HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-14-15 TDC MinutesST. LUCIE COUNTY
TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, January 14, 2015 ◊ 1:30 P.M.
MINUTES
Members present: Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky, Chairman
Marilyn Minix, Roadrunner Travel Resort
Chris Egan, Vistana’s Beach Club – Sheraton PGA
Clive Daem, Dockside Inn
Michelle MacNichol, Perfect Drive Golf Villas
Vice-Mayor Linda Bartz, City of Port St. Lucie
Members absent: Commissioner Rufus Alexander, City of Fort Pierce
Staff present: Heather Young, St. Lucie County Attorney
Charlotte Bireley, St. Lucie County Tourism & Venues
Darius McPhall, St. Lucie County Tourism & Venues
Also present: Linda Fasano, Arts and Cultural Alliance SLC
Ted Burrows, St.Lucie Historical Society
Linda Hudson, City of Fort Pierce Mayor
Joy Washauer, Realtor
Rick Hatcher, Treasure Coast Sports Commission
1. CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Dzadovsky called the meeting to order at 1:34
PM.
2. ROLL CALL: Darius McPhall called roll.
3. GUESTS INTRODUCED THEMSELVES:
Guests introduced themselves.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes from December 10, 2014 were approved.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT:
No public comments.
6. FINANCIAL REPORT & WEB REPORT:
Charlotte Bireley reported that the tourist tax revenue for November 2014 was
$201,085.00, which is 5% percent higher than the tax revenue from last year
November 2013. The bed tax portion of the tourist received was $40,217.00, which is
41% higher than what was originally budgeted.
Tourist Development Council Meeting ◊ January 14, 2015
Charlotte then addressed the expense vs. revenue report and gave background
on the negative net income figures due to aid from previous months being billed in
total in the month of November.
Charlotte reported an increase in website activity of the St. Lucie County Tourism
web site for the month of December also in comparison to prior months there was an
increase and to December of last year there was increase. She reported that the
website visits for the 2014 was 124,000 and in 2013 was only 103,000.
7. 300th Anniversary of Spanish Treasure Fleet:
Mayor Linda Hudson began the presentation by giving some background history
and the significance of the Spanish Treasure Fleet that sunk during a hurricane in
July 1715. Then she introduced Ted Burrows who continued the presentation with a
more in-depth description of the fleet’s history and the history of the Treasure Coast.
Burrows concluded the presentation with asking the Tourist Development Council
for support of future endeavors with the historical society and events associated with
the recognition of this historic event.
8. Tourism Promotion Activities Update:
Charlotte Bireley started her presentation with a reference to a hand out in the
TDC packet that highlighted that Saint Lucie County Equestrian events have doubled
at SLC fairgrounds. The events are responsible for attracting over 50% more visitors
to our area.
Charlotte also highlighted how the improvements at the fairgrounds have
contributed to attracting the horse community.
In addition, Charlotte mentioned IPW is offering a FAM tour of travel writers and
bloggers that are coming to one of the biggest travel shows in Orlando. After the IPW
conference those writers have been invited to stay after and visit some of the selected
travel destinations of Florida. Charlotte stated that if SLC is chosen to host the group it
could be very beneficial for receiving positive publicity.
The SLC annual FAM tour this year will focus on the city of Fort Pierce and the
following year will focus on the city of Port Saint Lucie. The theme this year is Fort
Pierce for fishing and families. Charlotte then gave some proposed ideas on how the
FAM tour will tie the families and the fishing professionals together thus appealing to
both targeted groups.
Charlotte also gave an update on the letter of support that was written on behalf
of the TDC supporting the rezoning of North Hutchinson Island beach property as a
commercial resort area.
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Tourist Development Council Meeting ◊ January 14, 2015
Bireley concluded her presentation with informing the council of a recent golf
writer from Sweden that writes for an online publication. He golfed extensively in Saint
Lucie County and noted that the courses were some of the top in Florida.
Charlotte also gave an update on the local webcams. She reported that 2 of the 3
cameras are up, but are not publicized. They are currently waiting on the installation of
a dedicated hard line at the third location.
9. Other Business:
Commissioner Dzadovsky reiterated the initial mission statement of the council.
He also expounded on how successful the council had been thus far on promoting
the tourism.
Paul Taglieri gave an update on the state of the art gym facility. The facility will be
open for possible use.
10. Adjournment:
Meeting adjourned at 2:45 PM.
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