NAVARRE BEACH
8B / NAVARRE PRESS
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014
New TDC director up and running By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com Santa Rosa County's new Tourist Development Council (TDC) executive director, Julie Morgan, has hit the ground running – in part due to her extensive experience in the field. "It's a pleasure to be here. It's an honor to be chosen for this position. I really look forward to working with all of you," said Morgan, who started Oct. 31. Morgan began her career at a travel agency about 20 years ago. At the TDC’s Nov. 12 south end committee meeting she joked about how such agencies are“pret-
ty much nonexistent”nowadays. Morgan hails from the Great Smokey Mountains region of Tennessee where she served as director of the Monroe County TDC for the past 10 years. “We did a changeover there … kind of like what happened here,”Morgan said, pointing out the recent transition of the TDC from a separate entity into a county department. Morgan said her experience with county staff so far has been great, so she expressed optimism such change will be easy. Morgan told meeting attendees that she has grantwriting experience and was
involved with an effort to showcase scenic resources along Tennessee’s public highways, providing support for local and regional organizations pursuing National Byway funding and recognition. “I think that's something that we can look into down here,”she said. Morgan said she would like to get the TDC more involved in tradeshow marketing. “We haven't been as active here as we can be,”she said. “I think we'll start in January going to the shows marketing to families, snowbirds – there's going to be a lot of different niche markets.”
Photo by Romi White
Julie Morgan is the new executive director of the Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council.
Extra penny bed tax generates more than $200K for beach renourishment during summer By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com L a s t December Santa Rosa C o u n t y Commissioners voted to levy an a d d i t i o n a l Tsubooka one-cent bed tax for the purpose of beach restoration funding. That additional assessment started June 1 and generated more than $217,000 by Sept. 30 – the end of the 2013-2014 fiscal year. Santa Rosa County Public Information Officer Joy Tsubooka provided an
update on overall county bed tax revenues, which have steadily increased over the past year, at the Nov. 11 south end Tourist Development Council (TDC) committee meeting. Tsubooka reported the August 2014 bed tax collections were up 66 percent over August 2013, from $137,408 to $228,503. In September, collections were up 51.75 percent over the previous year, from $89,446 to $135,703. However, she noted those amounts included collection of the additional onecent bed tax. Tsubooka said without the additional cent
the increases were 33 percent and 21 percent for August and September, respectively. TDC mem- Gallup ber Laurie Gallup expressed concern the additional one-cent bed tax revenues were being utilized for the current beach restoration effort. “The increase was supposed to be set aside for matching funds (for) the next restoration in seven to 10 years, not to pay for this one,” Gallup said following the meeting. Gallup said for the coun-
ty to leverage higher scores and provide matches for grant funding, a designated funding source for beach restoration needs to be accumulating. Attendees decided to discuss the matter further at the Nov. 19 TDC meeting. Other matters discussed at the Nov. 11 south end TDC committee meeting included: ■ Karen Harrell, Beaches to Woodlands Tour coordinator, requested the tour's 2015 budget be increased from $35,000 to $70,000 to grow visibility in highly targeted areas. No action was taken by the committee.
■ Charlene Tremor, representing the Navarre Krewe of Jesters, sought financial support for the Navarre Beach Mardi Gras parade scheduled for Feb. 7, 2015. Tremor said the event lures about 35,000 people to the beach. The committee voted to recommend approval of a $4,000 platinum sponsorship plus $1,000 toward the purchase of beads. The matter will move forward to the TDC, Sandler which will make a final decision.
■ Mike Sandler, representing the Navarre Beach Fishing Rodeo, reported there were 118 registrants and inclement weather likely impacted participation. "We likely can grow it a bit," Sandler said. ■ Sonya Negley, representing the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station, said several water quality monitors were donated to the group and would be used to gather data on local water quality. Tsubooka said the county launched a new webpage for the tourist development organization at www.santarosa.fl.gov/tdo.
20th Annual Navarre Chamber
OPEN DAILY
Located on Navarre Beach Pier Sponsored by: The UPS Store Navarre
Saturday, December 6
PLEASE EXCUSE OUR DUST AS WE WORK TO IMPROVE OUR BAR & RESTAURANT.
Kick off the Season on Saturday, December 6th with the 2014 Annual Navarre Community Christmas Parade sponsored by Eager Beaver Professional Tree Care, LLC filled with businesses, organizations, floats & children’s groups.
Annual Navarre Community Christmas Parade Route begins at the Navarre Library & will travel south on Presidio Street, making a left onto Esplanade and ending behind Centennial Bank.
Schedule of Events Noon Navarre Chamber’s Info Booth Opens. 2014 Navarre Chamber Ornaments & T-Shirts for Sale and Angels will be available for adoption.
1 – 6 pm • Holiday Marketplace open in Navarre Park. Visit the Marketplace to find local artwork and unique gifts for everyone on your list
2 pm • Parade begins at the Navarre Library 3 – 6 pm • Mrs. Claus’ Bakery open in Navarre Park. Free cookies, hot chocolate and apple cider
WATCH FOR: OFF SEASON SEASON OPENER
• Santa’s Workshop open in Navarre Park. Free crafts for children to make
6 pm
• Live Entertainment begins in Navarre Park • Photo Opportunities with Santa & Mrs. Claus & the Grinch in Navarre Park. Bring your camera • Lighting of the Navarre Park Tree by Navarre Chamber’s 2013 Legend – Michele Tucker For More Info:
850-939-3267