Okaloosa County BOCC — May 23, 2016 — Minutes

Tourist Development Council 1540 Miracle Strip Parkway Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Regular Meeting www.EmeraldCoastFL.com ~ Minutes ~ Monday, May 23, 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 - - Melissa Matern Director of Marketing & Events, The Boardwalk/Bone Absent - - Bruce Craul Chief Operating Officer, 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 2:00pm Council Member Minute Mr. Craul stated it was the best May they have seen in Destin in a decade. Last weekend felt like Memorial Day with business from weddings, groups and military events. Mr. Craul also stated that he was happy with the new wedding guide provided by the Emerald Coast Convention Center. Mr. Gossom met with the Production Services Association of Northwest Florida, who are planning documentaries about the area, and commented there are lots of talented people in our area. Mayor Anderson reported a good beginning to the season in Fort Walton Beach. More people have come to downtown Fort Walton because of the farmer’s market and art walk. The city has also extended the concerts at the Landing through the 15 th of July. Mr. Windes stated that red snapper season begins next week and all boats are booked. Mr. Rice reminded the council that Memorial Day is the biggest weekend of the year for the area, and visitors not only patronize local businesses and restaurants but come to Memorial Day events. He reminded everyone of the dedication of the Veterans Tribute Tower at 11 am on Memorial Day. Chairman Peterson reported that he and Mr. Craul were interviewed on a Little Rock, Arkansas morning show and talked about the airlines with direct flights to Destin. Chairman Peterson also reported being at the airport last Friday for the first Allegiant Air flight to arrive from Cincinnati and the large welcoming party there. Mr. Foreman reported that there are many activities around the city of Destin - the Destin Sports Compl