MILTON — The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners, Monday, discussed grant funding for event applications submitted to the Tourism Development Office, Navarre Beach renourishment, and tourist corridor maintenance.
Tourist Development Office grant funding
According to the TDO, the purpose of its Local Marketing Funding program is to increase out-of-market awareness of Santa Rosa County Florida’s Playground brand as a tourist destination and to drive lodging room occupancy in the county by funding the marketing and promotional efforts of local events, especially during the non-summer season.
What we know
The TDO reported last year’s grant cycle awarded a total of $40,000. This year, the TDO awarded $61,225 out of a budgeted $75,000.
The events voted to be funded are as follows:
• Navarre Beach Snowbirds Club $2,200
• Big Screen on the Blackwater $1,000
• Bands on the Blackwater Fall Series $1,700
• Milton Riverwalk 5K $2,500
• Run for the Reef 5K/10K $1,000
• Munson Community Heritage Festival $3,000
• Annual Riverwalk Art Festival $5,000
• Gulf Coast Kiln Walk Festival $5,000
• Songwriters Beach Blast $5,000
• Navarre Beach Mardi Gras Parade $4,000
• Annual Bagdad to Milton Plein Air Paint Out $1,325
• Ocean Commotion: Homeschool Programs $5,000
• Annual Autism OdysSea $5,000
• Navarre Beach Fishing Rodeo $5,000
• Monarch Madness $4,000
• Annual Blueberry Bash $2,500
• Annual Car, Truck & Bike Show $4,500
• Bagdad Riverfront Festival $3,500
TDO Director Julie Morgan said the money is to act as seed money for new events to offset out of market advertising costs to drive tourism to Santa Rosa County. Applicants are only supposed to make the request for three years, Morgan said, as the application states. However, she said several have been receiving these advertising funds for more than three years. Morgan said the greater purpose of the TDO is to drive tourism to Santa Rosa County and the $61,225 represents only a fraction of the estimated “well over two million dollars,” as she said, in bed taxes the county will collect this year. Morgan did point out a line in the recommendation memo to the BOCC said, “The TDC Board of Directors has made it clear this fiscal grant cycle that all applicants will adhere to the stated grant guidelines and dates for submissions, with the one exception for new events to Santa Rosa County,” referring to the three year limit.
What’s next?
Thursday, if the Commissioners pass the funding, the event organizers will be able to fund out of county marketing.
Costs changing for Navarre Beach renourishment
A $1.8 million reduction is expected for Navarre Beach renourishment according to SRC Engineer Roger Blaylock.
What we know
On December 10, the BOCC awarded a construction contract to Weeks Marine Inc. to place about 1.3 million cubic yards of sand from immediately east of the Gulf Islands National Seashore to the eastern limits of the Navarre Beach Marine Park.
According to Blaylock, Tropical Storm Colin, which passed to the east of the Project area, caused flooding and adjustment of the lower beach berm width within the Project area resulting in a decrease in the required area of beach tilling. Recent sea conditions since then also caused unsafe environment delaying the project.
What’s next?
The BOCC Thursday may approve the draft change order and authorize Chairman Lane Lynchard to execute it. Dredging operations are slated to be complete by June 20 and full dredge equipment demobilization is programmed by June 27. Dune planting is slated for July ll-21, according to Blaylock.
Picking a contractor
The BOCC needs to decide which contractor should take on the Tourist Corridor Landscape Maintenance project to maintain medians and the visitors’ center in Navarre.
What we know
The bids were opened May 31. The lowest bid received was from Escape Landscaping at $34,800. The concern raised by Commissioner Rob Williamson was the disparity between this bid and other bids including $68,144 from Altman, $106,980 from Bright View, and $218,020 from Eco Gardens. He asked if this lowest bidder could handle the work for this amount of money. The work includes mowing, trimming, weeding, removing trash, replenishing pine straw mulch twice a year, providing seasonal color in flower beds three times a year, and pruning palm trees and shrubs.
SRC Administrator Tony Gomillion said the requirements were clear.
What’s next?
Gomillion said staff can review the contract with the low bidder to assure the commissioners the contractor is aware of all requirements. Then, the BOCC will either accept this offer or not.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Santa Rosa County Commission discusses Navarre Beach renourishment,