Okaloosa County BOCC — October 23, 2014 — VI.h. Conceptual Plans — reading text

TOURIST DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM DATE: October 23, 2014 TO: Tourist Development Council FROM: Ed Schroeder, Tourist Development Department Director SUBJECT: Concept Plans for Visitors Center and Convention Center Background The TDD would like to explore how to leverage existing facilities and assets to promote tourism within the taxing district. Discussion Professional planning services would address a possible attached hotel for the Convention Center and a second visitors center in Destin (e.g. draft concepts for consideration along with pros and cons for each option), but the majority of the effort will be for the Okaloosa Island Visitors Center to prepare for potential future funding (RESTORE or otherwise). Analysis for the visitors center will include basic traffic flow, interior layout concepts, expansion options, landscaping, stakeholder input, etc. A draft scope of services is included for review. This activity is not specifically included in the FY 2014-15 budget, but may be funded with a transfer from the capital outlay line item for Welcome Center Improvements (account 1173-562790). Welcome Center improvements in the amount of $370,283 were budgeted for replacing exterior siding and interior carpet as well as renovating the interior conference area to add offices. TDC Recommendation to BCC A recommendation to BCC is not necessary, as the County Administrator has been delegated the authority to approve intradepartmental budget transfers. However, TDC concurrence to move forward with the concept plan is requested.