
Palm Beach County
Tourist Development Council Board Book
September 2025
Palm Beach County
Tourist Development Council Board Book
September 2025
1. TDC Board Attendance 09.11.2025
2. TDC Agenda 09.11.2025
3. TDC Minutes 06.12.2025
3. TDC Minutes 07.14.2025
4. CONSENT ITEMS
4.A. DTPB Activity Report
4.B. Cultural Council Activity Report
4.C. Sports Commission Activity Report
4.D. Film & TV Monthly Newsletter
4.E. Film & TV Production Report
4.F. Convention Center Marketing Update
4.G. Convention Center Pace Revenue Report
4.H. ERM Project Status Report
4.I. PBI Traffic Report
4.J. Contract Tracking Report
4.K. Agencies Quarterly Report 06.30.25
5. OLD BUSINESS
5.D. PBI Update
6. NEW BUSINESS
6.A. Legislative Talking Points
6.B. - 1.a. Category G Grant Agreement Report
6.E. Tourism Master Plan Feedback Ranking
(1)Mayor Maria G. Marino, Chair
(4) Mabel Melton Appt (9/30/26), Dist. 3
(2) Elena Peroulakies (9/30/25)Dist. 1
(3) Jim Mostad (9/30/20) Appt (9/30/28), Dis.2
(5)Daniel Hostettler(0930/23) Appt (09/30/27). Dis 4.
(6)Deputy Vice-Mayor Rob Long (9/30/24) Appt (03/08/22) Dis.5
(7)Don Dufresne ReAp(9/30/27) Dis6
(8) Davicka N. Thompson (9/30/2024) Appt(12/6/16)RdAppt(8/25/20) [Dis.7]
(9) Commissioner Christina Lambert Appt (10/01/22)- (9/30/26) At-Large
Isami Ayala Collazo, Assistant County Administrator
Liz Herman, Assistant County Attorney
Dave Lawrence, Culture
George Linley, Sports
Michelle Hillery, Film & TV
Milton Segarra, Discover
Deborah Drum, ERM
Dave Anderson, PBCCC
Kathy Griffin, PBCCC
Emanuel Perry, TDC
Joan Hutchinson, TDC
Vannette Youyoute, TDC
Does not count towards attendance.
Thursday, September 11, 2025 – 9:00 A.M.
2195 Southern Boulevard
West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
AGENDA
1. ROLL CALL*
2. MOTION TO APPROVE AGENDA ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS*
3. MOTION TO APPROVE JUNE 12TH AND JULY 14TH TDC MEETING MINUTES*
4.
MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE CONSENT ITEMS FOR AUGUST 2025
emailed to the Board and SEPTEMBER 2025 included under this Agenda*
MARKETING AGENCIES REPORTING
A. DTPB ACTIVITY REPORT*
B. CULTURAL COUNCIL ACTIVITY REPORT*
C. SPORTS COMMISSION ACTIVITY REPORT*
D. FILM & TV MONTHLY NEWSLETTER*
E. FILM & TV PRODUCTION REPORT*
PBC CONVENTION CENTER OPERATING REPORTS
F. CONVENTION CENTER MARKETING UPDATE*
G. CONVENTION CENTER “PACE” REVENUE REPORT*
OTHER TDC-SUPPORTED AGENCY/DEPARTMENT REPORTS
H. ERM PROJECT STATUS REPORT*
I. PBI TRAFFIC REPORT*
J. CONTRACT TRACKING REPORT*
K. AGENCIES QUARTERLY REPORT 06.30.25*
5. OLD BUSINESS – DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. TDC TOURISM PERFORMANCE METRICS
1. TDC DASHBOARD CURRENT MONTH & FY2025* - Emanuel Perry
a. Bed Tax Collections*
B. REIMBURSEMENT FROM RDCS REVENUE BONDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $7M – Emanuel Perry
C. FLORIDA DOGE UPDATE – Emanuel Perry
D. PBI UPDATE* – Andrew Gamboa
E. BOCA RATON MUSEUM OF ART - Dave Lawrence/Dr. Ena Heller
A. LEGISLATIVE TALKING POINTS FEEDBACK* - Emanuel Perry
B. SPORTS COMMISSION
1. MOTION TO APPROVE The Category “G” Grant Agreements* - George Linley
a. The World Croquet Federation (WCF) World Croquet Championship (October 1826, 2025) – National Croquet Center -NEW
C. MOTION TO APPROVE FY2026 DTPB MARKETING PLAN* - Milton Segarra
D. MOTION TO APPROVE FY2026 FILM & TV MARKETING PLAN* - Michelle Hillery
E. TOURISM MASTER PLAN FEEDBACK & RANKING* - Emanuel Perry/Richard Cutting Miller
F. ERM
1. Update – Deb Drum
G. CULTURAL COUNCIL
1. Update – Dave Lawrence
H. CONVENTION CENTER
1. OVG Venue Management
a. Update - Dave Anderson
2. OVG Hospitality
b. Update - Kathy Griffin
The next meeting will be on OCTOBER 9, 2025. *Attachment included.
Thursday, June 12, 2025 – 9:00 A.M.
Present
Mayor Maria G. Marino, Chair
Jim Mostad
Mabel Melton
Elena Peroulakies
Daniel Hostettler
Deputy Vice-Mayor Rob Long
Don Dufresne
Davicka Thompson
Commissioner Christina Lambert
Staff
Isami Ayala Collazo, Assistant County Administrator
Liz Herman, Assistant County Attorney
Emanuel Perry, Tourist Development Council
Vannette Youyoute, Tourist Development Council
Joan Hutchinson, Tourist Development Council
Colton Hearn, Tourist Development Council
Patricia Ramirez, Tourist Development Council
Kathy Alex, Cultural Council
Lauren Perry, Cultural Council
Vicky Jackson, Cultural Council
George Linley, Sports Commission
David Fontanarosa, Sports Commission
James Taylor, Sports Commission
Tyra Williams, Sports Commission
Michelle Hillery, Film & TV Commission
Alberto Jordat, Film & TV Commission
Milton Segarra, Discover The Palm Beaches
Evan Lomrantz, Discover The Palm Beaches
Gustav Weibull, Discover The Palm Beaches
Erika Constantine, Discover The Palm Beaches
Heather Andrews, Discover The Palm Beaches
Sergio Piedra, Discover The Palm Beaches
Kelly Cavers, Discover The Palm Beaches
Deb Drum, ERM
Dave Anderson, Convention Center/Spectra Venue Management
Kathy Griffin, Convention Center/Spectra Hospitality
Nicole Hughes, PBI Airports
Other
Todd Fleming, PGA Tour
Josh Brown, Sinclair Travel
Jodi Cross, FRLA
Derrick Steinour, Hilton WPB
Alex O’Connor, Related Ross
Kimmie Kiely, Kravis Center
2. MOTION TO APPROVE AGENDA ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
Motion to approve the change on the Sports Commission Update speaker, James Taylor, to George Linley, was made by Don Dufresne and seconded by Davicka Thompson. Motion carried 8-0 With Deputy Vice Mayor Rob Long absent.
3. MOTION TO APPROVE MAY 8TH
Motion to approve May 8th, TDC Meeting Minutes was approved by Commissioner Christina Lambert and seconded by Don Dufresne. Motion carried 8-0 With Deputy Vice Mayor Rob Long absent
4. MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE CONSENT ITEMS FOR JUNE 2025
MARKETING AGENCIES REPORTING
A. DTPB ACTIVITY REPORT*
B. CULTURAL COUNCIL ACTIVITY REPORT*
C. SPORTS COMMISSION ACTIVITY REPORT*
D. FILM & TV MONTHLY NEWSLETTER*
E. FILM & TV PRODUCTION REPORT*
PBC CONVENTION CENTER OPERATING REPORTS
F. CONVENTION CENTER MARKETING UPDATE*
G. CONVENTION CENTER “PACE” REVENUE REPORT*
OTHER TDC-SUPPORTED AGENCY/DEPARTMENT REPORTS
H. ERM PROJECT STATUS REPORT*
I. PBI TRAFFIC REPORT*
J. CONTRACT TRACKING REPORT*
K. AGENCIES FY25 QUARTERLY REPORT 03.31.2025*
L. AGENCIES FY25 PERFORMANCE MEASURES REPORT 03.31.2025*
Motion to receive and file Consent Items for June 2025 was made by Jim Mostad and seconded by Davicka Thompson. Motion carried 8-0 With Deputy Vice Mayor Rob Long absent.
A. TDC TOURISM PERFORMANCE METRICS
Perry
1. TDC DASHBOARD CURRENT MONTH & FY2025* - Emanuel Perry a. Bed Tax Collections*
Bed Tax Collection –April 2025, collected in May, was $9M, compared to the same month last year at $8M, a 11% increase. Actual April was 13% above the Budget and (32%) below the prior month at $13M. Actual April was 13% higher than April 2023.
FYTD 2025 Collections, at $72M, were 8% higher than the last fiscal year to date. FYTD collections are 12% above theApproved Budget and 11% higher than 2023 collections.
The Rooms sold forApril were 434,471, 6% higher than last year. Rooms available for April at 585,540 are 2% higher than last year. Hotel RoomsActive today in the county at 19,518
Occupancy forApril 2025 was 74.2%, 4% higher than last year. Occupancy forApril 2024 was 71.4%. April 2023 was 73.4%. The average daily rate forApril was $316.16, 13% higher than last year and 9% above 2023. The Revenue/Available Room forApril 2025 was $234.54 higher than the priorApril by 18%.
InApril, Hotel Room Net Sales FY25 year over year increased 18% at $132M compared to $112M. Non-hotel room sales FY25 year over year in April increased 3% at $25M compared to $24M. Hotel room net sales FYTD 2025 increased 11% from $978M to $880M. Non-hotel Room Sales FYTD 2025 increased 5% at $216M compared to $206M. FYTD 2025 Taxable Revenues Fiscal Year over FY2024 increased 10% at $1.2B compared to $1.1B. FYTD 2025 Taxable Revenues Fiscal Year over FY2023 increased 12% at $1.2B compared to $1M.
Airport passengers for April 2025 were 846,547, 7% higher than inApril 2024, and the Total Estimated Seat Capacity is 4% higher than lastApril, with 1,050,753 seats. PBI Passenger 12-month rolling is an 8% increase at 8,582,023 over last year.
Leisure & Hospitality Employment forApril, 97,800, decreased (3%) over the same month last year. Employment accommodation was 2% higher compared to last year, at 12,800 employees. F&B was (3%) lower than last year at 61,000 employees. Arts & Entertainment employment is (4%) lower than last year at 24,000 employees.
I want to highlight the upcoming visionary workshop on Wednesday, June 18th, from 8:30 to 2. We have nearly 200 registered participants, and we want to ensure you come out and help provide valuable insight into what we will present before it goes back before the TDC, and before it moves to the BCC.
Perry
I just want to highlight the annual report; my team member, Mr. Hearn, led a great redesign of the report. During the design phase, we aimed to make sure it was easy to
read, something you could pick up and take to Tallahassee if needed, to have those conversations about how impactful tourism is to Palm Beach County. We have some great pictures of everyone around this table. The feedback you provided was helpful, and the redesign looked great.
Commissioner Lambert
How do you distribute this?
Perry
First, it will be distributed online. We plan to have a few printed copies, which will be staged at some of our visitor centers. Additionally, some will be staged elsewhere, but we will ensure they are displayed at the governmental center and attempt to reach all the government offices. If you'd like copies, we are more than happy to supply them.
Commissioner Lambert
I was just wondering if there are stakeholders or individuals who, you know, we should make sure that they get them. It looks great.
Perry
Included in there is a section on ecotourism and transportation. If you're looking for guidance on how to navigate Palm Beach County or if there are specific attractions you would like to visit, we have that information covered as well.
Hughes
Our total number of passengers was 7,230, representing a 3.5% increase. Seat capacity decreased by 0.1%, totaling 1,014,286. Air carrier operations increased by 0.1%, reaching 6,114. However, general aviation saw a decline of 28.6%, bringing the total to 8,468. Overall, total operations decreased by 18.5%. In March, we reported 14,582 passengers, which marked a 4.7% increase, with a total reaching 989,910. Total seat capacity rose by 4.2%, reaching 1,199,649. Air carrier operations were up by 0.4% at 7,504, while general aviation decreased by 25.5% to 9,879. Overall, total operations dropped by 14.6%, totaling 17,383 in April 2025. In terms of total passengers, we saw an increase of 7.1%, resulting in 8,046 passengers. Seat capacity also rose by 4%, reaching 1,050,753. Air carrier operations increased by 2.8% to 6,476, while general aviation declined by 17.25% to 9,386. Total operations similarly decreased by 10.3% to 15,802. The decline in operations is largely attributed to temporary flight restrictions during President Trump's visits, which create a 10-mile no-fly zone and a 30-mile restricted area. This significantly impacts our general aviation sector. I've heard that the nearby OCA has experienced an increase in operations as a result of these restrictions affecting all of OCA and Stewart.
Commissioner Lambert
What do the numbers tell us? Is their impact equal to that of the context? If we could prepare questions in advance, it would be very helpful.
Mayor Marino
I believe the data indicates that our numbers will decrease when the president is in residence or visiting. Conversely, when he is not here, we can expect numbers similar to those of last year.
Hughes
And it impacts general aviation more than commercial airlines
Mayor Marino
But from a revenue perspective, how is it impacting us? Because the numbers can say one thing, but the revenue attached, the numbers can say something else.
Hughes
We are still doing fairly well based on everything. And he is not here now, so he'll be gone for the summer.
Peroulakis
Do you have any data on the Fort Lauderdale airport? Because the hotels are doing great. This was one of the best Aprils that we all had. Are they flying to Lauderdale, then coming up?
Hughes
No. We are still above Fort Lauderdale in traffic. They have seen a lot of cuts that we have not, mostly with JetBlue, which has cut some routes from Fort Lauderdale, but we have not been impacted by their other services.
Ayala
It is worth emphasizing that general aviation is affected, not commercial aviation. This is why you might still be tracking.
Hughes
And most of the general aviation, and there are tourists as well who come in. General aviation is impacted, but they are still coming into the county.
Commissioner Lambert Is General Aviation all non-commercial?
Hughes Yes. Private, private charters.
Segarra
Based on the numbers we have from the leisure side of the business, 60% of our visitors are arriving at Fort Lauderdale airport. That is how you see they get here, and how you compare the total number of visitors when you add PBI and the others. That is where they land in Fort Lauderdale.
Mayor Marino
The bigger question is the same time last year, was it the same number? Was it 60% coming through Lauderdale, or was it 60% coming through Palm Beach?
Segarra
It has been kind of a number we can double-check. Traditionally, that is the number.
Hughes
Breeze has added two new routes in addition to the ones in Ohio and Richmond, Virginia, which will operate twice a week year-round, starting on September 5th. Originally, the Canton route was scheduled to begin on August 7th. Southwest Airlines is introducing a new route to Orlando, which will offer twice-daily year-round service starting on August 5th. This route is intended to serve as a southeastern hub, allowing travelers to make connections in Orlando instead of Atlanta. Additionally, passengers can take Brightline or fly with JetBlue, which is forming a partnership with Brightline. They are promoting this partnership to encourage travelers to fly and then take Brightline.
Dufresne
Southwest was cheaper than Brightline now.
Melton
You're right. That has been a complaint. Management has been advised that it is not great for them; that is a problem. They are going to have to address it.
6. NEW BUSINESS – DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. CULTURAL COUNCIL
1. MOTION TO APPROVE CULTURAL COUNCIL CAT B & CII GRANTS* - Kathy Alex/Vicky Jackson
2. Update – Kathy Alex
Alex
Dave Lawrence is out for a week. I've come to represent, and today we are requesting a motion to approve the category B and category CII grants. The panels meet in May. In your package, you see a listing. The category B total grants are $5,544,108, and category. CII $2,606,649.
Perry
We have two board members, Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Mostad, participating in the panel reviews. I'll ask them to share their feedback on how the reviews went. The Category CII grants were reviewed in half a day, while the Category B grants took nearly the entire day. I've invited my board members to offer their insights.
Thompson
Vicky and Kathy Alex, and the team did wonderfully in executing a very efficient new process. With regard to the grant reviews, we learned a wealth of information regarding the organizations. And I am grateful that I have the opportunity to participate in the process again this year and look forward to being there next year.
Mostad
It was a remarkable experience to participate in this event. This was the first time I had attended, and having the heads of every major cultural institution in one room at the same time was incredibly powerful. The professionalism and dedication required to secure this level of funding from these organizations are truly impressive. I highly commend Dave and his entire staff for their efforts in organizing it all. I believe that anyone who is committed to being part of the TDC board in the long run should attend one of these events; it is eye-opening and raises important questions. It is beneficial to understand the diversity of what culture represents and how these organizations operate.
Thompson
Especially the emerging organizations.
Dufresne
Are these for two years?
Perry
Yes, the organizations are required to match the funds dollar for dollar. This means they must first spend their own money before receiving any reimbursement. When they submit their request for reimbursement, it's important to verify that the funds were spent appropriately. Additionally, a detailed analysis should be provided to ensure that all expenditure is accurately recorded.
Commissioner Lamber
And just in light of the conversation, are the emerging organizations, the ones with $2M revenues and under?
Alex
We typically refer to these small organizations as Category CI, which is funded by ad valorem, as emerging.
Commissioner Lambert
I want to ensure we're not over-allocating. Of course, we aim to be fiscally responsible with the funds, but we also do not want to make it hard for emerging groups to access funding because we want them to succeed. This is important because I've served on those committees before, and it is amazing to see what these organizations are doing in our community. So, thank you.
Dufresne
Is the application process only open once every two years? Why is that? Why does somebody have to wait to make an application?
Perry
Traditionally, it is a grant process that ensures we have a two-year contract with the county. However, that is something we can consider modifying. With this process, we provide grant writing assistance. If an applicant needs help with grant writing for an
organization, that support is offered through the Cultural Council. We guide them through it at a high level, explain what they need, and walk them through the application process.
Dufresne
Why, an organization have to apply every two years, and is it not an open annual?
Mayor Marino
But are the dollars allotted annually?
Hutchinson
Yes, I can help clarify that. I've been involved in this process with Vicki, and I can say that the application process can be quite complex for many smaller organizations. It takes time to prepare them for it. Vicki and her staff spent those two years working with these organizations to help them get ready. It's important to note that this is just how the process works there isn't a backlog of people waiting to apply.
Dufresne
If the Polo Museum Hall of Fame wants to apply, they now have to wait two years to make an application.
Perry
Yes, but we can welcome them to apply.
Dufresne
You can still do a two-year deal and have it on a rolling two-year deal, but you can do it every year.
Mostad
I believe we should visit that place. You know, waiting two more years is frustrating. The administrative process behind this is more tedious than anything I’ve ever experienced. It's not just a matter of filling out a simple application and waiting. It requires diligent management of every dollar spent, which is truly remarkable. However, there is a case to be made for implementing an annual secondary process, especially for those who are exceptionally deserving. It's been a long time since your last visit, so I think we should consider going back.
Mayor Marino
In addition to the emerging projects, all of them are actively involved in writing grants as part of their regular activities. This process is something they should anticipate, as it is an ongoing task that they engage in daily. This applies to all the nonprofits involved.
Dufresne
If it takes them two years to get their act. I think it should be open more often than once every two years.
Thompson
I think it has to be held back.
Mostad
Then you could accrue for it from a financial perspective or anticipate it. We have some anticipatory dollars in the budget.
Perry
That is something that we can look at. We will visit. Do you have any applicants in mind?
Dufresne
I was mentioning a museum off the top of my head because I don't see it listed here. However, I'm not sure what other options are available. There are certainly many possibilities. If you're a startup organization or if you've been operating for a couple of years and want to apply for funding, you may have to wait two more years. For some organizations, this wait could determine their survival, as it heavily relies on funding. I believe that two years is a long time to wait, especially since there's a lot of cash available that could be distributed during that period.
Mayor Marino
How many people are applying, and how many organizations are applying?
Dufresne
I would say it is more discouraging to tell somebody they have to wait two years to get money.
Mayor Marino
Especially when you are budgeting on an annual basis.
Mostad
To qualify is something else. They are matching off. These aren't startups. This is not a pipe dream. These are typically entities that have had some success, are already on the ground. But you're right, Don, there is something to be said about our whole goal behind culture, and it is to grow culture. That is something that will help. Be interesting to put these takes in the long run, we should support it.
Dufresne
The Polo museum is the only one in the world. It has a building on Lake Worth Road, a place that could probably be used a little more.
Jackson
I manage the grants program at the Cultural Council, and I wanted to highlight some important information regarding our grant categories. As Kathy mentioned, we have the Category C1 grant, which is not specifically a marketing grant, but we have allocated additional funds to that pool every year, allowing individuals to apply annually. For the B and CII categories, there are specific eligibility criteria that applicants must meet. Organizations applying for the CII grant must have been established for at least two
years and must meet certain operating revenue requirements. For the Category B grant, organizations need to have been established for at least five years. Therefore, simply having the application open every year may not necessarily help with these criteria, as applicants must meet the requirements first in order to be considered. Since I have been with the Cultural Council for almost seven years, I can share that every applicant who has scored 80 or above has been awarded funding. We haven't turned anyone away. We also engage in extensive marketing in advance to ensure the community is well-informed about when applications will be opening. This promotional effort typically occurs a few months before the application period, ensuring that individuals are aware and ready to apply for this program. I wanted to provide this additional information for clarity.
I am not suggesting that they change their underwriting criteria. But sports do grants like every two months on a rotating, rolling basis.
Motion to approve Cultural Council Cat B Grants was made by Jim Mostad and seconded by Don Dufresne. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion to approve Cultural Council Cat CII was made by Davicka Thompson and seconded by Jim Mostad. Motion carried unanimously.
Alex
We are excited to partner with the Sports Commission and TDC for the National Battle of the Bands event. In January, we released an RFQ for artists to create a signature artwork for a commemorative poster. We’re also collaborating with Boca Raton to scout locations for a mural in Pearl City to celebrate the event as a lasting legacy. Today, the grant panels approved recommendations for B and CII thanks to Jim Mostad, Davicka Thompson, and Emmanuel Perry for their service. Our grant system and review process are recognized for their fairness and transparency, and this year’s panelists were outstanding. In May, we had another successful Mosaic event, with 29 cultural partners and 34 offers, the highest participation in our seven-year history, involving 112 artists across 55 locations. For our artist innovation fellowships, we are concluding the showcase exhibition on July 10th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, which supports seasoned artists as cultural ambassadors for Palm Beach County. This summer, our staff will be in deep planning mode for our 26th season, with a retreat in early August key to that process. Thank you!
Thompson
This concerns the local council and mail appropriations at the state level, funded by both the Senate and the House before reaching the governor. Are there any updates on potential funding this year? Last year, culture and arts funding was cut to zero.
Perry
It was vetoed by the governor. The House and Senate both agreed to support Cultural organizations, but it still lies on the shoulders of the governor. We should know more by tomorrow. I think he has until the 21st to sign the bills.
B. COGNIZANT CLASSIC 2025 RECAP* – Emanuel Perry/Todd Fleming
At our previous board meeting, we talked about recapping with Mr. Fleming, the executive director of the PGA Tour, for this board to give an overview and a recap of what has happened during the last tournament in February-March.
The 2025 Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches marked a new direction for the event, focusing on modernizing through enhanced experiences and partnerships. We aimed to strengthen existing ties while expanding into new areas of the county. I'm pleased to report we elevated the event with successful partnerships, including a multi-year agreement with FPL and NextEra. This year, we collaborated with PBI to stage cars for players at the airport, easing operational burdens and enriching our relationship with them. Additionally, we participated in Mr. Hostettler's Artisans Food and Wine Festival, where we were the presenting partner and sponsored an after-party, which will continue next year. We aimed for a modern look and feel, and while attendees appreciated our approach, our Thursday food presentation fell short, setting an unintended tone for the weekend. Our catering and concessions partners are actively working with the county and Yachts Festival to improve for next time.
We've held numerous meetings to ensure we get it right. We need to continue enhancing our food experience year after year. I'm pleased to report that many local vendors participated, and we had a Michelin Star chef and Chef Lindsey from Honeybell involved, which greatly improved our offering.
We collaborated with Milton, George, and Emmanuel on several enhancements, focusing on refining the experiential aspects within our structures. A highlight was the popular congregating spot between holes 9, 10, and 11, where ESPN West Palm broadcasted live from our activation. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, we need to address operational issues, specifically in communication between our operations team, partners, and vendors. While we fell short in some areas, we’re actively making improvements. On a positive note, we saw a 27% increase in national broadcast viewers and a 19% increase in international viewers year over year. Key storylines, such as Jake Knapp’s course record on Thursday and Florida State graduate Luke Clanton earning his PGA Tour card at our event, contributed significantly to this success.
I was glad that he didn't qualify in the fall so he could qualify at our event, which contributed to the broadcast increases we've seen. Overall, golf has gained more viewers, but our storyline on Thursday and Friday truly propelled that. Jake Knapp won on Saturday with a notable leaderboard presence, including Clanton and Ricky. On Sunday, despite difficulties on 11, Jake's challenges allowed Joe Smith to shoot back-to-back course records with a 64 to become our champion for 2025. These statistics are significant for our media impact, driving over $70 million in earned media value for our partnership with the Palm Beaches. We've executed various promotional activities, emphasizing both media engagement and tourism amenities, which have driven a 12% increase in room nights from 2024 to 2025.
Notably, visitors traveled an average of 41 miles to attend, showcasing our growing reach. We plan to delve into more data in the coming years and noticed that the top DMAs attending our event include Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade, New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia. We aim to attract more visitors from these areas and strategically market Palm Beach County to ignite interest for early spring travel and entertainment.
We have made some tough decisions about what to build and how to build it. I’m proud to report that our hospitality purchases grew by 26%. Most importantly, we saw a 27% increase in general fan purchases. This shows that we can offer high-end experiences while still improving the overall experience for everyday fans and families attending the event. As we refine our marketing message moving forward, I believe we can continue to see these positive numbers increase year after year. This is a great story to share: we have something for everyone. Additionally, this event has a strong charitable history. This year, I’m pleased to announce we will impact Palm Beach County by $6 million from the tournament. This will make it one of the largest charitable impacts in the tournament's history. Overall, we have raised almost $80 million since the tournament began. On July 14th, we will hold a ceremony with the Nicholas family and the Nicholas Children's Healthcare Foundation. We will distribute checks to grant recipients from the tournament, allowing them to participate in the celebration as well. This will help us share important stories about how the contributions assist these organizations, allowing us to communicate effectively in the marketplace.
I am extremely proud and grateful for the support of the mayor, Milton, Emmanuel, George, and the associate boards. They trusted me with this new vision. I know change can be tough, and things can feel different, but I believe we now have a solid foundation to build on together. I am excited to explore how we can continue this partnership in the future and appreciate what you all helped us achieve for 2025.
1. MOTION TO APPROVE The Category “G” Grant Agreements* - George Linley
a. Perfect Game WWBA World Championships /Perfect Game WWBA 13U & 14U World Championship (October 3-20, 2025) – CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium & Santaluces Athletic Complex
b. Columbus Day Discovery Showdown (October 9-12, 2025) – Palm Beach Skate Zone and Palm Beach Ice Works
c. USTA Columbus Day Open Hosted by the City of Delray Beach (October 11-13, 2025) - Delray Beach Tennis Center, Delray Swim & Tennis Club, the Boca Raton Swim & Racquet Club, Broken Sound Country Club, Boca West Country Club, and Hunters Run Country Club
$129,000 13,470
$8,000 800
$7,500 500
d. World Comes to the Palm Beaches (October 2226, 2025) CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, Seminole Palms Park & Santaluces Athletic Complex
e. I Do Beach Tennis ITF Palm Beach World Tour 2025 (November 5-9, 2025) – Riviera Beach Municipal Beach Park
f. Men's Senior Baseball League Fall Classic (November 8-22, 2025) - CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches and Roger Dean
g. International Rush Cup (November 20-23, 2025) – The Gardens North County District Park
h. 2025 FuelTech Hydrodrags Nationals/World Championships (November 22-23, 2025) – Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park
i. Equestrian Holiday & Horses Circuit (November 26 - December 21, 2025) –Wellington International
j. “Little Mo” Internationals in Florida (December 5-10, 2025) - Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center
k. Battle Youth National Championship (December 8-14, 2025) Village Park Athletic Complex and Greenview Shores Park
l. Garden of Life Palm Beaches Marathon (December 13-14, 2025) Meyer Park Amphitheatre
m. Holiday Basketball Classic in The Palm Beaches (December 27-30, 2025), Palm Beach Gardens High School, The Benjamin School, and Palm Springs Middle School
n. Elite Tournaments Girls Pre-Academy Championships (January 23-25, 2026) Village Park Athletic Complex and Greenview Shores Park
o. Men’s Eastern National Championships (May 23-26, 2026) Palm Beach County Convention Center
1,800
3,500
1,000
12,375
2. Update – George Linley
Linley
The category G grants have been reviewed and approved by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission Grant Committee and our board of directors. These grants support 15 events with regional, national, and global reach, helping cover operational costs for event rights holders in the county. One major event is the Perfect Games World Championships, which attracts over 250 travel teams and nearly 12,000 athletes, generating over 10,000 room nights last year despite disruptions from Hurricane Milton.
This October, we'll also host an amateur baseball tournament for adults, which will have a demand for 6,000 room nights.
Additional events include an international baseball tournament at Cacti Park, a stop on the International Tennis Federation's Beach Tennis World Tour in Riviera Beach, and the Battle Youth National Championships for youth tackle football, which involves over 2,600 attendees. We've also secured the USA Gymnastics Men's Eastern National Championship at the Convention Center and will host two national soccer tournaments, a Hydro Drag National Championship, the Palm Beaches Marathon, and various other sporting events. In total, these events are contracted for over 64,000 room nights, with an investment of $8.38 per room night, showcasing our county's diversity as a sports destination and offering a strong ROI.
Mayor Marino
Talking about ice hockey and the situation in Palm Beach Gardens regarding their hockey facility, which is still in the early stages of construction. The not-for-profit organization that was partnering with the city has not met its required benchmarks. This is the same group from the previous iteration of the project, and they have requested extensions in the past. However, the city of Palm Beach Gardens has decided that it will not grant any more extensions. They need to complete the project by July 3rd, or it will face termination. This is just a heads-up on the situation.
Linley
If that had happened, we would have had eight ice rinks in the county. Boca Ice is the newest addition and has been around for a couple of years. Ice hockey is our fastestgrowing sport; we've gone from two events to 11, indicating its growth in Florida. A significant reason for this is families relocating from the Northeast, prompting real estate agents to inquire about local ice amenities. Unfortunately, this conversation began even before COVID, and we've seen various locations considered. Notably, figures like Gretzky expressed interest, but investments often depend on having facilities built. We'll see what happens by July 3rd.
Motion to approve the Category G Grant Agreements was made by Don Dufresne and seconded by Daniel Hostettler. Motion carried unanimously 9-0.
Linley
Yesterday, I attended a press conference in Delray Beach with Deputy Vice Mayor Rob Long to announce that the Davis Cup is returning to Palm Beach County for the second time since 2004. Known as the World Cup of Tennis, it features 150 teams competing and will run from September 12th to 14th, with matches between the USA and the Czech Republic. This event is expected to attract a large crowd to the Delray Beach Tennis Center.
Additionally, team bases will soon be set up, with Real Madrid and Manchester City visiting Boca Raton. We hope to have a community day and are bringing alumni for media relations. While we focus on Real Madrid, it's important to note that Manchester City is also an outstanding program, having recently won the Club World Cup. We recently hosted the NCAA Division II Men's National Golf Championship, with West
Florida emerging as the winner. Next year, we'll also host the Women's Championship. I almost missed today’s meeting at the Florida Sports Summit in Jensen Beach, where the Florida Sports Foundation’s board, still not fully appointed, was discussed. The Foundation is crucial for state sports initiatives, and I'm meeting their new CEO today to strengthen our relationship. Despite challenges, sports remain a priority in upcoming legislation, and we hope for continued support from the foundation.
Dufresne
And it may be under additional scrutiny because of a new story that broke earlier this week.
Linley
She is currently the athletic director at Florida A&M. Interestingly, a story has emerged that wasn't addressed at the recent summit. The former athletic director at Florida A&M also served as the CEO and president of the Sports Foundation. If you look at the article, you'll see that the situation does not reflect well on her or her time in that position.
1. Update – Deb Drum
Drum
This time of year, sargassum weed is often highlighted in the media, particularly concerning Mexico and the Caribbean, with recent increases noted on our local beaches, though this is typical for the season. While the volume of sargassum is normal, certain conditions may lead to localized concentrations. We’re actively involved in a statewide effort with all agencies to track and predict any regional impacts, ensuring that updates are communicated through Emanuel and Milton’s teams. It's important to recognize that much of the media focus on sargassum pertains to other regions, not necessarily reflecting our local conditions.
Additionally, there is growing concern regarding a significant federal initiative to reduce FEMA support after disasters, which affects our beach program financing. Historically, Florida relied heavily on federal aid, like the over $5.5 billion after Hurricane Irma. If FEMA support diminishes, local governments may bear greater financial burdens. We are closely monitoring these discussions, as they present a vulnerability to our funding strategy.
1. Update* – Milton Segarra
Segarra
As of yesterday at 6:00 PM, HP 733, which aimed to eliminate TDT and redirect taxes to offset property taxes, has been eliminated from consideration. The tax budget conference has been extended until June 19th, allowing for further discussions. Currently, the Senate's position is against allowing similar amendments to be reintroduced. Potential changes include a cap of $50 million for marketing expenditure or a referendum every
eight years for community input on tax collection. We expect that these options will not advance.
Following a 72-hour hold, the budget will go to the governor for signature, although we do not anticipate any tourism-related actions from him. As we prepare for future discussions, particularly for the 2026 agenda, I recommend that our organization, Destinations Florida, collaboratively brainstorm options to address potential changes in tax distribution and collection. We have a few months to gather data and strategize, as our current structure is among the best in the state, effectively using funds and demonstrating strong ROI across the industry.
Mostad
Something is going to change. We have got to acknowledge that. I want to support you.
Dufresne
It doesn't have to change if you have the right approach. This is seven years of discussion, and still no one's engaged in the appropriate way to handle this issue. And rather than getting further from extinction, you can get closer to extinction.
Weibull
May is an impressive month. Each week shows strong growth in room night sales and double-digit revenue increases. This reflects positive trends across 19 areas in the county, including events in Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and Boca. Overall, we're seeing significant progress compared to last year, driven by leisure performance and rising transient demand.
Gustav Weibull continued with the presentation.
Cavers
We focus our sales activities on 15 target states where we see the most opportunities. Our main markets are Miami and Fort Lauderdale, but new destinations like Savannah, which recently expanded its Convention Center, are gaining attention. We’re also investing in the California and Texas markets, particularly Dallas and San Diego.
Kelly Cavers continued with the presentation.
F. FILM & TV
1. Update – Michelle Hillery
Hillery
April has been a productive month in Palm Beach County, with a 3% revenue increase and over $6 million spent on film and television production. A total of 70 projects have been permitted through our office, contributing to approximately $74 million year-todate. We’re gearing up for our sponsorship and development committee meetings this summer, featuring nine pitches – five returning shows and four new ones. One standout project is "Access to the Palm Beaches," which highlights our efforts for people with disabilities. Another new show, "Making Waves in the Palm Beaches," hosted by Theo
Dorsey, focuses on sports venues. We managed to significantly reduce costs for some pitches while ensuring great reach, including a project that spans 130 markets. Our sponsorship budget is $1 million, and while we're merely a sponsor, we curate a wealth of tourism-focused content.
We're also working to diversify distribution beyond traditional platforms like PBS and Destination America, exploring options like Discovery, Pluto, and Roku. Additionally, we’re installing Palm Beach’s TV channel in local hotels to increase access. This year, our programming achieved 11 Telly Awards out of 13,000 entries, including one gold award. We'll share a short video highlighting these shows.
Team effort is crucial, and we're thrilled to collaborate with local production companies to create award-winning content. PBS will host a screening of "Playing in the Palm Beaches" this Friday at 6 PM at Arts Warehouse, featuring a Q&A with Frank Licari. I want to thank everyone involved in the student showcase of films, which celebrates 30 years of showcasing young talent from Palm Beach County and aims to retain that talent in Florida. I've attended Cannes for the first time and represented Palm Beaches alongside other Florida film commissions. Our collaboration allowed us to create a Florida Day at the festival, which is the largest and oldest film festival, with thousands of attendees and films.
Despite Florida lacking film incentives, we remain committed to building the film industry in Palm Beach County, as demonstrated by three consecutive years of recordbreaking numbers. We continue to explore new projects and keep the momentum going.
Commissioner Lambert
I attended the Student Showcase in the past. Have you ever looked at moving the location? Because it seems like we are busting at the seams there
Hillery
We've been at the Maltz for three years after moving from the Wall Performing Arts Center at Lynn University, which has over 750 seats compared to the Maltz's 650. I was a bit nervous this year since some people don’t RSVP. The Maltz is a great partner, providing the venue at no cost as part of their contributions. I appreciate this connection to Burt Reynolds, and we honor his legacy by offering the Burt Reynolds scholarship each year.
Commissioner Lambert
Just looking at it again. Similar to Sports. If there are schools that want to come and see the talent that our kids have here, maybe schools and recruiters want to come and see what's happening.
G. CONVENTION CENTER
1. OVG Venue Management
a. Update - Dave Anderson
Anderson
It's been quite a busy spring, with our staff enjoying a much-needed 24-hour break on Sundays after 50 straight days of events. May brought a range of conferences and trade shows covering topics like water resources, hurricanes, investments, home design, and furniture shows. We've welcomed many out-of-town guests, resulting in significant revenue for both our facility and the community. On Monday, we'll hold final interviews for the county administrator position at the convention center, and on Wednesday, we’ll have a visioning workshop focused on the community. Don’t forget the Tattoo Expo next weekend, I can get you a deal! We’re also excited about the first-ever Mango Fest closing out the month and ongoing pickleball events. July will bring a brief slowdown, allowing us to tackle capital improvements we’ve been postponing. Kelly mentioned our collaboration with Palm Springs, and I'm happy to share that our company will take over the Palm Springs Convention Center starting October 1st. This will enhance our ability to serve our clients.
Next, I’ll be attending the Florida Venue Managers conference, where safety and security for public events will be a key topic. As a board member, it's important for us to address these ongoing challenges in our industry.
2. OVG Hospitality
b. Update - Kathy Griffin
Griffith
We have been very busy, but we are now starting to look towards the future. In July, when things tend to slow down, Chef Gio and I will conduct a deep dive to completely revamp our catering menu. We have that plan in place and also have some capital expenditure improvements lined up. We're going to tackle some smaller issues as well, like repairing the carts that have been sitting in the corner due to broken wheels, which we haven't had the chance to fix. July will be our time to regroup, bring everything back together, refresh our catering menu, and be prepared to launch with Robins in August.
Fleming
I want to share that we're launching the Bear Trap experience for 2026 today, making it available earlier than ever. We're increasing the number of spots for fans to enjoy this sought-after experience, so don’t miss out!
Mayor Marino
Two years ago, the Bear Trap was crazy, and last year it was more sedate Where do you see the space landing in the future?
Fleming
We're looking to blend rowdiness and fun with sophistication. We'll continue offering beer, wine, soda, and water as part of the experience. As we attract more people, we anticipate reaching about a thousand guests in this space moving forward.
Mayor Marino
And for the people who said that they felt the vibe this year was a little off, what would you say to them?
Fleming
I recognize that you have more experience with this community than I do. The feedback I've received suggests that people appreciate the elevation and the freedom of flow from the changes made to the entryway and vendor placement. However, I need everyone’s input on how we can recreate or enhance the party atmosphere.
Mayor Marino
Is there any way to track first-time visits?
Fleming
Yes, I'll get back to you on that. We can figure out either through zip code analysis or transactional data if it was their first time.
The next Meeting will be on July 10, 2025.
*Attachment included.
1. ROLL CALL
Monday, July 14, 2025 – 9:00 A.M.
Present Absent
Mayor Maria G. Marino, Chair Jim Mostad
Mabel Melton Commissioner Christina Lambert
Elena Peroulakies
Daniel Hostettler
Deputy Vice-Mayor Rob Long
Don Dufresne
Davicka Thompson
Staff
Isami Ayala Collazo, Assistant County Administrator
Liz Herman, Assistant County Attorney
Emanuel Perry, Tourist Development Council
Vannette Youyoute, Tourist Development Council
Joan Hutchinson, Tourist Development Council
Colton Hearn, Tourist Development Council
Dave Lawrence, Cultural Council
Lauren Perry, Cultural Council
Jennifer Sullivan, Cultural Council
James Taylor, Sports Commission
Tyra Williams, Sports Commission
Michelle Hillery, Film & TV Commission
Alberto Jordat, Film & TV Commission
Milton Segarra, Discover The Palm Beaches
Evan Lomrantz, Discover The Palm Beaches
Gustav Weibull, Discover The Palm Beaches
Erika Constantine, Discover The Palm Beaches
Heather Andrews, Discover The Palm Beaches
Sergio Piedra, Discover The Palm Beaches
Kelly Cavers, Discover The Palm Beaches
Deb Drum, ERM
Matt Mitchell, ERM
Dave Anderson, Convention Center/Spectra Venue Management
Kathy Griffin, Convention Center/Spectra Hospitality
Nicole Hughes, PBI Airports
2. MOTION TO APPROVE AGENDA ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
Motion to approve the TDC Board Agenda for July 14, 2025, was made by Don Dufresne and seconded by Davicka Thompson. Motion carried 6-0 with Commissioner Christina Lambert and Jim Mostad absent, and Deputy Vice Mayor Rob Long arriving late.
3. MOTION TO APPROVE JUNE 12TH TDC MEETING MINUTES
Motion will be approved next TDC Board meeting on September 11, 2025.
4. MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE CONSENT ITEMS FOR JULY 2025
MARKETING AGENCIES REPORTING
A. DTPB ACTIVITY REPORT*
B. CULTURAL COUNCIL ACTIVITY REPORT*
C. SPORTS COMMISSION ACTIVITY REPORT*
D. FILM & TV MONTHLY NEWSLETTER*
E. FILM & TV PRODUCTION REPORT*
PBC CONVENTION CENTER OPERATING REPORTS
F. CONVENTION CENTER MARKETING UPDATE*
G. CONVENTION CENTER “PACE” REVENUE REPORT*
OTHER TDC-SUPPORTED AGENCY/DEPARTMENT REPORTS
H. ERM PROJECT STATUS REPORT*
I. PBI TRAFFIC REPORT*
J. CONTRACT TRACKING REPORT*
Motion to receive and file Consent Items for July 2025 was made by Don Dufresne and seconded by Daniel Hostettler. Motion carried 6-0. With Commissioner Lambert, Jim Mostad absent, and Deputy Vice Mayor Rob Long arriving late.
A. TDC TOURISM PERFORMANCE METRICS
1. TDC DASHBOARD CURRENT MONTH & FY2025* - Emanuel Perry a. Bed Tax Collections*
Perry
Bed Tax Collection – May 2025, collected in June, was $6.7M, compared to the same month last year at $6M, a 10% increase.Actual May was 12% above the Budget and (28%) below the prior month at $9.2M.Actual May was 12% higher than 2023.
FYTD 2025 Collections, at $78.7M, were 8% higher than the last fiscal year to date FYTD collections are 12% above theApproved Budget and 11% higher than 2023 collections.
The Rooms sold for May were 414,465, 4% higher than last year. Rooms available for May at 605,058 are 3% higher than last year. Hotel RoomsActive today in the county at 19,518.
Occupancy for May 2025 was 68 5%, 4% higher than last year. Occupancy for May 2024 was 65.8%. May 2023 was 65.6%. The average daily rate for May was $236.26, 5% higher than last year and 7% above 2023. The Revenue/Available Room for May 2025 was $161.89 higher than the prior May by 10%.
In May, Hotel Room Net Sales FY25 year over year increased 10% at $94M compared to $85M. Non-hotel room sales FY25 year over year in May decreased (0.1)% at $15.7M compared to $15.8M. Hotel room net sales FYTD 2025 increased 11% from $1B to $996M. Non-hotel Room Sales FYTD 2025 increased 5% at $232M compared to $221M. FYTD 2025 Taxable Revenues Fiscal Year over FY2024 increased 10% at $1.3B compared to $1.2B. FYTD 2025 Taxable Revenues Fiscal Year over FY2023 increased 12% at $1.3B compared to $1.1B.
Airport passengers for May 2025 were 677,392, which is (1%) lower than in May 2024, and the Total Estimated Seat Capacity is (1%) lower than last May, with 830,232 seats. PBI Passenger 12-month rolling is a 7% increase at 8,574,691 over last year.
Leisure & Hospitality Employment for May, 97,400, decreased by 1%, lower than the same month last year. Employment accommodation was 2% higher compared to last year, at 12,800 employees. F&B was 1% higher than last year at 61,600 employees.Arts & Entertainment employment is (6%) lower than last year’s 23,000 employees.
Perry
We concluded the legislative session positively, despite the challenges faced. We will reconvene with Mr. Don Dufresne at the end of the month to create a solid game plan. Alongside the Palm Beach County legislative delegation, we aim to deliver a unified message for the county.
This session, legislation was passed to expand the use of tourist development taxes to cover salaries forAmerican Red Cross, certified lifeguards, and YMCAstaff. The removal of the $10M threshold now allows smaller counties to access tourism-related infrastructure. These are the key amendments from this session.
Perry
We had a tourism master plan visionary workshop on June 18th with 195 attendees, covering 67 core recommendations along with 19 big ideas. We want to thank everyone who was able to attend.
What we will do is include a summary of the big ideas and recommendations in your next board book. I also plan to invite Richard in September to hold a 20-minute work session
with this board to finalize these recommendations and big ideas before presenting them to the Board of County Commissioners.
1.
Perry
We have started contract negotiations with the PGA Tour, focusing on the legal complexities first to avoid last year's challenges. To streamline the process, I've asked the PGA for three funding tier options to guide the board on supporting tourism development and the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches.
Perry
George and I met with the city of Boca Raton and ESPN regarding the final year of the Boca Raton Bowl, scheduled for the Tuesday before Christmas Eve. We aimed to establish expectations for growing the event and to understand Boca Raton's interest in it, as it involves a tri-party agreement between the county, ESPN, and the city.
Bebee
Today, we will discuss Air Service at Palm Beach International Airport. We’re observing a year-over-year decline in passenger numbers, but it is not specifically related to PBI. There is also a decline in general aviation due to Presidential Temporary Flight Restrictions, which impacts our bottom line. We have experienced a decline of about $250,000 in general aviation landing and fuel usage fees. This will affect airline rates, potentially increasing costs next year. However, many fixed rates for private aviation may help us remain stable or even improve if we adjust fuel flow fees this year.
Dufresne
What are the current trends over the past five years? Can we obtain five-year statistics? I am aware that there has been a significant increase during this period.
Bebee
I think there is an interesting trend that we can bring to the next meeting that will show you what has happened with PBI since COVID, versus what has happened with some of the other airports. We have experienced exponential growth year over year...There are many other things happening in the airline industry that Andrew will discuss, which will also result in a decline in our passenger traffic. we also have good news, PBI is resilient in terms of the fact that our passengers generally tend to be a little bit wealthier. We will see the declines to be slightly less and rebound slightly quicker, but there is one decline as a result of what is going on in the airline industry right now.
Gamboa
We saw a pretty good spring, and then in May, we started to see some slowness moving forward. In March 2025, we had 1M passengers, which is up 4.7% over March 2024. Which was 945,000. For April 2025, we hit almost 850,000 passengers. That is 7.1% up from April 2024. And then for May of this year, May 2025, we hit 677,392 passengers. That is just below last year's, 684,724. Two reasons why we are starting to see some of that slowness, number one, you start hitting that summer shoulder month, which is typical for our history. But then, two other factors are contributing to some of those percentages starting to decrease. We saw that Silver Airways was operating at PBI last year. That airline has not only been pulled out, but it has also gone bankrupt. That airline no longer exists and is affecting some of our passenger statistics. And number two, where we saw a lot of air traffic control issues up in New York. New York is historically one of our largest markets. United Airlines has had to cut back a lot of those schedules from Newark. That is affecting not only our schedules, but it is ultimately affecting our passenger stats. If we remove those two from the equation, we will still be flat, maybe 0.1% up. PBI is still doing well.
Seat Capacity follows a similar trend for March of 2025. This year, we were just short of 1.2M seats available. That is up 4.2% from last year's 1.51M. April followed a similar trend: 1,050,000 seats for April compared to 1,010,000 seats last year. And then just 830,000 seats for May of 2025 compared to 835,211. That is attributed to not only Silver Airways, which is no longer operating at Palm Beach. That is also a significant cutback on United schedules from New York. Our air carrier operations are still following a similar trend, again for May of 2025. Part of that has to do with Silver and United, and then our total operations, the General Aviation(GA) traffic that Laura alluded to earlier, is what contributes to some of those. Total operation counts decrease, year over year, from 17,383 for March to 15,862 for April, 2025, and then 13,316 for May, below our 15,400 of last year.
Beebe
With GA, even though it's summer and the president is not visiting Palm Beach, some private operators have chosen to permanently move to other airports, which has resulted in lower activity levels. We expect this trend to continue through the summer and into the winter months.
Gamboa
Some GA traffic has relocated to Boca Raton. Air service is still good news. Air Canada, given the political climate we have been in over the last couple of months and the uncertainty surrounding much of the Canadian demand, has added capacity to other international markets. Almost none of that touches the USA; a lot of that demand has shifted. Air Canada is set to return, resuming not only its Toronto service but also its Montreal route. Toronto will come back daily starting October 26th. That will run through the end of April, and Montreal will come back three times a week. That service is being cut a little bit. Some of that shoulder traffic is being cut. Montreal would typically start with Toronto hand in hand. This year, it will start in December. That is three times a week and will be operated only until March 27th. Breeze Airways, a low-cost airline, is adding Akron, Canton, Ohio, and Richmond, Virginia, in September. Akron was
previously scheduled to start in August. That has shifted only in one month. Frontier Airlines has temporarily suspended operations to Islip, New York.
JetBlue recently entered this market; maybe some of that competition is what led Frontier to suspend the service. This service was suspended on July 2nd. It is going to come back in December, but ISO is still operating three times a day, twice with Southwest, once with JetBlue.
JetBlue, which is historically our biggest carrier, had seasonal service to Buffalo, New York. This service will not come back. Previously scheduled to come back in October, but that route did not perform up to the expectations of JetBlue. Los Angeles, our longest flight, a significant market for us, is doing well. Over the last couple of months, the load factor for this flight has been in the mid-eighties to the low nineties. We are proud to market this route. Southwest will be adding a new flight to Orlando that starts in just a couple of weeks. It is now the southeast connecting hub instead of Atlanta. Atlanta was one of their big bases. But Atlanta is the stronghold for Delta. Southwest has since reallocated this capacity to Orlando. In addition to our newest flights, in and out of Nashville, Tennessee. Spirit Airlines will be increasing some of its capacity to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Some of the feedback that I got from one of the network analysts with Spirit is that Atlantic City or PBI, Atlantic City is one of the highest load factor routes in their entire system. No surprise. Spirit actually just went through a lot of significant network capacity reduction for the next couple of months. We were one of the few stations that saw any increase. We will be going to two daily in August and 10 times weekly in September.
Sun Country Airlines, with service to Minneapolis-St. Paul is not coming back for this winter season, as they are not expected to resume service until October of 2026 at the earliest. We were not the only station that Sun Country cut; they also cut Melbourne, Florida, and Green Bay, Wisconsin. I think it touches on a little bit of the theme that Laura touched on earlier, where a lot of carriers throughout the country are starting to see a decline in domestic travel. They are just reallocating some of that capacity to markets where they see more potential. United, one of our legacy carriers. Seasonal for the most part, but also quickly ramping up a lot of capacity in the last couple of years. Denver, Colorado, is one of their newest markets. It has started to show up more frequently and more consistently in the last couple of years. The service started in December. This year, it is going to start in October, and it will run daily through March. It is a seasonal market for us, but also like LAX, it is a very important market for us, and not only does it provide service to the West Coast, but it also has significant connection opportunities to markets beyond. Washington, Dallas, and Virginia will also resume daily seasonal service in September. Also, make a year-round destination.
There is a chance that JetBlue, our biggest carrier at Palm Beach, historically They operate anywhere between 35 to 70 daily flights, give or take, throughout the year. JetBlue is experiencing a lot of contractions as a carrier. They have cut a lot of service, to many destinations, completely cutting stations. Fort Lauderdale, which is also one of their biggest hubs, and their biggest hub here in Florida, has been a market where they've seen a lot of that reduction. PBI has not been affected by that. We actually have seen
increases. They pulled out of Miami, and last year, they were in the process of potentially acquiring Spirit Airlines through a merger. That merger failed; it was blocked through the Department of Justice, and they also had a Northeast Alliance, which is what they called it with American Airlines, that was also blocked under the Department of Justice. On May 29th, they announced a partnership with United. It is an interline and reciprocal miles partnership. Travelers can book flights on each other's website, or earn miles, and a few other benefits, like priority boarding, etcetera. It is not expected to be blocked
However, that is not to say that other competitors are not going to try to stop it. Spirit has already done, while it is still seeing a lot of contraction, we are seeing some growth with them in Palm Beach. But they are still right-sizing just about every market that they operate in. They used to operate daily to Miami. They are cutting down that flight and as part of that, network revamp and looking at other opportunities for the carrier, as a whole. They are now starting a partnership with BrightLine, and they will be emphasizing a lot of that service. In March of 2025, we were one of the few stations that actually saw any real benefit or gain from their network. In March 2025, they emerged from bankruptcy and financial restructuring. The airline emerges from bankruptcy with 23 fewer aircraft. Other aircraft are still grounded from engine issues. Silver Airways has undergone a bankruptcy auction and a sale hearing. They ceased operations and had more than $500M in debt to airports and airport jurisdictions.
Our destination map has been updated to account for Buffalo. Still looking very strong. MCO is on there and starts in a couple of weeks.
A. RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL TO BCC THE AGENCIES CONTRACT AMENDMENTS – Emanuel Perry
1. Discover The Palm Beaches*
2. Cultural Council*
3. Sports Commission*
4. Film & TV Commission*
Perry
I am seeking approval from the Board of County Commissioners for the agency's third contract amendment. This includes budget details, performance measures, updates to travel and entertainment policies, salary structures, org charts, certificates of insurance, and a non-discrimination policy removing gender identification language. Additionally, it encompasses contracts, procurement, and diversity reports to comply with the President's reports.
Motion to recommend for approval to BCC the agencies contract Amendments was made by Don Dufresne and seconded by Mabel Melton. Motion carried 7-0 with Jim Mostad and Commissioner Christina Lambert absent.
B. ERM
1. Update – Deb Drum
Drum
We are still monitoring the Sargassum offshore, and the blue-green algae in Lake Okeechobee hasn't affected our area from a tourism standpoint so far. We're keeping an eye on it and will continue to do so.
There will be a dredging project starting north of Peanut Island, in the boat channel to the north and east of Peanut Island, initiated by the town of Palm Beach Shores. It will take place on the east side of the sandbar area. The project involves moving some sand onto Peanut Island, which we will use for some of our restoration projects. The project is expected to last about two months. If you hear anything from people, please note that it is not a county project but a town of Palm Beach Shores project. We are happy to direct them in that direction. The proposed start is later this month or the next couple of weeks.
Mayor Marino
How is the dredging project where the barges are down on Southern going?
Drum
The bonefish restoration project is progressing well, although we are currently behind schedule in moving materials. We have held several meetings with the town, including discussions with the core team and the town of Palm Beach, to address traffic management for the upcoming season. It's important to note that the traffic issues in Palm Beach are largely due to bridge closures during presidential visits. Unfortunately, we are being unjustly blamed for the resulting traffic impacts. While we acknowledge that we contribute to the situation, we are actively collaborating with the core team to find ways to minimize these disruptions.
1. Update* – Dave Lawrence
Lawrence
Instead of my update today, we are going to do a little bit of a look back at Mosaic.
Lauren Perry
The month of May was a month of shows, art, ideas, and culture(MOSAIC). It was our eighth annual celebration this year. This campaign targets our driving markets. We are looking for our boomers, our millennials, our Gen Zs, those multi-generational families from our drive markets to come into Palm Beach County. During the month of May every year, we hire Jean Martin, a local artist, to illustrate the campaign. I am pleased to report record participation this year, with 29 Cultural Partners offering 35 Mosaic activities. Seven partners were new, and 20 were grantees. We collaborated with nine hotels to distribute materials and hosted special activations, including cultural pool floats and animal encounters with Bush Wildlife at PGA National.
Lauren Perry continued with the Mosaic and Open Studios Campaign presentation.
Dufresne
The total visitor breakdown of in-county versus out of the county?
Lauren Perry
We are struggling to get artists to use the tracking sheets we provide for collecting visitor information and email sign-ups. Although we’ve received reports of international visitors from places like Israel and the Netherlands, it mainly comes from word of mouth. This is an area we need to improve.
1. Update* – Gustav Weibull
Weibull
Milton is in Atlanta today. We were at Destinations International last week, which is a conference of all of our counterparts of DMOs. We submitted our accreditation with Destinations International, and we got that approved At this conference, there were one of four destinations in the world that received distinction in the accreditation. We don't have to do anything for another five years and make the accreditation process. I want to highlight. performance, that we have our brand performance. we just did a brand track study for the winter campaign.
Gustav Weibull continues with the Discover The Palm Beaches presentation.
1. Update – James Taylor
Taylor
The Sports Commission is currently 99% toward achieving our annual goals, having tracked 282,435 actual room nights so far this year. June and July were particularly successful due to the Club World Cup and various training teams, which generated about 6,000 room nights across two hotel properties. We anticipate approximately 60,000 room nights from 43 events this summer, attracting 210,000 athletes and spectators nationwide. Highlights include our large amateur baseball events at our spring training facilities and several gymnastics and junior golf programs. Notable community events in June and July included the KFF at the Fairgrounds, with around 1,500 participants in over 25 sports, and an Orange Bowl youth football camp at Glades Pioneer Park, serving over 100 participants in partnership with the FAU Men’s Football Program. We are excited about what lies ahead for the rest of the year.
Mayor Marino
I was in Italy, and there were numerous discussions about soccer. It was enjoyable to mention that we have a Real Madrid team in Palm Beach Gardens, located in Palm Beach County, and they are making a comeback.
Taylor
We are definitely prepared for 2026 and are well-positioned to welcome them back for the actual World Cup. We will continue to serve as training sites and will host several other MLS programs throughout the year. Currently, Palm Beach County is a hub for professional soccer training.
1. Update – Michelle Hillery
Hillary
We've seen significant activity in Palm Beach TV, facilitating close to 500 productions in Palm Beach County this fiscal year, which is 18% ahead of last year's pace. Currently, production is softening, typical for this time of year, with eight production lines lined up from companies in West Palm Beach, Los Angeles, and New Jersey.
Excitingly, we anticipate 72 new half-hour shows in 2026, along with 24 hours of programming ready to launch. "South Florida Daily" has completed nearly 500 episodes, airing twice daily at 7:00 AM and noon, with plans for a third airing in season three. Our YouTube web series has achieved 22 million views, with 262 "PBT Watch Party" episodes filmed to date. Overall, a lot is happening, and I will save more details for our upcoming marketing plan.
1. OVG Venue Management
a. Update - Dave Anderson
Anderson
We just wrapped up an incredible nine-month run at the convention center from October 1st to June 30th, achieving remarkable revenue and community impact. Last year was a record year, and this year is shaping up to be another one, thanks to my team's amazing performance. A big thank you to all of them!
July is typically slow for events, but the building is very busy with subcontractors handling touch-ups, HVAC, roof work, and painting. This work is crucial for preparing for the fall. Currently, we have a shooting range expo moving in, focusing on safety and development for shooting ranges. In August, Tony Robbins returns with 4,000 to 5,000 attendees for nearly a week, significantly boosting both building revenue and community impact, as many of his followers come from abroad. They're coming to the event and have already requested contracts for next August and December. He'll be back this December and continues to have a great impact on us.
I wanted to mention Mango Fest. It was incredible, with 5,000 paying attendees in just six hours. The promoter organized it on a Sunday, and we were quite busy, causing some delays on Okeechobee. People were eager to learn about mangoes, attending classes on planting and growing them. It really brought the community together, and they're looking to expand next summer.
In two weeks, we have the Back to School Bash, an event we've hosted with the county for 15-16 years, where we expect 4,000-5,000 families. Children get to pick their backpacks and supplies with the help of volunteers, and there are additional services for families in need. I also want to thank Isami for her contributions to the convention center;
I assume I won't see her in September. We have made significant progress on the project, and a big thank you goes to her for her contribution.
b. Update – Katherine Griffin
Griffin
We are currently in the middle of revising our menu with our new chef. As Dave mentioned, we are also working on equipment upgrades and preventative maintenance for our property. Additionally, we are allowing staff to take vacations. I’m looking forward to transitioning into August with Tony Robbins.
Peroulakies
During our last meeting, we discussed the second hotel. We talked about the same hotel and their initial request for submissions. Is there any update on that? Did they submit a second letter, or are we going back out to bid? What is the current status?
Ayala Collazo
That will be determined by the Board of County Commissioners. An agenda item has been supplied to the county administration and has it under its advisement. It will be brought to the board in a few months. It will be ready for consideration eventually by the Board of County Commissioners.
Mayor Marino
When issuing an RFP, the bids should reflect what was originally put out; changes to the contract later affect fairness, as they alter the competitive nature. Everything must remain equal. While related is a significant presence at the moment, I don’t have a preference either way. If they want to invest in our community, that’s great, but not at the taxpayers' expense.
Mayor Marino
For those who don't know, Isami has taken another position starting August 1st. She began her new role around the same time I became a county commissioner. I have always looked to her for answers, as she is an amazing person with a wealth of knowledge and understanding. I wish her great success in her new position.
Additionally, I want to let you know that CSX Railroad will be closing North Lake Boulevard for eight days, starting Friday evening, August 1st, and is likely to end on Sunday, August 9th. This closure will severely impact commuters living west of the tracks, adding over an hour to travel times. Discussions with local businesses, such as PGA, are ongoing to explore potential discounts for those affected.
PBSO will have extra officers and a drone on duty to ensure smooth traffic flow, working with municipalities to manage traffic signals effectively. Emergency routes have been
mapped out for quick access in case of emergencies, with staging areas established for emergency vehicles along North Lake Boulevard.
Despite the challenges, efforts are being made to minimize disruption. The county, along with West Palm Beach Gardens and Royal Palm, is actively coordinating to address the situation with CSX and FDOT.
Amtrak trains are having issues at that crossing, creating emergencies. We've been waiting over two years for improvements. We need to get this done before school starts and hurricane season. It was supposed to be completed in July, but now it’s August 1st.
There is NO TDC Board meeting in August 2025. Have a nice Summer!
We will see you at the next Meeting on September 11, 2025.
*Attachment included.
TO: Tourist Development Council
FROM: Milton Segarra, President/CEO
DATE: August 29, 2025
RE: Discover The Palm Beaches Monthly Activity Report August 2025
Overall lodging performance in July showed positive growth, with room night revenue reaching $85.7 million, a 2.3% increase yearover-year, and 539,000 room nights sold, up 1.2%. Bed tax collections for the month are projected to be approximately $5 million. Hotel occupancy declined by 1.4%, as room night demand rose by only 0.9%, falling short of the 2.3% increase in available inventory.
The Palm Beaches outperformed last year’s hotel room night sales, while Miami and Fort Lauderdale experienced declines of 2.6% and 2.5%, respectively. Average Daily Rate (ADR) also varied across markets: The Palm Beaches saw a 1.4% increase, whereas Miami and Fort Lauderdale recorded decreases of 2.3% and 0.5%.
July’s growth was primarily driven by the luxury segment, beach properties, and the cities of Delray Beach and Boca Raton, while areas along the turnpike and in the PBI/Downtown West Palm Beach corridor saw declines. Transient business led the performance surge with a 5.2% increase in room nights, while group business dropped 41%, though group ADR rose by 13%.
Key Lodging Performance Numbers for July
o Room demand
▪ Hotels: 367k (+0.9%)
▪ Alt. Lodging: 172k (+1.8%)
▪ Total Lodging: 539k (+1.2%)
o Room Night Revenue
▪ Hotels: $66.4M (+2.2%)
▪ Alt. Lodging: $19.3M (+2.4%)
▪ Total Lodging: $85.7M (+2.3%)
o Occupancy
▪ Hotels: 60.7% (-1.3%)
▪ Alt. Lodging: 56.3% (+0.5%)
▪ Total Lodging: 59.9% (-1.1%)
o Average Daily Rate (ADR)
▪ Hotels: $181 (+1.7%)
▪ Alt. Lodging: $269 (+0.4%)
▪ Total Lodging: $195 (+1.2%)
o Revenue per Available room (RevPAR)
▪ Hotels: $110 (+0.0%)
▪ Alt. Lodging: $152 (+1.3%)
▪ Total Lodging: $117 (+0.1%)
Room Nights Sold Rolling 12 Months
Room Nights Sold Alternative Lodging Room Nights Sold
Research compiled and published by Discover The Palm Beaches (DTPB), can only be reproduced through expressed written approval from the DTPB Research Department. The underlining methodologies, algorithms, formulas and data used are considered a TRADE SECRET. For questions please contact research@thepalmbeaches.com.
Definitions:
Hotel Rooms The number of hotel rooms that are available on any day of the week. This number increases as new properties open.
Hotel Room Nights Available The number of hotel rooms multiplied by the number of nights in a given period a room is available to sell, such as a month or week. This number represents the total available hotel lodging capacity for The Palm Beaches.
Hotel Room Nights Sold The number of rooms sold over a given period. This is the total demand for hotel rooms in The Palm Beaches.
Shared Lodging is described as any accommodation other than typical hotels and resorts without front office staffing
Shared Lodging Rooms The number of shared lodging properties multiplied by the number of rooms per property. This number represents all the alternative lodging options competing with hotel rooms.
Shared Lodging Room Nights (RNs) Sold The number of shared lodging listings booked multiplied by the number of nights and number rooms. This is the total demand for alternative lodging options in The Palm Beaches.
Total Room Nights (RNs) Sold– The sum of Hotel Room Nights Sold and Shared Lodging Room Nights Sold. This is the total demand for overnight lodging in The Palm Beaches.
Room Nights (RNs) Market Share-The percentage of hotel room nights sold within the state of Florida. This indicates the size of The Palm Beaches hotel market and relative performance.
Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) - Total room revenue divided by the total number of available rooms. See Room Revenue, Rooms Available. Room Revenue/Rooms Available = RevPAR.
Total Lodging Revenue The number of room nights sold multiplied by the average daily rate (ADR)
12 Month Moving Average (12MMA) - The value of any given month is computed by averaging the value of that month and the 11 preceding months. This is used to eliminate seasonality
Rolling 12 Months The sum of the current month and 11 preceding months. This is used to eliminate seasonality
Average Daily Rate (ADR) - A measure of the average rate paid for rooms sold, calculated by dividing room revenue by rooms sold. ADR = Room Revenue/Rooms Sold. This indicates a travelers willingness to pay for lodging in The Palm Beaches
Occupancy Percentage of available rooms sold during a specified time period. Occupancy is calculated by dividing the number of rooms sold by rooms available. Occupancy = Rooms Sold / Rooms Available. This indicates the health of the lodging market in The Palm Beaches
Rank The placement of The Palm Beaches versus 14 Florida markets (Palm Beach, Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Collier, Lee, Sarasota, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Brevard, Volusia, Orlando (Orange/Osceola), Jacksonville (Duval, St. Johns), Panhandle)
Website User The total number of unique individuals accessing ThePalmBeaches.com in a given month. This is a leading indicator of interest and intent to visit The Palm Beaches as a result of DTPB promotional efforts
Research compiled and published by Discover The Palm Beaches (DTPB), can only be reproduced through expressed written approval from the DTPB Research Department. The underlining methodologies, algorithms, formulas and data used are considered a TRADE SECRET. For questions please contact research@thepalmbeaches.com.
DTPB OBJECTIVES 2024 – 2025
Leisure/Consumer
• Generate 1,200,000,000 Advertising Impressions
• Generate 4,200,000 in Website Users (New Metric)
• Increase Consumer and Travel Industry database to 470,000
• Generate 250,000,000 Earned Media Impressions
• Generate 7,500,000 Social Engagements
Meetings & Conventions
• Book 175,000 DTPB only room nights (Hotel Meetings Leads)
• Generate 52,500 Group Level Booked Room Nights Convention Center Shared
• Generate 40,000 Group Level Actual FY Room Night for Convention Center Shared
• Generate 95 participants in Destination Reviews
• Generate 105 Destination Site Participants
959,750,305 725,199,481 991,772,316 2,457,438,167 1,951,522,621
470,000 501,409
Marketing Overview by Month FY 2024 - 2025
1 Exceeded annual goal in October 2024 as a result of the Council’s annual New York City media event and subsequent article published in Forbes (UVM: 99,621,955)
2 New performance indicator as of 10/1/24. Previous year totals were not measured. The Council expects to outperform this goal as it was set prior to the establishment of the ArtiGras Podcast partnership.
3 Meta (Facebook and Instagram) now only provides “views” as a metric over “impressions.” Impressions measure how many times content is seen, while views measure how many times people engage with that content
The Cultural Council’s summertime cultural tourism advertising plan expanded back into our FY25 fly markets (New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Houston and Austin, Tex.) in August, targeting audiences planning for travel during the fall and winter holiday seasons. Insertions were predominantly digital but also included a national print insertion (The New Yorker’s Fall Culture Preview), OOH (PBIA, Brightline) and radio (Legends). Co-op advertising packages under the Council’s cultural tourism marketing umbrella included The New Yorker, digital signage in the baggage claim at Palm Beach International Airport and boosted social media posts. The digital campaign to promote the Palm Beach County Black Cultural Heritage Trail also continued in August on Google (Search, DemandGen) and Meta (Facebook, Instagram).
The Council completed its FY26 Destination Development Plan in August with the help of our agency partners. The plan will be presented to the TDC Board in October. The Council continued to refine its media plan for FY26 with its agency of record, Push, and announced its FY26 co-op packages on August 1. More than 60 out of the +110 co-op packages have already been pre-sold to 16 cultural partners. Packages include OOH placements in Brightline stations and at PBIA, as well as digital and print options.
Also in August, the Cultural Council attended the 2025 Governor’s Conference on Tourism presented by Visit Florida in Kissimmee to receive two Flagler Awards for recent marketing campaigns: a bronze (third place) award in the Special Event category for Palm Beach County Open Studios 2024; and a bronze award in the Tourism Advocacy category for Your Voice Matters – Arts & Tourism Advocacy in Palm Beach County which targeted arts supporters and elected officials to garner support to reinstate arts funding from the state government for the cultural sector
The Cultural Council and Discover The Palm Beaches worked with the Eudemonia team in August to connect local creative professionals and cultural organizations to performance opportunities at the November event. The Council also met with Discover’s PR and Marketing teams to plan and coordinate for FY26 FAM tours,
activations and media missions, including potential events in Miami during Art Basel (December) and in New York (February).
On August 7, the eleventh episode of Season 2 of The ArtiGras Podcast, a partnership with the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce and the annual ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival, was broadcast. The episode featured fashion designer Amanda Perna, of Project Runway fame, who runs her fashion brand House of Perna in Delray Beach. Podcast views for August totaled 152,623.
Top Placements
- August 20, SAVOIR (UVM: 2,500): “Savoir's Guide to Palm Beach: Where to Eat, Sleep & Play in Florida's Gold Coast”
In August, the Council’s PR agency of record, Sharp, continued proactive outreach to top-tier publications about Florida’s Cultural Capital®. With Sharp’s contract winding down, the agency put together a report highlighting results they achieved for the Cultural Council during FY25 and years prior. The report includes press releases, media events, MOSAIC support, and the social media influencer program.
The Council worked with Discover in August to support their cultural preview pitch to Canadian markets, and Discover indicated they may also share the pitch to other international markets in the coming months. The pitch included listings of upcoming exhibitions, performances and signature cultural events and festivals in 2025 and early 2026.
The Council is working with the TDC on a proactive strategy to advocate for Tourist Development Tax and state arts funding prior to the start of the next legislative session. The Council is scheduling a series of meetings with Palm Beach County Delegation members in their local offices in September. The team is also working on shared talking points and coordinating with the county’s Government Affairs team.
In August, the Cultural Council announced its new Bright Idea Sponsorships, which will be awarded in FY26 Bright Idea Sponsorships are designed to support and grow the local cultural sector by providing sponsorship funding to eligible non-profit organizations for marketing activations, large events or new festivals, and special programming related to MOSAIC. The program’s goals include increasing awareness about arts and culture among residents and visitors to The Palm Beaches, inspiring cultural travel and driving hotel room nights, and growing the annual MOSAIC celebration. Sponsorships will be offered in two cycles in FY26: Fall/Winter and
Spring/Summer. The application portal for the Fall/Winter Cycle opened on August 15 and will close on September 26. The Council plans to award sponsorships in early November, with funds going to support events taking place between December 2025 and April 2026.
On August 12, the Council hosted a Community Dialogue workshop in partnership with Discover The Palm Beaches at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, welcoming 65 guests. The workshop was an extension of the Arts & Tourism Summit and brought together a panel of community engagement experts to lead a discussion around creating programming that is welcoming to all. The panel, which was moderated by Ericka Squire of Natural Movers Foundation, included Pranoo Kumar of Rohi’s Readery, Brian Knowles of Power Builders, Dr. Alisha Winn of Consider the Culture, Glenn Tomlinson of Norton Museum of Art, and Mary-Margaret Dale of Palm Beach State College.
The Council’s Community Engagement department supported the following cultural events in August through financial sponsorship:
• Jamaican Independence Festival, August 2 at John Prince Park in Lake Worth Beach – Approximately 1,000 attendees (20% families with children) enjoyed live music and performances, Jamaican cuisines, a pageant and interactive games during this celebration of Jamaica’s independence. A Proclamation from the Board of County Commissioners also recognized the 63rd anniversary of Jamaica’s independence.
• 3rd Annual Ukraine Culture Fest, August 23 at downtown West Palm Beach’s Great Lawn – Approximately 2,000 people participated in this year’s celebration of Ukranian culture which featured live performances of traditional and modern Ukranian music and dance, authentic cuisine by local Ukranian food vendors, art workshops in traditional painting styles, an arts & crafts market, a kids fun zone and more.
Also, in support of the sector, Council staff attended exhibitions, performances and special events in August at Norton Museum of Art, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Maltz Jupiter Theater, Boca Raton Museum of Art, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, Resource Depot, and other locations.
August Activity Report 2025
(October 1, 202 4 – July 31, 2025 )
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is concluding an extraordinary summer campaign, marked by a record-breaking surge in traveling athletes and spectators. As the Commission’s event hosting, development, and marketing efforts approach the close of Fiscal Year 2025, The Palm Beaches is on track to celebrate a fourth consecutive year of record-setting sports tourism achievements. A diverse lineup of amateur and professional sporting events has positioned Palm Beach County as a global hub for sports tourism drawing participants and spectators of all ages from across the nation and globe.
Through the end of July, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission successfully hosted 199 events, generating an impressive 439,383 room nights. This reflects amateur and professional sports events supported by the Commission, including the full lodging demand created by cornerstone events such as the Winter Equestrian Festival and Major League Baseball Spring Training.
The collective impact of these events attracted an estimated 1,537,841 sports-related attendees, reinforcing the county’s growing influence on the national sports stage. Some of the most prestigious organizations in the sports event industry selected Palm Beach County as their event destination, further validating its reputation as a premier location for competitions and sports enthusiast engagement.
FY 25 Performance Measures as of July 31
Sports Commission Tourism Impacts: October 1, 2024 – July 31, 2025
• 439,383 tracked room nights.
• $125,896,540 in projected hotel revenue (using ADR of $255.17)
• $7,553,792 in projected bed tax revenues.
The sports tourism impacts do not include several events with outstanding hotel room night data
The sports tourism report does not include activity from the month of August & September
The Nautique WWA Wakeboarding & Wake Park World Championships bring together elite professional and amateur wakeboarders and wakeskaters from around the world to compete for world titles across more than 40 divisions. Representing their nations at the highest level, athletes showcase their skills in both cable wakeboarding (Wake Park) and boat wakeboarding, as both disciplines are featured in this prestigious event. The Championships are a gathering of the sport’s most decorated and accomplished athletes, making it one of the premier competitions in the world of wake sports.
The 2025 Nautique WWA Wakeboarding & Wake Park World Championships will mark a historic milestone for Palm Beach County, as it hosts the event for the first time in its history. Welcoming 800+ athletes and thousands of spectators from around the world, the championship will showcase the very best of the sport. Both professional and amateur competitors will come together to compete across seven premier disciplines: Boat Wakeboard, Boat Wakeskate, Foil, Strapped Foil, Wake Park Features, Wake Park Traditional, and Wake Park Wakeskate.
The Nautique WWA Wakeboarding & Wake Park World Championships will be held at two premier venues in Palm Beach County: Shark Park 561 Wake Park, located within Okeeheelee Park, and Sunset Lake, situated in Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park. Recognized as one of the largest events of its kind, this prestigious competition is set to elevate Palm Beach County’s stature in the world of water sports.
The event is expected to generate close to 6,000 room nights, due to a week-long average length of stay and the influx of national and global visitors. This event will be one of the largest to take place during the summer months.
Founded in 1900, the Davis Cup is the premier team competition in men’s professional tennis and the largest annual international team event in the sport. Managed by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and often called the "World Cup of Tennis," the competition featured a record 156 nations in 2025. The USTA oversees Team USA’s participation.
In 2025, the United States qualified to compete in the prestigious Davis Cup World Group, which features the top 14 nations vying for the Davis Cup Trophy. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission successfully secured the bid to host the Second Round of the Davis Cup Qualifiers at the Delray Beach Tennis Center After defeating Chinese Taipei in the First Round Qualifier, Team USA will face Czechia in the Second Round Qualifier also known as the Davis Cup Final 8 – from September 12-14, 2025. The winner will advance to the Davis Cup Final, scheduled to take place in Bologna, Italy, from November 18–23.
Each Davis Cup tie includes five matches over three days: two singles matches on Friday, one doubles match on Saturday, and two reverse singles on Sunday. The first nation to win three matches claims the tie.
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission successfully bid on the opportunity to host the 2nd Round of the Davis Cup Qualifiers. The United States defeated the Chinese Taipei in the Davis Cup 1st Round Qualifier and will play Czechia in the Davis Cup Final 8 or the 2nd Round Qualifier on September 12-14, 2025. The winner will advance to the Davis Cup Final, taking place in Bologna, Italy on November 18-23.
The tourism and media impacts of the Davis Cup are substantial. The event is televised live on the Tennis Channel, providing national and international exposure. It is also expected to generate over 2,000 hotel room nights. Palm Beach County last hosted the Davis Cup in 2004, making the 2025 return a prestigious milestone for the community.
Boca Raton Bowl
Finalize contract details for sponsor Golf Outing
Finalize contract with Palm Beach County Convention Center for team luncheon
Distribute transportation RFP and compile bid responses to present to ESPN for selection
NCAA Division II Women’s Golf National Championship
Hold initial planning call with NCAA Championship Manager to discuss planning schedule for event and site visit plans
Review planning schedule with Palm Beach Atlantic University (Host Institution)
Discuss site visit schedule with PGA National Resort
• Sunshine State Open
• USTA National Men’s 70, 85, 90 Clay Court Championships
• Prospect Wire Florida Fall Classic
• Prospect Select Fall World Series
• Perfect Game Summer Series
• Columbus Day Discovery Showdown
• World Comes to the Palm Beaches
• Perfect Game WWBA World Championship
• USTA Columbus Day Open
• Men’s Senior Baseball League
• International Rush Cup
• I Do Beach Tennis ITF World Tour 2024
• Association of Pickleball Professionals Boca Raton Open
• Delray Beach Pickleball Classic
• Equestrian Holiday & Horses Circuit
• Battle Youth National Championship
• “Little Mo” Internationals in Florida
• Garden of Life Palm Beaches Marathon
• Hardball 360 Fall Tournament
• Delray Beach Riptide Fall Tournaments
• World Pickleball Classic
• Winter Equestrian Festival
• Paradise Puck Series
• Florida RUSH
• Boca Raton International Masters
• USA BMX Sunshine State Nationals
• Florida Exposure Cup
• TGL Presented by SoFi
• Gauntlet of Polo
• USA Fencing 2025 Regional Youth Championship – Battle at the Beach
• Delray Beach Open
• Junior Tour Powered by Under Armour Winter National Championship
• East Coast Championships SoFlo Nationals
• Palm Beach Challenge College & International Baseball Festival
• Development Player League (DPL) The Summit
• James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational
• Palm Beach Gardens Spring Classic
• Little Mo East Regionals
• FuelTech 2025 Hydrodrag Nationals/World Championships
• Delray ITF Championships
• South Florida Soul Rodeo
• Palm Brach Spartan Sprint Weekend
• Sunshine State Games Lacrosse Championships
• NPC Florida Grand Prix
• Briana Marie Cox Memorial Tournament
• Extreme Kayak Fishing
• USTA National Women’s Clay Court Championship
• Men’s Senior Baseball Stars and Stripes
• World Pickleball Convention, Conference and Championships
• Florida State Golf Association (FSGA) 108th Amateur Championship
• Prospect Wire Southeast Championships
• Prospect Select Summer Series
• Play at the Plate
• Hardball 360 Spring Training
• Wellington March Madness
• South Florida Collegiate Baseball League
• International Tennis Federation (ITF) Masters World Championship 60s
• International Tennis Federation (ITF) Masters World Championship 65s/70s
• Perfect Game Summer Series
• Junior Tour Powered by Under Armour Summer National Championship
• USTA Boys 18’s & 16’s National Clay Court Championships
• Cal Ripken State Tournament 6U and 8U
• USSSA Fastpitch Swamp Classic
• Big Dog Fat Cat KDW Shootout
• International Tennis Federation (ITF) W35 3D Payments Cup
• Prospect Select Fall World Series
• 2025 World Wake Association (WWA) World Championships
• NBA Josh Howard King of The City Basketball Tournament & Festival
• United States Tennis Association (USTA) Summer Smash Open
Prospect Select Fall Classic & Florida Select
Date: September 5-7, 2025
Sport: Baseball
Venue: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches & Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium
Hurricane Junior Golf Tour PGA National Fall Junior Open
Date: September 6-7, 2025
Sport: Golf
Venue: PGA National Resort- The Estate Course
Florida State Golf Association (FSGA) Mid-Amateur Four-Ball Championship (Men)
Date: September 6-7, 2025
Sport: Golf
Venue: PGA National Resort- The Fazio Course
2025 Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championships presented by GM Marine
Date: September 10-14 , 2025
Sport: Wakeboarding
Venue: Shark Wake Park & Burt Aaronson South County Regional- Sunset Cove
Amphitheater
United States Tennis Association (USTA) 2025 Davis Cup Second Round Qualifier
Date: September 12-13 , 2025
Sport: Tennis
Venue: Delray Beach Tennis Center
Prospect Wire Palm Beach Fall Classic
Date: September 13-14, 2025
Sport: Baseball
Venue: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches
United States Tennis Association (USTA) Sunshine State Open
Date: September 13-15 , 2025
Sport: Tennis
Venue: One Tennis Academy & The Club at Quail Ridge
Filipino Men's Basketball Tournament
Date: September 13-14 , 2025
Sport: Basketball
Venue: Ezell Hester Jr Community Center
Game on Race Events - Palm Beaches Triathlon #2
Date: September 14, 2025
Sport: Triathlon
Venue: Singer Island Municipal Beach in the City of Riviera Beach
Prospect Select - World Invite
Date: September 19-22, 2025
Sport: Baseball
Venue: Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium
Hardball 360 Fall Classic
Date: September 24-28, 2025
Sport: Baseball
Venue: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches
FJT Pam McCloskey-Brosnihan (13-18)
Date: September 27-28, 2025
Sport: Golf
Venue: The Club at Quail Ridge- The South Course
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission (PBCSC) is deploying an aggressive sales and sports development effort to increase the number of sports tourisms generating events taking place in The Palm Beaches. The PBCSC continues to cultivate relationships with event owners, as well as identify, solicit, secure, and retain sports events to grow room night actualization. Below is a recap of sports development efforts that have taken place during FY25.
A primary mechanism for event solicitation is through the Event Bid and Development process. To recognize potential bid opportunities, the PBCSC will be at the forefront of the industry and engage with event owners. Bid submission is a highly effective tool to recruit sporting events. Attached is a comprehensive list of the bids that have been submitted in FY 25, and below is a breakdown of the development efforts over the past month:
• Governor’s Baseball Dinner
o February 15, 2026
o 40 Projected Room Nights
o 350 Participants
o TBD
• Unrivaled Sports Coaches Weekend
o February 20-22, 2026
o 700 Projected Room Nights
o 310 coaches
o PGA National Resort
• NCAA DII Men’s Regional Championships
o May 6-9, 2026
o 250 Projected Room Nights
o 60 Players
o Seagate Resort
• USA Gymnastics 2027 Stars and Stripes Championships
o July 15-18, 2027
o 3,517 Projected Room Nights
o 800 Participants
o Palm Beach County Convention Center
When trying to bring events to Palm Beach County, engaging event rights holders to conduct a site visit or familiarization tour is one of the most beneficial event development strategies. Site visits allow an event owner to explore potential sports venues while experiencing Palm Beach County’s tourism assets, such as hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Attached is a comprehensive list of the site visits that have been conducted in FY 25, and below is a breakdown of site visits conducted over the past month:
• August 8th, 2025 – Hurricane Junior Golf Tour – Fore All Junior Golf Foundation Match Play ChallengeThe Club at Ibis
• August 18th, 2025 – Work Wake Association – 2025 Nautique WWA Wakeboarding & Wake Park World Championships- Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park- Sunset Cove Amphitheater & Shark Wake Park
There are moments when a sporting event means more than just who wins or loses — it’s about bringing people together, raising awareness, and supporting a cause that truly makes a difference. That was the case for the Fore All Junior Golf Foundation Match Play Challenge. On August 9–10, 2025, 50 golfers made their way to The Club at Ibis to take part in this inaugural golf event. The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour and the Fore All Junior Golf Foundation partnered to host the first-ever Fore All Junior Golf Foundation Match Play Challenge. The golfers represented two different teams: the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour AllStars and the Fore All Junior Golf Foundation. This event was not only an opportunity to showcase some of the best youth golfers from around the world, but also to grow the game of golf by making it more accessible and affordable for everyone. The Fore All Junior Golf Foundation was founded in 2022 by two young golfers, aged thirteen and twelve, who wanted “to create something that opened more doors for other junior golfers, especially those who might not otherwise get the chance to play.” The event also served as a fundraiser, and the Palm Beach County Sports Commission (PBCSC) had the opportunity to support this one-of-a-kind initiative. It provided the PBCSC with a chance to build a relationship with The Club at Ibis, as the venue looks to welcome more golf events to its premier facility.
Palm Beach County Sports Commission team Host Breakfast at Connect Marketplace and met with Sports Right Holders in Miami August 25th – 28th, 2025 at the Informa Connect Marketplace.
James Taylor, Director of Sports and Development, and Jared Fleet, Director of Events, represented the Palm Beach County Sports Commission at the 2025 Connect Marketplace hosted by Informa Connect. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission team hosted a breakfast for meeting planners and sports rights holders, creating a platform to highlight Palm Beach County as a premier destination for sporting events and conferences. Over the course of three days, they engaged with more than 100 sports rights holders, showcasing the county’s venues, hospitality, and tourism assets. These meetings played a vital role in recruiting future events and conferences that will strengthen Palm Beach County’s position as a leading sports tourism destination and drive significant impact for the local economy.
Connect Marketplace is one of the nation’s leading trade shows that bring together meeting planners, sports rights holders, and destination representatives from across the country. It serves as a hub for building relationships, negotiating partnerships, and identifying new opportunities to host premier events. Attendance at Connect is vital for the Palm Beach County Sports Commission because it allows us to compete directly with other destinations, demonstrate our community’s strengths, and secure future business that drives hotel occupancy, visitor spending, and overall tourism growth.
Newsletter
Marketing & Promotions
The Unrivaled Newsletter featured several exciting stories including:
• Baseball’s Economic Impact Extends Far Beyond Spring Training In The Palm Beaches
• Kids Fitness Festival In The Palm Beaches Recap
• Top FIFA Club World Cup Teams Began Their Journey in The Palm Beaches
• Under Armour Juniors Dominate The Greens at PGA National
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission was proud to partner with the Orange Bowl to promote the upcoming Kickoff to College Football event at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. This collaboration unites two organizations with a shared mission of celebrating the tradition of college football while driving tourism and community engagement. By working with the Orange Bowl an iconic brand synonymous with excellence and passion for the game the Sports Commission is able to elevate the visibility and prestige of this event, attracting fans, alumni, and media from across the region. The Kickoff to College Football will feature interactive experiences, team spirit, and programming that captures the excitement of a new season, while positioning Palm Beach County as a premier destination for major sports events. This partnership not only amplifies the local sports landscape but also showcases Palm Beach County as a vibrant hub for culture, entertainment, and economic impact.
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission successfully promoted the prestigious Lou Groza Award Preseason Watch List through its social media channels, generating significant media attention and national visibility for Palm Beach County. By leveraging engaging graphics, dynamic video highlights, and shareable content, the Sports Commission amplified the announcement across multiple platforms, ensuring fans, athletes, and media outlets connected with the story. The Lou Groza Award, which honors the nation’s top collegiate placekicker, has deep roots in Palm Beach County, and its preseason watch list has become a highly anticipated moment in college football. The Sports Commission’s promotion helped expand awareness of both the award and the region, sparking widespread coverage and conversations among college football communities nationwide. This digital strategy not only celebrated the legacy of the Lou Groza Award but also positioned Palm Beach County as a hub for nationally recognized sports traditions and events.
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission has partnered with Sports Destination Management, one of the nation’s leading sports tourism publications, to showcase Palm Beach County as a premier destination for hosting sporting events. Through a strategically placed advertisement, the Sports Commission is promoting both its mission and the unique advantages that Palm Beach County offers to event rights holders.
This partnership allows the Sports Commission to directly reach a highly targeted audience of sports industry professionals, including event organizers, rights holders, and decision-makers who are actively seeking dynamic host locations. The advertisement highlights Palm Beach County’s world-class venues, year-round warm climate, and robust tourism infrastructure, while also emphasizing the Sports Commission’s proven track record of successfully supporting national and international sporting events.
By utilizing Sports Destination Management’s broad readership and trusted platform, the Sports Commission positions Palm Beach County as not only a top-tier sports destination, but also a community that provides unmatched experiences for athletes, fans, and stakeholders. This effort is a critical step in driving future business development, attracting new events, and showcasing the positive economic and community impact sports bring to the region. Ultimately, this collaboration strengthens Palm Beach County’s reputation as a leader in sports tourism.
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission leverages social media to showcase premier events, highlight world-class venues, and share engaging content that inspires fans, athletes, and organizers. These platforms amplify visibility, strengthen brand awareness, and promote Palm Beach County as a leading sports tourism destination.
Top performing social media posts
Hosting the Real Madrid team base camp in Palm Beach Gardens and the Manchester City team base camp in Boca Raton elevated Palm Beach County’s reputation as a premier soccer destination. These world-renowned clubs selected the Palm Beaches for their training grounds, reinforcing the region’s ability to attract and accommodate elite international teams. The presence of Real Madrid and Manchester City not only brought global attention but also showcased the area’s top-tier facilities, welcoming communities, and destination appeal. Extensive media coverage followed both team camps, generating an earned media value of over $1.2 million and reaching a potential audience of nearly 300 million worldwide. This unprecedented exposure positioned Palm Beach County on the global stage, placing the Palm Beaches in front of international soccer fans and stakeholders. The camps solidified the region’s profile as a world-class destination for sports tourism while strengthening its global brand presence.
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission recently released the Lou Groza Award Preseason Watch List, generating impressive national exposure for both the award and the destination. The announcement captured over $154,000 in earned media value and reached a total audience of more than 76 million. This widespread coverage showcased the prestige of the Lou Groza Award, which honors the nation’s top collegiate placekicker, while spotlighting Palm Beach County as its proud home. By connecting the county with one of college football’s most respected traditions, the Sports Commission successfully promoted The Palm Beaches as a leading sports destination on a national scale.
Newsletter of the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission | September 2025
The Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission (FTC), through its Sponsorship and Development Committee, has approved its largest content slate yet for The Palm Beaches TV (PBTV): 72 new half-hour episodes totaling 36 hours for FY26 (October 2025–September 2026). That’s 50% more than last year, with 45% brand-new shows and 35% new hosts bringing fresh perspectives.
Highlights include Taste The Palm Beaches, an FTC-developed culinary series produced by Pop Star Productions and inspired by the region’s Michelin-rated dining boom. Other new titles are All Access PBC, showcasing ADA-friendly travel; Making Waves, a boating lifestyle series in partnership with the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County; and Pull Up to The Palm Beaches, hosted by ESPN Radio’s Theo Dorsey.
These programs fuel Palm Beach County’s creative workforce while spotlighting small businesses that might not otherwise afford national exposure. Local crews are hired, restaurants and attractions are featured, and the content airs nationally on major networks before landing on PBTV. Content is then repurposed for WFLX FOX 29’s South Florida Daily, which was renewed for its third year with 260 new episodes anticipated. To explore how your production can join this wave of destination-driven storytelling, visit pbfilm.com/pbtv-sponsorship-program
Entertainment Tonight Discover The Palm Beaches
“Florida’s Most Stylish Vacation Destination” to a national audience. Broadcast live from July 21-25, from The Colony Beach, the show reached approximately 3 million viewers per night and engaged 6.6 million Instagram followers. From mocktails on the sand to by Lilly Pulitzer, hosts welcomed Jupiter native star Timmy Dutta. President and CEO, Discover The Palm Beaches, Milton Segarra noted, “Viewers can be inspired to consider visiting destinations through the power of entertainment…in the travel industry it’s called ‘set-jetting.’ A show like Entertainment Tonight will undoubtedly spark interest in The Palm Beaches, and we are ready to welcome those show enthusiasts and deliver on ‘Florida’s Most Stylish Vacation Destination’.”
This December, Netflix debuts Members Only: Palm Beach, a new reality series pulling back the curtain on the women shaping one of the world’s most exclusive social scenes. From the oceanfront to the nightlife, the series spotlights Palm at its most glamorous while following ambitious women building influence and forging powerful connections.
Filmed earlier this year and produced by Seersucker, the production worked with the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission, which coordinated more than 68 permits across Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach and Boca Raton to bring the show to life. Members Only: Palm Beach proves the region isn’t just a visitor’s paradise, it’s a premiere destination for film and television. Catch the drama, ambition and dream-worthy lifestyle when it premieres this December.
Jemma Currie, a Palm Beach County native and former host of Little Wonders of The Palm Beaches, stars in a new Crocs campaign.
The “Your Crocs, Your Story, Your World” campaign is prominently featured in Crocs’ Manhattan store, with colorful displays of Jemma wearing the brand’s footwear.
A student at the University of San Diego, Jemma also models for Select Models and No Ties Models. She works with brands across lifestyle, fashion and commercial markets, bringing energy and professionalism to every shoot. Her early hosting work introduced audiences to the natural beauty and wildlife of Palm Beach , giving her the confidence and skills she uses today. James Currie, host of Hooked on The Palm Beaches and Wild Palm Beaches
Tennis Channel will broadcast the U.S. Davis Cup to its 38 million viewers as Team USA returns to the county to face Czechia at the Delray Beach Tennis Center, Sept. 12–13. The best-of-five series opens Friday at 6 p.m. with two singles matches, followed Saturday at 2 p.m. by doubles and two more singles. The first nation to win three matches advances to the Davis Cup Final 8 in Italy. Team USA, will be captained by Hall of Famer Bob Bryan, and features stars Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, and Frances Tiafoe
“The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is honored to welcome the Davis Cup back to The Palm Beaches,” said Executive Director George Linley. “As the world’s premier international men’s team tennis event, the Davis Cup engages fans worldwide while boosting the local hospitality and business community.”
Discovery Channel’s 2025 Shark Week featured a thrilling segment filmed in Palm Beach County Bull Shark Showdown followed shark experts Dr. Craig O’Connell and Paul de Gelder as they met for the first time at the jetty and pier on the western side of BurtReynolds Park in Jupiter. From there, the duo set sail into the ocean to study bull sharks.
The production, managed by Australia-based Breakout Productions, renowned for creating high-quality adventure and wildlife programming, showcased The Palm Beaches unique coastal environment as the perfect backdrop for both science and adrenaline. Filming in Jupiter, it highlighted the area’s versatility for marine-based productions. With its scenic waterways and direct ocean access, Burt Reynolds Park proved to be an ideal location for capturing Florida’s natural beauty and excitement on an international stage.
This September, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with two dynamic episodes that highlight the county’s vibrant Latin culture on The Palm Beaches TV.
On the “Hola PBC” episode of What’s Poppin PBC?, host Kitty Lundan explores flavors, traditions and artistry of the Hispanic community. She first visits Tropical Bakery, a CubanColombian family business serving the Palm Springs community for over 35 years. She later joins the Hispanos Unidos Family Festival in Greenacres, where founder Esther Uria Labovick unites cultures. In On the Town in The Palm Beaches with Frank Licari’s “Latin Style” episode, host Frank Licari samples authentic cuisine, dances to Latin rhythms and meets entrepreneurs shaping the county’s cultural scene. These episodes are just a few of the over 140 hours of familyfriendly programming that capture the diverse and multicultural fabric of The Palm Beaches.
Now in its third year, the FTC’s sponsored partnership with South Florida Daily on WFLX FOX 29 continues to showcase the vibrant personality of The Palm Beaches to viewers across Palm Beach, Martin, Okeechobee, Indian River and St. Lucie counties.
Reaching almost one million households, South Florida Daily is a weekday lifestyle program that highlights events, local businesses and community organizations. Airing Monday through Friday at 6 a.m. and noon, the show features curated segments from The Palm Beaches TV (PBTV) and delivers at least 30 promotional announcements each month. Beginning October 8, the broadcast will air at 6pm and 1pm to further expand its viewing demographic. The partnership also extends online driving traffic to PBTV’s website and boosting initiatives led by the FTC’s agency partners on southfloridadaily.com. This media collaboration is one of the many integrated marketing approaches the FTC will embark on to amplify local stories and promote PalmBeach County, FL as a premier destination.
It was a Palm Beach County try pro showdown on national television as two local chefs competed on Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games. On Aug. 13, Blackbird Modern Asian’s Denise Elrod faced off against Ganache Bakery-Café’s Jamal Lake in a culinary battle.
Elrod impressed the judges by churning red wine vinegar into ice cream, turning creativity into a $20,000 win. Her inventive approach highlighted both her skill and the talent that thrives in The Palm Beaches’ culinary scene. Lake, who co-owns Ganache Bakery-Café, is no stranger to the spotlight. His bakery was featured on the “Black Voices 2” episode of On the Town in The Palm Beaches with Frank Licari, showing his contributions to the local food community.
The popular HGTV series House Hunters returned to The Palm Beaches for Season 247, Episode 11, titled Single in Florida, featuring a recently single woman starting fresh in West Palm Beach. Searching for a home that reflected her independence and future goals, she toured two Palm Beach County properties showcasing South Florida’s lifestyle diversity. One highlighted the peaceful charm of the Intracoastal Waterway, while the other embraced the vibrant energy of downtown living.
Airing July 23, the 21-minute episode is one of the 53 television projects that contributed over $59M in production spend in the county in 2024. The Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission supported the production with permits and location assistance, ensuring a smooth filming experience. The episode highlights the region’s residential appeal and versatility as a premier filming destination for reality productions. FOCUS
The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival, in partnership with Palm Beach Atlantic University, will present Romeo & Juliet at the Fern Street Theatre in West Palm Beach, Oct. 2-4. Performances run Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with tickets starting at $10 at pbshakespeare.org.
Artistic Director Trent Stephens offers a fresh adaptation of Shakespeare’s timeless tale of passion, tragedy and reconciliation. Professional actors join Palm Beach Atlantic students to bring the classic story of young love and family conflict to life.
The production also marks a new chapter for producer Elizabeth Dashiell, previously known for SwedeFest, the nobudget parody film festival at Lake Worth Playhouse.
Festivals are always in season in Palm Beach County there’s always a celebration to enjoy, whether you’re a music lover, foodie or art enthusiast. Fest Quest of The Palm Beaches, hosted by Cindy Hing viewers inside the heart of these unforgettable events beyond the main stage. The first episode of the Telly Award-winning series, streaming on The Palm Beaches TV and reaching over 4 million viewers on WSFL-TV 39, takes audiences behind the scenes of Oktoberfest at the American German Club of the Palm Beaches. From traditional lederhosen to stein-holding contests, folk performances and German beer imported straight from Munich, the episode captures the energy, flavor and spirit of Bavaria in Lake Worth Beach
Whether you plan to attend Oktoberfest person from October 119 or simply want a front-row seat to the festivities, you can stream Fest Quest of The Palm Beaches anytime, 24/7 at ThePalmBeaches.TV
ThePalmBeaches.TV just got even bigger! More than seven hours of new programming have been added for viewers to dive into fresh adventures, and unforgettable experiences that showcase the very best of Palm Beach County, FL. Whether you’re a longtime local or a firsttime visitor, these new episodes are your all-access pass to the county’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and unique lifestyle. Outdoor lovers can dive into thrilling adventures with Fin Quest Outdoor Adventures and Into the Blue, highlighting the area’s world-class fishing and boating. Wildlife expert James Currie returns with Wild Palm Beaches and Hooked on The Palm Beaches, where viewers can enjoy the county’s natural landscapes, explore the many fishing opportunities. For those who crave culture and luxury, new episodes of The Bright Life of The Palm Beaches offer a stylish journey into The Palm Beaches lifestyle. Stream these new episodes now and Watch, Live and Share your all-access pass to the adventures in The Palm Beaches.
Director Stephen Mills Keep, an actor-turned director after the actors’ strike in 1980, wrote “A Cigar at The Beach” over the span of two late nights in Delray Beach, when he took his family there to visit his aging father, who was suffering from depression. While tending to the needs of his pregnant wife, his technology addicted stepson, and his dad, Mills took a close look at his own roles of husband, son, father and the issue of mortality. Out of a yellow notepad full of scribbles, erasures and diagrams, the award-winning short, A Cigar at the Beach was born. The production shot over 11 days at Ormond Beach and Delray Beach and received 45 awards. Besides filming on the beach in Delray, local locations included the former Wright by the Sea motel and the Carolina Cigar Company on Atlantic Avenue
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is a gem for filmmakers seeking a visually appealing location. The property offers productions the chance to capture scenes without impacting operations since the last flight is typically at midnight.
Even during daytime hours, public areas can be open to film and television projects. These include baggage claim areas, wide hallways, parking facilities and a variety of shops and restaurants, basically anywhere not past security.
With its secure gates, high walls, and concrete facades, the Airport has convincingly doubled as a prison setting in a few productions. Adding to its adaptability, the industrial-looking structure on the top floor of the parking garage provides an ideal backdrop for gritty crime scenes, chase sequences, or dramatic rooftop moments.
Notably, PBI hosted tennis icon Serena Williams for a Vanity Fair high-profile music video shoot. Filmed on the plane-side tarmac with the air traffic control tower in view.
From its putt putt area to the uncrowded atmosphere, PBI is more than just a gateway for travelers it’s a ready-made set for filmmakers. Find more film friendly beaches online in the locations database.
EDUCATION CORNER: SSOF CALL FOR ENTRIES OPENING SOON!
The 2026 Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films (SSOF) Call for Entries will open this October! The free-to-enter competition is open to student filmmakers, writers, graphic designers and digital media artists enrolled in any Florida high school or college.
SSOF has 11 categories for students to enter, including High School and College Feature Short, Documentary, Music Video, Animation, Environmental PSA, Commercial PSA, Tourism PSA, Screenwriting, and the 2027 Poster Design Palm Beach County high school seniors can also compete for the competition’s highest honor, the Burt Reynolds Scholarship, with additional awards in the name of Sara Fuller, Mel Maron, Dr. B. Carleton, and the Gray family. In addition, students can nominate their teachers for the Teacher of the Year award which honors a Florida educator for assisting the growth of many of our talented students. All scholarship recipients and prizes will be announced at the live award show in 2026. Stay tuned for the official date announcement and for more information. PBCTV Channel 20 aired this year’s 30th anniversary show on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays throughout the month of August.
For more information on how to enter the competition, visit our website. Stay up to date on all related posts by visiting SSOF on Facebook @StudentShowcaseOfFilms, on Instagram @StudentFilmsFL and on X @StudentFilmsFL
Percentage change variances of ± 10% in performance statistics are explained in this section
1.Hotel Room Nights: The 16% decrease in Hotel Room Nights reflects an improvement over last month’s 22% deficit. Young Hero LLC out of Rumson NJ, filmed a commercial for Ro featuring Serena Williams in Jupiter and utilized 300 hotel room nights which played a key role in narrowing the gap.
2.Total Leads: The 24% decrease in Total Leads represents a nine-percentage point improvement from last month’s 33% deficit, demonstrating notable momentum in lead activity. In July, 10 of the 19 leads captured were generated from PBTV programming that was approved in June, confirming the projections previously outlined for this category by FTC staff Looking ahead, this negative is expected to be fully resolved in next month’s report, as the FTC has already secured more than four dozen leads tied to PBTV-related shows.
3.Lead Responses: A 24% decrease in Lead Responses goes hand-in-hand with Total Leads. While leads are still down overall, the deficit has been lessened by nine-percentage points. As lead volume increases, response activity will naturally rise as well.
4.Lead Conversions: A 47% decrease in Lead Conversions reflects the general decline in Total Leads during this period. However, focused lead management and outreach efforts have resulted in a steady 53% year-to-date conversion rate, with 55 out of the 103 leads generated in 2025 successfully turning into production business in Palm Beach County. This performance underscores the continued effectiveness of our engagement strategies and positions us well to reduce the current deficit as new opportunities to generate referrals for FTC/PBTV-sponsored projects develop in the months ahead.
5.Website Unique Visitors: The 33% increase in Website Unique Visitors illustrates the effectiveness of our digital marketing initiatives, with over 10,000 more unique visitors recorded this year compared to the same period last year.
25-217
25-218
Beyond Productions Culver City,CA
Del Rey Public Beach
Veterans Park, Del Rey
Public Sidewalks near E Atlantic Ave and 5th Ave
(4 block radius)
Atlantic Dunes Park
Delray Oaks Natural Area
South Beach Park, Boca Raton
Yamato Scrub Natural Area
Reef Park
Del Rey Public Beach
Veterans Park, Del Rey
Public Sidewalks near E Atlantic Ave and 5th Ave
(4 block radius)
Atlantic Dunes Park
Delray Oaks Natural Area
South Beach Park, Boca Raton
Yamato Scrub Natural Area Red Reef Park
Del Rey Public Beach
Veterans Park, Del Rey
Public Sidewalks near E Atlantic Ave and 5th Ave (4 block radius)
Atlantic Dunes Park
Delray Oaks Natural Area
South Beach Park, Boca Raton
Yamato Scrub Natural Area
Gardens, FL Juno Beach Pier | 14775 U.S. Hwy 1, Juno
Beach Gardens, FL Palm Beach Gardens Aquatic Complex
SW 3rd Street, Boynton Beach, FL (Between the dead-end closer to Woolbirght Rd and SW 23rd Ave)
High Ridge Rd, Boynton Beach, FL (Between Industrial Way & Park Ridge Blvd - looks like High Ridge Road turns into Park Ridge)
N M St, Lake Worth, FL (Between Wellesley Dr and 12th Ave N)
Gun Club Rd (Between 807 and Kirk Rd)
N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL (Between 5th
St and Fern St)
Boynton Beach Inlet via Ocean Inlet Park & Ocean Inlet Park itself.
Gulfstream Park (489 N Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33483)
East ocean Avenue from Interstate 1 to the the beach aka jimmy buffet memorial highway
25-223
Left Right LLC New York, NY
JUPITER LIGHTHOUSE AND MUSEUM (EXT ONLY of the Park as a whole located at Captain Armours Way)
25-224 7 Left Right LLC New York, NY
SW 3rd Street, Boynton Beach, FL (Between the dead-end closer to Woolbirght Rd and SW 23rd Ave)
High Ridge Rd, Boynton Beach, FL (Between Industrial Way & Park Ridge Blvd - looks like High Ridge Road turns into Park Ridge)
N M St, Lake Worth, FL (Between Wellesley Dr and 12th Ave N)
Gun Club Rd (Between 807 and Kirk Rd)
N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL (Between 5th St and Fern St)
Boynton Beach Inlet via Ocean Inlet Park & Ocean Inlet Park itself.
Gulfstream Park (489 N Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33483)
East ocean Avenue from Interstate 1 to the the beach aka jimmy buffet memorial highway JUPITER LIGHTHOUSE AND MUSEUM (EXT ONLY of the Park as a whole located at Captain Armours Way)
Public sidewalks and spaces along SW 3rd Street, Boynton Beach, FL (Between the deadend closer to Woolbirght Rd and SW 23rd Ave
Public sidewalks and spaces along High Ridge Rd, Boynton Beach, FL (Between Industrial Way & Park Ridge Blvd)
Public sidewalks and spaces along East Ocean Avenue from Interstate 1 to the Jimmy Buffet Memorial Highway
Along Antique Row and Artisan Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
Public spaces and sidewalks within and along City Place - 700 S Rosemary Ave Suite 200, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Public sidewalks along WPB Waterfront Landing109 S Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33401from N Quadrille Blvd to Okeechobee Blvd
25-226
25-227 7 Left Right LLC New York, NY
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens - 4000 Morikami Park Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446 Lost In The Palm Beaches
SW 3rd Street, Boynton Beach, FL (Between the dead-end closer to Woolbirght Rd and SW 23rd Ave)
High Ridge Rd, Boynton Beach, FL (Between Industrial Way & Park Ridge Blvd - looks like High Ridge Road turns into Park Ridge)
N M St, Lake Worth, FL (Between Wellesley Dr and 12th Ave N)
Gun Club Rd (Between 807 and Kirk Rd)
N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL (Between 5th St and Fern St)
Boynton Beach Inlet via Ocean Inlet Park & Ocean Inlet Park itself.
Gulfstream Park (489 N Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33483)
East ocean Avenue from Interstate 1 to the the beach aka jimmy buffet memorial highway
JUPITER LIGHTHOUSE AND MUSEUM (EXT ONLY of the Park as a whole located at Captain Armours Way)
25-228 7 Left Right LLC New York, NY
SW 3rd Street, Boynton Beach, FL (Between the dead-end closer to Woolbirght Rd and SW 23rd Ave)
High Ridge Rd, Boynton Beach, FL (Between Industrial Way & Park Ridge Blvd - looks like High Ridge Road turns into Park Ridge)
N M St, Lake Worth, FL (Between Wellesley Dr and 12th Ave N)
Gun Club Rd (Between 807 and Kirk Rd)
N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL (Between 5th St and Fern St)
Boynton Beach Inlet via Ocean Inlet Park & Ocean Inlet Park itself.
Gulfstream Park (489 N Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33483)
East ocean Avenue from Interstate 1 to the the beach aka jimmy buffet memorial highway JUPITER LIGHTHOUSE AND MUSEUM (EXT ONLY of the Park as a whole located at Captain Armours Way)
Along Antique Row and Artisan Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
Public spaces and sidewalks within and along City Place - 700 S Rosemary Ave Suite 200, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Public sidewalks along WPB Waterfront Landing109 S Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33401from N Quadrille Blvd to Okeechobee Blvd
25-229 7 Bluewaters LLC Clearwater, FL
25-230 7 Bluewaters LLC Clearwater, FL
25-231 7 Religion of Sports Boynton Beach, FL
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens - 4000 Morikami Park Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446
Along Antique Row and Artisan Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
Public spaces and sidewalks within and along City Place - 700 S Rosemary Ave Suite 200, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Public sidewalks along WPB Waterfront Landing109 S Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33401from N Quadrille Blvd to Okeechobee Blvd
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens - 4000 Morikami Park Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446
Delray Tennis Center- 201 W Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444
Beach Central HS 8499 W Forest Hill
Christ Fellowship Films Palm Beach Gardens, FL Lakeside Park | 667 Lakeside Dr, North Palm Beach, FL 33408
25-234 7 Prohibition Films Inc Los Angeles, CA
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center (1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432)
Worth Avenue Clock Tower & Vias (Palm Beach) Downtown West Palm Beach / Clematis Street / CityPlace
Wishing Tree at CityPlace (nighttime visuals)
Mounts Botanical Garden (West Palm Beach) Juno Beach & Pier
Loggerhead Marinelife Center (exterior/public walkways)
South Ocean Blvd / A1A (scenic convertible drive)
Lake Worth Beach and Pier (near Benny’s On The Beach)
Atlantic Avenue and Pineapple Grove (Delray Beach)
Atlantic Avenue nightlife area (street-level shots after dinner)
25-236 7 Wheel the World San Francisco, CA
25-237 7 Polaris Public Affairs LLC N/A
Worth Avenue Clock Tower & Vias (Palm Beach)
Downtown West Palm Beach / Clematis Street / CityPlace
Wishing Tree at CityPlace (nighttime visuals)
Mounts Botanical Garden (West Palm Beach)
Juno Beach & Pier
Loggerhead Marinelife Center (exterior/public walkways)
South Ocean Blvd / A1A (scenic convertible drive)
Lake Worth Beach and Pier (near Benny’s On The Beach)
Atlantic Avenue and Pineapple Grove (Delray Beach)
Atlantic Avenue nightlife area (street-level shots after dinner) Accessibility in The Palm Beaches
300 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401; the Historic Courthouse currently the home of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County Palm Beach County Public Defender Office
Worth Avenue Clock Tower & Vias (Palm Beach)
Downtown West Palm Beach / Clematis Street / CityPlace
Wishing Tree at CityPlace (nighttime visuals)
Mounts Botanical Garden (West Palm Beach)
Juno Beach & Pier
Loggerhead Marinelife Center (exterior/public walkways)
South Ocean Blvd / A1A (scenic convertible drive)
Lake Worth Beach and Pier (near Benny’s On The Beach)
Atlantic Avenue and Pineapple Grove (Delray Beach)
25-238 7 Wheel the World San Francisco, CA
25-239 7 Wheel the World San Francisco, CA
Atlantic Avenue nightlife area (street-level shots after dinner)
Worth Avenue Clock Tower & Vias (Palm Beach)
Downtown West Palm Beach / Clematis Street / CityPlace
Wishing Tree at CityPlace (nighttime visuals)
Mounts Botanical Garden (West Palm Beach)
Juno Beach & Pier
Loggerhead Marinelife Center (exterior/public walkways)
South Ocean Blvd / A1A (scenic convertible drive)
Lake Worth Beach and Pier (near Benny’s On The Beach)
Atlantic Avenue and Pineapple Grove (Delray Beach)
Atlantic Avenue nightlife area (street-level shots after dinner)
Worth Avenue Clock Tower & Vias (Palm Beach)
Downtown West Palm Beach / Clematis Street / CityPlace
Wishing Tree at CityPlace (nighttime visuals)
Mounts Botanical Garden (West Palm Beach)
Juno Beach & Pier
Loggerhead Marinelife Center (exterior/public walkways)
South Ocean Blvd / A1A (scenic convertible drive)
Lake Worth Beach and Pier (near Benny’s On The Beach)
Atlantic Avenue and Pineapple Grove (Delray Beach)
25-240
Atlantic Avenue nightlife area (street-level shots after dinner)
25-241 7 Wheel the World San Francisco, CA
Worth Avenue Clock Tower & Vias (Palm Beach)
Downtown West Palm Beach / Clematis Street / CityPlace
Wishing Tree at CityPlace (nighttime visuals)
Mounts Botanical Garden (West Palm Beach)
Juno Beach & Pier
Loggerhead Marinelife Center (exterior/public walkways)
South Ocean Blvd / A1A (scenic convertible drive)
Lake Worth Beach and Pier (near Benny’s On The Beach)
Atlantic Avenue and Pineapple Grove (Delray Beach)
Atlantic Avenue nightlife area (street-level shots after dinner)
Worth Avenue Clock Tower & Vias (Palm Beach)
Downtown West Palm Beach / Clematis Street / CityPlace
Wishing Tree at CityPlace (nighttime visuals)
Mounts Botanical Garden (West Palm Beach)
Juno Beach & Pier
Loggerhead Marinelife Center (exterior/public walkways)
South Ocean Blvd / A1A (scenic convertible drive)
Lake Worth Beach and Pier (near Benny’s On The Beach)
Atlantic Avenue and Pineapple Grove (Delray Beach)
Atlantic Avenue nightlife area (street-level
in The Palm
25-242 7 Wheel the World San Francisco, CA
CompanyType
*Afflux Studios Music Videos, Still PhotographyVarious135155Various
*APEX Productions Inc. Television/CommercialsVarious222105Various
*Argonaut Productions Commercials, Corporate VideosVarious225155Various
*ASK Media Productions Videos, Commercials, Still PhotographyVarious205125Various
*Brave Man Media Website Design/Advertising/ PromotionalVarious196155Various
*Channel 20 TelevisionVarious201400N/A
*Frank Gatto & Associates Streaming, Sports Broadcasts, VariousVarious274750N/A
*G-Star Studios VariousVarious1710550136Various
*Hutton Miller, LLC Commercials/InfomercialsVarious1912285 Hyatt Delray Place
*JettyProductions VariousVarious171110N/A
*KO-MARProductions VariousVarious21122510Various
*LGW Mediaworks VariousVarious2310205Various
*Majic Robot Studios VariousVarious143510Various
*Media Zone Studios Streaming, Corporate Videos, VariousVarious29150N/A
*Multi Image Group (MIG) VariousVarious261104515Various
*Olympusat TelevisionVarious3114050100Various
*Pathos VariousVarious1417110Various
*Saygo Studios VariousVarious21100Various
*Studio Space / You Create Academy Independent Films, Web SeriesVarious262310Various
*West Palm TV 18 TelevisionVarious25330N/A
*WXTV Channel 34- Sinclair TelevisionVarious22800N/A
Social Media Followers
Facebook - 8,921 (July) to 8,925 (August)
Instagram – NEW – 268 (August)
LinkedIn - 1,184 (July) to 1,211 (August)
Instagram Monthly Total
Views – 2,017 Interactions – 41 Reach – 300 Generate Profile Visits - 202
Facebook Monthly Total
Interactions –29 (July) to 140 (August) Views – 3,471 (July) to 10,703 (August) Engagement – 2,434 (July) to 3,975 (August)
LinkedIn Profile Views - 82 (July) to 74 (August) Reached – 573 (July) to 1,111 (August) Engagements - 88 (July) to 201 (August) Impressions - 2,247 (July) to 5,214 (August) Connections - 808 (July) to 818 (August)
Jasmine rice, coffee: 5 products to be hit by Trump's incoming tariffs | ABS-CBN News
ABS-CBN... West Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, on November 6, 2024. Jim Watson, AFP. WASHINGTON, United States The United States
Palm Beach County convention center hotel talks stymied by tax-break demand | WLRN WLRNA proposed 23-story hotel on land owned by Related Ross next to the Palm Beach County Convention Center. When an email popped up in Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County convention center hotel talks stymied by tax-break demand - WLRN WLRN Palm Beach County convention center hotel talks stymied by tax-break demand. By Jane Musgrave | Stet News. July 31, 2025 at 4:47 PM EDT. When an
How to get around: County has high hopes for transportation master plan | WLRN
WLRN Palm Beach County convention center hotel talks stymied by tax-break demand. 3 hours ago. The entrance to La Follia, an estate in Palm Beach, Fla
SOCOM getting new commander after Frank Bradley earns Senate confirmation DefenseScoop Palm Beach Convention Center on November 06, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images). Trump picks new combatant
Jasmine rice, coffee: 5 products to be hit by Trump's incoming tariffs | ABS-CBN News
ABS-CBN Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, on November 6, 2024. Jim Watson, AFP. WASHINGTON, United States The United States is
op-ed | Past's war on future: Nostalgia in politics can be lethal - Telegraph India Telegraph India Palm Beach Convention Center, Nov. 6, 2024 AP photo. Debashis Chakrabarti. Published 02.08.25, 06:24 AM. “The future is not something we enter. The
Mayor's Insider Newsletter for Thursday, August 8, 2025 - City of West Palm Beach City of West Palm Beach Location: Palm Beach County Convention Center Date: April 14 – 15, 2026. BIG Summer Events This Month! Soul in the City Promo graphic Wednesday
Julie B. Foundation To Host Masquerade Gala Benefit Sept. 27 - Town-Crier Newspaper
Town-Crier Newspaper next to the Palm Beach County Convention Center. To secure your tickets, or to learn more about the Julie B. Foundation, visit them online at www
'I truly wish I had not': Trump voter regrets support after seeing high medication costs - MSN MSN Donald Trump takes the stage to address supporters at his rally, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
Donald Trump's bizarre claim about son Barron's 6ft 7in height - MSN
MSN Palm Beach Convention Center on November 06, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. © Joe Raedle, Getty Images. Donald Trump rarely reveals details
MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk lashes out at Trump plan to reclassify pot as less dangerous drug The Mirror US Palm Beach Convention Center on July 26, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida.(Image: Getty Images). MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk is lashing out on
Trump Declares JD Vance GOP Frontrunner for 2028 MAGA - NewsLooks NewsLooks ... Palm Beach Convention Center, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci). JD Vance 2028 Quick Looks. President Trump
MMA at the White House is 'going to happen,' UFC's Dana White says as July 4 Fight Night ... Anchorage Daily News ... West Palm Beach Convention Center on Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images/TNS). White, 56, has been the driving
MMA at the White House is 'going to happen,' UFC's Dana White says as July 4 Fight Night ...
The Union Democrat West Palm Beach Convention Center on Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images/TNS). Jim Watson/AFP. A mixed martial
Trump Targets Mail-In Ballots Ahead Of 2026 US Elections - Channels TV Channels TV ... West Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, on November 6, 2024. – Republican former president Donald Trump closed in on a new
Riviera Beach's Villa L'Onz residences are coming to Avenue E | WLRN WLRN Palm Beach County convention center hotel talks stymied by tax-break demand. July 31, 2025. The entrance to La Follia, an estate in Palm Beach, Fla
Warning sign for GOP as Trump's approval rating among millennials plummets - NewsBreak NewsBreak ... Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., November 6, 2024. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo. President Donald Trump's
Warning sign for GOP as Trump's approval rating among millennials plummets - MSN MSN ... Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., November 6, 2024. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo © provided by AlterNet. P
Hunter Biden escalates rift with Melania Trump over Jeffrey Epstein allegation - ABC News ABC News - The Walt Disney Company Palm Beach Convention Center, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, F...Show more Show more. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images | Anna Moneymaker/Getty
MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk lashes out at Trump plan to reclassify pot as less dangerous drug MSN Palm Beach Convention Center on July 26, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. © Getty Images. MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk is lashing out on social
White House To Host UFC Match Celebrating America's 250th Birthday - VIBE.com VIBE.com ... Palm Beach Convention Center on November 06, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Win McNamee/Getty Images. “We're going to have a UFC fight, think of
DEFINITE Room Rental by Month - FY 2025
International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems: The Board of County Commissioners proclaimed July 26 as International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems. A huge thank you to Commissioner Flores for his support as this Proclamation highlights collective efforts in conserving Palm Beach County’s vital mangrove ecosystems This Proclamation recognizes mangroves as vital natural assets in South Florida that protect our coastlines, support local fisheries, improve water quality, and strengthen ecological resilience, further encouraging their continued protection and restoration
FWC Grant Artificial Reef Monitoring: Thanks to a grant from FWC’s Artificial Reef Program, ERM divers have been monitoring our artificial reefs this summer to study the stability and productivity of different artificial reef designs. Divers evaluate the structural integrity of the reefs, record signs of scouring, shifting, or other changes that have occurred since deployment along with supplemental fish and coral surveys Due to strong currents, divers identify fish species and estimate their abundance while drifting through the site. Coral surveys are completed along specific paths for easy replication in future years. This approach generates a detailed inventory that helps us monitor species utilizing each artificial reef over time
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE CONSERVATION OF MANGROVE ECOYSTEMS
Truck Spraying Field Testing: Staff conducted an insecticide trial where a local strain of mosquito species from Boca Raton was tested Eight cages of mosquitos were placed 300 feet downwind of a normal spray operation. Results showed a 95% mortality rate in caged mosquitoes in the treatment area, demonstrating that truck-based spraying remains effective. Regularly testing the effectiveness of treatment methods is an integral piece of managing mosquito populations to enhance the health and quality of life for residents and visitors
Lake Worth Lagoon Fisheries Monitoring: FWCcontracted fisheries monitoring is halfway complete for 2025. So far, eighteen 183-meter seine nets, forty 21.3meter nets, and twelve 40-meter nets have been pulled in the Northern and Central Lake Worth Lagoon So far this year, monitoring has identified 8,884 animals including many unique and economically important species.
Shell Midden Display: ERM provided shell material to FAU’s Department of Anthropology for them to create a shell midden display The shell material provided was a byproduct of a beach renourishment project completed in Jupiter, where beach material was collected offshore. The midden display represents the archaeological history of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse historical site and will be used as an educational tool for archaeology students This is a fantastic example of the many ways project byproduct material can be beneficially reused!
PRESCRIBED FIRE AT SWEETBAY NATURAL AREA
Volunteers Clean Up Natural Areas: Volunteers braved the heat and humidity as they removed more than 2,000 pounds of trash and invasive love vine from Palm Beach County Natural Areas The volunteers cleaned mangrove shorelines along Jupiter Ridge and Snook Islands Natural Areas and scrub habitat in Karen Marcus Ocean Park Preserve. Thanks to their hard work, these natural treasures are clean and green!
Prescribed Fire at Sweetbay Natural Area: Two prescribed fires were completed at Sweetbay Natural Area A total of 569 acres of pine flatwoods and wetland habitats were burned to keep the site on a 3-year burn rotation. Prescribed fires are a beneficial management method for wildfire reduction and habitat maintenance
VOLUNTEERS CLEAN UP NATURAL AREAS
Pre- and Post-Storm Aerial Surveys: Staff are utilizing programmed drone flights to capture consistent pre- and post-storm aerial photos of our beaches These consistent photos allow staff to visualize storm impacts and to have an accurate time-lapse Most recently, preand post-storm drone photos were captured for Hurricane Erin. PRE- AND POST-STORM AERIAL SURVEYS
10th Annual Night for Night for the Natural Areas fundraiser on Saturday, September 6th , hosted by Tequesta Brewing. This event raises funds that directly benefit PBC Natural Areas outreach initiatives, including free guided events through the Adventure Awaits series, Running Wild trail running series, Growing Up Wild events for kids, and the annual Natural Areas Festival To date, the event has donated over $40,000, all of which has helped provide free opportunities for our community to connect with these special places A $30 00 donation at the door includes a drink ticket, food, and a chance to win stunning nature photography and artwork Bring your friends for a good time supporting a good cause! Adventure Awaits: Register NOW for a FREE event at PBCERM.EVENTBRITE.COM!
TRAFFIC REPORT for the period ended July 2025
(1) Estimated Seat Capacity; Adjusted Innovata/OAG Scheduled seats, actual capacity may vary
(2) Percentage Change in load factor is stated in absolute difference
(3) Freight plus mail in US Tons
(4) Landings plus Takeoffs, includes cargo carriers
(5) Per FAA Tower
Palm Beach County Department of Airports
846 PBIA, West Palm Beach , FL 33406-1470 www.pbia.org
ENPLANEMENT TRAFFIC REPORT for the period ended July 2025
Airline
for the period ended July 2025
Change in Enplanements by Airline
Monthly Airport Traffic Statistics
West Palm Beach, Florida, United States of America Palm Beach International Airport for the period ended July 2025
* Per FAA Tower ** In metric tons as required by ACI reporting standards includes Mail plus Freight
Month Year
Page Header July 2025
Column Header (Abbr) Ju1 2024
$7,529,171
COUNCIL
$14,454,719
DPBC Wellcoming, LLC
$31,327,073
9/30/27 (2022-1019), (2023-1356), (2024-0994)
(R2022-1017), (20231354), (2024-0993),
(2022-1018), (2023-1355), ( 2024-0995)
9/30/27 (2022-1024), (2023-1353), (2024-0992)
$1,500,000, $500,000
R2024 1302 annually, pd in installments
PBCFTC Olympusat
DPBC-Simpleview, LLC Web Based Services R2022-0636
$590,000, 118,000 annually Pd in monthly installments 8/1/22 7/30/27 initial five yr. agreement
$106,012 annually, pd monthly at $8,834.33. 10/1/22 10/1/23
DPBC-Zimmerman, LLC R2018-1121 -Creative Design $840,000 annually pd mo. $70,000
DPBC-Madden Preprint Media, LLC Website Design
$146,650 phase 1 $98,760 phase 2 Pd monthly at $8,230 10/1/22 9/30/24 initial 2yr agreement with 2 additional 2yr. renewals
DPBC-Zimmerman Agency LLC R2018-1120 Public Relations
@ $16,000 mo. optional services not to
$58,000 for a total R2021-0160 of $250,000
Culture-Push, Inc.
Marketing Services $201,000 annual fee not to
1
with 2, 2yr. renewals (R2021-0401) (R2022-0788) (R2024-1155) exceed $300,000 including travel and other out-of-pocket
DPBC-Professional $223,160 10/1/23 9/30/24 Convention Management Association (PCMA) (sole Source)R2024-0831
Transparent Media
Partners R2024-0601
CC-F&B Oakview Group (OVG)
(2022-0948)
DPBC-Vox International, Inc. $92,125 annually 10/1/24 2/30/27 (Canada) Not to exceed $276,375
DPBC-LMG Management
Not to exceed $288,000 (Germany)
DPBC - ARIAREPS (Colombia)
$85,500 annually 10/1/24 9/30/27
Not to exceed $256,500 (Brazil)
$18,000 annually Not to exceed $103,000 10/1/24 9/30/27
DPBC – Fauhaber
DPBC – MMGY
8,077,442 8,252,653 8,403,519 8,525,586 8,573,728 0 200,000 400,000 600,000 800,000 1,000,000 1,200,000
Toronto, Canada (YYZ): will resume daily seasonal service Oct. 26. Service operates until April 30, 2026.
Montreal, Canada (YUL): will resume 3x weekly seasonal service Dec. 3. Service operates until March 27, 2026.
Grand Rapids (GRR): will resume 2x weekly seasonal service Oct. 2. Service operates until April 26, 2026.
Cincinnati (CVG): will resume 3x weekly service Nov. 20.
Pittsburgh (PIT): will increase frequencies from 2x weekly to 3x weekly in November; 5x in December.
Boston (BOS): will operate three one-off flights for Christmas/New Years. Operates Dec. 20, 27, and Jan. 3, 2026.
New York-LaGuardia (LGA): will resume daily seasonal service Oct. 6.
Washington-National (DCA): will increase from 2x daily to 3x in November; 4x from December to March.
Chicago-O’Hare (ORD): 11x weekly in September; increasing to 2x daily in October; 3x daily in November; 4x daily from Dec. 18 to Jan. 5, 2026.
NEW: Charlotte/Concord (USA): 4x weekly service will begin Oct. 23.
Wilmington, NC (ILM): returning destination; will resume 2x weekly service Nov. 20.
Wilmington, DE (ILG): will resume 2x weekly seasonal service Nov. 7.
Akron/Canton (CAK) and Richmond (RIC): 2x weekly year-round service began Sept. 5.
Raleigh-Durham (RDU): will increase frequencies from 2x weekly in September to 3x weekly in October; 5x weekly in November; daily in January. 2026.
Charleston (CHS): will increase frequencies from 2x weekly to 3x Feb. 11, 2026; 4x weekly in March and April.
Minneapolis (MSP): will resume 5x weekly seasonal service Nov. 22; increasing to daily Feb. 12, 2026. Service operates until April 12.
Detroit (DTW): will increase frequencies from daily to 2x daily between Dec. 20 and April 2, 2026.
Cleveland (CLE): will resume 3x weekly seasonal service on Dec. 19.
Islip (ISP): will resume 5x weekly seasonal service on Dec. 2.
Los Angeles (LAX): will resume daily seasonal service on Oct. 26. Service operates until April 28, 2026.
Islip (ISP): will increase frequencies from daily to 2x daily between Dec. 18 to Feb. 11, 2026.
Toronto, Canada (YYZ): will resume daily seasonal service on Dec. 15 to Jan. 12, 2026; 5x weekly from Jan. 15 to Feb. 9; daily between Feb 12 to March 25; 5x weekly from March 26 to April 12.
NEW: Dallas-Love (DAL): weekly seasonal service will begin March 7, 2026.
St. Louis (STL): will resume daily seasonal service March 5, 2026. 2x daily on Saturdays.
Baltimore (BWI): will increase from 3x daily (21x weekly) to 24x weekly in November and December; 4x daily in March and April 2026.
Buffalo (BUF) and Providence (PVD): will operate weekly seasonal service on Feb. 14, 21 and 28, 2026.
Atlantic City (ACY): will increase frequencies from 11x weekly in September and October to 2x daily in November and December
Chicago-O’Hare (ORD): will resume daily seasonal service on Sept. 25; increasing to 2x daily Dec. 4; 3x between Feb. 12 and March 28, 2026.
Denver (DEN): will resume daily seasonal service Oct. 26; increasing to 2x daily from Dec. 18 to March 28, 2026.
Houston-Intercontinental (IAH): will resume daily seasonal service on Sept. 25; 2x daily from Oct. 27 to March 28, 2026.
Newark (EWR): will operate 10-11x daily between January and April 2026.
Washington-Dulles (IAD): will resume daily seasonal service Sept. 25; increasing to 2x daily between Feb. 12 and March 28, 2026.
As the industry waits to see what will happen with Spirit, competitors like Frontier and Allegiant have begun to add more service to existing Spirit hubs and focus cities.
Tourism stands as one of Palm Beach County’s most powerful pillars, sustaining prosperity, creating opportunities, and enriching the lives of its residents. As Florida’s largest county by land, Palm Beach commands 47 miles of pristine shoreline, 39 dynamic municipalities, and a flourishing cultural landscape defined by world-class institutions and celebrated events. Palm Beach County’s influence extends further through its expanding film and television industry and a distinguished calendar of year-round athletic competitions. Beyond leisure, Palm Beach County rises as a premier stage for meetings, conventions, and business exchange, drawing visionaries and leaders from across the nation and around the world.
• $10.5B economic impact FY24 | Projected $10.7B FY25
• 9.9M visitors in 2024 | Projected 10.2M visitors in 2025
• $7.2B in visitor spending | Projected $7.5B in 2025
• 96,000 jobs supported (2025) | Projected 97,000 jobs in (2026)
• $86.7M Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collected, reinvested into:
o Destination development, beach renourishment, cultural programs, film & production, sports events
o Supports 4 tourism-related infrastructure debts totaling $241.3M:
▪ Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium ($75M)
▪ Cactus Park of The Palm Beaches ($91.4M)
▪ Convention Center ($32.3M)
▪ Convention Center Garage ($42.6M)
o $10.7M dedicated to beach renourishment
o $9.5M in grant money directly invested into Sporting, Film Sponsorship and Cultural events. Funding directly resulted in:
▪ Cultural Programs and Museums (including Broadway shows in the heart of Downtown WPB)
▪ Film & TV Production: The Palm Beaches TV
▪ Eudemonia – Wellness Event
▪ The Winter Equestrian Festival
▪ MLB Baseball Spring Training
Development
Tourism Development Taxes allow visitors to fund what residents get to enjoy, from pristine beaches and cultural venues to world-class sporting events and community spaces. By reinvesting visitor dollars into local amenities and infrastructure, the County ensures that residents benefit from vibrant cultural offerings, improved public facilities, and a stronger local economy, all while reducing the financial burden on taxpayers. Specific examples of community impact for all include:
• Job Creation & Economic Stability – Tourism supports tens of thousands of local jobs across hospitality, retail, arts, transportation, and entertainment, strengthening the overall economy and providing diverse career opportunities for residents.
• Lower Local Tax Burden – Tourism development taxes collected from visitors help fund essential services and amenities, reducing the reliance on property taxes and easing the financial burden on residents.
• Enhanced Cultural & Recreational Assets – Revenues support world-class museums, theaters, cultural festivals, and sports facilities that residents enjoy year-round.
• Improved Public Spaces & Infrastructure – Investments in beaches, parks, convention centers, and recreational facilities directly improve residents’ quality of life while also attracting visitors.
• Community Enrichment & Identity – Tourism fosters pride of place by showcasing Palm Beach County’s natural beauty, history, and cultural vibrancy, strengthening community identity for those who call it home.
• Support for Local Businesses – Visitor spending sustains small businesses, restaurants, and local shops, creating a more vibrant and diverse marketplace for residents.
Partners & Supporters
• Discover The Palm Beaches
• Cultural Council for Palm Beach County
• Palm Beach County Sports Commission
• Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission
• Hotels, restaurants, attractions, and residents
Event Name: The World Croquet Federation (WCF) World Croquet Championship
Event Owner: United States Croquet Association
Grant Funds Requested: $10,000 Category G (FY 26)
Dates: October 18-26, 2025
Sport: Golf Croquet
Level of Competition: Amateur
Age Range: Adult
Proposed Venue: National Croquet Center
Estimated Participation: 72 competitors and estimating 150 traveling spectators
Estimated Hotel Impact: 1,000 room nights
Estimated Economic Impact: Estimated $500,000 of direct visitor spending
Event Description:
The World Croquet Federation has announced the 2025 World Croquet Championship will be held at the world-renowned National Croquet Center (NCC) in West Palm Beach, Florida. The World Championships will be held from Saturday, October 18 to Sunday, October 26, 2025. This marks the NCC's third time hosting the prestigious event, reflecting its status as a world-class croquet venue. The event will utilize 12 lawns at the NCC and two additional lawns at The Beach Club, with a player capacity of 72 participants.
Event Format:
The United States Croquet Association (USCA) generally follows the World Croquet Federation (WCF) Sports Regulations for its World Championship formats, which typically involve block play followed by a knockout stage for the main championship.
The block play format consists of players divided into blocks, playing best-of-three matches to determine those who advance to the knockout stage.
Followed by the knockout stage which included the top qualifiers from the block play then compete in a single-elimination knockout format, with matches often being best-of-three, and the final potentially being best-of-five if time allows.
Marketing Strategy:
As one of the most prestigious international croquet events, the World Croquet Federation (WCF) World Championship attracts elite athletes who compete fiercely for an invitation from their host country. The event boasts significant brand recognition within the worldwide croquet community, drawing attention not only from players but also from enthusiasts, sponsors, and media outlets. The synergy of promoting an elite sporting event alongside a sought-after travel destination positions the World Croquet Federation (WCF) Association Croquet World Championship as not only a sporting highlight but also a unique cultural experience, reinforcing Palm Beach County’s profile on the world stage and promising significant economic and community benefits.
Event History:
The Golf Croquet World Championships is the premier international competition for the sport of golf croquet, and it is organized by the World Croquet Federation (WCF), the global governing body for the sport. First established in 2009, the championship has grown significantly in both prestige and participation over the years. It brings together top players from around the globe to compete at the highest level, showcasing the skill, strategy, and sportsmanship that define the game. The event continues to host in a wide range of countries across multiple continents
Year:
2009
Location
West Palm Beach, Florida
2012 Adelaide, South Australia
2013
Surbiton, England
2016 West Palm Beach, Florida
2018 Wellington, New Zealand
2020 Melbourne, Australia
2023 London, England
Winner
Reg Bamford (South Africa)
Reg Bamford (South Africa)
Robert Fletcher (Australia)
Stephen Mulliner (England)
Paddy Chapman (New Zealand)
Reg Bamford (South Africa)
Robert Fulford (England)
Benefits:
• The World Croquet Federation (WCF) World Croquet Championship will generate a significant level of room nights and direct visitor spending for Palm Beach County in October, which is a low month for hotel occupancy
• The World Croquet Federation athletes will view this as a major vacation opportunity and bring their entire families and spend heavily on shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities.
• The World Croquet Federation will bring in top athletes from all over the world to the Palm Beaches
• The World Croquet Federation (WCF) World Croquet Championship is the biggest golf croquet event in the world
PBCSC Responsibilities:
• Coordinate and liaison directly with the National Croquet Center
• Support the US Croquet Association with organizing hotel accommodation for traveling athletes and spectators
• Assist with operational and logistical support
• Assist with marketing and public relation efforts
• Assist with volunteer recruitment
• Financial support – to assist with venue costs
Boca Raton Bowl
➢ Finalize contract details for sponsor Golf Outing
➢ Finalize contract with Palm Beach County Convention Center for team luncheon
➢ Distribute transportation RFP and compile bid responses to present to ESPN for selection
NCAA Division II Women’s Golf National Championship
➢ Hold initial planning call with NCAA Championship Manager to discuss planning schedule for event and site visit plans
➢ Review planning schedule with Palm Beach Atlantic University (Host Institution)
➢ Discuss site visit schedule with PGA National Resort
• Sunshine State Open
• USTA National Men’s 70, 85, 90 Clay Court Championships
• Prospect Wire Florida Fall Classic
• Prospect Select Fall World Series
• Perfect Game Summer Series
• Columbus Day Discovery Showdown
• World Comes to the Palm Beaches
• Perfect Game WWBA World Championship
• USTA Columbus Day Open
• Men’s Senior Baseball League
• International Rush Cup
• I Do Beach Tennis ITF World Tour 2024
• Association of Pickleball Professionals Boca Raton Open
• Delray Beach Pickleball Classic
• Equestrian Holiday & Horses Circuit
• Battle Youth National Championship
• “Little Mo” Internationals in Florida
• Garden of Life Palm Beaches Marathon
• Hardball 360 Fall Tournament
• Delray Beach Riptide Fall Tournaments
• World Pickleball Classic
• Winter Equestrian Festival
• Paradise Puck Series
• Florida RUSH
• Boca Raton International Masters
• USA BMX Sunshine State Nationals
• Florida Exposure Cup
• TGL Presented by SoFi
• Gauntlet of Polo
• USA Fencing 2025 Regional Youth Championship – Battle at the Beach
• Delray Beach Open
• Junior Tour Powered by Under Armour Winter National Championship
• East Coast Championships SoFlo Nationals
• Palm Beach Challenge College & International Baseball Festival
• Development Player League (DPL) The Summit
• James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational
• Palm Beach Gardens Spring Classic
• Little Mo East Regionals
• FuelTech 2025 Hydrodrag Nationals/World Championships
• Delray ITF Championships
• South Florida Soul Rodeo
• Palm Brach Spartan Sprint Weekend
• Sunshine State Games Lacrosse Championships
• NPC Florida Grand Prix
• Briana Marie Cox Memorial Tournament
• Extreme Kayak Fishing
• USTA National Women’s Clay Court Championship
• Men’s Senior Baseball Stars and Stripes
• World Pickleball Convention, Conference and Championships
• Florida State Golf Association (FSGA) 108th Amateur Championship
• Prospect Wire Southeast Championships
• Prospect Select Summer Series
• Play at the Plate
• Hardball 360 Spring Training
• Wellington March Madness
• South Florida Collegiate Baseball League
• International Tennis Federation (ITF) Masters World Championship 60s
• International Tennis Federation (ITF) Masters World Championship 65s/70s
• Perfect Game Summer Series
• Junior Tour Powered by Under Armour Summer National Championship
• USTA Boys 18’s & 16’s National Clay Court Championships
• Cal Ripken State Tournament 6U and 8U
• USSSA Fastpitch Swamp Classic
• Big Dog Fat Cat KDW Shootout
• International Tennis Federation (ITF) W35 3D Payments Cup
• Prospect Select Fall World Series
• 2025 World Wake Association (WWA) World Championships
• NBA Josh Howard King of The City Basketball Tournament & Festival
• United States Tennis Association (USTA) Summer Smash Open
1. Category G Grants
a) World Croquet Federation (WCF) World Croquet Championship (October 18-26, 2025) –National Croquet Center - $10,000 Cat. G 1,000 Room Nights Grants
TDC BOARD MEETING – SEPT 11, 2025
FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
PROJECT KICK-OFF AND FAMILIARIZATION TOUR INITIAL STEERING COMMITTEE WORKSHOP
▪ Kickoff Meeting
▪ Roles & Responsibilities
▪ Data and Information Collection
▪ Detailed Engagement Planning
▪ Stakeholder Analysis and Invitations
▪ Build Calendars
▪ Familiarization Tour
▪ Communications Planning
▪ Messages
▪ Vehicles
▪ Meeting Schedules
LEVERAGING IMPORTANT PLANS AND RESEARCH
▪ Briefing Project Management Plan
▪ Introduce Subject Matter Experts
▪ Tourism Master Plan Goals and Priorities
▪ Tourism Industry Performance and Hotel Statistics
▪ Tourism Asset Review / Venue Performance
▪ Festivals and Event Performance
▪ Comprehensive Plans
▪ Sustainability Plans
▪ Transportation Performance and Plans
▪ Economic Development Strategies and Plans
▪ Regional Infrastructure
▪ Public Sector Protocols, Policies and Procedures
STAKEHOLDER, RESIDENT AND VISITOR ENGAGEMENT
▪ Identify Individuals / Organizations
▪ Stakeholder Engagement
▪ Market Position
▪ Asset Base
▪ Visitor Markets
▪ Define Forums
▪ Develop Materials
▪ Develop Interview / Focus Group Schedule
▪ Visitor and Resident Survey
▪ Stakeholder Survey
▪ Trip Planner Survey
▪ Peer and Competitive Destinations
▪ Aspirational Destinations
▪ DMO Funding, Budgets, Structures, Organization and Governance
▪ Products, Facilities, Placemaking and Other Strategic Initiatives
DESTINATION ASSESSMENT BRANDING, MARKETING & MESSAGING
History and Background
Brand Story
Marketing Vision
Sustainability & DEIA
Industry Context
Marketing Performance
Target Audience
Reaching Audience
Channel Strategies
Campaigns
Resident Engagement
Marketing Materials, Plans and Rollout
DESTINATION ASSESSMENT
COMMUNITY FIRST
▪ Physical and Geographic Factors
▪ Infrastructure and Accessibility
▪ Economic and Business Environment
▪ Cultural and Historical Assets
▪ Tourism and Recreation
▪ Environmental Sustainability
▪ Community and Social Factors
▪ Legal and Regulatory Framework
▪ Competitive Analysis
▪ Onsite Engagement, Liaison with Stakeholders
▪ Best Practices, Current Sustainability Achievements and Risks
▪ Preliminary Results
▪ Recommendations for Improvement
▪ Reporting
▪ Marketing Benefits
DESTINATION ASSESSMENT SUSTAINABILITY SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS VISIONING WORKSHOPS TOURISM MASTER PLAN
▪ Review of Project Initiative, Goals, Priorities and Focus
▪ Destination and Tourism Asset Research
▪ Stakeholder and Resident Engagement
▪ Destination Benchmarking
▪ Destination Branding, Marketing and Messaging Assessment
▪ Situational Analysis
▪ Visitors and Residents of the Future
▪ Vision Statement
▪ Issues, Opportunities, Investments and Priorities
▪ Markets
▪ Products ▪ Assets
▪ The Research
▪ Recommendations
▪ Strategies and Plans
▪ Roles and Responsibilities
▪ Timeline for Implementation
▪ Performance Metrics
▪ Report and Presentations
COMMUNITY FIRST REPORT SUSTAINABILITY REPORT DRAFT RECOMMENDATIONS AND BIG IDEAS REPORT PRIORITY REPORT
Refer to practical, actionable steps that address current gaps, improve infrastructure, enhance programming, or strengthen marketing efforts. They are designed to be realistic and achievable within a short- to medium-term horizon (1–5 years), often using available resources or modest new investment. While essential to building a stronger visitor economy, these actions generally support and optimize what already exists rather than fundamentally transforming the destination.
Are visionary, high-impact concepts intended to redefine a destination’s identity, draw new markets, and set the community apart within the regional and national tourism landscape. These ideas often require significant planning, collaboration, or investment, and tend to unfold over a longer-term horizon (5–10 years or more). Big Ideas go beyond incremental improvements to imagine flagship attractions or bold initiatives that could become icons of the destination.
Tourism is at a Crossroads
• Traditional bed tax and public appropriations increasingly vulnerable to political, economic, and structural pressures.
• Rising accountability pressures: need for ROI data and transparency to justify budgets.
Strategic Outlook
• Diversify funding: blend public, private, self-assessments, digital revenue.
• Build strong coalitions and advocacy frameworks.
• Adopt advanced analytics and ROI storytelling to demonstrate value.
The Foundational Recommendation
• Protect Tourist Development Tax (TDT) through advocacy, ROI reporting, and coalition building.
• Establish Funding Stability Task Force to explore supplemental revenue streams.
• Pilot co-op marketing programs and digital monetization initiatives.
• Pair strong advocacy with innovation to ensure long-term funding resilience
THERE ARE 50 DRAFT RECOMMENDATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN GENERATED AS A BYPRODUCT OF THE RESEARCH, THE VISIONING WORKSHOP AND THE STEERING COMMITTEE’S CONSIDERATION.
1. Branding, Marketing & Visitor Engagement 2. Sustainability, Resilience & Climate Action
Community First
Infrastructure, Mobility & Wayfinding
Data, Technology & Innovation
Workforce, Education & Community Engagement
Planning, Zoning & Policy Tools
Strategy, Governance & Coordination
Tourism Product & Experience Development
Maintain a Distinct and Cohesive Destination Brand
Advance Inclusive and Multilingual Marketing Campaigns and Visitor Services Programs
Support Artificial Intelligence Visitor Services
Launch a Palm Beach County Tourism
Information Exchange & Annual Tourism Expo
Maintain the Tourism Resilience and Emergency
Preparedness Plan
Launch a Destination Stewardship Program in Partnership with Local Communities
Encourage “Sustainable Palm Beach” Practices 04
Encourage Regenerative Tourism Pilots in Sensitive Areas in Concert with ERM
Foster and Champion an Accessibility and Community First Tourism Strategy
Support a Coastal Access Strategy
Continue to Develop Palm Beach County “Tourism for Good” Programs
Continue to Provide a Tourism Business Accelerator Program
Support and Advocate for County-wide Tourism Infrastructure and Transportation Improvements
Implement a County-Wide Wayfinding and Visitor Signage System
Continue to Support Regional Visitor Welcome Centers and the “Tourism Ambassadors” Program
Investigate a Water-Based Mobility Tourism System (e.g., Water Taxi Network)
Enhance Data Collection, Monitoring, and Decision Making
Enhance and Expand Dynamic Visitor Flow Management Tools
Create a Destination Experience Quality Index (DXQI)
Modernize and Expand Convention and Group Tourism Infrastructure
Expand and Strengthen Cultural, Heritage, and Arts Tourism
Capitalize on and Further Develop Events and Festival Tourism
Help Reimagine and Advocate Commercial and Mixed-Use Tourism Districts
Focus on Off-Season Tourism Offerings to Reduce Seasonality
Promote Agritourism and Rural Tourism Innovation
Enhance Nightlife and After-Hours Tourism Programming
Activate Underused Spaces for Tourism Events and Pop-Up Experiences
Advance a Palm Beach County Signature Trails Network
Promote “Slow Tourism” Experiences and Itineraries
Establish a Coastal Culture Trail Featuring Indigenous and Maritime Heritage
Expand and Advance an Artist-in-Residence Program for Tourism Districts
Expand Palm Beach County “Tourism Health & Wellness” Programs
Deliver More Experiential and High-End Dining Concepts
Align Sports Tourism with Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Identify and Advocate Unique, Signature, Thematic and VIP Experiences
Further Develop Underwater Experiences for Tourism
TOURISM MASTER PLAN FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY
THERE ARE 10 BIG IDEAS THAT HAVE BEEN GENERATED AS A BYPRODUCT OF THE RESEARCH, THE VISIONING WORKSHOP AND THE STEERING COMMITTEE’S CONSIDERATION.
1. Develop a State-of-the-Art Indoor Multipurpose Sports Complex
2. Develop an Auto Racetrack
3. Collaborate on Bids for Large-Scale International Events (Regional Partner)
4. Develop a High-Profile Venue / Experience in the Glades Region
5. Develop a Flagship Immersive Experience Venue (Various Options)
6. Develop a Major Sports & Entertainment Arena (including Equine)
7. Explore World-Class Waterfront Events
8. Develop a World Class Convention Center and Surrounding Assets
9. Explore a Major Wellness Attraction (e.g.,
10. Develop an Iconic Global Landmark
PROJECT
DESCRIPTION
MARKET DEMAND ASSESSMENT
SITE FEASIBILITY
ECONOMIC AND TOURISM IMPACT
COST AND FUNDING STRATEGY
REGULATORY AND POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS
STAKEHOLDER ALIGNMENT
BRANDING AND MARKETING POTENTIAL
RISK ASSESSMENT
TIMELINE TO IMPLEMENTATION
OPERATIONAL FEASIBILITY
COMMUNITY FIRST AND SUSTAINABILITY CONSIDERATIONS
▪ Brief County Administrator and BCC; Collect and Incorporate Feedback
▪ Draft and Finalize Tourism Master Plan
▪ Socialize Document
▪ Launch and Implement
THANK YOU