$75,000 dollars for a song

[Misty]

The TDC used $75,000 in BP restoration funds to pay Hoffs for the song.

“Sand and turquoise water forever” is how visitors to South Walton most often describe the destination’s 26 miles of pristine beach nestled along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. And now that sentiment has been put to music, courtesy of internationally renowned singer/songwriter Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles. Titled “This is the Place” the upbeat song will be officially unveiled during the Bangles’ live performance as part of the 30A Songwriters Festival, to be held Jan. 13-15, 2012 at multiple venues throughout South Walton....

[Jim Tucker]

Is this where the song came from? If so how did $500 become $75,000? Sounds like someone has crossed wires.

http://www.30asongwritersfestival.com/visitsouthwaltonsongcontest


Visit South Walton Song Contest

This is the 30A Songwriters Festival first-ever Visit South Walton Song Contest.
Submissions will be accepted through Sonic Bids in the categories of Americana, Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Adult Contemporary and Country. The review panel is made up of 30 A Songwriters Festival staff and Visit South Walton staff. A critique will not be provided. Songs MUST be representative of the South Walton brand. Read below for some South Walton inspiration. For terms and conditions and to submit a song, go to http://www.sonicbids.com/30asongwrit...valsongcontest.
The winner(s) will receive the following:

• Headlining performance at the Festival Kick-off party
• Additional performance opportunities throughout Festival Accommodations in South Walton for up to five nights $500
• Inclusion in the 2012 30A Songwriters Festival compilation CD
• $500.00

Here is some great inspiration for your song! Things Visitors to South Walton are saying...
Picture perfect / Your beach / Sugar white sand / Turquoise waters / Quiet / Unique neighborhoods / Family places and family stories / Laughter / Memorable - a place for lasting memories / Strand of beaches / Windswept dunes / You Only Live Once - the home of YOLO boarding / Precious environment - from wooded uplands to coastal dune lakes / Traditions - annual - places you come back to year after year / Generations / Relaxing vacation at any age / A blast every time we're there / Only in South Walton / Never want to leave / If you can't be happy in South Walton, you can't be happy. / Only place where you can totally relax and let the world go / The only place we ever visit / A little slice of heaven / Relaxed look on my husband's face is worth a million words to me / Charming, family-friendly villages / Beauty on the coast - no other beaches compare / Feels like you've stepped back in time / We already found Heaven. / Our favorite home away from home / It's a place where we live, laugh and love

Visit South Walton's Brand Story
Everyone needs to have their own beach. Sounds simple enough.
Start with the purest white quartz sand filtered down from the Appalachians eons ago and washed westward along the blue-green Gulf of Mexico.
Form it into wave-like dunes topped with sea grasses.
Frame the dunes with pines, spreading broad swathes of green against the perfect blue of the sky.
Scoop out freshwater lakes to reflect all that blue. And back it all with huge inland estuary teeming with all forms of life.
People have been drawn to theis restorative beauty ever since they've been drawn to the South. The culture that has grown up here from residents and visitors alike has ever been peaceful, respectful of the natural uniqueness and well spiced with the flavors of Southern and Gulf Coast character. The result is a necklace of individual beach neighborhoods, each with its distinct emothional hue, its own cultural traditions and feel, its own visual style. All linked not only to each other, but also to the bountiful natural gifts they are committed to preserve and perpetuate. This is our promise: somewhere along this strand, you will find your perfect place, your partner's beach ideal, your family's epitome of what the word beach was meant to be. That's South Walton.
Find your perfect beach.

[Beach Princess]

I owned and operated a talent agency for several years in PCB- booking several thousands of bands up and down the strip and, in my opinion, if these rumors prove to be true- the TDC and Walton County just got ripped off and scammed- BIG TIME, based upon the thread of this post.

First, if the songwriter DID indeed received $75,000 for the song itself (which is quite a record price to recieve for a demo-unless the songwriter is Willie Nelson or someone that has a lifetime of guaranteed hits), it would have been published in the industry papers, as this really is quite an enormous price to risk with JUST a localized song, that barely stands a chance of going national in and of itself.

Second, productuction costs brought the entire bill to how much? $200K? That means someone spent nearly $175 in production and post-production costs? Jeez! Who the hell is producing this- Barry Gordy? Who is singing- Bono? The math does not add up.

Third, and lastly... I've heard the basics of this song and it ain't gonna hit in my opinion unless someone greases a lot a palms...

Some one is definitely pulling the wool over someone's eyes...

[TheZohan]

A waste of money

[Bob Hudson]

Here is the invoice !
And this is the agreement

MOU Visit South Walton Song _1_.pdf

[Jim Tucker]

What is a master license fee and a synch license fee?

[Here4Good]

The NO Times-Picayune has an article today about some of the crazy stuff TDCs have done with their BP money, and questions whether these "record" crowds will hold up without the promos/advertising:

http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-sp...towels_ch.html

Could be worse - PCB spent a million bucks on Christmas decorations.

[Jim Tucker]

Lyrics are not always supposed to make sense. It's art - the feel and the tune are what really counts. Although I think South Walton might should have been mentioned a few more times. I like the tune but when I first heard it.

I can't help but think there are a lot of talented local musicians that could have done a fine job.

[Bob Hudson]

The expenditure of $75,000 for this is truly amazing by itself but the most amazing part of this is HOW it ever got approved ,who approved it and who had no input into the project.

It appears that neither the TDC advisory board or the BCC approved the project prior to the start but were only "informed" after the fact. If the TDC advisory board was unaware and the BCC was unaware then who's grand idea was it?

The paper trail appears to lead to LKM ( marketing company) as the originator of the concept and the TDC director as the individual that approved the project and approved the song.

Why do we have a TDC advisory board?

[Diamond Dave]

Here is the invoice !
And this is the agreement

MOU Visit South Walton Song _1_.pdf

I did not think about this too much until this post exposed the large sum of money spent... This is really sad.

Its like the difference between Justin Beiber showing up at your kids birthday party just because he was driving by and you having to pay him $$$ to create the illusion...

I (and I feel most others) were under the impression the Ms. Hoffs (Bangles) did this because she enjoyed the area and it was like any other song about a place, spontaneous and purposeful.

Unfortunately, now we see the truth that once again the TDC has wasted money, just because they can. Since we are in the market to pay singers to write songs about the area, I have an idea.

Who would be the best artist/musician to pay large gobs of money for writing a song about the "Chat Holley Land Deal".

"You call me Chat, but my name's really Chad"

"Follow the money honey"

"See paradise, put up a parking lot"

Anyone have some other ideas? Let's get a good title and lyrics and we'll ask TDC to contact some other musicians, I'm thinking Willie Nelson or Guns & Roses.

Let's get Dawn on board right away.

[beachmouse]

That last bit makes perfect sense to me: middle-aged woman finds her husband in bed with his secretary, gets mad and decides to go hit the beach and spend a whole bunch of money shopping while thinking of what to do next. She meets up with the large local cougar population, goes bar hopping for a while, and decides to open up a small retail shop over by Grayton Beach with her chunk of the divorce settlement ....

[Bob Hudson]

Someone tipped me to this little tidbit of information.

It appears that the individual (Russell Carter) that represented the songwriter in this project serves on the Walton County Cultural Arts Association Board of Directors. It appears that Mr. Carter represented the interests of MS. Hoff and is the same individual that received the overnighted $75,000 payment from LKM. The agreement was signed Byron Mr. Carter, and Dawn Moliterno.

What role did LKM play in this project? Was the MOA approved by the TDC attorney? What was the CAA role in the project.

[Diamond Dave]

Someone tipped me to this little tidbit of information.

It appears that the individual (Russell Carter) that represented the songwriter in this project serves on the Walton County Cultural Arts Association Board of Directors. It appears that Mr. Carter represented the interests of MS. Huff and is the same individual that received the overnighted $75,000 payment from LKM. The agreement was signed by Mr. Carter, and Dawn Moliterno.

What role did LKM play in this project? Was the MOA approved by the TDC attorney? What was the CAA role in the project.

I think you meant Ms. Hoffs (huff?).

Either way this story and the other issues in this county all point to one simple solution = Election 2012. Vote all those in office out, replace with those with ethics and integrity. Oversight here is simply non-existent.

Who is supposed to serve on the TDC committee referenced in past posts? How does one get on this?

[Bob Hudson]

Cost Of Project per LKM.

A cut and paste from document obtained by Public Record Request

[Bobby J]

I have no words for this one.

[1amos1]

We need to shut down the TDC, repeal the bed tax.

[beachmouse]

Back when I lived on Okaloosa Island, some folks actually managed to get the repeal of the TDC on the ballot because they were very angry about how the convention center was being shoved down everyone's throat despite some very shaky financial projections about its use. The repeal failed, and it's probably good that it did, but it was close enough that it did seem to make that TDC more responsive to local concerns for a good long time.

[joho]

Well said!

[Diamond Dave]

Back when I lived on Okaloosa Island, some folks actually managed to get the repeal of the TDC on the ballot because they were very angry about how the convention center was being shoved down everyone's throat despite some very shaky financial projections about its use. The repeal failed, and it's probably good that it did, but it was close enough that it did seem to make that TDC more responsive to local concerns for a good long time.

Ok, so who knows how to start this process? I'm in to assist, just don't have the political in's...

[sneakin sally]

We need to shut down the TDC, repeal the bed tax.

Indeed!!!

[sneakin sally]

http://www.visitsouthwalton.org/walton-county-onlineFlorida Sunshine Law

The South Walton TDC is governed by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners and like any other branch of the county government the TDC operates in accordance with the Florida Sunshine Law. To learn more about this law and what it necessitates please visit: Florida Sunshine Law Online.

[Bob Hudson]

In order to dissolve the TDC one would have to convince a minimum of 3 county commissioners to repeal the following section of the Walton County Code or convince them to place a binding referendum on a ballot for a vote to repeal those sections and thereby dissolve the TDC.

Chapter 19 -Taxation - Tourist Development Council

Sec. 19-26. - Levy; collection and remittance.
Sec. 19-27. - Use of funds; adoption of tourist development plan.
Sec. 19-28. - Tourist development council.

Sec. 19-29. - Additional tax levied.
Sec. 19-30. - Use of funds.
Sec. 19-31. - Applicability.
Sec. 19-32. - Failure to collect.
Sec. 19-33. - Prohibited.
Sec. 19-34. - Lien.
Sec. 19-35. - Additional half percent tourist development tax. (Imposed for 5 years beginning Oct 1, 2009)

[Bob Wells]

Although the TDC has made some bonehead moves from signs to songs, I think they provide our area a service and maybe its time to replace those that are appointed for the oversight of the TDC.

[BeachNBay]

So much negativity makes doing anything, including eventalking "WITH," entirely unappealing. That's why I appreciate Kurt'sinput and objective grasp of the issues. 2011 was a vital year of recovery andas a community we need 2012 to continue on that path. BTW only the first fewmonths will be impacted by BP grant support... after that we are on our own, sonew/successful ideas will be invaluable! Let’s put our energy there.

[Beach Runner]

Though I've lost and gained;
I don't need the meaning;
If you feel estranged;
This is the place.

This is the first time I've had a chance to read this thread. South Walton is the place for us, yet it has nothing to do with the chorus. Yes, I realize that in logic, A → B is not equivalent to B → A. But I wonder how many people share the sentiments in the chorus and thus like South Walton?

There are so many positive attributes of South Walton that aren't mentioned in this song. It's just not very inspiring. Sorry to be critical.

BTW Shelly, your South Walton song is hilarious!

[Bob Hudson]

One must understand the responsibilities granted to the TDC and it's Advisory Board to fully understand the process involved in promoting south Walton as a tourist destination.

We are truly a county dependent on tourism to drive this local economy.

Most understand the objective very well.

The legislation authorizing the collection of "bedtaxes" specifically limits the expenditures to defined purposes and provides for governance of how the collected funds are expended. The advisory board has the responsibilites described in Walton County ordinances as listed below.

Walton County Code - Section 19-28 – Tourist development council

(a) Established.

There is hereby established, pursuant to the provisions of F.S. § 125.0104, an advisory council to be known as the county tourist development council. Appointments to the county tourist development council have been made by resolution, and are hereby ratified and affirmed.

(b) Duties generally.

The council established by this section shall, from time to time, make recommendations to the board of county commissioners for the effective operation of the uses of the tourist development tax revenue raised by the tax levied by this article, and may perform such other duties or functions as may be prescribed by ordinance or resolution.

(c) Review of expenditures.

The council shall continuously review all expenditures of revenue raised by the tax levied by this article, and shall report to the board of county commissioners all expenditures of the revenue believed to be unauthorized by the provisions of this article. The board of county commissioners, upon receiving notification of expenditures believed to be unauthorized by the council, shall review the council's findings and take such administrative or judicial action as it sees fit to ensure compliance with this article and the provisions of F.S. § 125.0104.

Before one casts blame on either the process or the advisory board for items they believe to be outside the authority of either body requires a look at "the process" by which governance is provided.

"Destination Marketing" is a highly competitive endeavor made even more competitive with the large influx of "BP Dollars" to make the area whole after the devastating impact on our local economy. One must remember that those dollars will end and we must once again "stand on our own feet". One must only hope that we utilize every dollar to produce sustainable visitor levels. Everyone will never agree on each project funded, but must have a reasonable expectation that those appointed to the advisory council fulfill their responsibility of review and oversight.

In order for that to happen they must be actively involved in the process of selection of projects as recommended by the "marketing agency". They are the "local experts" who look at those recommendations to insure that they fit within the unique south Walton mantra. They are the ones that are there to prevent "Big Blue Signs" that a marketing agency in South Carolina may believe help "brand the area" but local residents and bedtax collectors feel do not represent our unique area.

The TDC advisory council only became aware of the "south Walton song" expenditure after the contract had been signed and the check written, thereby bypassing the local input that is provided for within the statute creating the TDC.

They now only meet 4 times a year and in the fast moving game of chess being played to restore tourism in our county and surronding markets they are effectively now limited to being notified of expenditures after the fact.

This limitation is of concern to those that remember that the previous council meet monthly.

Kurt is correct in his statement that the BP funds will be spent.

Kurt's question seeking ideas on how the money should be spent causes me to ask "how have we spent the funds" up until this point. Did the TDC council review those expenditure to balance the affect of the expenditure against the impact on on our unique area and exactly how did we spend those dollars.

I will seek a accounting of all expenditure's from the BP funds.

I'm sure there will be some I agree with and some I will not, but my driving question will be "did the TDC Council have input into the approval process" not simply notified after the fact.

It is my hope that the meeting pattern will be changed to fully involve the TDC advisory board in the process before the fact rather than after the fact.

[Abby Prentiss]

I like the song! Here is Ms. Hoffs' facebook page if you would like to express yourself - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Susanna-Hoffs/37364141771

[Lake View Too]

I agree with everything Dave said.To me, it is downright scary to think the "powers that be" are suppressing negative news, especially if that news could affect my safety or well-being. The other part of the discussion we are dancing around is censorship of any criticism of the TDC and BCC. I think that the people, both residents and tourists, that are attracted to this place, are attracted because, for lack of a better word, it is a healthy place, physically, spiritually, and mentally. In order for a community to stay healthy, it has to have constant, constructive debate on the issues it is not getting correct. I hope this site remains one of the primary ways we can converse, and yes, argue and debate, in order to correct the ongoing ills that might make us less attractive to others in the future.

[dadleyblane5]

SHELLY --Roflmbo!

[30A Skunkape]

Now that the TDC has announced blockbuster revenues from occupancy, can SOMEBODY please convince them to use their new windfall to record Shelly's song and use it as a 'B side' for Hoff's $200k sortasowal tune and press some highly prized 45's? I'm guessing it could be done much cheaper if we got some locals involved.

[Diamond Dave]

Now that the TDC has announced blockbuster revenues from occupancy, can SOMEBODY please convince them to use their new windfall to record Shelly's song and use it as a 'B side' for Hoff's $200k sortasowal tune and press some highly prized 45's? I'm guessing it could be done much cheaper if we got some locals involved.

In all seriousness, this IS a great idea. I love the 45 format and that leaves some room for a logo or picture. Turn tables are pretty cool again and they sell them at the record store in Seaside. What a great idea Mr. Skunkape.

[ameliaj]

Is there somewhere we can hear the song?

[Bob Hudson]

I wonder how many songs were entered in the 30-A songwriters contest that was announced with a $500 dollar prize?

I also wonder how many more songwriters would have submitted a song if they knew they could win $75,000?

Anyone know who judged the entries ?

[dadleyblane5]

I wonder how many songs were entered in the 30-A songwriters contest that was announced with a $500 dollar prize?

I also wonder how many more songwriters would have submitted a song if they knew they could win $75,000?

Anyone know who judged the entries ?

Exactly...

[Walton County Dog]

Though I've lost and gained;
I don't need the meaning;
If you feel estranged;
This is the place. This is the first time I've had a chance to read this thread. South Walton is the place for us, yet it has nothing to do with the chorus. Yes, I realize that in logic, A → B is not equivalent to B → A. But I wonder how many people share the sentiments in the chorus and thus like South Walton?

There are so many positive attributes of South Walton that aren't mentioned in this song. It's just not very inspiring. Sorry to be critical.

BTW Shelly, your South Walton song is hilarious!

If you feel alienated or are recently divorced, head on down to South Walton
es·tranged/iˈstrānjd/

Adjective:

(of a person) No longer close or affectionate to someone; alienated. (of a wife or husband) No longer living with their spouse.

[ameliaj]

Thanks BR. How did I whiff on that link?
Anyway, I listened.

[kurt]

Now that the TDC has announced blockbuster revenues from occupancy, can SOMEBODY please convince them to use their new windfall to record Shelly's song and use it as a 'B side' for Hoff's $200k sortasowal tune and press some highly prized 45's? I'm guessing it could be done much cheaper if we got some locals involved.

For clarification take a look at Bob's attachment in post 14 and you'll see the $203,000 invoice included the $75k for the song but no other funds went to the artist or production.

The artist and co-writer received a portion of the $75k, and gave some of that portion to charity. In addition to the song rights, the money paid to her will also cover appearances and other promotion of the tune. It's still a lot of money but it's important to get an accurate picture don't you think?

[Jim Tucker]

Thanks Dave. Looks pretty simple and not unusual.

[Diamond Dave]

Thanks Dave. Looks pretty simple and not unusual.

I believe it is going to get a bit more complicated. There are allegations that I've heard about a questionable connection that may exist between the TDC, the performers mgmt and the $$$. (I purposefully phrased this as an allegation so I don't get censored here).

One thing is for certain - an Audit of the TDC is in order. The public needs to demand an overhall.

On top of this money going to individuals outside our county, I understand that the Biophelia (sp?) center also received funding? How was that facility effected by BP? Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't, but it begs the question.

With all the looming issues around this county, I am very surprised at the boldness of the TDC. But, you know how it goes, give someone enought rope...

[Murray Balkcom]

... I understand that the Biophelia (sp?) center also received funding? How was that facility effected by BP? Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't, but it begs the question.

Part of the BP funds distributed to Florida were designated to help start new businesses in the areas affected. I guess the idea being to help get these areas off of the golden egg of beach tourism. If they can have other income streams, it won't matter as much economically, if the beach problems push people away.

[Bob Hudson]

I requested a meeting with MS Moliterno and the TDC attorney on December 28th, 2010 to try to get answers to questions. I have not received any response to my request.

E-Mail

From: "Robert Hudson" <hondohudson@gmail.com>
Date: Dec 28, 2011 11:58 AM
Subject: Re: FW: [1/2]Attached Image
To: "Clay Adkinson" <Clay@adkinsonlaw.com>

Yes thank you Clay.

Sometime after the New Year I would appreciate a time to sit down with Dawn and you to discuss this issue and the process being followed.


From The NWF Daily News Article

"Because it simply was a shift of funds, the TDC did not have to seek approval from county commissioners, executive director Dawn Moliterno said.

In April, commissioners approved the TDC’s initial plan for spending the grant funds, along with a provision stating that any changes to the plan would be submitted only to BP for approval and would not have to go back before the board, she said."

FACT CHECK


April 12,2011- BCC Minutes

Section of Minutes by Ms. Moliterno

Ms.Moliterno presented the Arts Complex Feasibility Study and stated that the TDC Advisory Council does not recommend pursuing an Arts Complex at this time.

Ms. Moliterno requested approval of the Brand Evolution – Brand Story, Naming, Tagline and Creative Assets. This is a critical time to address the existing brand.

Ms.Jennifer Jenkins briefly discussed the Brand Evolution for WaltonCounty: South Walton, To Each, YourBeach.

Motion by Commissioner C. Jones, second by Commissioner Pridgen, to allow TDC to proceedwith the Brand Evolution process as requested. Ayes 4, Nays 0. L. Jones Aye,Comander Aye, Pridgen Aye, C. Jones Aye.

Ms.Moliterno requested approval of the TDC Advisory Council Code of Conduct amendment which prohibits any TDC Advisory Council member from being active of delinquent in bed tax collections.

Motion by Commissioner Brannon, second by Commissioner Comander, to approve the TDCAdvisory Council Code of Conduct amendment as presented. Ayes 5, Nays 0. L.Jones Aye, Brannon Aye, Comander Aye, Pridgen Aye, C. Jones Aye.

Ms. Moliterno requested to accept the BP Grant and adopt a Resolution (2011-29) amending the budget for fiscal year 2010-11 to account for unanticipated revenue in the TDC Fund from the Florida Coastal Northwest Communications Council for the Deepwater Horizon in the amount of$8,010,479.

Motion by Commissioner Pridgen, second by Commissioner Comander, to accept the BP Grant and adopt Resolution (2011-29) as presented. Ayes 5, Nays 0. L. Jones Aye, Brannon Aye, Comander Aye, PridgenAye, C. Jones Aye.

Ms. Moliterno stated that they continue to work on the facility analysis as part of the strategic plan, as well as the health and safety issues.

Ms. Moliterno stated that the TDC Council did meet, review, and approved their financials. The council expressed concerns with the cost of the financial review.

Mr. Demers stated that he met with those involved in the financial review and briefly discussed the documents presented.After reviewing the materials, Carr, Riggs & Ingram decided to forgo thefinal invoice in the amount of $23,238.75 as well as issue a credit for$50,000.

Copy of Resolution 2011-29

NOTE:

I find no action by the BCC altering the BCC internal policies that govern expenditures in this resolution or in the minutes. One would expect to see a vote by the BCC to override its policy concerning expenditure approvals.

April 26, 2011- BCC Minutes

Section of Minutes by Ms. Moliterno

Ms. DawnMoliterno, Tourist Development Council Executive Director, presented an update of TDC activities.

NOTE:

I find no action by the BCC altering the BCC internal policies that govern expenditures in this resolution or in the minutes. One would expect to see a vote by the BCC to override its policy concerning expenditure approvals.

The online minutes are not verbatim minutes. I will request a verbatim copy on Monday to see if some discussion and action was taken as MS. Moliterno states in her statements to the NWFD News. If such a discussion or vote took place I will update this post.

I would also respectfully ask Kurt why this thread was locked yesterday.

[Diamond Dave]

More Media (Op Ed) Attention to the cost and where funds were spent...

Again this brings up the question of why locals were not used to write / compose the "song"?

BUZ LIVINGSTON: 30A Songwriters Festival: National acts on a local stage



January 08, 2012 2:19 PM



Buz Livingston



I share at least two things with Merle Haggard. Our mothers tried to raise us better and we denied their pleading. Until she died, mama tried to bring some culture to the barrens of rural Georgia. She started with her three sons specifically steering us to music.

At first, I found it a blessing. In elementary school I could dodge class by going to band practice. In junior high things changed. Hanging out in the gym with my homeboys on the football team seemed more interesting than band practice. I foolishly gave up my alto sax to play football for a lousy team.

January in South Walton means The 30A Songwriters Festival.

Nothing showcases 30A and the music scene better than our Songwriters Festival. I’m claiming it as ours. During Spring Break, we get yahoos whose idea of fine dining means suitcases of Natty Light and hot wings at Publix. The Songwriters Festival attracts a different demographic. The TDC should promote art and music more often.

Some locals are complaining about the TDC’s new song.

Some don’t like the tune, but there’s no denying, even after all these years, The Bangles look good on stage. The TDC simply dropped the ball by not using local talent. Consider Duke Bardwell “Potter’s Moon” or Forest Williams’ “Funky Blues Shack” as prime exhibits.

If the TDC scanned Tim Jackson’s song encyclopedia I bet more than one beach song pops up. Bryan Kennedy’s “Life Shines: The 30A Song” even has a video and Bryan has more No. 1 hits than The Bangles.

Nothing against Susanna Hoffs. I look forward to the performance. But economically speaking, $75,000 spent on local musicians would filter more effectively through the tills of Walton County businesses. It’s not personal, but it’s Economics 101 or the Google “multiplier effect in local economies.”

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (www.culturalartsalliance.com) knocked one out of the ballpark with The 30A Songwriters Festival. Last year, Kim Collins of The Smoking Flowers told me “you don’t know how big this (Songwriters Festival) is going to be … the artists love it.”

One performer confided he considered firing his booking agent for not getting him a slot last year. Each year our festival grows but some complain the same acts show up from last year. Their complaints are misguided. You have another chance for any you missed last year. Sam Bush can play all he wants, no objections here. To my chagrin, Michelle Malone did not grace our stages in 2011 with a repeat performance.

As a seasoned Songwriters Festival attendee, I don’t get bothered about unfamiliar artists (see above Michele Malone). We generally stake out one geographic location or venue and listen to who shows up. My friend and New York Life agent Robert Demars, unless he has Mardi Gras practice, generally hangs on the east end of 30A while we are west-enders.

Sometimes you get lucky. Last year, Suzi Ragsdale kept playing at La Botana. I promise some unknown artist will blow the doors off as The Shadowboxers did last year.

Bottom line: The 30A Songwriters Festival helps make South Walton a great place to live and to visit.

Buz Livingston is a certified financial planner. He operates Livingston Financial Planning Inc. focusing on hourly financial planning and investment management. Contact him directly at 850-267-1068 or at buz@LivingstonFinancial.net.

[Murray Balkcom]

Sonic Bid Contest Winner

Congratulations to Jennifer Lynn Simpson & Freddy Miles as winner of the first ever 30A Songwriters Festival’s Visit South Walton Song Contest. The contest was open to everyone submitting a song representative of the South Walton brand and falling within six musical genres. As the winner Jennifer and Freddy will receive a festival kick-off party performance, a $500 prize, up to five nights of South Walton accommodation, additional festival performances and inclusion in the 2012 30A Songwriters Festival compilation CD.
The contest winning song “South Walton Paradise” can be enjoyed and downloaded free below.
South Walton Paradise

Download Song here:
http://www.visitsouthwalton.com/admi.../download/6509

[dadleyblane5]

I didn't care for the song..some might, but I didn't..I'm not hating on the Tourist Developement Council either. I love Susanna Hoffs. 'Specially since I grew up in the 80's and enjoyed her when she was with the Bangles..I've experience in writing lyrics and music, although not professionally. I just thought the song sounded like it was a "hurry up" job. In other words, lyrics and a tune put together quickly, to me there was no soul to it. I love South Walton and the beach. We need to advertise it as much as possible to bring in tourists any way we can. My significant other's profession depends on tourists. I don't know who approved the song or payment...etc..or whatever...but I do think that the Tourist Developement Council could've gotten better bang for their buck. Just m/o.

[Bob Hudson]

Walton denies recommendation that TDC meet more often

January 11, 2012 5:06
LAUREN SAGE REINLIE / Daily News
DeFUNIAK SPRINGS

The Walton County Tourist Development Council’s advisory board will continue to meet every three months. County commissioners decided Tuesday that the board should continue to follow that schedule rather than meet every two months, as the advisory board recommended.The nine-member TDC Advisory Council, which includes Commissioner Scott Brannon as the TDC chairman, voted unanimously Dec. 13 to recommend that it meet every two months.Mary Nielson, who owns vacation rental property in Walton County, said she wanted commissioners to approve the board’s request.“I believe that the TDC Advisory Board meeting quarterly does not provide them with the opportunity to look at expenses prior to them being approved (by the TDC staff),” she said after Tuesday’s meeting. “Quarterly is not often enough.”Jim Bagby, town manager of Rosemary Beach, wrote to the commissioners requesting that they approve the recommendation.“If the members of the council think they need to meet more frequently to perform their tasks, let them,” he said in an email.TDC Executive Director Dawn Moliterno, who presented the advisory council’s recommendation to commissioners, said the council can hold special meetings whenever she or the commissioners request it. She said the board held several special meetings last year to approve BP funding and the launch of the new South Walton brand campaign.The commissioners on Tuesday did approve adding language to TDC guidelines stating that the chairman of the TDC — currently Brannon — also can request special meetings.Brannon said that despite his earlier vote to support the TDC’s recommendation, he did not see a need to change the process.“I don’t think it’s necessary, in my opinion as your representative, to defer from previous guidelines,” he told fellow commissioners at the meeting.According to the TDC’s guidelines, the advisory board is tasked with reviewing expenditures made by the TDC staff.

If any are believed to be unauthorized, the council reports those to commissioners and the Florida Department of Revenue.The Okaloosa County TDC meets monthly.

In Santa Rosa County, the TDC holds a meeting for the north end of the county, one for the south end and a full TDC meeting each month.

[Allifunn]

I do not hate the song, it's OK, but for the money spent on it I feel it should be a great song. It's not a good representaion of our "place". Except for the one reference to South Walton she could be singing about any "place" that has a beach. This is just my personal opinon. It's like the emperors new clothes, no one wants to admit that it was a mistake. I am sure a lot of time and effort went into this business decision, but right or wrong, its too late.

[Abby Prentiss]

Agree Alli - I really like the tune! Lyrics could use a little tweaking but hey - that's art. I also know that the money was for alot more than just the song including media appearances and such. Nitpicking is a waste of time.

[Misty]

There is a screen shot image of an email floating around on the internet which reads:

From: Dawn Moliterno
Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2012 7:57 PM
To: 'Russel Carter'; Jon Ervin
CC: Kelli Carter; Jami Ray
Subject: Re: Youtube

Russell we are truly amazed that this one community individual has caused all this negative behavior.

I agree and Jon and I would suggest we delete all negative comments and have all future comments come to us and filter the posts.

I hate to have to do it but we have no choice.

Russell, we will continue to do damage control on our end too!

It is signed by
Dawn Moliterno
Executive Director
South walton TDC
(850) 267-1216 dawn@visitsouthwalton.com

It seems that Russell Carter from Artist Management LTD took exception to negative comments from the Citizens of Walton County who are appalled that we paid $200 K for a song that any number of local artists could and probably would have done a better job with at a much better price.

So to silence/censor the people, Dawn Moliterno and Russell Carter took it upon themselves to turn off the comment section of the video on youtube that our tax dollars helped fund!

Indeed censorship is the absolute bane of any democracy! :) Click on the image and it will enlarge for better viewing.

[bobbob]

Dead horse. If it is a fake email I am not surprised. If it is real then I am not surprised either. Youtube comments are turned off all the time. I remember that person's comments and they were over the top and uncalled for. Just really nasty and he encouraged others to pile on. Was it you? And by the way the $200k figure is not correct but only people who are ignorant and haven't read this thread , or lie and want to stir the post can perpetuate the myth.

"I hate to have to do it but we have no choice." Seems like a reasonable person's response.

[idlewind]

The question is could the BP funds have been spent in a more effective manner? Could something else have brought more customers into our area? I for one think the arts/sports complex would have been a better use of the money. Something that would have encouraged a new type of visitor and something that would have been of use to our local community.