Okaloosa County BOCC — February 7, 2017 — Visit Florida Grant Application — agenda request

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: February 7, 2017 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Darrel Jones SUBJECT: Visit Florida Grant Application DEPARTMENT: Tourist Development Department BCC DISTRICT: 2,4,5 STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Request approval to submit a grant application under Visit Florida’s Cultural, Heritage, Rural and Nature Tourism Grant Program (CHRN-Marketing) to fund an artificial reef video, and to accept the grant if awarded. BACKGROUND: Visit Florida administers the CHRN-Marketing grant program to publicize the tourism advantages of Florida’s cultural, heritage, rural and nature tourism products. Each grant awarded under the program is limited to $5,000 and must be matched by non-state dollars. Staff proposes applying for $5,000 - matched by $5,000 budgeted for ecotourism promotion in the fifth penny - to create an artificial reef video highlighting the snorkel, dive, and angling opportunities along the Emerald Coast. The video would follow a narration arc that includes definitions of artificial reefs, background on Okaloosa County construction projects, what divers, anglers, and snorkelers can expect to see on their expeditions, and what resources the CVB provides to those looking to get underwater. In addition to underwater landscapes and drone images from above, the video would include footage of launch points, the harbor (where the scuba and snorkel trips depart), beautiful beaches, and interviews. The video would showcase not only options for beginners (including snorkeling and snuba), but also the advantages for advanced divers and underwater photographers. Interviews with local business owners, like charter captains and scuba outfitters, would further showcase the unique fishing and diving community calling the Emerald Coast home. The application deadline is February 10, 2017. All project/program expenditures must be completed between July 2017 and June 2018. The grant application is attached for reference. In the event the application is revised subsequent to Board approval, the final application will be presented at the next Board meeting for ratification. The Tourist Development Council reviewed and approved this application at its January 26 meeting. OPTIONS: Approve or Disapprove RECOMMENDATION: Authorize submission of a $10,000 application ($5,000 grant, $5,000 TDT match) to Visit Florida’s Cultural, Heritage, Rural and Nature Tourism Grant Program (CHRN-Marketing) for an artificial reef video, as well as authorize electronic submission and delegation of electronic signature authority by the Board to the Office of Contracts and Grants for the grant application, grant agreement if awarded, and other grant documents as may be required during the term of the grant. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: John Hofstad, County Administrator