Information Sources State Agencies Florida Division of Recreation and Parks: 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, MS 535 Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000 (904) 488-6131 FAX (904) 488-8442 Florida Department of State: 500 S. Bronough Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250 (904) 488-1480 FAX (904) 488-3353 Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission: 620 South Meridian Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250 (904) 487-3796 FAX (904) 488-6988 Florida Greenways and Trails 325 John Knox Road, Building 500 Tallahassee, FL 32303-4124 (904) 488-3701 FAX (904) 922-6302 Florida Division of Forestry 3125 Conner Boulevard Tallahassee, FL 32399-1650 (904) 488-7616 Florida State Parks Guide State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (scoxP) FL Archaeological/Historic Site Inventory Association of Florida Museums Directory Florida Wildlife Viewing Guide Wildlife Resources Handbook Regional Fishing Guides Wildlife Management Area Map J - 10 Ecotouresm/Herctage our Water Management Districts: North Florida Water Management District Route 1, Box 3100 Havana, FL 32333 (904)539-5999 St. Johns River Water Management District Post Office Box 1429 Palatka, FL 32178-1429 (904)329-4377 South Florida Water Management District 3301 Gun Club Road West Palm Beach, FL 33406 (407) 686-8800 Southwest Florida Water Management District 2379 Broad Street Brooksville, FL 34609-6899 (904) 796-7211 Suwannee River Water Management District Route 3, Box 64 Live Oak, FL 32060 (904) 362-1001 Federal Agencies National Park Service 75 Spring Street, SW Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 331-4998 National Forests in Florida 325 John Knox Road, Suite F-100 Tallahassee, FL 32303 (904) 942-9329 FAX (904) 942-9305 Native Indian Tribes Seminole Tribe of Florida 6300 Stirling Road Fort Lauderdale, FL (954) 370-3900 FAX (954) 370-3999 Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida P.O. Box 440021 Tamiami Station Miami, FL 33144 (305) 223-8380 FAX (305) 223-1011 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism J- 11 Public/Private Partnerships Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation: 661 East Jefferson Street Tallahassee, FL 32301 (904) 488-5607 FAX (904) 224-9589 Florida Sports Foundation: 1319 Thomaswood Drive Tallahassee, Florida 32312 (904) 488-8347 FAX (904) 922-0482 Enterprise Florida 325 John Knox Road, Suite 201 Tallahassee, FL 32303 (904) 488-6300 FAX (904) 922-9595 Others Hispanic/American Heritage Pathways Publications Pepper Bird Publications Post Office Box 1071 Williamsburg, Virginia 23187 (804) 2584403 Florida Attractions Association: Post Office Box 10295 Tallahassee, FL 32302-2295 (904) 222-2885 FAX (904) 222-1752 Florida Trails Association Post Office Box 132708 Gainesville, FL 32604 (352) 378-8823 or (800) 343-1882 Florida Sierra Club 462 Fernwood Road Key Biscayne, FL 33149 Florida Trails Florida Vacation Guide Florida Travel Planners Florida Tour Operator Manual Florida's History Florida Official Transportation Map Florida Planning Companion for Travelers with Disabilities Florida Fishing Guide Florida Golfing Guide Official Florida Attractions Guide Map Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism J-12 Florida Audubon Society 1331 Palmetto Avenue, Suite 110 Winter Park, FL 32789 (407) 539-5700 FAX (407) 539-5701 _ The Nature Conservatory Florida Chapter 222 South Westmore Drive, Suite 300 Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 (407) 682-3664 FAX (407) 682-3077 Florida Recreation and Park Association, Inc. 411 Office Plaza Drive Tallahassee, FL 32301-2756 (904) 878-322 i FAX (904) 942-0712 Florida Professional Paddlesports Association P.O. Box 1764 Arcadia, FL 34265 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism J - 13 Tourism Industry Contact List July 15, 1997 This list is arranged by county alphabetically. If a county has neither a Convention and Visitor Bureau or a Tourist Development Council, then either a Chamber of Commerce or the County Commission is listed. Some counties have divided their tourism office into two or three regional offices. There is a proposal to divide the 904 area code into three area code zones in mid-1997, the three areas to be created are here referred to as 904W, 904E & 904S. 904 can be used in any of these proposed area code zones until mid-1998. Alachua NE Alachua County Visitor & Convention Bureau Marilyn Wagener, Director 30 East University Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 374-5231 toll free — none FAX (352) 338-3213 Web Site — www.afn.org/—acvacb 02/20/97 Baker NE Baker County Chamber of Commerce Ginger Barber, Executive Director 20 West Macclenny Avenue Macclenny, FL 32063 (904) 259-6433 toll free — none FAX — none Web Site — none 02/20/97 Bay NW Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau Post Office Box 9473 Panama City Beach, FL 32417-9473 (904) 233-5070 toll free — (800) 722-3224 FAX (904) 233-5072 Web Site — www.travelfile.com.get?pcbeach.html 02/20/97 J - 14 EcotourtswHertrage Tourism Bay NW Bay County Tourist Development Council Post Office Box 9473 Panama City Beach, FL 32417-9473 (904) 233-5070 toll free — (800) PCBEACH FAX (904) 233-5072 Web Site — www.travelfile.com/get/pcbeach.htm] 02/20/97 Bradford NE Bradford County Tourist Development Council Lex Green, Executive Director PO Box 576 Starke, FL 32091 (904) 964-5278 toll free — none FAX (904) 964-2863 Web Site — www.dacess.net/starknet 02/24/97 Brevard CE Cocoa Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau David Poston, Executive Director 400 Fortenberry Road Merritt Island, FL 32952 (407) 459-2200, 452-4390 toll free — none FAX (407) 459-2232 Web Site — www.iu.net/cocoa.beach/chamber 02/20/97 Brevard CE Melbourne -Palm Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Lee Bohlmann, President 1005 East Strawbridge Ave Melbourne, FL (407) 724-5400 toll free — (800) 771-9922 FAX (407) 725-2093 Web Site — www.melpb-chamber.org 02/24/97 Brevard CE Florida Space Coast Office of Tourism Brevard County Tourist Development Council Rob Varley, Executive Director Sheldon Cove 8810 Astronaut Blvd., Suite 102 Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 (407) 633-2110 toll free — (800) 93-OCEAN FAX (407) 633-2112 Web Site — www.space-coasLcom/florida/ 07/ 15/97 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism J - 15 Broward SE Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Nicki Grossman, President 1850 Eller Drive, Suite 303 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 765-4466 toll free — (800) 22-SUNNY FAX (954) 765-4467 Web Site — www.co.broward.fl.us/sunny 02/20/97 Calhoun NW Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce Kelli Peacock, Executive Director 340-B East Central Avenue Blountstown, FL 32424 (904) 674-4519 toll free — none FAX (904) 674-8353 Web Site — none 01/23/97 Charlotte SW Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Julie Mathis, Executive Director 326 West Marion Ave., Unit 112 Punta Gorda, FL 33950 (941) 639-2222 toll free — none FAX (941) 639-6330 Web Site — wwwcharlotte-florida.com/chamber 02/20/97 Citrus CW Citrus County Tourist Development Council Mary Craven, Tourist/Business Facilitator 3600 West Sovereign Path Lecanto, FL 34461 (352) 527-5223 toll free — (800) 527-5225 FAX (352) 527-5317 Web Site — none 07/15/97 Clay NE Clay County Tourist Development Council Dale Wilson, Chairman Post Office Box 1366 Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 (904) 284-6376 toll free — none FAX (904) 278-4731 Web Site — none 02/20/97 J - 16 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Collier SW Marco Island and the Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau Sandi Trapasso, Executive Director 1102 N. Collier Blvd. Marco Island, FL 34145 (941) 394-7549 toll free — none FAX (941) 394-3061 Web Site — none 02/21/97 Collier SW Visit Naples, Inc. Tammie Matthews, Managing Director 1400 Gulf Shore Boulevard, #218 Naples, FL 34102 (941) 403-2015 toll free — (800) 605-7878 (941) 403-2020 Web Site — www.bestofnet/naples O1/24/97 Columbia NE Columbia County Tourist Development Council Harvey Campbell, Executive Director Post Office Box 1847 Lake City, FL 32056-1847 (904) 758-1312 toll free — none FAX (904) 758-1311 Web Site — none 02/21/97 Dade SE Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Merrett Stierheim, President & CEO 701 Brickell Avenue, Suite 2700 Miami, FL 33131 (305) 539-3100 toll free — (800) 933-8448 FAX (305) 539-3125 Web Site — www.miamiandbeaches.com 02/20/97 Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida Stephen Tiger, Public Relations Director Post Office Box 440021 Miami, FL 33144 (305) 223-8380 ext 346 toll free — none FAX (305) 223-1011 Web Site — yes O1/24/97 EcotourismWeritage Tourism J - 17 DeSoto CW DeSoto County Board of County Commissioners Colleen Spangler, BCC Tourism Representative 1269 SE Tangelo Drive - Arcadia, FL 33821 (941) 993-1720 toll free — none FAX (941) 993-1720 Web Site — none Dixie NW Dixie County Chamber of Commerce Ronnie Lambert, President Post Office Box 547 Cross City, FL 32628 (352) 498-3746 toll free — none FAX (352) 498-2820 Web Site — none 02/21/97 Duval NE Jacksonville & The Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau Vincent Akra, Executive Director 3 Independent Drive Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904) 798-9111 FAX (904) 798-9103 O1/23/97 Escambla NW toll free — (800) 733-2668 Web Site — yes Pensacola Convention & Visitors Information Center Sheilah Bowman, Director of Tourism 1401 East Gregory Street Pensacola, FL 32501 904W/434-1234 toll free — (800) 874-1234 fax/432-8211 Web Site — www.chamberpensacola-fl.us 02/20/97 Flagler NE Flagler County Chamber of Commerce Dick Morris, Executive Director Star Route, Box 18-N Bunnell, FL 32110 (904) 437-0106 toll free — (800) 881-1022 FAX (904) 437-5700 Web Site — no web site 02/20/97 J - 18 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Franklin NW Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce J. Howard, Executive Director 99 Market Street, Suite 100 Apalachicola, FL 32320 (904) 653-9419 toll free — no FAX (904) 653-8219 Web Site — yes 02/12/97 Franklin NW Carrabelle Area Chamber of Commerce Will Kendrick, President Post Office Drawer DD Carrabelle, FL 32322 (904) 697-2585 toll free — none FAX — none Web Site — none 01/23/97 Franklin NW Franklin County Alan Pierce, Director of Administrative Services 33 Market Street, Suite 203 Apalachicola, FL 32320 (904) 653-8861 ext 100 toll free — none FAX (904) 653-2261 Web Site — none 02/21/97 Gadsden NW Gadsden County Chamber of Commerce Rick McCaskill, Executive Director Post Office Box 389 Quincy, FL 32353 (904) 627-9231 toll free — (800) 627-9231 FAX (904) 875-3299 Web Site — none O1/23/97 Gilchrist NW Gilchrist County Sam Ferguson, President Post Office Box 186 Trenton, FL 32693 (352)463-3467 FAX (352) 463-3166 O1/27/97 toll free — (800) 267-3182 Web Site — none Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism J - 19 Glades SE Glades County Chamber of Commerce Susan Smelley, Executive Director Post Office Box 490 _ Moore Haven, FL 33471 (941) 946-0440 toll free — none FAX (941) 946-2282 Web Site — none O1/24/97 Gulf NW Gulf County Chamber of Commerce Tamara Laine, Executive Director Post Office Box 964 Port Saint Joe, FL 32457 (904) 227-1223 toll free — none FAX (904) 227-7522 Web Site — yes O1/22/97 Hamilton NW Hamilton County Tourism Development Council Lewis Vaughn, Chairman Post Office Box 312 Jasper, FL 32052 (904) 792-1300 (904) 792-2926 — Chairman toll free — none FAX (904) 792-0730 Web Site — none 02/20/97 Hardee C Hardee County Chamber of Commerce Janet Hendry, Executive Director Post Office Box 683 Wauchula, FL 33873 (941) 773-6967 toll free — none FAX (941) 773-0229 Web Site — yes O1/23/97 Hendry SE Hendry County Board of County Commissioners Lester Baird, Sr., County Administrator Post Office Box 1760 LaBelle, FL 33975 (941) 675-5220 toll free — none FAX (941) 675-5317 Web Site — none 02/21/97 J - 20 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism 1 Hernando CW Hernando County Tourist Development Council Susan Rupe, Tourist Development Coordinator 20 North Main Street. Room 461 Brooksville, FL 34601 (352) 754-4009 ext 159 toll free — (800) 6014580 FAX (352) 754-4477 Web Site — yes 02/20/97 Highlands C Highlands County Economic Development Commission Jim Stanfill, Executive Director 2113 US 27 South Sebring, FL 33870 (941) 385-1025 toll free — none FAX (941) 385-1379 Web Site — www.highlands-co-fl.com 02/20/97 Hillsborough CW Tampa/Hillsborough Convention & Visitors Association Jim Clark, President/CEO 400 North Tampa, Suite 1010 Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 223-1111 toll free — (800) 448-2672 FAX (813) 229-6616 Web Site — www.thcva.com 02/20/97 Holmes NW Holmes County Chamber of Commerce Grace Warren, Executive Director Post Office Box 779 Bonifay, FL 32425 (904) 547-4682 toll free — none FAX — none Web Site — none 01/22/97 Indian River CE Indian River County Tourist Division Lori Bums, Visitor Services - Marketing Specialist Post Office Box 2947 Vero Beach, FL 32961 (561) 567-3491 toll free — (800) 338-2678 ext 802 FAX (561) 778-3181 Web Site — wwwvero-beach.fl.usl�chamber 02/24/97 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism J - 21 Jackson NW Marianna Chamber of Commerce Pamela Nash, Executive Director Post Office Box 130 Marianna, FL 32447 (904) 482-8061 toll free — none FAX (904) 482-8002 Web Site — yes 01/23/97 Jefferson NW Monticello/Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Joy Eveland, Executive Vice President 420 West Washington Street Monticello, FL 32344 (904) 997-5552 toll free — none FAX (904) 997-1020 Web Site — none 02/21/97 Lafayette NW Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce Vickie Ellis, Executive Director Post Office Box 416 Mayo, FL 32066 (904) 294-3073 toll free — none FAX (904) 294-1442 Web Site — none 02/20/97 Lake C Lake County Convention & Visitors Bureau Dave Warren, Director 20763 U.S. Highway 27 Groveland, FL 34736 (352) 429-3673 toll free — none FAX (352) 429-4870 Web Site — none 02/20/97 Lee SW Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau Elaine McLaughlin, Executive Director 2180 West First Street, Suite #100 Fort Myers, FL 33901 (941) 338-3500 toll free — (800) 237-6444 FAX (941)334-1106 Web Site — www.leeislandcoast.com 02/24/97 J - 22 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism i Leon NW Tallahassee Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Charles Wright, President/Chief Executive Officer PO Box 1369 . Tallahassee, FL 32302-1369 (904) 413-9200 toll free — (800) 628-2866 (904) 487-4621 Web Site — www.co.leon.fl.us/cvb/homepage.html 02/20/97 Levy NW Levy County Tourist Development Council/Development Authority George Sandora, Executive Director Post Office Box 1112 Bronson, FL 32621 (352) 486-3006 toll free — none FAX (352) 486-6262 Web Site — none 01/23/97 Liberty NW Liberty County Chamber of Commerce Johnny Eubanks, Director Post Office 523 Bristol, FL 32321 (904) 643-2359 toll free — (800) 717-3333 FAX (904) 643-3334 Web Site — none 01/23/97 Madison NW Madison County Chamber of Commerce Tomye L. Barnhart 105 North Range Street Madison, FL 32340 (904) 973-2788 toll free — none FAX (904) 973-8864 Web Site — yes 02/28/97 Manatee CW Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Alexandra Owen, Marketing Director Post Office Box 1000 Bradenton, FL 34206 (941) 729-9177 toll free — (800) 462-6283 FAX (941) 729-1820 Web Site — www.floridaislandbeaches.org 02/20/97 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism J - 23 Marion C Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce Michael Malone, Executive Vice President 110 East Silver Springs Blvd Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 629-8051 toll free — none FAX (352) 629-7651 Web Site — yes 01/23/97 Martin SE Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce Christine Noland, Director of Marketing 1650 South Kanner Highway Stuart, FL 34994 (561) 287-1088 toll free — (800) 524-9705 FAX (561) 220-3437 Web Site — none 01/24/97 Monroe S Monroe County Tourist Development Council Harold Wheeler, Marketing Director Post Office Box 866 Key West, FL 33041 (305) 296-1552 toll free — (800) 648-5510 FAX (305) 296-0788 Web Site — yes O1/24/97 Nassau NE Greater Nassau County Chamber of Commerce Jim Mayo, Pres Post Office Box 98 Callahan, FL 32011 (904) 879-1441 toll free — none FAX (904) 879-4033 Web Site — none 02/21/97 Amelia Island -Fernandina Beach-Yulee Chamber of Commerce PO Box 472 Fernandina Beach, FL 32035-0472 (904) 277-0717 toll free — (800) 226-3542 FAX (904) 261-6997 Web Site — none O1/23/97 J - 24 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism k) Okaloosa NW Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau Darrel Jones, Executive Director Post Office Box 609 . Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549-0609 (904) 651-7131 toll free — (800) 322-3319 FAX (904) 651-7149 Web Site — www.destin-fwb.com 02/20/97 Okeechobee CE Okeechobee County Tourist Development Council Diane Kinchen, Executive Director 55 South Parrot Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 (941) 763-3959 toll free — (800) 871-4403 FAX (941) 763-3531 Web Site — none 02/21/97 Orange C Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau Bill Peeper, Executive Director 6700 Forum Drive, Suite 100 Orlando, FL 32821-8087 (407) 363-5800 toll free — none FAX (407) 370-5001 Web Site — www.goflorida.com/orlando 02/20/97 Osceola C Kissimmee/St. Cloud Convention & Visitors Bureau Jeter Walker, Executive Director Post Office Box 422007 Kissimmee, FL 34742-2007 (407) 847-5000 toll free — (800) 831-1844 FAX (407) 847-0878 Web Site — www.floridWdss.com 02/20/97 Palm Beach SE Palm Beach County Convention & Visitors Bureau Warren MacLaughlin, President 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd, Suite 204 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 471-3995 toll free — (800) 833-5733 FAX (561) 471-3990 Web Site — www.palmbeach.R.com 02/20/97 Ecotounsm/Heritage Tourism J - 25 Pasco CW Office of Tourism Development Christopher Thompson, Tourism Development Coordinator 7530 Little Road, Suite 140 New Port Richey, FL 34654 (813) 847-8990 toll free — (800) 842-1873 FAX (813) 847-8969 Web Site — none 02/21/97 Pinellas CW St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Carole Ketterhagen, Executive Director 14450 46th Street North, Suite 108 Clearwater, FL 34622 (813) 464-7200 toll free — (800) 345-6710 FAX (813) 464-7222 Web Site — www.stpete-clearwater.com 02/20/97 Z-•� Central Florida Convention & Visitor Bureau Lynn Collins, Executive Director Post Office Box 61 Cypress Gardens, FL 33884 (941) 534-4375 toll free — (800) 828-7655 - Vacation Guide FAX (941) 534-0886 Web Site — www.cfdc.org 02/24/97 Putnam NE Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Barbara Golden, Tourism Director Post Office Box 550 Palatka, FL 32178-0550 (904) 328-1503 toll free — none FAX (904) 328-7076 Web Site — yes 01/22/97 Santa Rosa NW North Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce Sam Vickers, Executive CEO 5247 Stewart Street Milton, FL 32570 (904) 623-2339 toll free — none FAX (904) 623-4413 Web Site — none 01/23/97 J - 26 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Santa Rosa NW South Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council Bill Pullum, Chairman Post Office Box 5337. Navarre, FL 32566 (904) 939-2363 toll free — (800) 480-7263 FAX (904) 939-0085 Web Site — none 01/23/97 Santa Rosa NW Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce Donald Mzi, Executive Director Post Office Box 337 Gulf Breeze, FL 32562 (904) 932-7888 toll free — none FAX (904) 934-4601 Web Site — none O1/23/97 Sarasota CW Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau Larry Marthaler, Executive Director 655 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 957-1877 toll free — (800) 522-9799 FAX (941) 951-2956 Web Site — www.cvb.sarasota.fl.us 02/20/97 Saint Lucie CE Saint Lucie County Tourist Development Council Gayla Barwick, Executive Director 2300 Virginia Avenue Fort Pierce, FL 34982 (561) 462-1535 toll free — (800) 344-8443 FAX (561) 462-2132 Web Site — marywm@stlucieco.gov \ 02/20/97 Saint Johns NE Saint Johns County Visitors & Convention Bureau Glenn Hastings, Executive Director 88 Riberia Street, Suite 250 Saint Augustine, FL 32084 (904) 829-1711 toll free — (800) 653-2489 FAX (904) 829-6149 Web Site — yes 01/23/97 EcotourismWeritage Tourism J - 27 Seminole C Seminole County Convention and Visitors Bureau Rick Roberts, Chairman 105 International Parkway Heathrow, FL 32746 (407) 328-5770 toll free — (800) 800-7832 FAX (407) 328-5775 Web Site — www.travelfile.com/get?sccvb 02/20/97 Sumter C Sumter County Chamber of Commerce Eunice Neville, Executive Director Post Office Box 550 Bushnell, FL 33513 (352) 793-3099 toll free — none FAX (352) 793-2120 Web Site — none 02/21/97 Suwannee NW Suwannee County Tourist Development Council Dean Papapetrou, Chairman PO Drawer C Live Oak, FL 32064 (904) 362-3071 toll free — none FAX (904) 3624758 Web Site — schambei@hankins.com 02/24/97 Taylor NW Perry -Taylor County Chamber of Commerce Mike Deming, President/ Executive Director Post Office Box 892 Perry, FL 32348 (904) 584-5366 toll free — (800) 257-8881 FAX (904) 584-8030 Web Site — www.askain.com/chamber 02/21/97 Union NE Union County Chamber of Commerce Richard Tillis, President Post Office Box 797 Lake Butler, FL 32054 (904) 496-3624 toll free — none FAX (904) 496-1285 Web Site — Aug `97 02/21/97 J - 28 EcotourismWeritage Tourism Volusla CE Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Sharon Mock, Executive Director Post Office Box 910 . Daytona Beach, FL 32115-0910 (904) 255-0415 toll free — (800) 544-0415 FAX (904) 255-5478 Web Site — www.daytonabeach-touiism.com 02/20/97 Volusla CE West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority Dahlon Ritchey, Executive Director 336 North Woodland Blvd. DeLand,FL 32720 (904) 734-4331 toll free — (800) 749-4350 FAX (904) 734-4333 Web Site — soon 02/21/97 Volusia CE Southeast Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority Steve Dennis, Executive Vice President 115 Canal Street New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 (904) 428-2449 toll free — (800) 541-9621 FAX (904) 423-3512 Web Site — none O1/22/97 Wakulla NW Wakulla County Tourist Development Council Christy Davis, Executive Director Post Office Box 598 Crawfordville, FL 32326 (904) 926-1848 toll free — (800) 925-8552 FAX (904) 926-2050 Web Site — yes 02/21/97 Walton NW South Walton Tourist Development Council Malcolm Patterson, Executive Director Post Office Box 1248 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459-1248 (904) 267-1216 toll free — (800) 822-6877 FAX (904) 267-3943 Web Site — www.beachesofsouthwalton.com 02/20/97 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism J - 29 Walton NW Walton County Chamber of Commerce Sarah Cunningham, Executive Director Post Office Box 29 DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435 (904) 892-3191 toll free — none FAX (904) 892-9688 Web Site — none 02/20/97 Washington NW Washington County Chamber of Commerce Tommy McDonald, Executive Director Post Office Box 457 Chipley, FL 32428 (904) 638-4157 toll free — none FAX (904) 638-8770 Web Site — www.beaches.net/chipley 02/24/97 Multi - Hiisborough, Broward, Hendry, Glades, Collier Seminole Tribe of Florida Lee Tiger, Tourism Consultant 12261 SW 251 st St Miami, FL 33032 (954) 966-6300 FAX (954) 257-2137 01/27/97 toll free — (800) 683-7800 Web Site — yes J - 30 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism c, Exhibit 5 (from section F-2, F-3) Definition of Carrying Capacity Carrying capacity can be simply defined as the level of recreational use an area can withstand while providing a sustained quality of recreation. More correctly, however, carrying capacity's definition should include the capacity of an ecosystem to support healthy organisms while maintaining its productivity, adaptability, and capability of renewal. It represents a level of human activity that if exceeded, will cause the natural and/or cultural resource to deteriorate. A number of industry officials have supported an alternative form to describe this threshold as "limits of acceptable change." Further consideration must be given to tourism carrying capacity, which represents the maximum level of visitor use and related infrastructure that an area can accommodate. If it is exceeded, deterioration of the resource, diminished visitor satisfaction, and adverse impacts to the local area can be expected to occur. There are no fixed or standard tourism carrying capacity values because, while the concept is not difficult to perceive, it is difficult to quantify, and there is no single definition of tourism nor of environment. Necessarily, then, carrying capacity varies depending on place, season, and time; user behavior and expectations; facility designs; and limitations imposed by the resource. Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism J - 31 r Exhibit 6 (from section F-2, F-3) Model of Ecotourism and Heritage Tourism Visitor Guidelines Visitor guidelines are an integral part of a complete ecotourism management and resource protection scheme. They are a fundamental communication tool to reduce visitor impacts and can be particularly useful if regulations governing visitor behavior have not been established already. As with carrying capacity, guidelines are site -specific documents, developed with each resource's individual needs in mind. The above not withstanding, some generalities apply to visitor guidelines. They should: > Be self explanatory > Be positive, avoid language that prohibits actions. Encourage responsible behavior > Use figures and drawings to explain consequences > Translate guidelines into foreign languages > Print on recycled paper > Solicit evaluations and/or comments on the effectiveness of the guidelines J-32 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism 4� y W 1, Exhibit 7 (from section F-2, F-4) Model of Ethical Behavior for Tour Providers Model of possible ethical behavior of tour provider guidelines > Provide a natural, cultural or heritage experience > Wildlife and natural habitats must not be disturbed needlessly > Waste must be disposed of properly. Composting and recycling programs are to be implemented whenever possible > Tourism should be a positive influence on local communities and provide local jobs that are not destructive to the environment > Tourism should be managed and sustainable. Use adequate leadership, and maintain small enough groups to ensure minimum impact on the resource > Tourists should leave with a greater understanding and appreciation of nature, conservation, the environment and the area's history > Tourism should strengthen conservation efforts and enhance the natural integrity of places visited > Develop a company policy and ensure its implementation, which is designed to protect the environment and to minimize impacts on the local culture Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism J - 33 K J-34 Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism A t. 4 Ecotourism and Heritage Tourism Workshop Notes Resource Committee — January 30, 1997 Inventory I. Q — What are the things we will need to know about each location/entity to create the plan? A — Constraints (carrying capacity, amenities) Authentic Florida Resources Cultural/heritage Eco/natural Educational (knowledge and sensitivity) Il. Q — What resources are available to identify inventory resources? A — 1. State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) Identification of Natural and Heritage Sites: Federal Commercial State Non-profit Local Natural and Heritage 2. Destination Marketing Organization (DMo) 3. Travel Industry Publications i.e. International travel planners, vacation guides, list of tour operators, Florida Association of Museums, other associations and societies 4. Other organizations i.e. Audubon Society, Sierra Club 5. University Programs i.e. Sea Grant Program 6. Guides i.e. Greenways, Rails to Trails 7. Florida Archaeological/Historical Site Inventory S. Geographical Information Systems (GIs) III. Q —What are your recommendations on keeping a current, complete inventory with all relevant data? 1. SCORP redone every 2 years 2. Marketing Corporation send forms for update every 2 years 3. Internet through Marketing Corporation (homepage) 4. Eco/Heritage section of Marketing Corporation newsletter 5. Florida Heritage Magazine 6. Signage updated 7. Florida Archaeological/Historical site (updated daily) EcotourismlHeritage Tourism J - 35 MEMO RAN DUM#98-194 TO: BOARD OF COUNTY COM 1 I (RSFROM: DOUGLAS M. ANDERSON UNTYMINISTRATOR DATE: J U N E 22, 1998 SUBJECT: ECOTOURISM/HERITAGE TOURISM UPDATE Please find attached draft information provided to me from Wendall Collins of the Eco/Heritage Tourism program. This is an update to the original report given to me by Delores Hogan Johnson and sent to you with a memorandum on January 8, 1998. On Page 5 of the report, please note that St. Lucie County is grouped in Region 4 - Central East with Brevard, Indian River, Okeechobee, and Volusia Counties. Please review this draft information and let me know whether or not this grouping is acceptable. There is some urgency to this in that their meetings are beginning very shortly. Thank you. DMA:98-194 c: Phil Freeland, Assistant County Administrator Dan McIntyre, County Attorney Ray Wazny, Community Development Director Jack Doughney, Leisure Services Director Jun 17 98 09:21a C. Wendall Collins 561-7445585 To: Doug Anderson, County Mgr. Fax: 1561462-2131 From: C. Wendall Collins Date: June 16, 1998 pages: 8, including cover sheet. Doug, p.1 Please find attached the draft information pertaining to the State efforts in assisting the counties in organizing them plans for EcotourisnVHeritage market. The original regional District's has aligned St. Lucie into region 4. Duane DeFreese is chairing that region and his address and telephone munbers are including in the information. fax Please let me known if I can be of further assistance! 'Thank you for your interest. r1►j PS Don't forget that the alignments are not final only recommended by the State Plana. From the desk of... cc Duaane Defreese C. Wendall CoWrs President ECOLOOGE USA INC. ] 02 Make Lane juprter, Florida Phone: 561-744-5931 D C 11 `'' ' ' In Fax 561-744-5585 (E-MNU wer4ak_,o m@,prodgy.com) i' Co Jun 17 98 09:21a C. Wendall Collins 561-74455B5 p.2 DRAFT La Flor10 ida NEWSLETTER .In 1513, Ponce de Leon clahned the land La Florida meaning "The Land of Mowers" ECOTOURISMIHERITAGE TOURISM The Opportunity to Build a Sustainable Future for Florida's Natural, Coastal, Historkal, Cultural and Commercial Resources. Planning for the future.. Ec otourism and heritage tourism represents significant and expanding markets within Florida's tourist industry. Successful protection, development and promotion of these resources can improve the economic viability of rural and urban communities and benefit the statewide economy. INFORMATIONAL. ARTICLES MEETING SCHEDULE: . 130' VISrr FLORIDA Board of Director's Meeting/ Fontainebleau 1-19ton Resort - Miami Beach • 213' State Committee Meeting! Holiday inn - Cocoa Beach following the 1998 Watchable Wildlife Conference REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS UPCOMING EVENTS,.. FAN{ UPDATES: PUBLICITY LEADS: La Florida 1 Jun 17 98 09:21a C. Wendall Collins 561-7445585 p.3 ECOMHUTAGE TOURISM STATEWIDE SUBCOMMITTEE "GUIDELINES" I. MISSION To brand, position, promote and protect Florida as the Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism destination of choice - II. ADMINISTRATION The implementation, assistance and support of "The Plan" will be by the Director of New Product Marketing — Eco/Heritage Tourism under the direction of the Management and Board of Directors of VISIT FLORIDA and the Statewide EcolHeritage Tourism Subcommittee_ "The Plan" will be implemented at a Regional level, with a Regional Chair directing their region. Statewide Subcommittee member terms coincide with the by-laws of the Corporation. The Regional Chair will give proper, reasonable notice to the Statewide Chairs and 'VISIT FLORIDA of absence and/or resignation. The Regional Chair will not designate a person to serve in his/her absence_ Statewide Subcommittee members may cast a vote by proxy only by notification of the Statewide Subcommittee Chairs. After the 1s1 year, the Regional Committee will elect a new Chair upon approval of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors. III. MEETINGS Meetings will be held quarterly or as needed. A simple majority (51%) of Statewide Subcommittee members satisfies a quorum at all committee meetings. As outlined in the Corporation by-laws, a Statewidc Subcommittee member's unexcused absence from three (3) consecutive state meetings without valid cause can be construed as a resignation. Please call VISIT FLORIDA at (850) 488-5607 ext_ 363 if you are unable to attend a meeting. One week prior to the monthly meeting, state subcommittee members will receive the upcoming meeting agenda and minutes from the past meeting. A monthly activity report will be handed out at the meeting from VISIT FLORIDA_ Jun 17 98 09:22a FTIMC C. Wendall Collins 561-7445595 p.4 Fax:850-222-3765 Jun 10 '98 15:49 P-02/03 VISIT FLORMA 661 East leftnon Wm. Suit! 300 Tall;ihisset, FlorldR 32301 T (950) 44d-5607 t: t4w. ) 224-9589 www fl, ulaxom VISIT FLORIDA 1998 ECOTQURISWHERITAGE TOURISM SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE DATE -nME OWUP LOCATION May-98 21 1.5 P.M. STATE COMMITTEE COCOA BEACH -WWC Jun." 25 1 - 5 P.M. STATE COMMITTEE FL Myers Jul-@8 27 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. STATE COMMITTEE ORLANDO. TRD Avg-98 17 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. STATE COMMITTEE ORLANDO - TBU Sep-98 16 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. STATE COMMITTEE ORLANDO - TSD Oct-98 28 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. STATE COMMITTEE ORLANDO - TSD Nov-96 20 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. STATE COMMITTEE ORLANDO - TSO DOC 98 HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 'Task forces are encouraged to meet the morning of the monthly meetings.' For additional Information ragafrtHng dates and locations, please call Lisa Adams at 8504W560T ext. 363. efloree vftw Tocrnm 9Nmo[KM tWpU W iurr for 114r Hulk, of fkw0 * Jun 17 98 09:22a C. Wendall Collins 561-7445585 p.5 FTIMC Fax'850-222-3765 Jun 2 '98 10:25 P.02i05 i ECO/HERYTAGE TOURISM SUBCOMMITTEE � MEMBERS L, •bedy. Oka!oosa.Sub Ross. Wi on, Wj bington (Chair) (2nd Member) Santa Ross County Jack Sanborn,Pre4deat Vacant Adventures Unlimited, Luc. 8974 Tomahawk Landing Road Milton. Florida 32570 (T)850-623-6197 (F) 850-626-3124 RF Y10 2 - NORTMEAST - Counties: Baker, CC&A Duvs ,1+Taelgt;. &naL PtttnaM & St jAhns (Chair) (2nd Member) Putnam County Barbara Golden, Vice Presi,dnt, Tourism Vxcttat Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Post Office Box 550 Palatka, Florida 32179-0550 (T) 904-328-1303 (F) 904-328-7076 E-Mail: chambtr@tcity.com REGj N 3 - CEN3 RAY - Counties: Hardee,ighlseds- innfe & Lake- Mari" Qm =ola, Polk. � umter (Chair) (2nd Member) Seminole County Polk County Michael Kelley Clifton P. Lewis, Community Development Coordin2or 'fine Florida Compames City managers office 1250 S. Highway 17-92 #110 450 N. Wilson Longwood, Florida 32750 Barrow, Florida 33830 (7) 407-331-0991 (T) 941-53"100 (F)407-333-6963 (F)941-534-0114 i (R) 941-533-6129 SEGION 4 - CEN_ _ AY,,FAST - .o noes; Breyard�Iediaa HiNe_r, O eechfibm. St. I,,atye & VollariA (Chair) (2nd ivietztlM) Orange County Brevard County Duane Dareese, .Director of Research George Meptwtr 8ubbs - Seaworld Research Institute 190 Escambia Lane #407 Post Office Banc 691607 Cocoa Bea.h, Florida 32931 Drian do, Florida 32869 (T) 407-70-3094 (T) 407-363-2664 (F) 407-7&3.3094 (F) 407-345-5397 j (M) 407-490-9039 (P) 407-638-9813 611198 Jun 17 99 09:22a FTIMC C. Wendall Collins Fax:850-222-3765 561-7445585 6-761 Jun 2 '9R 10:25 P.03/05 RF'rT' =5 . ' 1VTRAI. WES-1- CeNnti `L -;tr,.r. De SWA Hernando. Hllh�prwr IL M rim. En"M Pir.ellae gnrawutn - l i{_�._ __ �..,, (Cbvir) Hernando County Sagan Rape, Tourist Development Coordinator Hernando County Tourist Development Council 20 N. Main Street Brooksville, Florida 34601-2800 (7)352-601-45SW800-601.4580 (F) 352-754-4477 (end Member) Manatee County Larry While, Exacutive Director Brademai Arta Convention & Viatary Bureau Past Office Box 1000 Bradenton, Florida 34206 CI) 441-T.t9 9177 (F) 941-T29-1320 REGION 6 - (Chair) e Dade,l4iardn.SMlttLi70! tPr�Pg (2nd Member) Palm Beach County Broward County Wcadali Collins, President Lee 71ger, Florida Tourism Development Director Ecol xperience, Inc. Florida Seminole Tourism 102 Mako Lane 2461 SW 85th Jupitcr, Florida 33477 Davie, Mori& 33324 (T)561-744-5931 (T)954-370-3900 (F) 561-744-3585 (F) 954-370-3999 E-Mail: wendall—callins@prodigy.com (hs)954-293-t469 It 7 - �010CHM'SIC nave t't+9rlettr f on[r:.. �i.+�M ]Mtn [ g 1 ,, (2nd Mcmhcr) lIair) (Cltau'j Lee County Lee County Ron Drake, Owner Arden Arrington Royal Palm Tours, Inc. Calusa C" outfitters Pose Office Box 60079 2668 Shriver Drive Ft. Myers, Florida 33906-6079 rt. Myen,'.Floiida 33901 (T) 941-369.0760 (T) 941-332-0709 (F) 941-368-7141 (F) 941-332-0709'51 RE .[ON 8 - NORTH t`>F�1jnAX - Counties! AlociRna Bradrard.� �b�, Vie, Gadsden- C,ilehr st, Hamil on seffersan. i efsyem Lean. L.c ty, Ma&ea TAVPL,11 es ' _ 2k*Ra (Chair) (2nd Member) Columbia County Harvey Compbell, Executive Director Vaunt Columbia County Tourist Development Cotmeil 601 hall of Fame Drive Lake City, Florida 32056 M 904-758-1366/800-605-7878 (F) 904- 758-1311 A AARQE (Clair) (2nd Mcmbcr) Monroe County Mike Morawski Vwant The Emest Hemingway Home & Museum 907 Wbitxhead Street Key West, Florida 33040 (T) 305-294-1136 (F)305-294-2755 6/1198 Jun 17 98 09:23a FTIMC C. Wendall Collins FSx:M-222-3765 561-7445595 p.7 Jun 2 '98 10:25 P.04/05 STATiy Yda Gentle Percy, Director Florida Department of State Division of Historical Resources 500 S. Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399.0250 Lean County (T)850-499-1480 (F)850-489-3353 E-Mail. 6PcrcY@maiLdos.state_t].us John Waldron, Forest Recreation Coordinator Division ofForemy 3125 Conner Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1650 Leon County (T)950-414-9952 (F) 850-97-1-6724 Susan Cerrtieaa, Watchable W0d1de Coordinator Florida Game & Fresh Water Fish Commission 620 S. Meridian Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600 Leon County (T)850-921-1047 (F) 850-4.88-1961 E-Mail. cerulesQmail.state.fl.us ,lien Murrian, Director of Stewardship The Nature Conservancy. Florida Chapter 222 S. Wcstrnonte Drive. Suite 300 Altsrnonte Springs, Florida 32714-4269 Orange County (T)407-682-3664 (F) 407-aZ-3077 Leroy brtein, Alan $er Enviromuntal Management Office Florida E paraneat of Trnrtaportation 605 Suw Mnee street, MS 37 Tailahusee, Florida 32399.0450 Goon County (T) 850-922-7201 (F) 850-97.2-721 7 Fran Msinalls, Director Florida Division of Recreation & parks 3900 Cortinmwealth Boulevard. MS 500 TallahaWc, Florida 323" Leon County (T) 850439-6131 (F) 850488-8442 Wally Hibbard National Farts Service Big Cyprus National Preserve 11CR-61 Box 110 Odmpee, Florida 34141 Collier County M 941-262-1066 x310 (F)941-695-3007 Jerry Scarborough, Exaeative Director Suwannee River Water Management District 9225 CR 49 Live Oak, Florida 32060 SuwanriCe County (T) 904-362-IA011800-226-1066 (F) 904-362-1056 (H) 904-362-3463 IIDA CU MIS IflN �N T(l[fftiCl►4 cgjgeritn�;� Roxir. L_ S+atith, lPlreddent mobetlr X Usixe, Coatroiler North Beach Camp Resort 4125 Coastal Highway Pir& Shell Denlopnnent 21521 Madera Road St. Augustine, Florida 32095 St Jobs County Ft MYcM Florida 33931 (T) 904-824-1906 Lee County (T) 941-463-2191 (F) 904-82"897 (F)941-463-1785 VISIT FI.ffR>fDe Ktrr1 L. Past, Director New Product Marketing - Eco/Heritage Tourism 661 E. Jefferson Street, Suite 300 Tallahassee, Florida 32302-1 t00 Leon County (1') 850-489.5607 x355 (F) 8S0-224-2438 B-Mail: kpoatQtlausa.com 611198 ho DEPARTMENT OF LEISURE SERVICES Administration MEMORANDUM TO: Doug Anderson, County Administrator FROM: Jack Doughney, Director of Leisure Se ' es DATE: March 26,1998 SUBJECT: Eco/Heritage Grants Please find attached information from Gayla Barwick regarding the Eco/Heritage Grants Program, and the meeting taking place on April 9, 1998, at 7:00 PM at the Morningside Library. JED;kz admin\ecoheritage.mem MAR 2 6 199$ 10 CO. ADMIN. OFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Jack Doughney From: Gayla Barwi� Date: 3/25/98 Re: Eco/Heritage Grants Program Please be advised that the Chamber of Commerce, 1000 Friends of Florida, TDC and possibly the Martin County Chamber of Commerce will host an Eco/Heritage Tourism Grant program. The meeting will be held on April 9, 1998, 7:00 pm at the Morningside Library. Guest speaker will be Wendall Collins of The State's Eco/Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee. This group completed their Eco Tourism report in September, 1997. Mr. Collins had been recently selected as the Director for our region. In order for our area to be the first in line to meet in the State and to be able to discuss available funds, it was necessary to expedite this meeting date. The Chamber will be sending out invitations shortly. Thank you.