1 00:01:45,460 --> 00:02:03,320 All right, good afternoon. We'll call to order the tourist development council meeting. Today is August 25th, 2026, it's 2 p.m., and we are meeting at the Gloria Roe Hayward Sumter County Service Center, at 215 Gloria Roe Hayward Way, in the boardroom, in Sumterville, Sumterville, Florida. 2 00:02:05,680 --> 00:02:09,640 Would you please rise and join me for the poise of allegiance? 3 00:02:24,690 --> 00:02:25,250 Thank 4 00:02:28,230 --> 00:02:36,810 you all right first item on today's agenda is public forum and we have somebody 5 00:02:36,810 --> 00:02:40,690 from the fairgrounds that has a time crunch so we're going to let them go first if you 6 00:02:40,690 --> 00:02:41,050 don't mind. 7 00:02:50,380 --> 00:02:57,100 Good afternoon. Press the button on the right so a little green light comes 8 00:02:57,100 --> 00:03:03,280 on there we go. Good afternoon. Today we want to talk about the future of Sumter County 9 00:03:03,280 --> 00:03:07,980 Fairgrounds and more specifically where that future creates an opportunity for tourism 10 00:03:07,980 --> 00:03:13,280 investment. For 72 years the Sumter County Fairgrounds have played a vital role in our 11 00:03:13,280 --> 00:03:19,260 community. My name is Kristen Hayes and I'm here today on behalf of the Sumter Fair Association's 12 00:03:19,260 --> 00:03:24,880 Board of Directors. This is not a new list of projects developed for TDC funding as 13 00:03:24,880 --> 00:03:30,020 strong community partners and the county has already established the direction for the 14 00:03:30,020 --> 00:03:34,760 fairgrounds through its approved planning process. Today we want to show you where that 15 00:03:34,760 --> 00:03:40,700 existing direction and the TDC's mission intersect and how the TDC could become a strategic 16 00:03:40,700 --> 00:03:43,520 partner in the fairgrounds future for tourism growth. 17 00:03:46,830 --> 00:03:48,650 When we look at fairground improvements, 18 00:03:49,130 --> 00:03:54,790 we want to evaluate them through a tourism lens. The question is not simply what would 19 00:03:54,790 --> 00:04:00,150 make the fairgrounds better. It is what improvements allow us to attract events and visitors that 20 00:04:00,150 --> 00:04:07,150 we cannot effectively accommodate today. Regional events bring competitors, spectators, families, 21 00:04:07,650 --> 00:04:13,190 vendors, and organizers into Sumter County. They spend money on lodging, restaurants, 22 00:04:13,530 --> 00:04:21,470 fuel, shopping, and other local services. Multi-day agricultural, equestrian, rodeo, and specialty 23 00:04:21,470 --> 00:04:25,670 events are especially valuable because they create overnight visitation. 24 00:04:26,330 --> 00:04:29,370 That is the connection we want to keep throughout this presentation. 25 00:04:30,130 --> 00:04:33,290 Capital investment should create measurable tourism activity. 26 00:04:36,660 --> 00:04:38,820 This is an important part of why we are here. 27 00:04:39,660 --> 00:04:42,600 The fairgrounds is not a standalone concept for the TDC. 28 00:04:43,440 --> 00:04:48,740 The Sumter County Board approved fiscal year 26 through 30 strategic plans specifically 29 00:04:48,740 --> 00:04:54,040 identifies implementation of the fairground strategic plans, goals, and objectives. 30 00:04:55,080 --> 00:05:00,340 The fairground strategic plan then establishes the direction for strengthening the property, 31 00:05:00,820 --> 00:05:04,380 expanding opportunities, and increasing outside visitation. 32 00:05:05,260 --> 00:05:11,660 The December 2025 master plan takes that direction and puts it into action by identifying the facilities, 33 00:05:12,220 --> 00:05:15,720 infrastructure, and visitor improvements that can be implemented over time. 34 00:05:15,720 --> 00:05:18,660 So, the progression is very clear. 35 00:05:19,180 --> 00:05:22,940 The Board of County Commissioners established the strategic direction. 36 00:05:23,480 --> 00:05:28,440 The Fairground Strategic Plan defined the goals and the master plan provides the physical 37 00:05:28,440 --> 00:05:28,900 roadmap. 38 00:05:30,630 --> 00:05:36,400 Our discussion with the TDC focuses on identifying which portions of that board supported direction 39 00:05:36,400 --> 00:05:41,520 offer the strongest tourism benefit and where the TDC can become a partner. 40 00:05:41,520 --> 00:05:42,880 The 41 00:05:44,960 --> 00:05:49,560 fairgrounds already host successful events, but limitations affect our ability to grow. 42 00:05:50,520 --> 00:05:55,200 Facility and utility limitations can restrict the events that we can pursue. 43 00:05:56,300 --> 00:06:01,960 Capacity affects our ability to accommodate larger equestrian, livestock, rodeo, and specialty 44 00:06:01,960 --> 00:06:02,440 events. 45 00:06:03,180 --> 00:06:05,240 The visitor experience also matters. 46 00:06:06,000 --> 00:06:12,540 Event organizers consider parking, restrooms, wayfinding, shade, ticketing, and air circulation 47 00:06:12,540 --> 00:06:14,100 when selecting a venue. 48 00:06:15,140 --> 00:06:17,620 When those limitations keep us from recruiting 49 00:06:17,620 --> 00:06:21,100 or growing regional events, they are not just facility issues. 50 00:06:21,800 --> 00:06:23,160 They become tourism barriers. 51 00:06:24,280 --> 00:06:26,620 Targeted investment gives us an opportunity 52 00:06:26,620 --> 00:06:27,780 to remove those barriers. 53 00:06:30,610 --> 00:06:32,490 The master plan gives us the roadmap, 54 00:06:32,950 --> 00:06:34,910 but we are not suggesting that every item 55 00:06:34,910 --> 00:06:37,530 in the master plan should be a TDC project. 56 00:06:38,230 --> 00:06:40,050 We want to focus on the improvements 57 00:06:40,050 --> 00:06:41,850 with the clearest connection to tourism. 58 00:06:41,850 --> 00:06:46,230 them. That includes the 60-stall horse barn and supporting the 59 00:06:46,230 --> 00:06:50,170 equestrian infrastructure which can increase our ability to pursue regional 60 00:06:50,170 --> 00:06:56,710 horse and livestock events. It includes full hook up and full hook up RV and 61 00:06:56,710 --> 00:07:01,550 expo RV parking. That is particularly important because it supports traveling 62 00:07:01,550 --> 00:07:06,330 participants in multi-day events. The plan also includes an amphitheater, 63 00:07:06,330 --> 00:07:09,970 concessions and restrooms, event parking, ticketing, 64 00:07:10,370 --> 00:07:13,050 wayfinding, shade, and other visitor improvements. 65 00:07:13,650 --> 00:07:16,930 Because these projects are part of an overall master plan, 66 00:07:17,450 --> 00:07:19,010 future investment can work together 67 00:07:19,010 --> 00:07:21,030 rather than become isolated improvements. 68 00:07:22,930 --> 00:07:25,910 These are the areas where we see strongest opportunity 69 00:07:25,910 --> 00:07:27,210 for TDC partnership. 70 00:07:28,290 --> 00:07:31,230 First is an RV and overnight infrastructure. 71 00:07:32,050 --> 00:07:34,810 If expanded RV capacity lets us host 72 00:07:34,810 --> 00:07:41,230 three-day horse show, livestock events, rodeo, that investment directly supports tourism. 73 00:07:41,950 --> 00:07:44,730 Second, is equestrian and livestock tourism. 74 00:07:45,930 --> 00:07:50,890 The plant horse barn and related infrastructure can help us compete for larger regional 75 00:07:50,890 --> 00:07:55,030 events that bring exhibitors, families, and spectators to Sumter County. 76 00:07:56,170 --> 00:08:00,710 Third, is the arena an outdoor event infrastructure. 77 00:08:00,710 --> 00:08:06,690 Improvements in this area can expand opportunities for rodeos, concerts, festivals, and other 78 00:08:06,690 --> 00:08:07,610 regional entertainment. 79 00:08:08,530 --> 00:08:14,410 Fourth is a visitor access and experience, including parking, ticketing, wayfinding, 80 00:08:14,750 --> 00:08:15,970 restrooms, and shade. 81 00:08:16,910 --> 00:08:21,190 These improvements help us accommodate larger crowds and make the venue more competitive. 82 00:08:22,390 --> 00:08:26,770 Agri-Tourism and Heritage Development are long-term opportunities that build on 83 00:08:26,770 --> 00:08:28,450 Sumter Counties agriculture identity. 84 00:08:28,450 --> 00:08:34,270 We would not recommend a project for TDC investment simply because it appears in the master plan. 85 00:08:35,110 --> 00:08:40,210 We want to prioritize projects that can demonstrate a tourism return. 86 00:08:42,570 --> 00:08:44,550 This is how we want to evaluate that return. 87 00:08:45,570 --> 00:08:48,250 Better facilities give us a stronger product to market. 88 00:08:48,970 --> 00:08:53,370 A stronger product helps us recruit and retain regional events. 89 00:08:53,370 --> 00:08:58,130 those events bring more visitors into Sumter County and those visitors spend 90 00:08:58,130 --> 00:09:03,870 money locally. Then we measure the results. The future TDC supported projects 91 00:09:03,870 --> 00:09:09,270 for future TDC supported projects we should be prepared to track event days, 92 00:09:09,590 --> 00:09:14,450 attendance, visitor origin, repeat bookings, new events generated and overnight 93 00:09:14,450 --> 00:09:19,330 stays when that information is available. The goal is to clearly connect capital 94 00:09:19,330 --> 00:09:22,090 investment to the tourism activity that it produces. 95 00:09:23,930 --> 00:09:29,050 The annual fare will always be an important part of this property, but the tourism opportunity 96 00:09:29,050 --> 00:09:30,790 extends well beyond fair week. 97 00:09:31,670 --> 00:09:35,670 Equestrian and livestock events can bring competitors and families from throughout 98 00:09:35,670 --> 00:09:36,210 the region. 99 00:09:37,010 --> 00:09:41,170 Concerts, festivals, and entertainment that can attract different audiences. 100 00:09:42,010 --> 00:09:47,630 Expose, specialty competitions, car shows, and consumer events broaden the calendar even 101 00:09:47,630 --> 00:09:48,010 further. 102 00:09:48,730 --> 00:09:54,790 that is where we see long-term opportunity taken in existing Sumter County asset and creating 103 00:09:54,790 --> 00:10:00,770 more reasons for people from outside the county to visit year-round. That increased year-round 104 00:10:00,770 --> 00:10:08,380 use is how the fairgrounds can become a larger part of the Sumter County tourism economy. We are 105 00:10:08,380 --> 00:10:13,640 not suggesting that the entire master plan be funded at once or that every project belong to the 106 00:10:13,640 --> 00:10:17,340 We see this as a continued phase partnership. 107 00:10:18,000 --> 00:10:22,360 Some projects are visitor-ready improvements that strengthen existing events, 108 00:10:22,760 --> 00:10:26,280 others, such as RV hookups and equestring capacity, 109 00:10:26,900 --> 00:10:32,540 our event-generated infrastructure that may allow us to recruit events we cannot accommodate today. 110 00:10:33,600 --> 00:10:38,500 Longer-term destination projects can broaden the fairgrounds tourism identity even further. 111 00:10:38,500 --> 00:10:45,360 For each potential TDC project, we want to follow the same process, prioritize the opportunity, 112 00:10:45,840 --> 00:10:49,440 determine eligibility, and the appropriate funding partnership. 113 00:10:49,860 --> 00:10:52,500 Deliver the project and the measure the tourism results. 114 00:10:53,500 --> 00:11:00,960 The last future investment decision we base, this lets future investment decisions be based on performance rather than assumptions. 115 00:11:03,570 --> 00:11:06,390 Today, we want to continue our partnership conversation. 116 00:11:06,390 --> 00:11:13,770 We are not asking the TDC to fund general fairground maintenance, and we are not asking the TDC to fund the entire master plan. 117 00:11:14,510 --> 00:11:21,070 The Sumter County Board of County Commissioners has already established the direction for the fairgrounds, and the master plan gives us a road map. 118 00:11:22,050 --> 00:11:28,050 We want what we want to do with the TDC is identify where that plan intersects with the TDC's mission. 119 00:11:28,790 --> 00:11:33,550 If RV infrastructure helps us recruit multi-day events, that is the tourism opportunity. 120 00:11:33,550 --> 00:11:42,830 If a question in facilities allow us to compete for regional shows that bring exhibitors and families into Sumter County, that is a tourism opportunity. 121 00:11:43,790 --> 00:11:51,870 If arena improvements allow us to attract rodeos, concerts and festivals with regional audiences, that is a tourism opportunity. 122 00:11:52,570 --> 00:12:00,410 We want the TDC to be a partner in identifying and advancing those projects with clear scopes and measurable tourism outcomes. 123 00:12:00,410 --> 00:12:11,270 We believe the fairgrounds can play a larger role in Sumter County's tourism economy while remaining rooted in the agriculture traditions that make this property important to our community. 124 00:12:12,010 --> 00:12:13,030 Thank you. 125 00:12:16,140 --> 00:12:19,320 So, or members any questions? 126 00:12:27,220 --> 00:12:28,060 One quick question. 127 00:12:28,060 --> 00:12:34,400 The RV area that you all talk about is that an area that is considered a campground here 128 00:12:34,400 --> 00:12:43,480 I may not know that that is such is that something that's going to also collect TDC dollars as folks pay to stay and they that you charge a fee to rent those 129 00:12:44,400 --> 00:12:46,700 Yes, ma'am on page 130 00:12:48,900 --> 00:12:49,520 Five 131 00:12:53,720 --> 00:12:58,700 a part of the master plan if you'll look in the left lower-hand corner 132 00:12:59,460 --> 00:13:02,220 that this little area down here. 133 00:13:03,340 --> 00:13:03,660 Okay. 134 00:13:04,600 --> 00:13:05,860 A little green lot. 135 00:13:06,040 --> 00:13:07,780 A little green lot, yes sir. 136 00:13:07,940 --> 00:13:11,560 That is for RV camping, the hookups. 137 00:13:11,780 --> 00:13:15,640 Can you turn on your mic? 138 00:13:16,340 --> 00:13:19,280 So that's a registered campground or licensed campground 139 00:13:19,280 --> 00:13:21,800 that would fall under a collection also of TDC dollars. 140 00:13:21,980 --> 00:13:24,420 So improving that and growing that would bring us additional dollars 141 00:13:24,420 --> 00:13:26,180 in the TDC collection. 142 00:13:26,180 --> 00:13:29,480 Yes, I would bring people overnight for a visitation. 143 00:13:29,780 --> 00:13:34,020 So on that, so you were reading my notes obviously because I had a similar question. 144 00:13:37,060 --> 00:13:40,140 So who is going to be in this RV park? 145 00:13:40,340 --> 00:13:45,540 Is it going to be the vendors or is it going to be participants or visitors? 146 00:13:46,760 --> 00:13:50,040 That's the question because we have a number of RV parks already. 147 00:13:50,500 --> 00:13:50,980 Yes, sir. 148 00:13:50,980 --> 00:13:58,980 there are several there's 18 hookups on the north side and so currently when 149 00:13:58,980 --> 00:14:04,760 the facilities host events those people traveling we just hosted a high school 150 00:14:04,760 --> 00:14:10,160 rodeo so those children traveling in from Miami in North Florida they came in 151 00:14:10,160 --> 00:14:14,360 with their livestock trailers to stay on the grounds with their animals and so 152 00:14:14,360 --> 00:14:19,460 they rented those out so that they were able to say for that three-day event so 153 00:14:19,460 --> 00:14:22,200 So it's the participants and the vendors that this will be for? 154 00:14:22,760 --> 00:14:23,300 Yes, sir. 155 00:14:23,460 --> 00:14:29,420 And then year round use for any kind of events that is there. 156 00:14:30,320 --> 00:14:34,040 So what I guess what I'm trying to figure out is, 157 00:14:34,440 --> 00:14:36,720 are these going to be open to the general public for use? 158 00:14:37,040 --> 00:14:38,980 So let's say there's nothing going on. 159 00:14:39,420 --> 00:14:41,420 Can somebody rent this or repark? 160 00:14:41,840 --> 00:14:43,020 I can get that information. 161 00:14:43,020 --> 00:14:46,280 We can ask those questions for that. 162 00:14:47,040 --> 00:14:54,100 I'm not prepared with that answer today because one of my concerns is you know if we build this up 163 00:14:54,100 --> 00:14:58,760 Are we then directly competing with the existing businesses that offer? 164 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:28,780 Re-parking. And apparently, they're not at 100% capacity. That's just based on the whole fire assessment argument, but I'm getting sidetracked on that. But, you know, so I don't want to be in the business of taking business away from other businesses that are already providing these services. I understand, especially with the livestock issue, 165 00:15:29,220 --> 00:15:33,180 the need for something like this again I just want to make sure that we're not 166 00:15:33,180 --> 00:15:36,600 going to be taking away from our other businesses that are already providing the 167 00:15:36,600 --> 00:15:40,760 same services and I think we can have that for their conversation to determine 168 00:15:40,760 --> 00:15:46,680 I know if it's going to be open to the public for year-round use or only when 169 00:15:46,680 --> 00:15:53,220 we bring an event so and have you so for this let's just talk about the RV park 170 00:15:53,920 --> 00:16:03,400 have you already put together a budget and a proposed design, or is that too early in that state? 171 00:16:03,540 --> 00:16:12,240 It's too early. We would then work with the county to get this scope of the work and to see exactly so we could 172 00:16:12,240 --> 00:16:14,580 send it out to bid and get those numbers. 173 00:16:15,580 --> 00:16:17,200 Okay. Thank you. 174 00:16:17,620 --> 00:16:18,000 Thank you. 175 00:16:18,920 --> 00:16:19,760 Anything else? 176 00:16:21,040 --> 00:16:21,980 Thank you very much. 177 00:16:21,980 --> 00:16:29,440 Thank you so much and I guess next would be Chase, Chase, thank you very. 178 00:16:43,300 --> 00:16:46,420 Caroline Campbell 3586 County road 626 North. 179 00:16:47,220 --> 00:16:50,540 First of all I'd like to thank all the members of the council for volunteering your time. 180 00:16:51,300 --> 00:16:55,360 I've been asking for the TDT to be reinstated since 2022. 181 00:16:56,260 --> 00:16:58,820 I'm glad to see that it will be on the ballot this year. 182 00:16:59,500 --> 00:17:04,940 I do hope that the council or county can put out some education regarding who this tax 183 00:17:04,940 --> 00:17:10,700 will affect. I believe that is clearly explained to residents of Sumner County that this is not 184 00:17:10,700 --> 00:17:17,740 a tax that they will pay, that it will only affect and be charged to those on short-term 185 00:17:17,740 --> 00:17:22,740 rentals. It will make a difference. Unlike to also thank the businesses that I've approached 186 00:17:22,740 --> 00:17:27,840 and have taken the time to listen to me, as I believe the TD funds could assist in promoting 187 00:17:27,840 --> 00:17:34,660 their businesses and tourism in Sumner County. I have been met with some hesitation though 188 00:17:34,940 --> 00:17:36,160 from certain businesses. 189 00:17:36,820 --> 00:17:43,140 Due to the past, everybody seems to be stuck in the past. 190 00:17:43,800 --> 00:17:45,640 It wasn't spent correctly. 191 00:17:45,860 --> 00:17:47,200 It all went to one side. 192 00:17:47,900 --> 00:17:50,140 All I can continue to tell those folks is, 193 00:17:50,500 --> 00:17:52,060 this is a completely different board, 194 00:17:52,520 --> 00:17:53,900 a completely different council. 195 00:17:54,340 --> 00:17:55,760 This is now 2026, 196 00:17:56,340 --> 00:17:57,980 and we have different standards. 197 00:17:59,000 --> 00:18:00,300 Some of you may know me. 198 00:18:00,680 --> 00:18:01,680 Some of you don't. 199 00:18:02,620 --> 00:18:08,100 I will tell you this, I am very invested in this, and the good things that it can do 200 00:18:08,100 --> 00:18:08,940 for Sumpner County. 201 00:18:09,480 --> 00:18:14,200 I will attend meetings, I will ask hard questions, and I'll bring facts to the table. 202 00:18:15,040 --> 00:18:18,980 I'm not always the easiest person to deal with, as a couple of you know. 203 00:18:20,960 --> 00:18:24,920 But everything I do is for the betterment of Sumpner County. 204 00:18:25,900 --> 00:18:30,180 adding over a million dollars of funds for improvements in tourist-related 205 00:18:30,180 --> 00:18:34,860 promotion I think could be a win for everyone. I really appreciate your time. 206 00:18:35,680 --> 00:18:36,300 Thank you Miss Campbell. 207 00:18:38,570 --> 00:18:39,870 All right. Anybody else? 208 00:19:24,730 --> 00:19:25,630 Good afternoon. 209 00:19:25,930 --> 00:19:27,210 Good afternoon, commissioners. 210 00:19:27,290 --> 00:19:32,430 I want to thank you for letting me speak today and for volunteering your time for your important work. 211 00:19:33,550 --> 00:19:36,310 I know probably most of you don't know a lot about us. 212 00:19:36,830 --> 00:19:39,110 Probably you've been hearing about us more recently. 213 00:19:39,110 --> 00:19:46,370 Chase Animal Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservancy, we've become a pretty big draw for Sumpter County, 214 00:19:46,630 --> 00:19:51,030 especially over the last year, but I want to go a little bit over our history and over what I 215 00:19:51,030 --> 00:19:58,250 think we have to offer for the county. Basically, we are drawing people in from 55 states and 216 00:19:58,250 --> 00:20:07,930 territories and 34 countries. We advertise primarily in Florida, but we have sort of a 217 00:20:07,930 --> 00:20:13,070 a country-wide draw due to the uniqueness of some of our programs. 218 00:20:13,910 --> 00:20:17,790 Only 22% of our visitors come from within Sumter County. 219 00:20:18,330 --> 00:20:24,850 The rest come from the Outline counties in Florida from other states in the country and 220 00:20:24,850 --> 00:20:26,890 even from several states overseas. 221 00:20:27,830 --> 00:20:32,350 So I think the opportunity to bring in all different types of people to this area is 222 00:20:32,350 --> 00:20:36,030 tremendous given what we've been able to offer at the sanctuary. 223 00:20:36,030 --> 00:20:43,950 So basically this was founded in 2008 when my oldest son and I were driving through Sumpter County. 224 00:20:44,250 --> 00:20:47,650 We were looking for a very special piece of property for several years. 225 00:20:47,950 --> 00:20:51,490 We wanted the beautiful big oak trees. We wanted to be on a state forest. 226 00:20:52,190 --> 00:21:01,730 It was very hard to find, but we found it in Sumpter County and we bought it basically for the beauty and the nature and the overall environment of being out of the city 227 00:21:01,730 --> 00:21:04,350 and being able to experience something beautiful. 228 00:21:05,110 --> 00:21:09,450 From that, it sort of organically grew into what it is today. 229 00:21:10,130 --> 00:21:15,050 So we started out rescuing dogs and cats that were abandoned in the Wethlecucci State 230 00:21:15,050 --> 00:21:19,890 Forest, the dogs during hunting season, and we would stay new to and adopt them out. 231 00:21:20,710 --> 00:21:26,910 Purely by accident, we received a lemur donated to us, and we learned about them and their 232 00:21:26,910 --> 00:21:29,770 fate as one of the most endangered primates in the world. 233 00:21:30,410 --> 00:21:33,250 And this kind of grew out of that, just the need to want to help. 234 00:21:33,250 --> 00:21:43,990 and then from that a need to want to educate the public about the fate, not only of the lemurs but so many ecosystems throughout the world and in our own county and our own state. 235 00:21:44,590 --> 00:21:49,190 There's a lot of things people can do to help that are very simple, we just need to let them know what they are. 236 00:21:50,390 --> 00:22:02,810 But since 2008, we have invested $4.2 million in this facility, about $2 million of it, my own private funds, and about $2.2 million of it from donors and 237 00:22:02,810 --> 00:22:09,510 people who come to do our various events. We have 250 exotic animals in our care, 50 species 238 00:22:09,510 --> 00:22:17,950 across 20 acres. If you look at our reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, Yelp, 4.9 on Google, 239 00:22:18,150 --> 00:22:25,030 440 reviews, 5.0 on TripAdvisor, TripAdvisor rates us as the number one attraction in Webster, 240 00:22:25,770 --> 00:22:32,790 5.0 on Yelp, and we're investing right now, $17,000 a month in advertising what we do in 241 00:22:32,790 --> 00:22:38,150 in this county to Florida, basically outside of this county. 242 00:22:38,310 --> 00:22:41,410 So we don't advertise very heavily in Sumter County, 243 00:22:41,670 --> 00:22:44,470 but we take a radius of about 30 miles 244 00:22:44,470 --> 00:22:47,510 around where we are and advertise outside of that. 245 00:22:48,210 --> 00:22:50,710 Anyone who's gonna visit us from our immediate area 246 00:22:50,710 --> 00:22:53,010 kind of knows about us or has been there already. 247 00:22:53,550 --> 00:22:55,530 And the villages are the place 248 00:22:55,530 --> 00:22:57,190 where we get almost all of our volunteers. 249 00:22:57,950 --> 00:22:59,970 So we're very well known there. 250 00:22:59,970 --> 00:23:06,910 They cover us in their newspaper, a lot of their groups come out and visit us, so we kind 251 00:23:06,910 --> 00:23:09,930 of target the marketing where we think we need to get the awareness out. 252 00:23:12,910 --> 00:23:20,010 Again, the next page, $4.2 million invested of our own money for habitat construction, 253 00:23:20,410 --> 00:23:26,110 veterinary and medical facilities, the Hossienda, that's an Airbnb, that brings people in 254 00:23:26,110 --> 00:23:29,830 to it's an immersive animal experience actually. 255 00:23:30,190 --> 00:23:32,110 There's like glass walls and the bedrooms 256 00:23:32,490 --> 00:23:35,010 and on the other side are the sloths and lemurs. 257 00:23:36,290 --> 00:23:38,670 It's one of probably only two or three places 258 00:23:38,670 --> 00:23:40,230 like it in this country. 259 00:23:41,010 --> 00:23:43,990 So it's very attractive for people to come and visit. 260 00:23:48,300 --> 00:23:50,980 With respect to certification, 261 00:23:51,280 --> 00:23:53,120 very big thing in our industry. 262 00:23:54,340 --> 00:24:01,520 We are licensed by USDA Federal Licensing Agency, FWC, the State Licensing Agency. 263 00:24:02,320 --> 00:24:08,260 We are a registered Florida agritourism business in good standing with an underlying cattle 264 00:24:08,260 --> 00:24:09,420 ranching business. 265 00:24:10,360 --> 00:24:14,500 And we're in the process of American humane certification, which should be done in a couple 266 00:24:14,500 --> 00:24:14,840 months. 267 00:24:15,360 --> 00:24:16,400 It's going really well. 268 00:24:16,520 --> 00:24:22,920 I'm very confident we're going to pass, although we do have to withstand two or three 269 00:24:22,920 --> 00:24:27,240 auditors for two straight days looking at everything we've ever done but I'm 270 00:24:27,240 --> 00:24:31,880 pretty sure it's going to go well. The reason that's so important is the 271 00:24:31,880 --> 00:24:37,040 American humane certification is something that only the bigger more 272 00:24:37,040 --> 00:24:41,700 reputable places have. For instance in Florida it's Bush Gardens C world and the 273 00:24:41,700 --> 00:24:47,480 Florida Aquarium. So I feel like we have an opportunity to have a facility of 274 00:24:47,480 --> 00:24:51,980 that quality in our county which would really, 275 00:24:52,120 --> 00:24:55,800 I mean, these facilities draw from all over the world, really. 276 00:24:59,770 --> 00:25:01,930 Next page is about our Hasiander. 277 00:25:02,090 --> 00:25:03,210 Just some pictures of it. 278 00:25:03,290 --> 00:25:05,070 You don't get to see the animals and those pictures, 279 00:25:05,270 --> 00:25:09,370 but some demographics about our nightly rate, occupancy rate, 280 00:25:09,790 --> 00:25:13,090 how many room nights per year and the lodging revenue. 281 00:25:13,930 --> 00:25:16,810 We are looking to expand that over the next couple 282 00:25:16,810 --> 00:25:17,790 years significantly. 283 00:25:17,790 --> 00:25:37,610 One thing that we're working on right now is trying to find Airbnb's or places like the blissful getaway with the tree houses that's being built now where we can have people come in and stay there for the weekend or the week and do all of our experiences. 284 00:25:38,210 --> 00:25:43,850 Our experiences span the entire day from morning to night and they can kind of pick what they want to do. 285 00:25:43,850 --> 00:25:50,930 So if we can make arrangements with some of these local facilities, I think we can drastically 286 00:25:50,930 --> 00:25:55,070 increase who visits, because during the busy season, the Hosse end is booked and there's 287 00:25:55,070 --> 00:25:56,270 a wait list for it. 288 00:25:57,330 --> 00:25:59,350 So that's something I really want to look into. 289 00:26:01,410 --> 00:26:07,310 Again, the next page is just demographic from where people are coming from, 22.8% from 290 00:26:07,810 --> 00:26:08,770 outside Florida. 291 00:26:09,770 --> 00:26:13,550 We're having people fly in need to be picked up at the airport. 292 00:26:14,290 --> 00:26:18,970 We get reviews sometimes to the effect of we came on a family vacation. 293 00:26:19,470 --> 00:26:22,830 This was the best part of it, and we went to Disney by the way. 294 00:26:23,390 --> 00:26:25,670 So I can't say we're better than Disney. 295 00:26:25,910 --> 00:26:30,650 I love Disney, but I think we're of a similar quality. 296 00:26:31,310 --> 00:26:35,090 We have a slightly different approach, but I think we have a very high quality. 297 00:26:38,370 --> 00:26:51,350 Next page, trajectory. It talks about our growth from 21 through to 2026. And you can see it's kind of straight up in the air graph, especially this year. 298 00:26:51,890 --> 00:27:01,090 We're just growing tremendously. A lot of it is we do Google ads. We do meta ads. We're on TikTok. We have a television commercial running all the time. 299 00:27:02,650 --> 00:27:08,390 These days social media, in my opinion, it's really the only way to grow a successful 300 00:27:08,390 --> 00:27:12,410 business anymore, like you can't take an ad out on the paper, on the radio, and expect 301 00:27:12,410 --> 00:27:14,070 to fill your events. 302 00:27:14,770 --> 00:27:21,670 So we're very, we have a whole tech outreach team, and we have a social media team, and 303 00:27:21,670 --> 00:27:25,990 they're always filming content and getting it out there online and making sure people 304 00:27:25,990 --> 00:27:27,850 know who we are and what we have to offer. 305 00:27:27,850 --> 00:27:34,350 I think one of the things that also works to our benefit is we're 48 miles from Orlando, 306 00:27:34,870 --> 00:27:39,170 62 from Tampa, 52 from Ocala, and only 22 from the villages. 307 00:27:39,810 --> 00:27:45,010 So although when we purchased this land almost 20 years ago, we thought we're in the middle 308 00:27:45,010 --> 00:27:45,430 and nowhere. 309 00:27:46,250 --> 00:27:50,790 But as it grew up, it turns out that all of these pretty significant markets can reach 310 00:27:50,790 --> 00:27:52,390 us within an hour or less. 311 00:27:53,030 --> 00:27:57,750 so again just a great way for us to pull in people for the county when they 312 00:27:57,750 --> 00:28:00,690 come see us they want to know where they can eat lunch where they can stay 313 00:28:00,690 --> 00:28:04,710 overnight any other attractions that they can attend 314 00:28:08,040 --> 00:28:10,300 media and press coverage 315 00:28:11,200 --> 00:28:17,580 so especially lately we've been on the news in the newspapers it's been several 316 00:28:17,580 --> 00:28:23,580 times a week for the last month I think that the events we do and the way we do 317 00:28:23,580 --> 00:28:28,840 them are so unique that they naturally capture the public's attention and the news teams want 318 00:28:28,840 --> 00:28:35,220 to be able to show that. So it's been ABC News, Fox 35. They're all listed here. People magazine 319 00:28:35,220 --> 00:28:36,500 did an article on this. 320 00:28:39,580 --> 00:28:44,760 And then when you actually get to social media, you can take a look at the 321 00:28:44,760 --> 00:28:55,520 kind of reach we have. This is over 60 days, 108 1.8 million views on Facebook, 3.76 million views on 322 00:28:55,520 --> 00:28:59,840 on Instagram, 511,000 views on TikTok. 323 00:29:02,900 --> 00:29:05,200 Be it right or wrong, whether we like it or not, 324 00:29:05,460 --> 00:29:07,200 this is where people come from. 325 00:29:12,600 --> 00:29:13,780 With respect to our property, 326 00:29:14,020 --> 00:29:15,920 this is just kind of a picture of some 327 00:29:15,920 --> 00:29:18,720 of my favorite animals, but also some of the animals 328 00:29:18,720 --> 00:29:21,160 that are very appealing to the public. 329 00:29:21,780 --> 00:29:24,200 The African penguins, that's an exhibit we had 330 00:29:24,200 --> 00:29:25,540 in just about two months ago. 331 00:29:26,280 --> 00:29:29,860 We are one of the very few facilities in the country 332 00:29:29,860 --> 00:29:33,560 That allows people to come visit and swim with African penguins. 333 00:29:34,720 --> 00:29:38,240 So these swims are booked up to capacity all the time. 334 00:29:38,600 --> 00:29:40,160 We do a similar thing with our otters. 335 00:29:40,720 --> 00:29:42,660 They're all booked up and they have a waiting list. 336 00:29:44,120 --> 00:29:48,800 But the monkeys are adorable, the sloths are incredible, people want to come and see these 337 00:29:48,800 --> 00:29:49,940 guys and meet them as well. 338 00:29:52,040 --> 00:29:56,780 Big cats if you look at the picture of the clouded leopard that is an exhibit we're adding later 339 00:29:56,780 --> 00:29:57,380 this month. 340 00:29:57,380 --> 00:29:59,900 We're very excited about that because 341 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:29,820 They are very critically endangered. So are the lemurs, so are the African penguins. One of the things we do with part of the revenue that we bring in is we work very closely with boots on the ground in the native countries that these critically endangered animals come from. So we're sending money out to translocate lemurs from forest where they're being hunted to where they're protected. We're paying for nesting for the penguins because they lost all their nesting grounds. 342 00:30:30,840 --> 00:30:38,740 The cloud of leverage we're now researching which organization we will support because they're not coming for about another three to four weeks. 343 00:30:39,680 --> 00:30:47,320 But I think that's important. I don't know how important it is for some to county, but I know when visitors come, they want to see real work being done. 344 00:30:47,800 --> 00:30:49,500 They don't want to go to a petting zoo. 345 00:30:50,060 --> 00:30:56,060 You know, Sloth world I think showed us all the kind of damage that could be done if this isn't done right. 346 00:30:56,060 --> 00:31:01,700 We don't allow anyone to touch our sloths, sometimes we get complaints, there are a lot 347 00:31:01,700 --> 00:31:07,620 of freedom with tongs, some flowers, but it's really important to do this in a reputable 348 00:31:07,620 --> 00:31:09,180 way for everyone's benefit. 349 00:31:11,710 --> 00:31:20,910 And then the internship, we host about 19 interns a semester, fall, spring, and summer. 350 00:31:21,630 --> 00:31:26,870 They come from all the universities all over the country and several of them come from 351 00:31:26,870 --> 00:31:31,050 universities overseas and we work with them to try to get their bees as approved. 352 00:31:31,890 --> 00:31:37,310 These interns are usually completing or have just completed an animal sciences, a pre-Vet 353 00:31:37,310 --> 00:31:43,150 med or a biology degree and they have to have hands-on experience in order to be able to 354 00:31:43,150 --> 00:31:45,730 get a job so we provide that for them. 355 00:31:46,730 --> 00:31:51,310 During the time they're here, their family are visiting, they're staying in hotels. 356 00:31:52,010 --> 00:32:03,330 The interns are staying off site, usually renting air B&Bs or hotels or apartments, so I think this helps spread not only awareness of Sumter County, but 357 00:32:04,170 --> 00:32:07,430 people from all over coming to see it and experience it. 358 00:32:08,030 --> 00:32:14,630 And a lot of them do, well, not a lot, but we take the best interns and hire them so then they wind up moving here. 359 00:32:16,870 --> 00:32:21,830 Again, this is just the global conservation reach. 360 00:32:21,930 --> 00:32:24,370 These are the programs that we support overseas. 361 00:32:24,650 --> 00:32:27,150 There's a lot more information on them in our website. 362 00:32:27,810 --> 00:32:36,010 We also send our staff to Costa Rica two weeks out of the year to work with a sloth veterinarian 363 00:32:36,010 --> 00:32:42,330 there in the field, sloths, tapiers, jaguars, and to get the hands on experience. 364 00:32:42,890 --> 00:32:44,070 They bring it back to the county. 365 00:32:44,070 --> 00:32:48,210 it helps us and it also helps some of the veterinary clinics around who are 366 00:32:48,210 --> 00:32:50,230 learning to take care of exotics. 367 00:32:54,290 --> 00:32:57,170 So in Florida promotion this has been what 368 00:32:57,170 --> 00:32:58,490 we've done so far. 369 00:33:00,980 --> 00:33:04,160 It's social media that we spoke about but we want to 370 00:33:04,160 --> 00:33:09,800 increase it some more targeting Orlando Tampa, Ocala and the villages, visit 371 00:33:09,800 --> 00:33:16,840 Florida and regional tourism listings, hotel RV parking and campgrounds and we 372 00:33:16,840 --> 00:33:23,660 We would love to try if the Taurus development tax goes through, and if we're lucky enough 373 00:33:23,660 --> 00:33:25,500 to be a participant in it. 374 00:33:25,880 --> 00:33:30,520 We'd love to try some out-of-state promotion, particularly for the states that come here 375 00:33:30,520 --> 00:33:36,500 in the winter, to try to grab those Taurus and bring them into the Hossienda, let them 376 00:33:36,500 --> 00:33:41,400 do our experiences, maybe bring them into some of the other Airbnb that we could partner with. 377 00:33:42,700 --> 00:33:45,640 We only have one hussie end and it fills up pretty quickly. 378 00:33:49,250 --> 00:33:54,370 And then the next page is just how many guests we're hosting per year right now. 379 00:33:54,970 --> 00:33:57,390 What our target is two or three years down the road. 380 00:33:58,950 --> 00:34:05,650 The percentage of guests from outside Florida, room nights, overall spend at the sanctuary. 381 00:34:07,470 --> 00:34:10,270 So there's a good bit of money being spent there. 382 00:34:10,270 --> 00:34:13,550 The revenue right now is probably running about 2 million a year. 383 00:34:14,570 --> 00:34:17,910 Of course, the operating expenses are not much less than that. 384 00:34:20,730 --> 00:34:22,930 And the next page is operating expenses. 385 00:34:23,510 --> 00:34:28,730 Right now it's about $3560 a day, $1.3 million a year. 386 00:34:30,110 --> 00:34:36,010 We are sustaining ourselves through admissions, lodging donations. 387 00:34:36,130 --> 00:34:37,990 We just started a membership program. 388 00:34:37,990 --> 00:34:42,690 So we're financially solvent and we're able to exist and grow as we are today. 389 00:34:44,030 --> 00:34:47,670 So we wouldn't be asking for Taurus development funds to survive. 390 00:34:48,190 --> 00:34:53,570 We'd be asking for them because we feel like we're a well oil machine ready to grow. 391 00:34:54,370 --> 00:35:00,150 And with somehow from the county, we could have maybe a better road, better paths for people 392 00:35:00,150 --> 00:35:06,090 who may be disabled, improve some of the exhibits for what people really want to come and visit, 393 00:35:06,090 --> 00:35:09,310 it and be more of a presence for some of the county. 394 00:35:11,170 --> 00:35:15,910 And then this is our park map if you're curious what all we have. 395 00:35:16,670 --> 00:35:23,250 It's a pretty nice range of animals from kangaroos, two kins, big cats, giant ant eaters, 396 00:35:23,990 --> 00:35:24,250 sloths. 397 00:35:26,210 --> 00:35:29,410 I know Commissioner Wiley visited recently. 398 00:35:30,550 --> 00:35:32,750 If any of you want a visit we'd love to have you. 399 00:35:32,750 --> 00:35:38,710 We have a big festival on September 13th if you want to come just let me know 400 00:35:38,710 --> 00:35:43,130 Well, obviously get you in for free, but it would definitely be worth it for you to see what we do 401 00:35:43,130 --> 00:35:47,870 Because it's very unique and very different to what you may think a facility 402 00:35:48,550 --> 00:35:51,350 Describe like this might look like and 403 00:35:53,910 --> 00:35:55,190 lastly 404 00:35:57,680 --> 00:35:58,640 just basically 405 00:35:59,320 --> 00:36:06,800 Another invitation for you guys to see why people are traveling to see us from all over the country and sometimes outside of the country 406 00:36:07,040 --> 00:36:12,820 I think there's a huge opportunity here to make this into something even more special 407 00:36:13,560 --> 00:36:16,740 that can serve the county even more than it does today. 408 00:36:19,580 --> 00:36:21,500 So if you have any questions, I'd love to answer them. 409 00:36:24,030 --> 00:36:25,350 Thank you very much for your presentation. 410 00:36:26,390 --> 00:36:27,890 I will say I did make the trip out there. 411 00:36:28,530 --> 00:36:31,290 It was enjoyable and enlightening. 412 00:36:31,750 --> 00:36:33,950 And I was impressed with what I saw. 413 00:36:36,910 --> 00:36:40,670 I also saw that Mother Nature has a weird sense of humor looking at an ant eater. 414 00:36:41,450 --> 00:37:10,590 right? I know. Well, some of the other things. Like what? What were they thinking, you know? Yeah, like a plot of a part, awesome, part, art, art, art. Yeah. Um, so just curious, what is your prior, your number one priority project that you'd like the Tourist Development Council to help you with? Yeah. So, you know, when we speak of the Tourist Development Council, right? I think we have to look at projects that ultimately helped the county as opposed to what we want, right? 415 00:37:11,250 --> 00:37:18,550 I'd like to get 20 more penguins, but I think improving the road would be a big deal. 416 00:37:19,710 --> 00:37:21,030 It's not a huge endeavor. 417 00:37:21,330 --> 00:37:25,410 We do asphalt millings and we have the tractors and the maintenance staff to spread it. 418 00:37:25,850 --> 00:37:27,550 So we just need some supplies for that. 419 00:37:28,090 --> 00:37:33,470 I think more pathways so that ADA people can get around better and guess in general we'll 420 00:37:33,470 --> 00:37:34,450 stay on the paths. 421 00:37:36,870 --> 00:37:40,690 I actually wrote some things down, I anticipated that question. 422 00:37:41,350 --> 00:37:42,030 Okay, let's see. 423 00:37:43,790 --> 00:37:49,330 I think we can use some shade so that some strategically placed shade areas, 424 00:37:49,330 --> 00:37:52,310 maybe with Mr. so that guests can stay cool in the summer. 425 00:37:53,670 --> 00:38:01,350 We would like to build some cabins or glamping tents 426 00:38:01,350 --> 00:38:06,490 so that we can have more ability for people to sleep overnight. 427 00:38:07,670 --> 00:38:28,650 My understanding is bringing in RVs or an RV pad, I think permit-wise and zoning-wise is probably prohibitive but I think possibly cabins or glamping tents would be, at least from what I'm learning talking with the folks who control those pieces in the county would be doable. 428 00:38:28,650 --> 00:38:30,610 So we would definitely want to look at that. 429 00:38:32,850 --> 00:38:42,950 We have an opportunity to lease the 70 acres of conservation land that is directly next 430 00:38:42,950 --> 00:38:43,730 to the sanctuary. 431 00:38:44,530 --> 00:38:49,470 It is a state-owned property, part of the green swamp, I believe. 432 00:38:50,550 --> 00:38:55,170 And it's going up for what's called a grazing easement, and we do have cows to put on it. 433 00:38:55,710 --> 00:39:00,370 We're looking into that because we think we might be able to make some walk-through hiking trails 434 00:39:00,930 --> 00:39:01,450 for 435 00:39:01,450 --> 00:39:05,890 Sumter County residents and maybe even people who travel and like to watch birds 436 00:39:06,450 --> 00:39:11,890 Because it's it's a huge piece of property and it has some natural wetlands on it that attract birds from 437 00:39:12,650 --> 00:39:16,390 I mean, I'm a birding enthusiast. I've traveled all over the world watching them 438 00:39:16,390 --> 00:39:21,470 Some birds come there that you very rarely get to see other places. So 439 00:39:21,470 --> 00:39:26,050 So we're looking into that, whether it's going to be cost effective for us or not, we don't 440 00:39:26,050 --> 00:39:29,030 know yet, but we shouldn't know in another month or two. 441 00:39:30,430 --> 00:39:35,370 You know, and then again, just making some general improvements that make the property 442 00:39:35,910 --> 00:39:38,730 more attractive and easier to navigate for guests. 443 00:39:39,830 --> 00:39:44,790 Yeah, I will say that your entry road, I mean, I have a four-wheel drive truck and I was 444 00:39:44,790 --> 00:39:49,910 I was just loosening my fillings on that road, especially after it rains. 445 00:39:52,890 --> 00:39:54,510 Okay, members, anything? 446 00:39:56,030 --> 00:39:58,930 How large is the property now without the 70 acres? 447 00:39:59,290 --> 00:39:59,990 Twenty acres. 448 00:40:01,070 --> 00:40:06,210 And it borders the Whithley-Couche State Forest on Tucson, the front and back. 449 00:40:11,650 --> 00:40:16,530 I'm sure if I know you mentioned cabins, I'm not sure if tiny homes will work. 450 00:40:17,750 --> 00:40:18,570 I don't know what I'm sorry. 451 00:40:18,570 --> 00:40:25,370 tiny homes. You know my understanding from talking with the county I was told 452 00:40:25,370 --> 00:40:30,790 Sumter County is not at all interested in tiny homes. I don't know if that's 453 00:40:30,790 --> 00:40:35,170 changed but it was very negative when I approached that and that's why we kind of 454 00:40:35,170 --> 00:40:41,170 went to the cabins but might be worth looking into again. To me that makes it the same 455 00:40:41,170 --> 00:40:47,450 thing. You would think right but there's something about glamping cabins that 456 00:40:47,450 --> 00:40:50,070 that fall into a different category, I think. 457 00:40:50,890 --> 00:40:53,230 I mean, when I was young and we went for eight, 458 00:40:53,650 --> 00:40:57,090 we stayed in the cabins with like military vult beds, 459 00:40:57,310 --> 00:40:58,810 so you probably could do the same thing 460 00:40:58,810 --> 00:41:01,370 with a car or something in a tiny house. 461 00:41:01,370 --> 00:41:02,630 Yeah, I mean, that would be great. 462 00:41:02,850 --> 00:41:03,970 This is something we have to, 463 00:41:04,350 --> 00:41:07,710 we speak with Jared and David Rodriguez, 464 00:41:08,330 --> 00:41:09,790 and they're kind of guiding us through 465 00:41:09,790 --> 00:41:11,690 what would make sense for us. 466 00:41:12,550 --> 00:41:14,050 Those are definitely two very good sources. 467 00:41:14,650 --> 00:41:16,090 Yeah, yeah, they've been great. 468 00:41:16,090 --> 00:41:19,490 I'll find out from Jerry when he comes to the city council meet 469 00:41:23,200 --> 00:41:29,160 Well, thank you very much. Appreciate your time. You're very welcome. All right. Is there anybody else who'd like to speak? 470 00:41:33,830 --> 00:41:39,650 List I'm from the villages polo club made arrangements to come and speak is this the time I would yeah 471 00:41:40,110 --> 00:41:43,690 Where were I mean, I believe this lady was coming out. Okay, but all right 472 00:41:44,410 --> 00:41:49,610 Good afternoon. My name is Mike Bush. I'm the fan service the supervisor at the villages polo club 473 00:41:49,610 --> 00:41:52,330 I'm a company today by Teran Siler. 474 00:41:52,810 --> 00:41:56,010 She's the event coordinator at the Village's Polo Club. 475 00:41:57,050 --> 00:42:00,670 We truly appreciate this opportunity to speak at today's tourist development council 476 00:42:00,670 --> 00:42:06,410 meeting about our proposed holiday magic light show and the poppies possibility of matching 477 00:42:06,410 --> 00:42:08,110 funds tourism grant for this event. 478 00:42:09,070 --> 00:42:13,010 The Village's Polo Club is a 250 acre property nestled in Sumter County. 479 00:42:13,370 --> 00:42:17,350 The property has an abundance of manicured grass fields surrounded with numerous mature 480 00:42:17,350 --> 00:42:17,910 oak trees. 481 00:42:17,910 --> 00:42:22,910 If you've not been there yet, please add a to-year to-do list as it is beautiful property 482 00:42:22,910 --> 00:42:24,490 and certainly worth the trip. 483 00:42:25,670 --> 00:42:30,370 Our vision for the holiday magic light show is a nighttime drive-through experience on 484 00:42:30,370 --> 00:42:31,210 the Polo property. 485 00:42:31,590 --> 00:42:36,510 Guests would navigate roughly 3-quarters of a mile on the wild passing theme flight displays 486 00:42:36,510 --> 00:42:38,710 to arrive at the Bavillion parking area. 487 00:42:39,170 --> 00:42:44,030 They would then be able to walk through Cannecane Lane, which is 300 feet of lighted display 488 00:42:44,410 --> 00:42:45,970 with several photo opportunities. 489 00:42:45,970 --> 00:42:51,610 That walk would bring them to the Bavillion Decorated Holiday theme where they can enjoy holiday 490 00:42:51,610 --> 00:42:53,370 music beverages and snacks. 491 00:42:54,150 --> 00:42:59,590 The dates for the Holiday Magic Light Show would be Friday, Saturdays and Sundays, 6 p.m. 492 00:42:59,670 --> 00:43:04,770 till 10 p.m., starting November 27th and running through December 27th. 493 00:43:04,850 --> 00:43:09,910 Our goal is to charge an affordable mission of $20 per vehicle, the more the merrier. 494 00:43:10,670 --> 00:43:16,110 The village's public club is fortunate to have the village's marketing department as a direct resource. 495 00:43:16,750 --> 00:43:23,990 I can't think of anyone to get the word out better than them as they are able to track people from all over the country to purchase homes in the villages. 496 00:43:24,950 --> 00:43:35,550 Our light show marketing will be designed and organized by them and we plan to include information about the numerous other activities going on in the village's area during the holiday magic light show. 497 00:43:35,550 --> 00:43:38,410 That's encouraging folks to make a weekend of it. 498 00:43:39,330 --> 00:43:44,390 Our research of other regional light shows has purported large attendance figures such 499 00:43:44,390 --> 00:43:49,850 as leak-ardons dazzling lights exceeds 115,000 guests during its multi-week run. 500 00:43:50,650 --> 00:43:54,230 Kissing the Gaylord-Pone's ice exceeds 200,000 guests annually. 501 00:43:55,210 --> 00:43:59,510 St. Augustine night of lights touts hundreds of thousands in attendance per season. 502 00:44:00,290 --> 00:44:04,290 Tangled Park Festival of Lights advertises 300 guests annually. 503 00:44:04,290 --> 00:44:11,070 Those attendance numbers present a lot opportunities for stays at local hotels, and fairly certain 504 00:44:11,070 --> 00:44:14,950 the three-hole hotels owned by the villages would welcome that opportunity as well. 505 00:44:16,150 --> 00:44:17,570 Commercial lighting is not cheap. 506 00:44:17,930 --> 00:44:23,630 Current expected costs for the least displays are in the neighborhood of 130,000, combined 507 00:44:23,630 --> 00:44:30,050 with staff costs of 14,000 for the duration of the event, and 10% contingently buffer that 508 00:44:30,050 --> 00:44:32,670 brings the event budget to 158,000. 509 00:44:33,630 --> 00:44:40,770 Break even attendance numbers would be 527 vehicles per night for 15 nights at $20 per vehicle. 510 00:44:41,610 --> 00:44:45,350 We're hoping you're willing to partner with us on this event as that funding assistance 511 00:44:45,350 --> 00:44:49,910 would really help us make this event a reality for 2026 and going forward. 512 00:44:53,900 --> 00:44:54,900 Can I answer any questions? 513 00:44:55,520 --> 00:44:55,720 All right. 514 00:44:56,020 --> 00:44:56,520 Thank you, sir. 515 00:44:57,100 --> 00:44:59,020 So, 2026, that's this year. 516 00:44:59,400 --> 00:44:59,560 Yes. 517 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:19,860 I'll be honest with you, that's not going to happen because we don't have the funds. It hasn't been approved yet. We won't start collecting and it won't be active until after the first of the year. So for next year, it's definitely worth considering. But I don't think there's anything we can do this year. 518 00:45:21,960 --> 00:45:29,860 But getting your information now gives us just as with chase and with the fairgrounds. 519 00:45:29,860 --> 00:45:33,400 It's giving us more to work with to 520 00:45:34,280 --> 00:45:36,660 For lack of better terms help sell this to the people 521 00:45:38,100 --> 00:45:41,500 But but I don't think there's anything we're going to be able to do this year 522 00:45:42,800 --> 00:45:45,880 Okay, so thank you for your time. Thank you, sir. Good 523 00:45:49,560 --> 00:45:49,980 afternoon 524 00:45:49,980 --> 00:45:52,820 Good afternoon. My name is Latissa Hill 525 00:45:52,820 --> 00:45:58,320 I am the owner of Blissful Giddleway Tree Hush Resort and I just got approved to start developing 526 00:45:58,320 --> 00:45:59,660 being this May. 527 00:46:00,360 --> 00:46:04,280 So I have to have it developed by 2028, May of 2028. 528 00:46:04,860 --> 00:46:08,820 And being a new developer, I think the big thing 529 00:46:08,820 --> 00:46:12,460 that I see this fund being very personal about 530 00:46:12,460 --> 00:46:15,520 is the process of building when it comes to permitting. 531 00:46:16,240 --> 00:46:18,360 Florida is a very distinctive state 532 00:46:18,360 --> 00:46:21,580 where our climate supports a lot of wildlife. 533 00:46:21,860 --> 00:46:23,920 And so as I'm transitioning building, 534 00:46:23,920 --> 00:46:28,740 My property hasn't been occupied since the early 1900s. 535 00:46:29,080 --> 00:46:31,460 So the gofers are having a great time. 536 00:46:31,960 --> 00:46:34,640 So I've got 36 barrels on there. 537 00:46:34,920 --> 00:46:40,080 And based on where you can take them, it's approximately like $6,000 a pop. 538 00:46:40,560 --> 00:46:51,540 So I have an initial bill between over $100,000 to probably $200,000 just to clear the area to make sure that the gofers are protected. 539 00:46:51,540 --> 00:46:56,200 And I'm pretty sure there are other wildlife that go for tortoises? 540 00:46:56,400 --> 00:46:57,860 The tortoises, yep, yep. 541 00:46:58,120 --> 00:47:02,780 And so the standard, the practices for every burrow 542 00:47:02,780 --> 00:47:05,100 is actually divided by two. 543 00:47:05,260 --> 00:47:10,420 So I potentially got 18 turtles that I have to relocate. 544 00:47:10,700 --> 00:47:14,200 And one of the things when it comes to constructions, 545 00:47:14,660 --> 00:47:19,780 that's what the general contract just kind of do shady things 546 00:47:19,780 --> 00:47:24,100 and hurt wildlife and that's not what we should be about, right? 547 00:47:24,300 --> 00:47:29,860 So this phone would be very critical because that will fall under the building umbrella. 548 00:47:30,620 --> 00:47:33,380 And so also, of course, advertisement. 549 00:47:33,980 --> 00:47:40,960 One thing about Webster, what I love, it's a quiet, quaint town, really support agricultural tourism. 550 00:47:41,280 --> 00:47:48,160 And one thing that helped me is to be able to get selected, to get approved, and lenders to be interested 551 00:47:48,160 --> 00:47:52,540 that is that we have a beautiful wedding venue hub, 552 00:47:52,760 --> 00:47:55,820 and we have five within four miles of my facilities. 553 00:47:55,820 --> 00:47:58,460 There's no hotels or motels there, 554 00:47:58,680 --> 00:48:02,240 so it will maintain my theme of welcome to paradise 555 00:48:02,950 --> 00:48:06,460 for people who have taken putting a lot of time and effort 556 00:48:06,460 --> 00:48:08,420 to be with that special person, 557 00:48:08,580 --> 00:48:10,840 and they want to go to a beautiful place, 558 00:48:11,180 --> 00:48:13,320 and it will help with me maintaining my property 559 00:48:13,320 --> 00:48:15,260 to a significant standard, 560 00:48:15,260 --> 00:48:19,680 because I'll be competing against Disney, et cetera. 561 00:48:19,820 --> 00:48:23,060 We're having them another alternative place to stay. 562 00:48:23,660 --> 00:48:25,580 And you know, other things in Tampa. 563 00:48:26,040 --> 00:48:29,300 And so, you know, Sumter County is just beautiful overall. 564 00:48:29,660 --> 00:48:33,140 And having this tax approval will help small business owners 565 00:48:33,140 --> 00:48:36,500 in so many ways because there's so many unforeseen costs 566 00:48:36,500 --> 00:48:39,360 that we have to deal with to start developing 567 00:48:39,360 --> 00:48:43,840 and to be able to safely do that and having a fun to tap in, 568 00:48:43,840 --> 00:48:47,760 which is offset by the tax of people. 569 00:48:47,900 --> 00:48:51,480 If you can tax cigarettes and all kind of other stuff, 570 00:48:51,480 --> 00:48:55,660 we can do a tax that supports the everyday worker 571 00:48:55,660 --> 00:48:57,840 to be able to come to a facility 572 00:48:57,840 --> 00:49:01,020 that's really nice for them to relax and decompress. 573 00:49:01,720 --> 00:49:04,760 And that's the beautiful thing about this area 574 00:49:04,760 --> 00:49:10,380 because a lot of areas are overrun with too much activity 575 00:49:10,380 --> 00:49:15,720 and we need to have a sanctuary essentially for everybody to come. 576 00:49:17,060 --> 00:49:19,400 And so, yeah, just repairs and stuff like that. 577 00:49:19,440 --> 00:49:24,100 It takes a lot to maintain nature, and this will really adequately help. 578 00:49:24,640 --> 00:49:25,200 That's all I have. 579 00:49:26,680 --> 00:49:27,480 Thank you very much. 580 00:49:28,500 --> 00:49:32,980 So I know you're, I remember seeing you when you came before the Board of County Commissioners 581 00:49:32,980 --> 00:49:33,300 on this. 582 00:49:34,520 --> 00:49:42,140 where is this your facility located in relations to chase sanctuary because you're both in Webster, right? 583 00:49:42,500 --> 00:49:44,200 Yeah, how many? 584 00:49:47,050 --> 00:49:48,810 Okay, yep, two and a half long space. 585 00:49:49,350 --> 00:49:51,190 Yeah, a lot of space, 39 acres. 586 00:49:51,650 --> 00:49:53,730 It's a $5.1 million project. 587 00:49:54,450 --> 00:50:03,830 Projected revenue was $1.3 million and again, it will be making a hotel, you know, a motel facility for that area 588 00:50:03,830 --> 00:50:06,710 because there's no hotels and motels in the city of Webster. 589 00:50:07,330 --> 00:50:08,890 And again, supporting the wedding venues, 590 00:50:09,110 --> 00:50:10,330 that's the big hook. 591 00:50:11,170 --> 00:50:13,010 Why this would be a great opportunity 592 00:50:13,010 --> 00:50:15,210 to have this type of source of funds 593 00:50:15,210 --> 00:50:16,670 whenever it gets approved. 594 00:50:17,310 --> 00:50:19,390 It just helps a lot. 595 00:50:20,630 --> 00:50:21,670 Okay, thank you. 596 00:50:21,910 --> 00:50:22,090 Okay. 597 00:50:22,410 --> 00:50:23,070 Board members, anything? 598 00:50:24,630 --> 00:50:26,190 Anybody else for public forum? 599 00:50:27,930 --> 00:50:29,810 Okay, so thank you. 600 00:50:29,890 --> 00:50:32,730 I wanna thank everybody for attending and presenting. 601 00:50:33,830 --> 00:50:43,570 So I've spoken with staff, county staff on this, and basically, we're looking at it, we're waiting for the people to make a decision, the voters to make a decision. 602 00:50:43,850 --> 00:50:57,810 Once that happens, then we will have to establish some processes and some rules and some policies associated with the funds and get that approved by the county commission. 603 00:50:57,810 --> 00:51:01,930 and at that point we would start taking applications 604 00:51:02,700 --> 00:51:07,330 and evaluating for the tourism development dollars. 605 00:51:07,930 --> 00:51:13,510 It may be possible to borrow from the general fund 606 00:51:14,390 --> 00:51:17,750 so that we can have money early on in the year 607 00:51:17,750 --> 00:51:23,190 to start things rolling based on the anticipated revenues 608 00:51:23,190 --> 00:51:26,470 that the tourism development tax could bring in. 609 00:51:27,230 --> 00:51:34,450 But at this point, this is an exercise in trying to understand what our opportunities are 610 00:51:34,450 --> 00:51:46,270 for these tourism development dollars and between the light show, which sounds pretty 611 00:51:46,270 --> 00:51:46,570 cool. 612 00:51:47,810 --> 00:51:50,810 And Chase, I can't say enough, great about that. 613 00:51:51,450 --> 00:51:52,830 It was phenomenal. 614 00:51:53,530 --> 00:51:54,690 And I've been to the fairgrounds. 615 00:51:54,690 --> 00:51:56,550 I really think it's a wonderful place, 616 00:51:56,730 --> 00:51:58,410 so I think we have some great opportunities. 617 00:52:01,190 --> 00:52:04,370 I've heard some talk about, well, 618 00:52:04,630 --> 00:52:05,890 it's gonna go to the villages, 619 00:52:06,490 --> 00:52:08,470 well, because people are thinking 620 00:52:08,470 --> 00:52:10,590 it's gonna go back to the town square entertainment. 621 00:52:12,210 --> 00:52:14,230 Well, they haven't had the money for five years 622 00:52:14,230 --> 00:52:16,750 and yet the entertainment's still the band played on. 623 00:52:17,470 --> 00:52:20,730 So I don't see us having to fund that anymore. 624 00:52:21,230 --> 00:52:26,470 So that obviously leaves money open on the table for other projects. 625 00:52:28,750 --> 00:52:31,450 That's all I have board members in any comments? 626 00:52:33,050 --> 00:52:33,790 All right. 627 00:52:34,590 --> 00:52:34,850 Yes. 628 00:52:35,510 --> 00:52:36,210 Go ahead, Chase. 629 00:52:37,050 --> 00:52:38,390 Is that a city or county road? 630 00:52:45,730 --> 00:52:49,470 If it's a county road, we can get the county to work on that without teasing some folks. 631 00:52:49,470 --> 00:52:57,930 Well, you know, and one of the the edicts that was put down by the the county commission 632 00:52:57,930 --> 00:53:01,610 was they wanted to focus partially on infrastructure projects. 633 00:53:03,290 --> 00:53:09,390 So you know, improving, what is it, 7-11 or 7, what's the, the road that comes up all 634 00:53:09,390 --> 00:53:09,950 for 50? 635 00:53:12,880 --> 00:53:13,360 Okay. 636 00:53:15,520 --> 00:53:21,860 No, not the bumpy dirt road, the road, the paved road, yeah, so 7-11, so you know, that 637 00:53:21,860 --> 00:53:29,580 But that would be an infrastructure project that might be considered and that would help 638 00:53:29,860 --> 00:53:36,300 you know, if we can get the whole road redone from one end to the other. 639 00:53:36,480 --> 00:53:40,080 But again, these are just early ideas that were bouncing around. 640 00:53:41,320 --> 00:53:46,720 Hopefully this will go through and we will make some good progress. 641 00:53:47,660 --> 00:53:48,280 Anything else? 642 00:53:49,580 --> 00:53:50,280 All right. 643 00:53:50,280 --> 00:53:51,540 Can I ask one question? 644 00:53:52,280 --> 00:53:54,020 Please step to the podium, Ms. Campbell. 645 00:54:04,510 --> 00:54:14,910 Does the council or the county have any intention on trying to educate the public before it goes on the ballot? 646 00:54:15,530 --> 00:54:23,330 Because people see the word tax, and the automatic word is no, we don't want to pay more taxes. 647 00:54:23,330 --> 00:54:30,010 this. What does the council or the county plan to do to educate folks to let them know 648 00:54:30,010 --> 00:54:38,470 that this is not a tax that we as homeowners or year-long renters are going to pay? I think 649 00:54:39,690 --> 00:54:48,050 education is key. And if we educate the folks, then we've got a better chance. I hear a lot 650 00:54:48,050 --> 00:54:55,130 of people in the villages. They don't want Airbnb's out there. So maybe if we tell them, 651 00:54:55,190 --> 00:55:02,530 hey, your Airbnb's are going to get charged an extra 2%, they might say, oh, maybe they 652 00:55:02,530 --> 00:55:08,070 won't get rented as much. Even though 2% is nothing compared to something or citrus, 653 00:55:08,070 --> 00:55:11,270 just Mary and Lake, which is at four and five percent. 654 00:55:12,670 --> 00:55:21,010 So I'd like to know if there is any plan to educate the public on what the tourist 655 00:55:21,010 --> 00:55:23,370 development tax actually does. 656 00:55:25,330 --> 00:55:35,950 So we are constrained on how we can pursue this education process because we cannot, 657 00:55:38,050 --> 00:55:38,050 the 658 00:55:38,050 --> 00:55:42,210 in one direction or another, all we can do is inform. 659 00:55:42,970 --> 00:55:45,530 We have the same issues with amendment three, 660 00:55:46,050 --> 00:55:51,190 as well as the gas tax renewing it. 661 00:55:51,970 --> 00:55:57,810 So, obviously if local businesses get on board, 662 00:55:58,790 --> 00:56:02,430 then they can expend their resources how they see fit. 663 00:56:03,190 --> 00:56:07,730 But we have some issues, and I'm sure 664 00:56:07,730 --> 00:56:13,110 So the county attorney can expound upon this a little bit more than I can but we are 665 00:56:13,830 --> 00:56:18,270 very tightly limited on what we can say and do in this case. 666 00:56:19,650 --> 00:56:20,810 Thank you. 667 00:56:21,250 --> 00:56:21,750 You're welcome. 668 00:56:23,150 --> 00:56:26,510 I want to offer some help if it's appropriate. 669 00:56:27,270 --> 00:56:32,870 We have an outreach team of five full-time individuals and a tech team of another five. 670 00:56:32,870 --> 00:56:38,010 And we had been planning to mobilize them to get out the vote in the villages. 671 00:56:38,650 --> 00:56:46,290 We've been working with the gentleman there who directs a lot of the programs and clubs there. 672 00:56:47,050 --> 00:56:57,630 But if somehow we can help with emails, phone calls, in-person visits to try to get the vote out, we can make our 10 people available. 673 00:56:57,630 --> 00:57:07,010 Well, I don't think the the county can direct that, but so the county can only provide information 674 00:57:07,950 --> 00:57:15,210 related to referendum initiatives on the ballot. They cannot advocate nor expend any funds 675 00:57:15,210 --> 00:57:21,850 to either encourage or discourage a vote on a referendum. They, I'll just for example, 676 00:57:21,850 --> 00:57:27,130 all use the gas tax. There is an education campaign that says the county 677 00:57:27,130 --> 00:57:32,170 currently levies the fifth and sixth cent. It generates 2.8 million in revenue. 678 00:57:32,970 --> 00:57:38,350 Gas tax funds have been used to pay these roads. That's it, right? So they 679 00:57:38,350 --> 00:57:43,010 can't really engage in any type of advocacy of any of the referendums, 680 00:57:43,290 --> 00:57:48,130 including rallying support for getting the word out that this is on the 681 00:57:48,130 --> 00:57:49,690 But we could do it. 682 00:57:50,170 --> 00:57:56,590 Constituents can do whatever they choose to do as to those amendments but the county cannot facilitate that. 683 00:57:57,090 --> 00:58:01,810 And the language on the ballot is purely statutory, isn't it? 684 00:58:03,370 --> 00:58:08,910 So the commission sets some framework for what they want it to say but it's bound by 75 word limitation. 685 00:58:09,490 --> 00:58:14,930 Okay. All right. Because I've seen sample it reads like a statute but we can certainly use that to help educate. 686 00:58:14,930 --> 00:58:15,010 Okay. 687 00:58:15,850 --> 00:58:16,670 That is correct. 688 00:58:16,890 --> 00:58:20,650 There's an ordinance that outlines that puts the request on the ballot. 689 00:58:20,910 --> 00:58:25,570 You can use that information, as information of what the tourist development tax is for, 690 00:58:26,210 --> 00:58:30,450 how it can be limited, and then there is an actual ballot question. 691 00:58:30,990 --> 00:58:35,090 And I think the supervisor's office is in the process of formulating the ballot now. 692 00:58:35,450 --> 00:58:38,170 So in the next week or two, that language will be affirmed. 693 00:58:38,530 --> 00:58:38,710 Okay. 694 00:58:39,170 --> 00:58:39,390 All right. 695 00:58:39,570 --> 00:58:39,870 Thank you. 696 00:58:40,710 --> 00:58:41,690 Thank you very much. 697 00:58:42,550 --> 00:58:42,870 All right. 698 00:58:42,870 --> 00:58:44,610 I ask a question. 699 00:58:45,170 --> 00:58:46,910 Yes, ma'am. Step to the podium. Please state your name. 700 00:58:46,930 --> 00:58:47,290 I'm sorry. 701 00:58:47,810 --> 00:58:48,430 Step up. 702 00:58:48,590 --> 00:58:51,570 I know I was having a hard time hearing you legally. 703 00:58:52,270 --> 00:58:56,230 But aren't you allowed to say that you're... 704 00:58:56,230 --> 00:58:59,650 This is a new endeavor for all of Sumter County 705 00:58:59,650 --> 00:59:03,210 and that there will be rules and regulations involved 706 00:59:03,210 --> 00:59:07,610 and that you're taking applications or anything like that. 707 00:59:07,810 --> 00:59:11,890 That can't be put in a newspaper 708 00:59:11,890 --> 00:59:17,890 That's not just a village newspaper, but a regular newspaper that we get in South Sumter. 709 00:59:18,690 --> 00:59:30,010 That would explain that this is not going, you don't have to say anything about the last terrorist taxes from 2004 to 2020. 710 00:59:30,770 --> 00:59:38,210 But you're just saying that this is a new endeavor with new information, new regulations and rules. 711 00:59:38,210 --> 00:59:42,110 and that we will be taking applications for usage. 712 00:59:42,890 --> 00:59:47,710 And that would be cover all of Sumter County, doesn't matter, it would cover offer. 713 00:59:47,810 --> 00:59:51,490 I don't know legally what you can say, but- 714 00:59:51,490 --> 00:59:53,790 So, first of all, would you mind stating your name for the Reversal League? 715 00:59:53,790 --> 00:59:55,450 Oh, I'm sorry, Susan DeHaven. 716 00:59:55,650 --> 00:59:55,870 Okay. 717 00:59:56,290 --> 00:59:59,970 And the only reason I ask is because so many people have- 718 01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:29,580 A very bad taste in their mouth about the last tourist tax. And it needs to be stated that it would be all for Sumter County and that applications will be taken from all of Sumter County. So what the county can do is to share information from the adopted master plan that the tourist development plan that this committee has recommended and that the commission has adopted. And those any use of the resources. 719 01:00:29,580 --> 01:00:33,880 are bound by what's in that plan and how those funds would be used. 720 01:00:34,360 --> 01:00:45,880 Beyond that, as of right now, there's no mechanism or process in place to allocate the funding until the voters vote on whether they wish to have the tax or not. 721 01:00:46,020 --> 01:00:53,360 They can put something in the newspapers, all the papers, stating this according to the plan, correct? 722 01:00:53,360 --> 01:00:55,900 I haven't seen that. I might have missed it again. 723 01:00:56,020 --> 01:01:04,380 It is in the ordinance that the commission adopted to place the tax question on the ballot. 724 01:01:05,120 --> 01:01:11,820 And I believe the ballot question itself indicates that the tax within 75 words. 725 01:01:12,220 --> 01:01:18,700 It indicates that the taxes can only be spent based on the church development tax plan that was adopted. 726 01:01:18,700 --> 01:01:25,240 Okay, but they can't just stress that there was new plans and regulations, that's all. 727 01:01:25,720 --> 01:01:29,780 There would be, I guess you would say, but thank you for explaining that. 728 01:01:30,380 --> 01:01:31,380 Thank you. 729 01:01:32,000 --> 01:01:32,660 All right. 730 01:01:33,360 --> 01:01:34,060 Anybody else? 731 01:01:34,440 --> 01:01:35,460 I think it's everybody in the room. 732 01:01:36,780 --> 01:01:37,100 Okay. 733 01:01:37,820 --> 01:01:39,260 We'll close public forum. 734 01:01:39,620 --> 01:01:45,440 Next up is Old Business and we have the minutes from the July 7th meeting. 735 01:01:45,440 --> 01:01:47,180 Is there a motion to approve the minutes? 736 01:01:50,650 --> 01:01:55,910 So I have a motion and a second to approve the minutes for July 7th, 2026. 737 01:01:56,570 --> 01:01:58,350 All those in favor indicate by saying aye. 738 01:01:58,930 --> 01:01:59,090 Aye. 739 01:01:59,590 --> 01:02:00,090 Opposed? 740 01:02:00,370 --> 01:02:01,950 Hearing none, motion carries unanimously. 741 01:02:02,830 --> 01:02:04,050 Next up is new business. 742 01:02:05,130 --> 01:02:08,190 Board members, council members, any new business you'd like to bring out? 743 01:02:14,090 --> 01:02:23,230 So the county attorney sent me an email concerning the collection of the tourism 744 01:02:23,230 --> 01:02:32,090 from development dollars, going through the Department of Revenue, and I shared my opinion 745 01:02:32,090 --> 01:02:39,450 with her. My personal preference is to have Mr. Mask, our tax collector, collect those 746 01:02:39,450 --> 01:02:48,390 funds because he is committed to finding the Airbnb's and Vermo's or whatever they are 747 01:02:48,390 --> 01:02:53,910 that are doing the short-term rentals and not collecting the tax. 748 01:02:54,570 --> 01:03:07,470 So but apparently we can make that change after the which is called the TDC or the tourism development tax is approved. 749 01:03:07,570 --> 01:03:08,610 Is that correct, Madam Attorney? 750 01:03:09,210 --> 01:03:16,710 Yes, so the ordinance that the commission adopted was silent as to specifying a particular entity for 751 01:03:16,710 --> 01:03:19,350 or the collection and administration of the tax. 752 01:03:20,230 --> 01:03:23,090 And by statute, when their ordinance is silent, 753 01:03:23,310 --> 01:03:26,310 the default is the taxes collected administered 754 01:03:26,310 --> 01:03:27,850 by the Florida Department of Revenue. 755 01:03:28,410 --> 01:03:30,530 So you can proceed under your existing ordinance. 756 01:03:30,870 --> 01:03:33,370 It simply means that the State Department of Revenue 757 01:03:33,370 --> 01:03:35,250 will be collecting and ministering the tax. 758 01:03:35,890 --> 01:03:38,090 At any point in time, you can move forward 759 01:03:38,090 --> 01:03:39,830 with an amendment to your ordinance 760 01:03:40,230 --> 01:03:43,050 and to modify the ordinance to designate 761 01:03:43,050 --> 01:03:45,410 the local tax collector to be the entity 762 01:03:45,410 --> 01:03:47,090 that collects the tax. 763 01:03:47,650 --> 01:03:49,110 You have to do it on a certain timing 764 01:03:49,110 --> 01:03:52,810 so that it's some easy to transition the administration. 765 01:03:53,710 --> 01:03:55,750 And so the question was whether or not you wanted 766 01:03:55,750 --> 01:03:58,070 to revisit the ordinance to modify it 767 01:03:58,070 --> 01:03:59,970 so that you add the provisions 768 01:03:59,970 --> 01:04:01,750 allowing the local tax collector. 769 01:04:04,650 --> 01:04:07,270 Recognizing that the ordinance had to be adopted 770 01:04:07,270 --> 01:04:08,950 prior to this week, I believe, 771 01:04:09,770 --> 01:04:11,850 maybe last week, in order to have 772 01:04:11,850 --> 01:04:15,750 of the referendum question on the ballot in time 773 01:04:15,750 --> 01:04:18,050 for the general election in November. 774 01:04:19,070 --> 01:04:22,170 Okay, so I'm honest. 775 01:04:22,970 --> 01:04:24,510 So folks, the way I look at it, 776 01:04:25,330 --> 01:04:28,450 Tallahassee, they're just there to collect the money. 777 01:04:28,950 --> 01:04:31,070 They don't have a vested interest in Sumpter County 778 01:04:31,070 --> 01:04:35,210 in my opinion, but Mr. Mask is a resident. 779 01:04:35,670 --> 01:04:38,190 He is a long-term resident of Sumpter County 780 01:04:38,190 --> 01:04:46,350 and he has proven himself both resourceful and very creative in his approaches to doing 781 01:04:46,350 --> 01:04:46,670 things. 782 01:04:47,110 --> 01:04:49,670 So I'm putting a lot of faith in Mr. Mask. 783 01:04:50,290 --> 01:04:52,710 So hopefully we'll make that change after the skit's approved. 784 01:04:54,290 --> 01:04:55,290 Any other new business? 785 01:04:57,270 --> 01:04:57,650 All right. 786 01:04:58,470 --> 01:05:01,250 Hearing none, then we will adjourn the meeting. 787 01:05:02,310 --> 01:05:03,050 Thank you very much.