Title:
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Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a tourism development tax funding agreement with Historic Goldsboro Main Street, Inc. in the amount of $30,000 for the FY26 funding allocation for marketing and advertising. Countywide (Gui Cunha, Economic Development and Tourism Director)
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Division:
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Office of Economic Development and Tourism - Tourism
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Authorized By:
Gui Cunha, Economic Development and Tourism Director
Contact/Phone Number:
Gui Cunha/407-665-2901
Background:
In 2020, Seminole County Tourism initiated a marketing and advertising grant to support local efforts to advertise events and other attractions to promote Seminole County to out-of-area visitors. Per section 125.0104, Florida Statutes, known as the Local Option Tourist Development Act, the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) may be used to promote and advertise tourism to attract visitors.
Historic Goldsboro Main Street, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization and Florida Not for Profit Corporation with a seven-member voting board and one ex-officio member. The Board includes one ex-officio seat for Seminole County Tourism.
Historic Goldsboro Main Street, Inc. is funded via multiple public and private sources, which include private industry financial support, events, and in-kind support from other groups or organizations. The City of Sanford works closely with Seminole County Tourism to encourage marketing of the City as a destination. This grant provides the City, County, and Goldsboro's business community with increased ownership over the marketing of local businesses and attractions.
Seminole County Tourism coordinates with Historic Goldsboro Main Street, Inc., to ensure advertising dollars are spent within Section 125.0104 parameters while also aligning with Seminole County Tourism's overall marketing strategy.
Agreement terms include:
• Historic Goldsboro Main Street, Inc., may only use grant funds to promote out-of-county tourism. Funds may not be expended on wages or salaries, feasibility studies for facilities, or administrative expenses;
• Per Statute, funds must be used to market to visitors located outside of Seminole County;
•Historic Goldsboro Main Street, Inc., shall submit an advertisement and promotion copy paid for with TDT dollars to Seminole County Tourism for review and approval;
• Historic Goldsboro Main Street, Inc., shall provide and maintain an ex-officio seat on the Historic Goldsboro Main Street, Inc., Board for a representative of Seminole County Tourism staff; and
• Historic Goldsboro Main Street, Inc., shall provide quarterly Tourist Development Council meeting reports.
Tourist Development Council Recommendation:
At the August 17, 2023, meeting, the Tourist Development Council recommended approval for funding up to a total maximum sum of $20,000 for this grant allocation for marketing and advertising.
At the August 15, 2024, meeting, the Tourist Development Council recommended approval for funding up to a total maximum sum of $30,000 for this grant allocation for marketing and advertising.
At the August 21, 2025, meeting, the Tourist Development Council recommended approval for funding up to a total maximum sum of $30,000 for this grant allocation for marketing and advertising.
Funding History:
FY 2023/24 $20,000
FY 2024/25 $30,000
The amount requested is budgeted in the FY2025/26 Tourism Development budget.
Requested Action:
Staff requests the Board approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a tourism development tax funding agreement with Historic Goldsboro Main Street, Inc., in the amount of $30,000 for the FY26 funding allocation for marketing and advertising.