MILTON — The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners discussed tourism marketing efforts, Vietnam veteran recognition and a half-cent tax committee.
1. SANTA ROSA COUNTY MARKETING EFFORTS
Davis, South, Barnette & Patrick Advertising Agency spokespersons outlined various marketing methods used to attract visitors to the county.
What we know
Meredith South said the agency is targeting multiple audiences, such as snowbirds and homeschoolers, through print and digital methods.
She said they’re also using keyword targeting and retargeting; that is, going after audiences who search for competing locations.
South highlighted a contract with a video blogging family, the Clintus Family, who recently visited Santa Rosa County and, she said, shared four videos from their trip. The Clintus.tv YouTube channel has 410,749 subscribers and the video, “Crazy obstacle course on the water (Day 1565),” has 1.1 million views.
South said website traffic for 2016 so far has almost reached previous years’ levels for the entire 365 days.
What’s next
South said the agency, which has advertised on the music service, Pandora, plans to target fall travel and the upcoming Beaches to Woodlands Tour in the same way. South said the agency plans to capitalize on Beaches to Woodlands and winter guests.
2. VIETNAM VETERAN RECOGNITION
Army aviator veteran, Eustice Shiver, said there was no recognition for Vietnam veterans when they returned home from war in 1975.
A program using parking spot signs for Purple Heart recipients would help make today’s wounded veterans feel appreciated, Shiver said.
What we know
Shiver shared with the board that the Wounded Warrior Family Support Program was founded by Col. Folson, Ret., USMC Reserves, Omaha, Nebraska, to help businesses honor and recognize injured veterans.
Signs cost nothing except for $7 for shipping, totaling $21 for the three-sign limit per business or agency. They can be placed beside handicapped signs but not replace required handicapped spots.
What’s next?
Commission Chairman Lane Lynchard said he would have staff research the program for county properties. Commissioner Rob Williamson said for District 4, he wants signs at every county park.
3. HALF-CENT TAX REVIEW COMMITTEE
County commissioners are setting up an oversight committee for the half-cent infrastructure sales tax, should it pass this fall.
Monday’s discussion focused on public trust and who should be on the committee.
What we know
In a memo, County Administrator Tony Gomillion suggested “a possible committee makeup could be: A 12-member panel made up of one appointee from each commission district; one appointee by each of the five chambers of commerce; the chairman of the (Board of County Commissioners) and either the Public Works Committee chair or the Budget Committee chair; with the chairman of the board serving as chairman of the committee.”
Gomillion said this would be similar to the RESTORE Council, which oversees oil spill funds.
Ed Carson, chairman of the Santa Rosa County Chamber legislative coalition, took issue with commissioners or commission staff having any place on a government oversight board. He said concerns he received from speaking with the public centered on trust. “With respect, we think it needs to be citizens, not staff (on the council),” he said.
Commission Chairman Lance Lynchard said a commissioner as chairman of this council would only spearhead the meeting.
Still, Commissioner Don Salter said having a commissioner on the council would be a bad idea and suggested letting the coalition lead the effort with staff support.
What’s next
Lynchard and Williamson said they were comfortable with Salter’s suggestion. Williamson asked Carson what the stance is of the group advocating for this council on the courthouse sales tax.
“We are absolutely in favor of both half-cents,” Carson said. “However, again in traveling around the county, it’s very clear to us people’s minds are made up on what their thoughts are on the courthouse, regardless of what we say or explain … location or cost. We’ll emphasize the infrastructure piece, but we’re absolutely in support of both half-cent taxes.”
Lynchard moved the issue to Thursday’s Commission Regular meeting.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 3 things county commissioners are talking about