Title:
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Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a tourism development tax funding agreement with Florida Goldsboro Main Street, Inc. in the amount of $30,000 for the FY2024/25 funding allocation for marketing and advertising. Countywide (Andrea Wesser-Brawner, Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer)
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Division:
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County Manager Office
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Authorized By:
Andrea Wesser-Brawner, Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer
Contact/Phone Number:
Andrea Wesser-Brawner/407-665-7223
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.
Florida 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.
Florida Goldsboro Main Street, Inc. is funded via the City of Sanford ($30,000). Florida Goldsboro Main Street, Inc. is expecting private industry support as well. 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 Florida 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:
• Florida 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;
•Florida Goldsboro Main Street, Inc. shall submit an advertisement and promotion copy paid for with TDT dollars to Seminole County Tourism for review and approval;
• Florida Goldsboro Main Street, Inc. shall provide and maintain an ex-officio seat on the Florida Goldsboro Main Street, Inc. Board for a representative of Seminole County Tourism staff; and
• Florida 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.
Funding History
FY 2023/24 was the first request for funding. Request was approved and authorized by the Chairman to execute a tourism grant agreement with Florida Goldsboro Main Street, Inc. in the amount of $20,000 for the FY2023/24 funding allocation for marketing and advertising.
The FY2024/25 amount requested is budgeted in the Tourism Development budget.
Requested Action:
Staff requests the Board approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a tourism development tax funding agreement with Florida Goldsboro Main Street, Inc. in the amount of $30,000 for the FY2024/25 funding allocation for marketing and advertising.