Okaloosa County BOCC — February 25, 2016 — Minutes

Tourist Development Council 1540 Miracle Strip Parkway Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Regular Meeting www.EmeraldCoastFL.com ~ Minutes ~ Thursday, February 25, 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/Bonezzi Development 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 stated he was proud of the attendance at the recent NW Florida Lobby Day in Tallahassee. Mayor Anderson recently spent some time in Tallahassee while the legislature was discussing using bed tax for law enforcement. Commissioner Windes stated the All Sports banquet was superb with 1,300+ attendees. Mr. Rice noted how much he appreciates our winter visitors and their participation in the local community. Mr. Foreman was introduced by Chairman Peterson and stated it is important to look after the people that vacation here. Ms. Matern had a great time with this winter’s many guests and is looking forward to spring. Attorney Update None Director Update None Public Comments Related to Current Agenda (3 minutes each) None Visitor a. City of Destin Funding Request Greg Kisela, Destin City Manager, respectfully requested resources specifically for spring break to assist in transporting underage offenders to Crestview, and to prevent escalation of the problem as happened in Bay County. Mr. Foreman commented on the difficulty of holding down taxes and providing support to special events. Chairman Peterson stated using TDC funds for this purpose is against the law and reviewed TDT funds budgeted to Destin to support tourism activities. He doesn’t feel it is right to vote on something that’s illegal. Mr. Rice motioned to table the item and Ms. Matern seconded. Mr. Anderson stated he is a