Okaloosa County BOCC — March 24, 2016 — Minutes

Tourist Development Council 1540 Miracle Strip Parkway Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Regular Meeting www.EmeraldCoastFL.com ~ Minutes ~ Thursday, March 24, 2016 2:00 PM Emerald Coast Convention Center Council Members & Staff Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Departed Dale E. Peterson Chairman, Dale E. Peterson Vacations Present - - Thomas Rice Vice-Chairman, Magnolia Grill Present - - Thom Gossom Owner, Best Gurl, Inc.- Mktg & Comm. Firm Present - - Joe Guidry Manager, Ramada Plaza Beach & RV Resorts Present - - Director of Marketing & Events, The Melissa Matern Present Boardwalk/Bone Bruce Craul Chief Operating Office, HarborWalk Hospitality Present - - Honorable Mike Anderson City of Fort Walton Beach Mayor Present - - Honorable Jim Foreman City of Destin Representative Present Honorable Kelly Windes Commissioner, District 5 Present - - Ed Schroeder Director, Tourist Development Department Present - - Lynn Hoshihara TDD Attorney Present - - Pledge of Allegiance and Welcome (Dale Peterson - Chairman) Chairman Peterson called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM. Council Member Minute Mr. Craul briefly met with the Lt. Governor regarding the Senate race on his recent visit to Destin/Fort Walton Beach. HarborWalk had a good spring season and April is filling up nicely. Attendees at the Taco & Tequila Festival enjoyed the great weather, food and entertainment. Mr. Guidry noticed at least two previous TDC Chairmen in attendance at today’s meeting, stating it is nice to see them back. Mayor Anderson attended the Transit Co-op meeting which is moving right along with its marketing plans. Tourist stops will be added along with the regular stops. All five cities (Monticello to Jay) in the local area are cooperating to make it workable. Mr. Schroeder wrote a letter of appreciation to the NW Florida League of Cities. Commissioner Windes noticed all the Destin restaurant parking lots have been full over Spring Break. Mr. Rice attended the March Snowbird meeting at the Elk’s Lodge, where Sherry Rushing was also recognized for her efforts. Chairman Peterson noted a 14-15% increase overall for the Spring season. Mr. Foreman is intrigued by the Transportation Co-op development of the Park-n-Ride to include transportation for employees in addition to tourists. Ms. Matern is pleased with activities at The Boardwalk during Spring Break, including the Kitty Hawk Kite Festival, WSA Cheerleaders Conference, Fudpucker’s Spring Volleyball Tournament, Harley Davidson Earthquake and other upcoming activities. Mr.