[0:18] >> All right. Good morning, everybody. Like to welcome you
[0:19] to. September meeting of the Okeechobee County Tourist
[0:24] Development Council. Let's start starter meeting with
[0:31] salute to the flag. pledge allegiance to the flag of the
[0:42] United States of America and to the Republic for which it
[0:43] stands. >> One nation under God,
[0:46] indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I just I
[0:58] would like to open the for for public comment. Second call
[1:04] for public comment. The chair entertain a motion to close
[1:09] public comment. make sure >> Are second on a second. All
[1:17] in favor signify by saying Aye, aye.
[1:20] >> No Like sign. Motion passes. See, we have a
[1:29] revision to the agenda. Yes, sir. We have a revision to the
[1:32] agenda for the 26 27 show. Bulls host funding application
[1:35] microphone. Please. >> Isn't on his on. The 26 27
[1:45] Toby Bulls, host funding application for item 7 him.
[1:53] Okay. >> The chair entertain a
[1:58] motion to accept the agenda as amended. Any discussion. All
[2:06] in favor signify by saying Aye, aye opposed nay. Motion
[2:09] passes. Next item is the consent agenda. Chair would
[2:19] entertain a motion to accept the consent agenda. So Favor
[2:24] signify by saying Aye Opposed nay. Motion passes. Now, if
[2:30] you're too, are. Regular agenda.
[2:35] >> Are you here for the chili bowls? What's going start with
[2:38] that? Because he's we're it's okay. Sure. If you would like.
[2:42] All right. We'll so city of Sydney. Evan, you have to sit
[2:46] here through the meeting. We'll let you get on with your
[2:50] life just restate it. Okay, sir. Just to say your name and
[2:54] address for the record, please.
[2:56] >> for With We move. You said, Daryn, parents, Karen O S are
[3:09] just want to say appreciate Joe for the last past 2 years.
[3:13] >> Spawn son the event and the vent getting bigger and come
[3:18] from, you know, we have support. I don't think can get
[3:25] that But I appreciate you and the board. Appreciate Joe. The
[3:30] aid of it in July. It was like 53 teens. Some Florida City.
[3:40] Florida City to And the one in December. We got that out of
[3:45] state teams coming from Georgia. This We want to host
[3:51] it on the 4th. The 5th and 6th the summer. What I like to do
[3:57] they do. October November. Can we come out and take pitches
[4:04] shows that we can put you the fly? if it wasn't for yo, this
[4:10] of it wouldn't go through. Appreciate Joe.
[4:17] >> We pray we appreciate you. And I'm sure this is something
[4:19] for the youth and always. Good fun. Thanks for the used to do
[4:23] that. You keep on going in a positive direction and keep
[4:27] little their little hands busy. So. You know, we
[4:28] appreciate all all the adults that put this on and work so
[4:33] hard to to to bring these to bring these types events
[4:37] fruition. We know it's a lot of hardworking. thankless
[4:40] hours and blood, sweat and tears. You said this is the
[4:48] second year. >> I think its 33rd year. him
[4:50] to be the 3rd. >> I did prepare revision to
[4:55] the agenda with some background information and
[4:58] applications summary. So this tournament will be a two-day
[5:01] event expecting to draw significant attendance. This
[5:03] year's tournament expected to attract more than 40 youth
[5:07] football teams from throughout the state of Florida.
[5:09] Happening coaches, players, families and supporters. The
[5:12] continued growth of this tournament provides an
[5:13] excellent opportunity to establish Okeechobee as a
[5:15] premier destination for youth sports tourism. In addition to
[5:20] promoting youth athletics, sportsmanship, teamwork and
[5:23] healthy competition. This event brings visitors directly
[5:25] into our community and showcases Okeechobee as a
[5:28] welcoming destination for families and sporting events.
[5:32] Their application outlined an estimate more than 1000
[5:34] attendees using at least 50 to 100 local hotel rooms. The
[5:38] chili bowls battle of the Lake football tournament will be
[5:39] held at the Okeechobee County sports complex and soccer
[5:43] fields December 4th through the 6th 2026, the application
[5:46] can be requested by contacting the TC they tdc hosted this
[5:50] event last year in the amount of $7,000 this year. Their
[5:55] application is for $10,000 based on our rubric. And that
[6:00] did suggest a $5,000. Funding fee. Is there any questions?
[6:10] Parents? Yes, sir. >> Ufa increased. Your I'm
[6:17] sorry, request your request. From 7,000 to 10,000 year.
[6:23] >> Reason >> The referee fees. The
[6:30] referee fees they don't want like sit in the finals per
[6:32] person. July. We had it in July. Just that one game
[6:46] almost like 55 and evolve. That one day. As we've gone,
[6:52] so feels. so on. And then it Lee. He's the one. He's he's
[7:01] with us just in. And he was like, yeah, struggling. is it
[7:07] not struggling? Just more money. If they give it to you
[7:09] give it to you, if not, does go what? the teams pay an
[7:16] entry fee as well. Yes, not to get in. Not to get in. nobody
[7:23] in the in the event to me like and might a parent.
[7:25] >> Pay $10. >> To get into the earth to
[7:31] attempt to walk in yes, but they do pay to participate in
[7:33] the tournament. No, entry Okay. no.
[7:37] >> Can I ask the question? Is the funding suggestion per day
[7:40] or for total? It's for total turtle. Okay.
[7:46] >> Is there a prize money for the winning team?
[7:48] >> No, they get they get rains and trophies. in the people it
[7:57] might get of the debate. It's battle of leak.
[8:04] >> And this is multiple age groups. Yes, from sunlight. 6.
[8:09] 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 14 0 K well,
[8:15] >> It does bring a lot of people on this is one of you
[8:19] know, brings a lot of people that could show be and we
[8:22] haven't had this before. I not about the sporting events
[8:26] because we don't get a lot of requests for sporting
[8:28] tournaments, baseball tournaments. You guys are the
[8:31] only ones. I think You don't have the fields. We don't have
[8:35] the fields available to do like a baseball tournament or
[8:38] softball tournament. But we do for football and soccer. We
[8:43] could. We could host a soccer tournament because of the
[8:46] fields. >> And fishing fishing for
[8:47] fishing. >> you see a lot of activity.
[8:52] Sure hotel where? This is not rely. Most of them probably.
[8:58] If they do stay, they'll probably stay at a Holiday Inn
[9:00] are Hampton where >> family would come get free
[9:03] breakfasts and all that. The smaller hotels don't benefit
[9:08] much but obviously it's been I look at as a value as an
[9:12] attraction where your market in the town. So, you know.
[9:17] >> Just cares if it created overnight stays or not. I'm
[9:20] not much for us. And when we're saying is 50 rooms,
[9:22] that's not that match overall. When you spread it for
[9:26] everybody, pride might get 4, 5,
[9:29] >> When you do your marketing, do guys suggest hotels or
[9:34] blocks rooms We did one yet Hampton and I think.
[9:39] >> What what tell you? >> Where we've got the
[9:44] scattered shuns, but a lot of the smaller hotels on track
[9:46] them. It's just I remember even when I travel with my
[9:49] kids, teams recommend where to stay. And so for an Israeli,
[9:54] pickle tells where, you know, that has a full breakfast and
[9:58] everything This with the family would have a little bit
[10:00] less burden and spending money. So I know they use
[10:06] released at Hampton Inn apple. Applebee's right it is.
[10:12] >> Yeah. >> I would also like to say
[10:14] Angela has been doing a lot of studying with our place or
[10:16] reports and she's able to actually pull hotel report per
[10:18] event, which has been extremely helpful. So the top
[10:22] 3 hotels that we have for this event was the Hampton Inn in
[10:25] Okeechobee days. And in Okeechobee, the Holiday Inn
[10:29] Express in Okeechobee. And then we do have the Seminole
[10:32] Brighton Bay Hotel on here. Other than that, it looks like
[10:34] they're staying either for Pierce Orlando. Kind of
[10:39] calling you to let him know. We have a lot rooms available.
[10:42] >> You know, so that they stay here. come but.
[10:48] >> So one of the recommendation we always make
[10:50] is the whole idea of funding giving grants is to help
[10:53] improve the economy Okeechobee right? So if we're helping you
[10:58] fun and providing grand, we also would like where you
[11:01] would advertise to stay in Okeechobee so that's what it
[11:05] is. But based on this and based on a lot of other
[11:09] request that we have this year, we have made cuts as
[11:11] well. I would motion for the same amount of was awarded
[11:14] last year, which was $7,000. And, you next year can go up
[11:20] and down. But this year we're constrained by budgets. That's
[11:23] what I would motion for. >> second? All right, properly
[11:30] moved and seconded that the tourist Development Council.
[11:37] >> Fund the 26 27 to be bulls, host funding application and
[11:40] the amount of $7,000. Snowden for discussion.
[11:48] >> I just would like to I know, say again, this brings a
[11:52] lot of people and a be and I think we're looking for events
[11:54] like this that are bringing this Torsten and next time
[11:57] they may stay more. We might have more hotel rooms to share
[12:01] because they realize there's a lot of places to stay and its
[12:06] new. You know, I think it's newer and I'm glad to see the
[12:10] sporting events. I would hate for them not to have the money
[12:13] they need for the referees. And that's my only, you know,
[12:17] I'd rather cut some more from people. We've been funding for
[12:21] years and years and years. So Milan comment.
[12:26] >> It just to let you know, parents because of budget
[12:29] constraints and things going. We have been. We have been
[12:32] cutting. So you kind of a only on the upper end because
[12:35] you've got the same. And I appreciate you so which kind
[12:41] of should signify to you how important this is to. The
[12:46] tourist Development Council and the community, your event.
[12:48] So we appreciate you. Book putting this bill putting this
[12:54] on and spearheading this it come into our meeting and what
[12:57] most people don't come to our meeting and and let us know
[13:00] what's going on and gives us a lot more information to go on.
[13:04] So appreciate you coming and given us the information.
[13:10] >> Also like to ask, no quick. Have you seen a increase in
[13:15] your emergency staffing? I'm sure you hire him. medics.
[13:20] There is that rate. Go up. And then also I'm sure security.
[13:22] Do you have security at all and there is I-55 what I think
[13:28] 55 Miles out. >> So I think what we're
[13:34] asking, David, as may be amended, give him a little bit
[13:36] more money this year. If you want I just less split it with
[13:41] some 1500 more neighbor. I will cut it from somewhere
[13:45] else in the budget. Second, the overall. So
[13:48] >> You know you're mending the to 8500. All I'm asking. David
[13:55] demand Sean, Your idea. I'd like to amend the motion
[13:57] $8500. K and David, Case or any other discussion. All
[14:04] right. First women to vote only the amendment. Increase
[14:11] original funding by $1500. All in favor signify by saying
[14:16] Aye. Aye opposed nay. Okay. Now we're going to vote on the
[14:22] amended motion which would wish now read 7, $8500. That
[14:28] we're going to fund the application for. there any
[14:30] other discussion? All in favor signify by saying Aye, aye
[14:36] opposed nay. Motion passes. So sell $8500 a share it. So
[14:45] yeah, got lost in the parliamentary procedure there,
[14:50] we we're cutting we're cutting because we're limited on the
[14:52] budget this year. So we'll cut it from another event to give
[14:53] you extra money. >> Thanks welcome. All right.
[14:59] Thank you very much, sir. You're welcome to stay as long
[15:00] as you like. >> Our personal get some
[15:03] people to this year for Thank you. Yes, once again thank all
[15:13] right. On to. >> Next item on a regular
[15:16] agenda, the 2027, Jacqueline, Cup.
[15:21] >> Yes, the Okeechobee Quail Creek Sporting Ranch. I
[15:23] sponsorship opportunities available for that. Jack
[15:25] Link's Cup. This is a 7 day tournament that will consist
[15:29] of 14 events of different disciplines of sporting clays.
[15:32] Each of that ranges between one to 6 days. The 2027 event
[15:36] expects to see approximately 2000 participants, 350
[15:40] spectators and 300 staff members as well as 3.30, to 50
[15:42] sponsors and vendors. The 2026 event had estimated 3600
[15:48] visitors and 11,700 visits. Jack Link's Cup is scheduled
[15:52] to be held at the Quail Creek Plantation in February.
[15:55] Multiple sponsorship opportunities are available
[15:57] for the event ranging in cost up to $30,000. The TDC
[16:02] sponsored the event at 30,020. 24 and 10,000 for 2025. 2026.
[16:08] I attached the entire sponsorship package. Angela
[16:12] and I did attend this event like it was earlier this year.
[16:17] >> we feel that that was a very good event. There was
[16:19] tons of people there. >> And they do advertise our
[16:22] hotels on their website year-round. Actually, they let
[16:27] us set up a booth. We had a booth. We were there almost
[16:30] every day. They had a vendor dinner. They had a banquet
[16:33] dinner. They gave away tons of prizes we had a lot of people
[16:37] coming to our booth asking us questions talking to us I do
[16:40] think it was a great event. back up here.
[16:50] >> How much are they asking this year?
[16:54] >> They are asking for a specific number. This is just
[16:56] a sponsorship opportunity, not a host funding application. So
[17:01] they're just asking for a sponsorship. It's up to the
[17:02] board what they would like to sponsor.
[17:06] >> Well, I would recommend 10,000 same as last time. I
[17:09] the only reason behind it is it's a very good tournament
[17:12] with a lot of people to attend. One of the challenges
[17:17] for us always been the majority of them. Stand up.
[17:19] Stand in for Piers and Port Port St. Lucie. But recently
[17:23] last couple years, they started more advertising. The
[17:24] local hotels. Now, the way I look at it this tournament
[17:31] really doesn't need our funding and my personal view
[17:35] make enough money. The sponsors are wary, wealthier.
[17:39] They charge a fee for for all the attendance. There's prize
[17:43] money. But just the fact that it's part of marketing and
[17:47] part the fact that they're doing a big program, lot of
[17:49] people attend. I would recommend 10,000 same as last
[17:54] time because since we still got to make cuts. I let
[17:57] somebody else want to do other feedback and we put an last
[18:03] time. I did want to mention, I forgot we. So last year we did
[18:05] a sponsor. The sub gauge event.
[18:08] >> And so that whole course they actually had our flags up
[18:10] for that event and they named it the Okeechobee Tdc Cup
[18:14] coming up, push it to be if if in a push for it to be called
[18:16] his Okeechobee cut this year. But they did have a whole
[18:19] event. Just 4 PC could you? Repeat the motion?
[18:42] >> Miss the mouth sores. Want make sure that will that. Is
[18:46] there discussion? All in favor signify by saying Aye, oppose.
[18:53] Like sign. Motion passes, executed, opposed nay. Okay.
[19:01] Next budget for motion. Fiscal year. 25 26. And our first
[19:08] item is updated host funding application overview.
[19:13] >> So tourism staff have received applications for
[19:15] funding from 22 event promoters and 45 individual
[19:18] events throughout fiscal year. 26. 27. This is the same list
[19:22] that I prepared for you at the last meeting. However, I have
[19:25] updated it to announced that were approved at the last
[19:27] meeting. I know a lot of you are using this whenever we
[19:30] were going through the applications to help stay on
[19:32] track. To assist the advisory board of the decision-making
[19:36] process. We also a touch the breakdown of applications and
[19:38] rubric evaluations for review each applications accompanied
[19:42] by a review of current information, including pass
[19:44] funding awards, tourism impact dates and other
[19:47] considerations. The valuation czar provided as a suggestion
[19:50] to the board to assist in reviewing discussion. Final
[19:54] funding recommendations to remain with the discussion of
[19:55] the tourist Development Council. The only one you will
[19:59] not find on this list is be bulls application? We already
[20:00] reviewed. So the first application that we have is
[20:10] for today is going to be the Daniel Memorial cattle battle
[20:12] host funding application. The Tourist Development Council
[20:16] consider the application. The event is scheduled for August
[20:20] 27th and 28th 2027 in the amount of $2500. The cattle
[20:24] battle is hosted by the Daniel Foundation. It is a two-day
[20:28] competitive jackpot cattle show series with the Junior
[20:30] Florida Cattlemen Association. The cattle battle is currently
[20:34] the second showing the point series youth exhibitors travel
[20:38] from all over the state of Florida to participate in
[20:40] these professionally. Judge points and prizes and showcase
[20:43] the knowledge of their animals and showmanship as well as
[20:45] their perspective divisions. The cattle battle will be held
[20:49] at the Okeechobee County AG or Civic Center. The tdc hosted
[20:53] this event last year, an amount of $2000. And and it's
[20:57] been funded since 2024. The rubric funding suggestion is
[21:02] to fund for the full amount of $2500. We were able to pull a
[21:06] visitor report as well. This report tracks 1600 visitors to
[21:12] the Agger Civic Center with an average drawl. Time of 304
[21:15] minutes. Most of these people did stay at our local hotels.
[21:19] I have on here a Holiday Inn. I have a Hampton Inn. a bunch
[21:25] of our local restaurants as well are on here. We have
[21:29] lawmkers. We have speckled perch. We have Zacks pees so
[21:31] they were eating in dining here and lodging.
[21:39] >> Okay. I'm gonna make a motion that we fun. This. The
[21:45] Daniel David Daniel Memorial Cattle Battle host for $2000
[21:47] like we did last year. 2500. Was 2000 last year. That
[21:55] requested. 2500 or go OK? Yeah, that Thomas. Okay. Is
[22:04] there any discussion? But you said had some discussion here
[22:16] now. All right. All in favor signify by saying Aye. Aye
[22:18] opposed nay. >> Motion passes. All right.
[22:26] Next to item on the budget promotion agenda is. Excuse
[22:31] me. 26 27, Florida Junior Brom Association host funding
[22:36] application. Takeaway Jacqueline.
[22:40] >> This is a new event this year. The Florida Junior prom
[22:44] association spring Fling is the final show and the fjp
[22:47] eight-year long point series bringing together youth
[22:50] exhibitors ages 8 through 18. They even have a few below 8
[22:52] in the P** Wee contest and their families from throughout
[22:55] Florida and neighboring southern Georgia. The FJ Ba is
[22:59] a statewide youth organization dedicated to promoting
[23:02] agriculture youth development in the broad and cassel
[23:05] industry through livestock, exhibitions and educational
[23:08] opportunities. This event will be held at the Okeechobee
[23:09] County AG or Civic Center. It brings with it brings
[23:13] exhibitor check-in and cattle rival on Friday evening,
[23:16] followed by the youth livestock competition Saturday
[23:18] and Sunday youth exhibitors will compete with their brown
[23:21] and cattle in a variety of classes. While families,
[23:23] breeders and supporters attend throughout the weekend. This
[23:25] is a new application to the Tdc this this event will
[23:31] pertain showcase Okeechobee as a welcoming destination for
[23:34] agricultural families and visitors throughout the
[23:35] region. There is no admission charge for spectators. This
[23:38] event is accessible to the community while still bringing
[23:41] a significant out of area visitors and visits visitor
[23:44] spending in Okeechobee County based on the information on
[23:48] the application. This is a new event. So we did the
[23:52] republication and the funding suggestion for that was
[23:53] $4,000. Which is what they asked
[24:02] >> Alright chair would entertain a motion. Feel
[24:08] comfortable yet on this one coming. Can I ask a couple
[24:13] questions? Oh, yeah, yes for motion. But I'm not ready.
[24:19] >> Do we have is it? Is this another one that they mainly
[24:21] camp at the at grounds? Most of the the participants are
[24:26] going to be camping at the. >> And I think that that is a
[24:33] safe assumption. However, we've never hosted this event
[24:36] before, right? We don't have any idea of the participants.
[24:38] Yeah, be helpful if they included having people are
[24:44] registered members of this Florida Junior Brown
[24:45] Association, the circuit that they show on. To kind of give
[24:49] us an idea. Do we have any idea? Do they put that down?
[24:50] >> On their application, they did not have an exact amount
[24:55] of register people in the FJ Ba. But I do know that this is
[24:58] in the point series. A lot of >> These shows they use an app
[25:02] called the Showman app. And that app is nationwide. And so
[25:07] that brings a lot of visitors to these events because they
[25:09] want to get the points. So I do think that this will bring
[25:13] a lot of visitors, Okeechobee. It travels the show travels
[25:15] all over the state and it's just never been hosted in
[25:18] Okeechobee before. I think that we I it's the pleasure of
[25:23] the board. I think that we try and see what happens Daniel.
[25:29] This is similar to the David Daniel Memorial show. We just
[25:31] had that one a couple weeks ago. And there was a lot of
[25:34] people there. And personally, I was looking for their
[25:37] advertising and I really didn't see much. So that's why
[25:39] I started asking those questions. And that showman
[25:41] app really puts it out there for everyone. There was a ton
[25:43] of people there. >> And I will. Add that.
[25:52] >> If they can help, if they plug or campers in at the AG
[25:54] Center, they do pay that tax. Yes, George tourist tax. So
[26:02] through the county, yes. >> but if they read I mean,
[26:07] they're not bringing living quarter horse trailers. I
[26:10] don't think lot a lot of them Okay. Yes, I mean, I went out
[26:14] to the David Daniel that. That's a lot of stop trailers
[26:19] to. I think the people that are local they do bring stock
[26:22] shows because they live nearby. But there is quite a
[26:24] few people that bring living quarters in that camp on the
[26:26] Co have tents put up panels. They bring fans and everything
[26:31] for their cattle. >> I was asking but if they
[26:38] use like their they stand there. Horse trailer in the
[26:39] circled are not hooked up at that RV area. There is no.
[26:43] >> If they're not hooked up and the power the no, they
[26:46] don't. But we do have hookups in the circle and most of them
[26:48] do use that. >> Because there to get water
[26:52] and sewer with a gun. >> You don't get sewer, but
[26:54] they look at water and electric
[26:59] >> make a motion that we. >> We give them $3,000 to
[27:03] start this year. I second that. second. Yes. Okay. To
[27:13] demonstrate All right. It's been properly moved and
[27:18] seconded. The tourist Development Council. Fund the
[27:23] Florida Junior Brother Association application for
[27:26] the of GB a spring fleeing. Scheduled for April took
[27:32] second through 4th 2027 and the amount of $3,000. there
[27:35] any other discussion? Second call for any other discussion?
[27:44] All in favor signify by saying Aye, opposed nay. Motion
[27:48] passes. Next is our 26 27 Okeechobee Youth Livestock
[27:58] Show and sale host funding application. Any amount of
[28:03] $1600. >> I less host their annual
[28:08] show and sale as part of the junior Florida Cattlemen's
[28:11] Point series. This is a 10 day event, Livestock show and sale
[28:15] held a march every year. That coincides with the county
[28:17] fair. This event is an event that draws exhibitors and
[28:20] their families each year. This event continues to grow. Both
[28:23] participants and attendees. This event will be held held
[28:26] at the Okeechobee Civic Center and Fairgrounds March 13
[28:28] through the 22nd 2027. The Tdc has hosted this event. The
[28:33] last fiscal year in the amount of $1600. We have funded this
[28:36] event since 2014. They requested $1600 again this
[28:42] year. It's a little bit difficult for us to pull
[28:44] Placer Report because the county fair is also going on
[28:45] at the same time, however, to receive their funding. Each
[28:50] vendor is required to submit a post event. Economic impact
[28:53] report. So I did bring that report with me today. So that
[28:57] participants and spectators they. Recorded 1100 number of
[29:04] participants. And 25 will. 3500 spectators and attendees.
[29:07] They do a estimate that only about 15% of those are coming
[29:09] from outside of Okeechobee County. And they do record
[29:16] overnight stays. They only tracked about 9 hotel rooms
[29:18] for one night and then they tracked 13 RV sites for 5
[29:23] nights. But even at 9 for 5 nights, that's 45 rooms. I
[29:33] make a motion that we fund it for $1600.
[29:38] >> All right. Second, Mister Yes, okay. All right. It's
[29:44] been properly moved and seconded that the Okeechobee
[29:47] Tourist Development Council. Fund. application for the
[29:55] Okeechobee you flush show. And sales scheduled for March 13
[29:58] through 20nd and the amount of $1600. Is amenable. Debatable
[30:04] in open for discussion. Second call for any discussion. All
[30:12] in favor signify by saying Aye, aye opposed nay. Motion
[30:16] passes. Next on the list is a 26 27 Cowtown Classic host
[30:25] funding application. In the amount of $12,000.
[30:30] >> The Florida Equine Disaster Response is a local nonprofit
[30:34] organization that sponsors the Cowtown Classic series. The
[30:38] Countdown Classic is looking forward to the 4th season in
[30:40] 2027 in cow Town. Okeechobee. The 26 27 show season consists
[30:44] of 5 shows the 2026 season so far has exceeded expectations.
[30:51] These shows are expected to keep growing and pulling more
[30:52] participants from Florida and the southeast. The cow town
[30:56] classic is a full slate que ha versatility ranch horse and
[31:00] national rain cow Horse association classes. They
[31:03] report they are dedicated to promoting and preserving
[31:05] ranching cower says here in the Southeast, the TC hosted
[31:08] this these events in the previous fiscal year and the
[31:10] amount of $6,000 this year they are requesting $12,000.
[31:16] Based on on the rubric funding suggestion. We said $10,000. I
[31:22] with my other hat on. I do also managed to Agra Civic
[31:26] Center. I will say that this show continues to grow each
[31:27] and every time that they show up, they're actually even
[31:31] extending their show was 2 days. Now. It's 3 days. And
[31:32] now we're looking at 3 and a half days. They are filling
[31:35] the barn completely. And as funny as it sounds, I do also
[31:40] get to collect the tax on the it stand apart. is there any
[31:44] questions about the specific event?
[31:50] >> The horses watched TV Back up here, waiting for a motion.
[31:59] >> Make a motion that we fund it for $9,000.
[32:08] >> All right. It's been properly moved and seconded we
[32:10] fund the telltale classic. Host funding application him
[32:14] out of should not. And that $9,000, $1000.
[32:20] >> And I came up with that. Just let you know, because we
[32:21] gave them 6,000 last year for 2 days and they've added a
[32:25] day. So I had a 3,000 onto it for a 3rd day.
[32:28] >> Well, a add this to. To the discussion that. According. To
[32:40] Jacqueline, it seems to keep growing. The seed money that
[32:44] we're feeding it. Seems to be working. Along with other. You
[32:50] know, I'm that's not the only that's not the only reason
[32:54] that it's growing. But, you I'm sure it can't hurt. So.
[33:01] >> And they do include rtc logo in all of their
[33:03] advertising. They have a banner that they hang up in
[33:05] the arena and then they have their year-end banquet in
[33:07] December. They had their holiday show as well. And they
[33:10] actually put the tdc logo on a lot of their prizes that they
[33:12] give out to everybody. They put on a lot of the different
[33:15] things that they ordered for the for the holiday show. So
[33:18] they do put our name out there.
[33:21] >> And how much that we funded for last year. We ad for
[33:25] $6,000 last year, 6, OK? So it's a that's an increase by
[33:28] 50%. You know, going 6,001 1000. So that's a generous.
[33:38] General funding amount. think anybody would have a problem
[33:41] with that. OK, it's back up here and open for discussion.
[33:48] Second call for discussion. All favor signify by saying
[33:54] Aye, aye opposed nay. Motion passes. Okay. Next, we have
[34:07] the application for the Okeechobee County, Cattlemen's
[34:10] Association funding application. And the amount of
[34:16] $15,000, which is $7500 per of it in addition, this is for
[34:25] Labor Day Rodeo and Memorial Day Rodeo. I mean, purchased
[34:30] but count as Labor Day. Yeah. >> The Okeechobee County
[34:37] Cattlemen's Association is a local affiliate of the Florida
[34:41] Cattlemen's Association. CCA is a nonprofit organization
[34:44] whose main purpose is to promote and improve the cattle
[34:47] industry in Okeechobee County in the state of Florida,
[34:48] through education and the promotion funds raised for
[34:52] this event are for support of scholarships, beef promotion
[34:55] via junior cattlemen support of educational programs,
[34:58] reading materials provided to local elementary schools in
[35:00] support of FFA. 4 H High School baseball team among
[35:04] other youth organizations. The Okeechobee County Rodeo is
[35:08] scheduled for March 13th and 14th 2027 and the Peak Lemons
[35:12] Memorial Labor Day Rodeo is scheduled for September 4th
[35:13] and 5th 2027. Both rodeos will be held at the historic
[35:17] Cattlemen's Rodeo Arena. This will be the 76 the CCA has
[35:22] bought PRCA sanction rodeos to Okeechobee is community. These
[35:25] events have become a tradition in the community companies.
[35:29] The Okeechobee main street, speckled perch festival and
[35:30] parade as well as the Cracker Cattle Drive and Labor Day
[35:32] Festival and parade. The Tdc hosted this event the previous
[35:36] fiscal year and the amount of $10,000. Based on our rubric
[35:43] and the application. The refunding suggestion was to
[35:45] fund a $12,000. We did also pull some place or reports we
[35:50] were not able to pull police report from the Labor rodeo.
[35:52] That just happened this past weekend. Of we did pull that
[35:55] statistic from last year. So that was. 5600 visitors with
[36:00] the average dwell time of 155 minutes. C? And then we had
[36:10] the hotels here. So most of them did say at the bright and
[36:11] a hotel and casino, it looks like Holiday Inn days. An log
[36:16] harbor, cabins, economy, and other than that, they look
[36:20] like most of them are staying in West Palm. And I don't look
[36:26] like I have the report for catch him. So for the Cowtown
[36:34] Rodeo, we're tracking for 1000 visits, average 2 all time as
[36:37] 166 minutes. And then as far as hotels. Still bright and a
[36:44] Pirate's Cove Inn resort. Looks like they say the
[36:48] Flamingo, the Sleep Inn in Ocala, Lock Arbor cabins. And
[36:50] Roland Martin, Marina. So they're seeing a little bit
[36:55] all over the place when they come during second sleeper an
[36:57] Ocala. Yeah. >> The reason behind that we
[37:03] have music festival this year at the same time, right?
[37:06] >> The music festival has not announced that they are going
[37:10] to back in time. 27 this second, the data, the last
[37:14] one. So some people will have to stay lower for the way,
[37:17] because there was a rodeo in Ocala present this weekend.
[37:24] >> I'm talking about the one when they do it March charge.
[37:28] That saying they same usually have to report for.
[37:38] >> I see that everything left us. All of our rodeos.
[37:39] >> And the I would motion for same 10,000 that we give last
[37:44] year. >> All right. It's been
[37:52] properly moved and seconded to. To fund the. Rubio for
[37:59] $10,000, which would be $5,000 for. there any other
[38:06] discussion? >> This is one of the ones I I
[38:12] don't know. We work to stop bringing in a lot of tourist
[38:14] dollars as far as bed Stace. I know we have a lot of people
[38:19] from out of town. Hopefully we're drawing them back in for
[38:24] other reasons. I mean, of the rodeo on Sunday night. And the
[38:28] clown was saying, OK, how many people are from out of town?
[38:31] And there were a lot of people from out of town and they
[38:34] asked how many people from out of the country and you
[38:37] wouldn't believe how many people from out of the
[38:41] country. So I'm just saying that they are bringing the
[38:44] tourists. And but we're not getting the tourist tax
[38:45] because you're not staying overnight.
[38:48] >> you would you say that? What you said because they
[38:53] don't have the hotel stays. Thank. They're not staying
[38:55] overnight. they're I think they're driving in. And if you
[39:01] follow the cars out from the rodeo this past Sunday, they
[39:04] were all turning left and headings East. Most of them
[39:08] are heading east to go home. They drive. And for the day, I
[39:11] think we're doing a great job in bringing them here. You
[39:17] know, the problem is is even. There's really not much else.
[39:21] I mean, we're not doing the festival until Monday, right
[39:24] in the park. The parade on Monday. There's not much else
[39:29] going on on Saturday and Sunday and Labor Day. To bring
[39:32] those people in to have them stay overnight.
[39:36] >> Well, think the additionally the economy's
[39:37] kind of Putin Trojan along. You know, I think it's kind of
[39:43] causing people to Titan are built a little not be so free
[39:47] with are. We're $30 this point What's going on in the
[39:54] country. So. >> So I think we were bring
[39:57] what my point is, I think we're bringing the tourists
[39:58] Okeechobee. I think we need to make the most of us having
[40:02] that. That market right sitting in front of us. You
[40:08] know, you have all those people in the stands and their
[40:12] pack stance, you know, maybe we need to make a little bit
[40:14] more of what we have. Rather than just the flag you know,
[40:18] maybe. You know, I don't know, maybe do some promotional
[40:24] stuff for those attendees. Yeah, you know, like.
[40:28] Literally they were passed out beer cozies for Gilbert,
[40:32] Chevrolet. I mean there I know they're one of the sponsors,
[40:33] but maybe we need to be handing out something, you
[40:37] know, to draw them to Okeechobee because we pay for
[40:41] them all to come in 70 and go north and never see the rest
[40:46] of Okeechobee or the lake or restaurants or whatever. And I
[40:51] know they're eating there and it's a great cause and it's
[40:54] helping the you send the rodeo. But again, when it
[40:56] comes to tourist dollars. I don't know. We're getting a
[41:01] big bang for our buck on this one.
[41:04] >> You know, the participants that are participating in
[41:06] actual events today participate on both days.
[41:09] maybe they would be staying in some note also a different
[41:14] day. I was told I asked that question because I was
[41:15] interested. They said no, that the participants on Saturday
[41:20] only participated Saturday and the participants we're only
[41:23] participating on Sunday. >> header means that day.
[41:29] Careful one can for the a Reuters road. One voice, not
[41:34] it's not right coverage. Weather and it's why certain
[41:41] can money and they can win average. So it's just a one
[41:45] header. >> Yes, they have. They have
[41:46] they do a draw for purchase on Saturday. And for Sunday, they
[41:49] also have slack. So a lot of people that don't make the
[41:52] performance they do. They did have slack during the day
[41:53] Saturday and Sunday. >> This road years
[41:59] historically has I remember back came to a that 4 years
[42:03] ago? And we used to get filled up on Labor Day back then and
[42:08] last 10 years, this rodeos, we haven't had that many people
[42:11] stay. But one of the reasons I think it's you have a lot of
[42:18] people coming from West Palm, Orlando Port, Port St. Lucie
[42:21] for that one day event. I'm okay with this event because
[42:24] he's a local event. The fact that, you know, the people who
[42:30] organize events are the ones who has to create that. I
[42:33] don't thing we can make much of impact because we can tell
[42:37] them, hey, have your parade on Saturday you know, do it all
[42:41] differently or whatever. But the fact that, you know, they
[42:46] bring in people are still marketing. That's the way I
[42:49] look at Even if they're coming from West Palm, Orlando,
[42:51] people are recognizing what is so could show. And for that
[42:54] reason, you know, I would support it. But technically
[42:58] we're just basing on the hotel rooms. They don't bring damage
[43:02] hotel rooms than they used to do in the past,
[43:05] >> And I think that's because they used to do like in the
[43:09] park used to be a two-day affair. They used do the rodeo
[43:14] on Sunday and Monday and they changed it to Saturday and
[43:18] Sunday. used to do the rodeo 3 days. used shed or a and
[43:23] Monday. So then you you know, so people could come and now
[43:25] the tickets are good for both rodeos. I mean, the ticket is
[43:28] it and it's not cheap. Is $25 for Saturday Sunday for 2 day
[43:34] event that most people I don't think stay for both days to go
[43:37] see one day. But what I'm saying is they're not having.
[43:40] >> The parks full, I think the vendors said they don't want
[43:44] to come set up for one day. >> Instead of 2 days or 3 days
[43:49] and then and because they're not doing the roadie on
[43:52] Monday, you don't have as many people even at the parade. The
[43:55] parade very I mean, we talk about it, but the city,
[44:00] whether we're going to hurt his, you know, weather. We
[44:01] have the crowd. For that parade on Monday. And and so
[44:08] what I'm saying is it's not a destination now for the
[44:10] weekend like it used to be. I thought it used to be. It's a
[44:15] three-day rodeo or today Rodeo. Yet today's a craft
[44:19] fair. Okay. Well, we'll just go charity for the weekend or
[44:22] a couple of days. don't think that's happening anymore. I
[44:23] think it's a one-day event. That's how I think it's
[44:26] changed. >> I know if you want to some
[44:30] real estate in the park was a place to be because you are
[44:33] more real estate tents up in the park on Monday. Then
[44:38] anything. >> I'm
[44:41] >> So didn't seem to be as well. Supported by vendors.
[44:48] >> As well, talked to the vendors say, say it, you know,
[44:51] it's a lot of work to set up for one day. And the
[44:55] participation is not the way it used to And the on that one
[45:01] day. And it was so hot. I mean, you know.
[45:04] >> They need to do it like Brighton Road. The are
[45:06] different things because like you said, the vendors, I'm not
[45:09] going to come all the way down here. And for one day, there's
[45:12] pain. A set of feed their pain, transportation. They're
[45:15] paying. If it's a food vendor, the food costs and it's not
[45:17] worth well. >> So if you do it, where it's
[45:24] more like it's a festive event from the morning for the
[45:26] evening that motivates people let's spend the whole weekend.
[45:30] They're right. Well, that's and its main Street. It's not
[45:32] the rodeo that right created the.
[45:35] >> During the parade and and the park. So anyway, I just
[45:40] wanted to put $0.2 in for the rodeo. But I think it's weird
[45:45] Ross. A lot of people. It's us right now. It's a one-day
[45:46] event. >> transport people from the
[45:51] parking lot to ticket office. And I would have to say that
[45:57] the majority of the people are from out of So we're bringing
[46:01] in people from the other areas and I've never had a bad
[46:05] comment from the group. And some of them come both days.
[46:09] just come the one day. I've had a number of them that had
[46:15] tickets, war the first night. you know, it started hour and
[46:20] a half late because of the rain and some of came back.
[46:24] The next day said, well, we didn't buy tickets. We need
[46:27] them now because we we didn't go online. So it does bring a
[46:32] lot to the area. I agree they don't spend the night. Okay.
[46:45] >> I think we have a motion on the Florida only emotion was
[46:47] discussion >> well, we still have a still
[46:55] have motion on the floor. >> that was for 10 him 10,000.
[47:00] Is there any other discussion? All in favor signify by saying
[47:07] Aye, aye opposed nay. Motion passes. That was a 10,000.
[47:12] Which is 5,000 perfect. Alright, next is item G.
[47:23] Double K Rodeo Productions host funding application.
[47:29] Okeechobee, Extreme Rodeo. 11th annual scheduled for
[47:34] November 6th and 7th 2026 of them out of $5,000.
[47:38] >> The Okeechobee extreme Rodeo brought by Double K
[47:42] Rodeo Productions is a full production rodeo consisting of
[47:45] bullriding bronc riding barrel racing trick riding mutton
[47:47] bustin another rodeo events. The Okeechobee extreme rodeo
[47:51] is scheduled to be held at the Okeechobee County IRA Civic
[47:53] Center on November 6th and 7th 2026 and the amount of $5,000
[47:58] the TDC has hosted 2 events for the extreme rodeo in the
[48:02] previous fiscal year in the amount of 5,000 each for a
[48:03] total of $10,000. They actually did apply for 3
[48:08] events and were approved for 3 events for a total of The
[48:13] previous fiscal year. However, one event did end up getting
[48:15] canceled. So she only received the funding for the 2 events
[48:18] that did happen at the Agger Civic Center. This year. She's
[48:22] only applied for one event. The November event seems to be
[48:25] the most popular and she had has a traveling circuit. So
[48:30] she's moving around quite a bit. So this year is just for
[48:32] the November event. You have any information on the event.
[48:41] Participants my son. So we have funded this event since
[48:48] 2018. It has grown a lot much slower than some of the other
[48:50] events, but it has grown quite a bit the total visits forced
[48:56] her June rodeo was 4,000 people. But the average all
[48:59] time of of 210 minutes, 61% of these people came from the
[49:04] Palm Beach area. And and we had about 10% of the people
[49:09] come from like Tampa, Saint Pete area. And and then most
[49:12] of the other people were local. We do have some hotel
[49:18] stays as well. They have Hampton N we have some hotels
[49:21] in Palm Beach Gardens. Sebring, Ocala. And then the
[49:28] Holiday Inn that they're really not staying. I think
[49:30] this is similar to the previous postponing
[49:32] application where it is set up as a one-day event is a night
[49:34] rodeo. There's not much going on during the day.
[49:39] >> Do we have anything on the November dates?
[49:42] >> I do not have a report for the November. No, ma'am. Make
[49:47] them look, I'm being at the Agger Civic Center. I do get
[49:52] to see a lot of the people that are coming in and out of
[49:55] these events. Her November show was much bigger than her
[49:58] June show. The June show was one hot, but to also had
[50:01] pretty bad weather both nights. Now it is under
[50:04] covers. lot of people did still calm, but I think the
[50:06] weather to scare off a lot of people. But the November event
[50:09] was the biggest event that she had. We'll never. So you're
[50:13] saying it bigger than the 4,000 that they had at the
[50:16] June of yes man. Make a motion that we fund the $5,000 for
[50:21] this event. >> Second, Mr. Bob. okay. All
[50:32] right. It's been properly moved and seconded them Shelby
[50:34] County Development Council. Fun the 26 27 Double K Rodeo
[50:41] Productions host funding application in the amount of
[50:43] $5,000. It is now open for discussion. Second call for
[50:50] discussion. All in favor signify by saying Aye opposed
[50:57] nay. Motion passes. Next. We have the southernmost timed
[51:10] event challenge host funding application. In the amount of
[51:16] $4,000, which is a June, the 11th through 13th of 2027.
[51:22] >> The southernmost timed event challenges an annual
[51:24] event held at the Okeechobee County AG or Civic Center. The
[51:27] event draws youth in adult rodeo competitors throughout
[51:29] the United States. The southernmost timed event
[51:32] challenges a national qualifier sanction through
[51:35] RFD-TV. The southernmost is the only comprehensive
[51:37] qualifying event held in South Florida. The individual event
[51:41] at the southern most include barrel racing pole, bending
[51:44] team roping, steer wrestling goat tying breakaway roping in
[51:47] tied down calf roping. The southernmost junior timed
[51:52] event challenge event is promoted to the Junior High
[51:54] Schools, National Rodeo Association's and social
[51:56] Media. This event will be advertised through 3 different
[51:59] websites with national recognition and followers. The
[52:04] tdc hosted this event the previous fiscal year and the
[52:05] amount of $3,000 this year. The request is for 1000. We
[52:09] have funded this event since 2020. The rubric Funding
[52:13] suggestion is $3500. We did pull the report from the event
[52:18] that just happened in June of this year. We have an estimate
[52:22] of 835 visits and averaged well time of 194 minutes. And
[52:31] for hotels, it looks like most people are staying here at the
[52:34] Seminole Brighton Bay and Hotel Casino or in Vero Beach.
[52:48] >> Make a motion that we fund this for $3,000 like we did
[52:50] last year. >> And Mr. Bob second, it.
[53:02] properly moved and seconded there Okeechobee County
[53:03] Tourist Development Council. Fund the southernmost timed
[53:11] event challenge host funding application and the amount of
[53:14] $3,000. Is there any discussion?
[53:21] >> My concern is the visits are so low. There are only 835
[53:26] visits. >> That's why I think we talk
[53:33] about reducing and some of the road events, but we need to
[53:36] start putting a minute if could continue given where we
[53:38] gave last year. And we're pretty much budget. So some of
[53:44] this event. even if we funded in the past. When took a
[53:48] little bit and most of them going forward.
[53:53] >> The rest of the events that will be reviewing today. They
[53:57] are not spectator events. They are sporting events. So
[54:01] they're the people that are attending. These are mostly
[54:02] participants and their families, but they are not
[54:04] spectator events. They're not ticketed events. So I do feel
[54:07] like that is important information to the discussion.
[54:12] >> That's good to know, that means that we're really not
[54:15] game the most bang for our money. All right.
[54:17] >> On my motion. >> Well, unless It's a
[54:22] three-day event. So it should be generating bid tax. Whether
[54:27] through the through the plug-ins, Egg Center for
[54:33] hotels. >> Most of the people that
[54:38] stay for this event, they are there for their specific
[54:41] qualifier and then they leave. They don't normally stay for
[54:43] the entire 3 days. >> basically participate in
[54:49] move by the end of the day. >> So when they say I'm here,
[54:53] competitors are likely to stay overnight as most of them
[54:56] compete multiple events that sit in one day, some of them
[54:58] to stay a couple nights but not not the majority. And I
[55:09] will say to like this is a youth and adult rodeo. So the
[55:12] adults, they are usually only one event. It's the children
[55:14] that usually do multiple events.
[55:21] >> So did you want to? >> My motion that we for
[55:25] $2000. I'll second that. All right. further discussion on
[55:34] the amendment. Second call for discussion on the amendment.
[55:43] >> All in favor of the amending the original motion
[55:48] and for the amount of $2000 signify by saying Aye, aye
[55:51] opposed Motion passes will now vote on the amended motion.
[55:56] That we. Fund the so most out of it challenge from the
[56:03] application and the amount of $2000. Is there any other
[56:05] discussion? All in favor signify by saying Aye, aye.
[56:12] Opposed nay. Motion passes. All right. We move on to the
[56:22] 26 27 Florida High School Rodeo Association, host
[56:23] funding application. And the amount of $9,000 which is
[56:27] $4500 per event. Is to be able October 9th through the 11th
[56:32] and May 6th through the knife. >> The Florida High School
[56:38] Rodeo Association mission is to promote high school rodeo
[56:41] on a statewide scale and work towards this by bringing
[56:43] statewide recognition to rodeo activities to build character
[56:47] citizenship and good sportsmanship and
[56:50] professionalism in our young people of Florida by
[56:51] supporting competing in the sport of rodeo. All officers
[56:55] and directors are volunteers. The Florida High School rodeo
[56:58] is open to all Florida high school students that are
[56:59] members of the F H Both events will be held at the Okeechobee
[57:03] County AG or Civic Center. The Tdc hosted this event in the
[57:07] previous fiscal year in the amount of $18,000 for 3
[57:10] events. There's only going to be 2 events this year. And we
[57:16] fun of the since 2016, these families will be staying in
[57:21] Okeechobee, at least 2 nights per rodeo. The families will
[57:23] be staying in hotels and campgrounds will be eating at
[57:25] restaurants, purchasing fuel and other items. They're
[57:28] expecting about 240 attendees and 180 campsites or hotel
[57:31] rooms. May is usually their biggest event because that is
[57:37] state finals. So we did pull report from the Florida High
[57:39] school rodeo this previous year. There was 3,000 visits
[57:45] with the average dwell time of 358 minutes. This event did
[57:49] fill our barn. So we did have a lot of overnight stays.
[57:52] There were a lot of people that stayed in camp in the
[57:54] campground at the facility. And then we do have a hotel
[57:58] report for this event as well. We have camped in and Holiday
[58:02] Inn. We have a couple places in Lake Placid in and we have
[58:07] a couple places in Fort Pierce and then of course, we have
[58:09] the Seminole Brighton Bay Casino.
[58:17] >> Make a motion that we fund this for $9,000. A share.
[58:19] >> I'll second. You got that. Mister Thomas. It's been
[58:30] properly moved and seconded that the Okeechobee County
[58:33] Tourist Development Council's the Florida. High School Rodeo
[58:38] Association funding application. Any amount of was
[58:44] it again, 9,001 $1000. Which is original him out. Is there
[58:50] any discussion? Second call for discussion all in favor
[58:59] signify by saying Aye, opposed nay. Motion passes. Okay. Now
[59:08] we have Florida Jr, our school rodeos to funding application.
[59:14] And the amount of $18,000. For schedule events of January
[59:20] 2027 through September 2027. So for you throw the offense.
[59:25] Jacqueline. >> The Florida Junior High
[59:30] School Rodeo Association is a non-profit organization
[59:34] dedicated providing youth grades 5 through 8 with
[59:37] opportunities to develop leadership responsibility,
[59:39] sportsmanship and character through the sport of Rodeo has
[59:42] an affiliate of the National High School Rodeo Association.
[59:45] Florida Junior High School Rodeo offers us a family
[59:48] oriented environment where student athletes can compete
[59:51] emphasizing the importance of academics, good citizenship
[59:53] and community involvement. These rodeos are scheduled for
[59:57] January April, August and September 2027 at the
[1:00:00] Okeechobee County AG or Civic Center. The Tdc did host these
[1:00:04] events in the previous fiscal year for a total of 24,000.
[1:00:06] They had 6 events last year this year. They only have 4
[1:00:11] events and the total requested was 18,000. We have funded
[1:00:16] this event since 2023. Their continued success of this
[1:00:21] event encourages repeat visitation from contestants
[1:00:23] and their families. It supports local businesses and
[1:00:26] strengthens Okeechobee County's reputation as a host
[1:00:28] for high-quality sporting an agricultural events. This
[1:00:32] event will actively involved local businesses through
[1:00:34] sponsorship opportunities, hotels, retailers and service
[1:00:38] providers. Local businesses have the opportunity to
[1:00:39] promote their products and services to contestants
[1:00:42] families, spectators while supporting a community-focused
[1:00:44] youth event. The refunding suggestion is $14,000. Based
[1:00:50] on our report to the state finals this previous year, we
[1:00:53] tracked 700 visitors. So this event was much smaller than
[1:00:57] the high school rodeo event. We did not have enough hotels
[1:01:03] to pull the report, but we did pull their favorite places. So
[1:01:07] they were visiting us Western wear Lawmkers Lawmkers
[1:01:10] Applebee's. Bogeys Okeechobee Cattlemen's Rodeo Arena but
[1:01:14] there are no hotels on the list.
[1:01:20] >> Usually we don't see many of You know, family members
[1:01:26] who participate in the hotels. They only come for a day or
[1:01:28] so. My question was, is that is the same organization that
[1:01:33] hosts Florida high school and also the Florida Junior high
[1:01:36] school. >> They are affiliated but
[1:01:39] they are not the event promoters. They are not the
[1:01:42] same group of kids. They are separate
[1:01:45] >> so I just kind of want to it plan on observation because
[1:01:49] I know is the same way last year that these all coincide
[1:01:52] with the other all Florida junior rodeo.
[1:01:54] >> So they're happening on the same dates there, too. Events
[1:01:59] requesting quite a bit of money. If you look Sarah, 22 5
[1:02:05] $27,000 here and considering that there's 2 organizations
[1:02:07] participating in this. On the same dates and there's on 700
[1:02:12] attendees and no hotel stays. And that's unless but $50,000
[1:02:17] that they're requesting. If you look at that both of the
[1:02:22] organization's concert, same days. Out of the show, the
[1:02:25] advertising is the same. For both. Yes, ma'am, out of the 4
[1:02:30] events that they're both Florida junior high and all
[1:02:33] Florida junior having only 2 of those events coincide on
[1:02:36] the same weekend, the opener and the state finals. Those
[1:02:38] are their own individual events.
[1:02:44] >> But the September event April event. Those are
[1:02:48] separate. Okay. Okay. I was looking at the
[1:02:53] >> On this. fears confuse what says January 27 are thinking
[1:02:57] that was the actual date. Not January. You're 27. I get it
[1:02:58] now. They do host the event they'll have Florida Junior
[1:03:05] high one day and then the have also to junior Saturday Sunday
[1:03:08] for 2 of those events. But 2 of the other 2 are individual
[1:03:11] okay. I thought they were asking for 18,000. They are
[1:03:14] asking for 18,000. Yes, ma'am. total request. 27. That that
[1:03:22] was missing in my mistake. I apologize. I should've change
[1:03:24] that. initial application was 27,000, but she included the
[1:03:28] rodeo. That just happened in August and the rodeo in
[1:03:31] September, which those don't qualify for this fiscal year
[1:03:35] funding application. And she's already has approved funding
[1:03:37] for those from previous fiscal year. So that's my mistake.
[1:03:40] >> it 18,000 last year. >> It was last Last year. They
[1:03:47] had 6 events last year. This year. They'll only have 4 in
[1:03:49] Okeechobee. >> And explain how you come
[1:03:54] out with brick funding. >> So our rubric funding, let
[1:03:57] me pull it up. Real quick. We have an evaluation set up that
[1:04:03] we score them by attendance out of county visitors
[1:04:05] overnight stays economic impact marketing reach.
[1:04:10] They're live stream exposure, tourism value event, history
[1:04:13] and growth in the reporting in compliance with tours and
[1:04:16] staff. So that's how we grade them on the event and then
[1:04:21] they have a total score. 41 out of 100 which qualifies
[1:04:25] them for tier 2, which is between 154500 per event. We
[1:04:31] recommended 14,000 with the 3500 per event.
[1:04:34] >> There is an algorithm created by software. Yes. And
[1:04:38] we just input the information that they have reported to us.
[1:04:45] >> I'm gonna make a motion that we fund it for $14,000. A
[1:04:46] share. like a team. >> While we're trying to get
[1:04:59] out we want to get out of here before 5 o'clock today. With
[1:05:04] travel clock, the next of all right.
[1:05:08] >> And will speed things up is there discussion? Take a call?
[1:05:23] For discussion all in favor signify by saying Aye, opposed
[1:05:25] nay motion passes. >> Next is Florida Junior
[1:05:30] Rodeo Association? Host funding application. Which is
[1:05:37] against different than the 40 junior. This is the all
[1:05:41] Florida junior. Yes, sir. What is last qualifier Jean edge of
[1:05:43] >> We do have a pretty big rodeo community here in
[1:05:45] Okeechobee and they love to use our facility. Florida
[1:05:49] Junior Rodeo Association is a nonprofit organization
[1:05:53] promoting the interests of children, ages 5 to 14
[1:05:55] competing in rodeo events throughout the state of
[1:05:57] Florida. The goal of a F is to provide a quality event
[1:06:01] allowing you to advance the rodeo talent and goals in the
[1:06:03] spirit of fair competition and good sportsmanship. They offer
[1:06:07] 11 events for boys and girls, including backs year riding
[1:06:10] calf roping barrel racing breakaway calf. Roping shoot
[1:06:14] dog in goat tying team roping pull bended pole, Bending Bull
[1:06:17] in writing in cutting ready take place on Saturday and
[1:06:21] Sunday at 09:00AM Cowboy Church is at 08:08AM, on
[1:06:24] Sunday this year. And Jerry will have 5 scheduled events
[1:06:27] with the Okeechobee County AG, a civic center. There are
[1:06:30] events will be in January, April, May August and
[1:06:32] September. The TC hosted this event the previous fiscal year
[1:06:36] and the amount of 21,000 for a total of 6 events, which was
[1:06:39] 3500 per events. Based on the rubric funding. We have funded
[1:06:45] this event since 2021 based on real big funding. We suggested
[1:06:47] 14,000. We do also have a report from metrics from the
[1:06:52] may event total visitors. We have just under 1000 visitors
[1:06:55] for this event. And then we do have a couple people that did
[1:07:01] stay on our local hotels. We do have Shuns Holiday Inn
[1:07:03] Express. Lakeshore Resorts. And then 2 hotels that are
[1:07:09] from Panama City Beach. might've been traveling on
[1:07:18] their way down a set and family are something stopped.
[1:07:19] from Panama City. >> So we use this place or
[1:07:24] report. And so we're able to track foot traffic for people
[1:07:26] that come post in prior to the facility.
[1:07:32] >> It always stay the night for him. Came on their way
[1:07:34] here on their way here. Yeah. Announce make a motion.
[1:07:41] >> Well, don't shot. >> sheriff, how revenue
[1:07:48] generate whatever it Rodeo events happen like the
[1:07:51] collection from your side from the act place. would be
[1:07:54] beneficial. How much rent total revenue? How much?
[1:08:01] Obviously we collect tax if they have RV's. What's a
[1:08:02] revenue are you collecting from there? That gives us a
[1:08:06] better gauge, right? The all right. This is how much
[1:08:07] they're spending at your place right? So moving forward in
[1:08:11] the future instead of giving grants out. What we can do is
[1:08:15] I'm sure you also charge rent for them to use it.
[1:08:20] >> I some of these events to apply for a fee waiver now
[1:08:23] that doesn't waive all of their fees at the Agger Civic
[1:08:25] Center that just waives the rental fee. They're still
[1:08:27] required to pay for facility. Staff waste disposal utilities
[1:08:30] and things like that. >> is it anywhere? We can
[1:08:36] apply for the amount that we give a grand tours. Just
[1:08:40] funding it to ad where they're just getting as a comp. I
[1:08:44] don't understand you need. So, for example, if somebody is
[1:08:49] host hosting a at the place and their fees are $5,000. If
[1:08:56] we're given grant for $5,000, can we just give that grant to
[1:08:58] AG? And they're just getting for free? I don't believe
[1:09:01] we're able to do that. Now. Because I'm just saying that
[1:09:07] there's a large events that doesn't attract much or
[1:09:11] whatever. Maybe we can just wave and give free. You know,
[1:09:16] the host funding application grant is supposed to be used
[1:09:19] for advertising signage, stuff like that. Marketing promoting
[1:09:23] Okeechobee. It's not city used to be paid for facility
[1:09:25] rentals and stuff like that. >> Okay.
[1:09:32] >> So which 2 events to to savor coinciding with Florida
[1:09:36] Junior high school. One. >> The Florida junior high
[1:09:40] school in off Florida. Their April event will be on the
[1:09:43] same weekend and they're September event will be on the
[1:09:46] same weekend. So we already funded them. 3500 right for
[1:09:48] the first one. Then where? >> Getting ready to fund this
[1:09:50] one. Yes, ma'am. >> And the facilities already
[1:09:54] been waves. Are they requested for it to be brave for both
[1:10:00] Android. And that's just the facility fee for the daily
[1:10:02] rental. They do pay the rest of the You know that it cost
[1:10:05] to operate the facility. >> I do also since you asked
[1:10:10] about the amount money that we collect, I don't have the
[1:10:13] exact amount in front of me. But please remember that we
[1:10:16] only rent RV's at the Akron Civic Center for $25 a night.
[1:10:20] So it's only 3% on $25 a night.
[1:10:24] >> I know. But I just want to because that gives us a gauge,
[1:10:26] OK, you know what? We collected $3,000 we do it by
[1:10:32] $25. We have an idea how many are resort park there. That
[1:10:36] kind of confirms with a number of attendees to that number
[1:10:39] participants as well. >> We're still rentals to
[1:10:45] install everything that so it gives us an idea. Are we all
[1:10:49] so making some kind of revenues if we're giving them
[1:10:51] some kind of grand as sort of money. A motion for same with
[1:10:59] the rubric funding said $14,000. 14,000. Yes. Alright,
[1:11:18] is there any other discussion? Second call for discussion?
[1:11:25] All in favor signify by saying Aye. Aye opposed nay. Motion
[1:11:29] passes. And our final post funding application. The 26 27
[1:11:39] Florida Little Britches Rodeo Association. Those funding
[1:11:41] application. >> In the amount of $4,000 to
[1:11:46] $1000, each for 2 events scheduled for October 3rd and
[1:11:51] 4th 2026. and May first and second of 2027.
[1:11:56] >> The Florida Little Britches Rodeo Association is a
[1:11:59] nationally sanction youth rodeo event for ages 5 to 18
[1:12:03] offering events that includes barrels roping Ruff's stock
[1:12:05] trail course in flag race. The association has over 120
[1:12:08] families from all regions of the state. The travel to
[1:12:12] Okeechobee for these rodeos in hopes of national
[1:12:14] qualifications. The Tdc did host these events in the
[1:12:17] previous fiscal year and the amount of $3,000 for 2 events.
[1:12:19] So it's 1500 total. They have requested 4,000 this year for
[1:12:23] 2 events of 2000 total. This is event. We funded since
[1:12:28] 2025. This is the 10th season of FL be producing to rodeos
[1:12:33] in one weekend, every month from September through June,
[1:12:36] each year of the organization has grown. The members spanned
[1:12:39] from Atlanta, Georgia to the southern beaches of Miami,
[1:12:42] many of which are arrive early to explore and visit the towns
[1:12:44] that we travel to. These events are held at the
[1:12:47] historic Cattlemen's Arena. And then we do also have a
[1:12:55] report. So the may event they had just under 1000 visitors.
[1:13:00] Most of them and you all come from out of town. We have Palm
[1:13:04] Beach, Orlando, Fort Myers, Tampa, Saint Pete,
[1:13:06] Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Thomasville in Gainesville. We
[1:13:08] do have a couple hotels as well. The have we have
[1:13:12] visitors at Scottish INS Holiday Inn Express Lakeshore
[1:13:14] Resort, best Western in Bowling Green and another
[1:13:18] hotel and Panama City. So I think that person came for
[1:13:21] both radius. >> back up here. The chair
[1:13:35] would entertain a make a motion that we fund it for
[1:13:37] $4,000. A share. All right. Second from Mister Bob. The
[1:13:48] motion is that the Okeechobee County Tourist Village Council
[1:13:51] fund. For Little Britches Rodeo Association for the
[1:13:57] application of them out of $4,000.
[1:13:59] >> $2000. Each for 2 events. Correct? Yes. All right. As
[1:14:06] any other discussion. second call for discussion. All in
[1:14:13] favor signify by saying Aye, aye. Opposed nay. Motion
[1:14:17] passes. All right. Next, we have tourism staff update.
[1:14:25] >> We have a few quick staff updates for you since our last
[1:14:29] meeting in Illinois are getting ready to go to the
[1:14:30] Florida governor's conference on tourism. We actually are
[1:14:32] going to leave this afternoon and will be over in Palm Beach
[1:14:34] for the rest of the week. The one 100th historical
[1:14:38] courthouse commemorative perception is tomorrow at
[1:14:41] 5.30, you all should have received an email invite from
[1:14:43] administration. We hope to see there. We'll have a fun
[1:14:48] scavenger hunt and some things like that as well. And then
[1:14:50] the open house is open to the public this Saturday, 9 to 5.
[1:14:54] The courthouse will be open. People will be able to walk
[1:14:56] around. There's going to be some exhibits being set up be
[1:14:58] a video playing in here with some historic information. So
[1:15:01] that's going to be a really good time. The let's take you
[1:15:05] outside private watch party invitation. You also have also
[1:15:08] received an invitation for that as well. We're super
[1:15:10] excited to have Missy Wells come back. The invitations
[1:15:14] also on the front cover of this agenda. If any of you
[1:15:16] need a copy, we hope you're able to attend. This is a
[1:15:19] private watch party because the episode has not been
[1:15:23] released and it won't be released October. And then at
[1:15:27] the last board meeting, there was some questions about where
[1:15:29] our reserves are. So we do have to replenish some of our
[1:15:33] accounts. But I did want to give the board an update. So
[1:15:35] are reserved for future improvements for the proposed
[1:15:39] budget fiscal year, 26, 27, that total amount is
[1:15:43] $557,080.20 and the total contingency reserved for
[1:15:46] proposed fiscal year 26. 27 is $113,330. then we also have
[1:15:55] some poor training information. Unfortunately,
[1:15:57] our new member was not able to be here today, but I will have
[1:15:59] some updates for you regarding, you know, sunshine
[1:16:02] law in the typical trainings that we have to do at our next
[1:16:05] meeting in our next meeting is scheduled for October 14th
[1:16:08] 2026. At 09:00AM and I almost forgot yesterday Bassmaster
[1:16:14] Elite did released their schedule and we will be their
[1:16:16] season opener in February of 2027. lot What is the reserve
[1:16:25] for future improvements >> So that is the name of the
[1:16:30] account. But that's actually the account that we would that
[1:16:33] we would pull from if we investing in a park.
[1:16:36] >> Or something like that. That's that's like our general
[1:16:39] fund. I don't call the General Fund cause. It's not but
[1:16:41] that's like are General Reserve account. That's where
[1:16:45] all of the money is by state statute. We do have a couple
[1:16:48] of other accounts that are separated. So we have a
[1:16:51] reserve for contingencies were required to have a certain
[1:16:52] amount of money in that account. We have some other
[1:16:56] reserve account. So that's why I included the total reserve
[1:16:59] proposed because that's the total of reserves that we
[1:17:01] have. I know this kind of hard to do that. But where are we
[1:17:07] for the budget for the share? I thought it was it.
[1:17:10] >> We were like 200,000 and where are we? you we had
[1:17:15] 145,000 budgeted for promotional items or your
[1:17:17] friend. Just promotional items. Yeah, I'm the yes. The
[1:17:21] ones like the grants would just gave Let was our our
[1:17:26] budget we get We close. Anyone. Second, I have a crew
[1:17:32] in the beginning. >> Wasn't like 205,000 is the
[1:17:38] request. And we had. And how much worry? Budgeted? For
[1:17:47] spending on the grants. Here we go. Page. 26. So we funded
[1:17:55] 128,025. 26. And we had a request of. So we had to do,
[1:18:04] right? Yes. So 105,000? Yeah, yes, ma'am. So fiscal year,
[1:18:08] 26, 27. We funded $120,600. >> The total requests that we
[1:18:12] receive are $205,900. And then as of all the approvals that
[1:18:16] we went through today, our total out was $133,900. Does
[1:18:22] that include the Chevy Bolts? Yes, it does. does not include
[1:18:27] Jack with Jack Link's route one. 43, 900. And where was
[1:18:31] our budget for the share one? 45? And with Jack Link's where
[1:18:36] where? One? 43? Yes, number Right on target
[1:18:42] >> I'm happy. They be happy. >> With the majority say like
[1:18:52] urban happy. We're happy. Thank you. I appreciate that.
[1:18:59] Did a great job guys. Thank appreciate Angeles been
[1:19:04] working really hard behind the scenes. So I I appreciate her.
[1:19:07] She's been able to put together a lot of these
[1:19:08] reports for us. >> She helps me do my job. So
[1:19:11] I appreciate her. >> I just had a question. Is
[1:19:15] there any way we can? I know we have tdc website for people
[1:19:20] to come and look at the dates when the events are there. But
[1:19:23] is there anything we can do proactively where it comes on
[1:19:27] Instagram or Facebook where we are proactive. You telling the
[1:19:30] community, hey, there's a rodeo coming up on the 5th,
[1:19:32] 6005th and 7th right where it's part where we are sending
[1:19:38] them it's more of us advertising right is is
[1:19:42] advertising on our faces of people. They're looking
[1:19:44] instead of people going looking for what the dates
[1:19:47] are. >> Is there anything anybody
[1:19:48] has anybody friended? The social media for visitors of
[1:19:50] the county? And do we promote okay, not what I Maybe overdo
[1:20:00] will what that meant. This like you know, like a lot of
[1:20:02] times when I'm glancing to Facebook.
[1:20:05] >> Automatically I have no intent looking for, but it
[1:20:07] just pops up right? So, you know, there's one website I
[1:20:11] talk about last time where somebody is using AI to tell
[1:20:15] the stories of whatever's happened in Okeechobee. It
[1:20:17] just pops up. I don't even follow them or anything like
[1:20:19] that. Is there anything the sources there were using for
[1:20:22] technology they can help. Put this information in front of
[1:20:28] people. Just glancing. That's what I meant.
[1:20:31] >> We can look into some sponsored ads. We do some
[1:20:33] sponsor Google already. With Angelina have been come on
[1:20:39] uttering them because we do spend a lot of money on them
[1:20:40] and we don't see quite a big return on them for the Google
[1:20:43] ads. Facebook has are a little bit harder for us to do
[1:20:46] because you're not able to restrict comments. If we turn
[1:20:49] Facebook sponsored ads on. And so right now the county policy
[1:20:53] is that we are to restrict comments for all county pages.
[1:21:01] >> Now, it just kind of care is because what that does is
[1:21:03] that reminds because I myself know there's an event coming
[1:21:07] in and the day of the completely forgot about it
[1:21:10] right. So now if it's right in front of your face with a lot
[1:21:14] of people are googling or searching or Okeechobee,
[1:21:16] traitors or whatever. And this pops up we've got rodeo going
[1:21:21] on or this week. We've got airport going on. Whatever.
[1:21:23] That's what I was kind of care when something comes up on
[1:21:27] your face. It's like, oh, maybe we can try this. But if
[1:21:30] people don't go searching for things, it has to be in front
[1:21:36] of you and people make instant decisions. Let's do this and
[1:21:38] not, you know, that's why I was wonder.
[1:21:41] >> We are trying to find some ways that we can get our Web
[1:21:44] site more integrated with Facebook because everything is
[1:21:46] on our website. So we've been trying to push that
[1:21:50] information out. We have partnered with Main Street.
[1:21:53] They are going to be doing like a visitor welcome bag for
[1:21:55] all of their main street events. So we plan to put
[1:21:58] cards in there with QR codes to our website. Things like
[1:22:00] that. We're trying to find some alternative solutions to
[1:22:02] getting our Web site out there. We don't have a ton of
[1:22:06] options just through social media. And another thing that
[1:22:09] Angela, 90 struggle with, too, is that some of these events.
[1:22:12] You know, it's up to them to promote their event and then
[1:22:14] we want to share that information. It's not up to us
[1:22:16] to promote someone else's event, a market for So we can
[1:22:21] only do with what we are provided with. Angela does
[1:22:24] also provide a newsletter. I think she gave it all to you
[1:22:27] guys today. We do have a substantial amount of
[1:22:30] subscribers on account and we actually send that out too. A
[1:22:35] lot of our at print advertising and other digital
[1:22:36] advertising. We perceive leads. And when we receive
[1:22:38] those leads, we upload them into our mail pick out. And
[1:22:41] once a month, Angeles sends out her newsletter with all
[1:22:44] the events, all the information that you'll find
[1:22:46] on that newsletter. We send that out to everyone in our
[1:22:48] system. So that we trying to find if you if there's any
[1:22:54] suggestions from the board, we are trying to find some out of
[1:22:56] the box suggestions to get. Okeechobee. This Okeechobee
[1:23:01] County website and app out there.
[1:23:04] >> We are going to request and they were letters that they do
[1:23:07] make a Facebook event. So at least when they go on Facebook
[1:23:09] and they look at events, they can see if the events that are
[1:23:13] there because a lot of them do not. And that might generate
[1:23:18] more population and Facebook for the pop up on different
[1:23:21] pages. >> there's a couple other
[1:23:22] things that we're going to asked them to do. We're going
[1:23:25] to ask them to promote our hotels, were going to send
[1:23:26] them links to our >> website. And that's that
[1:23:30] that be promoted on page as well.
[1:23:32] >> They create a page on for Facebook, Instagram. Yeah,
[1:23:35] we're going to request that. They
[1:23:38] >> create a Facebook event. so when people go, a lot of
[1:23:43] people go to the Facebook events to see what's going on
[1:23:44] in the area and that will pop up there where they can career
[1:23:48] like tdc represent like. >> You know, something like
[1:23:52] that on Facebook or Instagram where basically it's the same
[1:23:56] in for that you have. But is going to be in front of
[1:23:58] people. And that's what I was kind of thinking.
[1:24:01] >> If we were to create the Facebook events for them, we
[1:24:03] would need their permission because it is their event.
[1:24:07] >> So we're just advertising. It's like you know, a lot of
[1:24:11] you see Okeechobee traitors. And there's going to be ad
[1:24:14] from somebody that's going to say, hey, we got this event
[1:24:15] going. And we're not really promoting for them. But the
[1:24:19] fact that they're applying for grants that something that
[1:24:23] allows us promote as promote almost every event that we
[1:24:28] have. promote but we can like we can't do promotional at at
[1:24:31] this time because we can't turn comments off.
[1:24:34] >> But as soon we we can look into it would have to create a
[1:24:36] budget for it and everything. But yes.
[1:24:41] >> Well, creating their own event and Facebook will help
[1:24:42] them track their interest all. The people that except the
[1:24:46] attendance for the invite and to be beneficial for us go
[1:24:49] back and look, kind of people are interested having people
[1:24:52] be reached. That's >> Does that conclude are