Okaloosa County BOCC — January 26, 2017 — I. h. VisitFlorida Grant Application

TOURIST DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM DATE: January 26, 2017 TO: Tourist Development Council FROM: Darrel Jones, Interim Tourist Development Department Director Erika Zambello, Marine Economic & Tourism Development Resource Coord. SUBJECT: Visit Florida Grant Application 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 draft grant application is attached for reference. The application deadline is February 10, 2017. All project/program expenditures must be completed between July 2017 and June 2018. Pursuant to section E.300 of the TDD Manual, the Council shall review and provide a recommendation for all proposed grant agreements requiring Board approval and expenditure of tourist development tax dollars. OPTIONS: Approve or Deny RECOMMENDATION TO BCC: Contingent upon completion of the County coordination process, 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, and authorize acceptance of the grant if awarded. Application Summary Page 1 of 5 Application Summary of : Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners | Eubanks, Marcella Program Name : Emerald Coast Artificial Reef Video Organization Information Organization Information All applicants must meet eligibility requirements for the grant program. The eligibility questions are used to narrow the grant that an applicant is possibly eligible to receive. *Are you a Non-for-Profit Company? No *Are you a public entity, school district, community college, or Yes university? *Are you a current VISIT FLORIDA Premier Partner? Yes MUST BE to meet eligibility for CHRN grants. *Are you representing a rural community? No Contact Information Contact Information *Applicant Business Name: Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners *Applicant Business Mailing Address: 302 N Wilson Street, Suite 203 *City: