Bed tax spike on table in Walton
SANTA ROSA BEACH - The Walton County Tourist Development has agreed to have more talks about a proposal to raise the bed tax from 4 cents to 5 cents, and will have another meeting to discuss how best to use the more than $2 million in additional revenue.
Walton County commissioners still must approve the bed-tax increase.
Commissioner Sonny Mares, the TDC's executive director, said there was discussion at Wednesday's meeting about using the funds to help pay for a complex that would include sports fields, an amphitheater and performing-arts venue. That has been on the county's wish list for years, Mares said.
But the TDC more likely would join forces with Bay County officials to attract a low-cost airline to the Panama City-Bay County International Airport, which is slated to open next May.
Every cent of the bed tax generates more than $2 million. Mares said he does not expect that number to decline despite the sluggish economy.
Airport officials are pursuing numerous low-cost airlines, and the TDC wants to "be in a position to assist with marketing to draw new business to the area," Mares said.
Every airline has its own strategy to build business, so TDC members must sit down with the airline's marketing team to discuss the best ways to do that, he added.
"Currently, our TDC reaches a 12-hour driving radius, but there's other markets further out that a larger marketing campaign could reach," he added. "Any (airline) carrier would want to bring in new business and open up this area to their business."
Mike Chouri, general manager for Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, said any additional bed-tax revenue should be used to help market Northwest Florida. Walton, Okaloosa and Bay counties must reach some kind of agreement because if Walton County uses the added revenue for that purpose, "the other counties have to do the same thing."
The bed tax in Okaloosa County recently went up to 5 cents. Bay County's is now 3 cents but may increase to 5 cents.
Chouri said he is neither for nor against the tax increase.
"It just needs to be made very clear exactly where the money is going to go," he said.
Raising or diverting taxes "is not the answer to everything," Chouri added. "But if we have to do it, we have to do it right."
Lisa Bulriss, sales director at the Marriott Courtyard Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, said she believes a bed-tax increase is a good idea if it would attract more tourists.
"I think if (the bed-tax increase) was to bring in a new air carrier, that would benefit us," she said. "Any way that we can help get more people in ..."
The Walton County bed tax last was raised in 2004 from 3 cents to 4 cents. The TDC used part of the new revenue to help fund beach nourishment.
Mares said that increase initially met some opposition because residents mistakenly thought it would affect their properties.
"It is only a tax for people who come here for short-term stays in hotels or town homes or condominiums who rent them short-term," he said. "And the investment is reinvested in building more business, which is what we need to do now; more business to help restaurants, to help hotels, to help professionally managed properties and individuals who have invested in rental homes and rent them out to tourists."
Bed tax spike on table in Walton | county, tdc, business - News - Northwest Florida Daily News
SHELLYSHELLYSoWal Insider5,763 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
SHELLYSoWal Insider5,763 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider17,105 views
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Matt JMatt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGB
Matt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGBA rumor is an unverified account. Not my problem if you are choosing not to verify it. I trust both individuals to be telling me how they feel. Like anything else, I am sure it could change. But I am not going to assist the tax and spend union supporting liberals by painting targets on their backs so that pressure can be unduly focused on them.
Tax and spend liberals huh? Perhaps you can list the democrats on the BCC? Here's a quick run down:
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KurtKurtAdminSoWal2,470 postsJoined View profileMessageAdmin
KurtAdminSoWal2,470 postsJoined View profileMessageAdminAll of the money raised by the tax increase in Bay County is planned to be spent attracting an airline. Only part of the money raised in Walton County by the 1-cent increase would go toward attracting an airline. More would be spent as an investment in the area to attract additional tourists and ultimately, businesses.
Projects mentioned are a sports complex and a performing arts center. A sports complex (ball fields, swimming pool, etc.) would not only benefit local familes, but events such as a major youth soccer tournament (1st annual event currently being planned) drawing teams from across the southeast, would fill up a lot of rentals and benefit local businesses by creating additional revenue.
Such a complex would also offer the space to properly conduct even larger outdoor events throughout the year - think music festival, car show, etc.
A performing arts center has obvious benefits for culture and economic opportunities, while benefitting existing companies like the Seaside Rep.
Projects mentioned are a sports complex and a performing arts center. A sports complex (ball fields, swimming pool, etc.) would not only benefit local familes, but events such as a major youth soccer tournament (1st annual event currently being planned) drawing teams from across the southeast, would fill up a lot of rentals and benefit local businesses by creating additional revenue.
Such a complex would also offer the space to properly conduct even larger outdoor events throughout the year - think music festival, car show, etc.
A performing arts center has obvious benefits for culture and economic opportunities, while benefitting existing companies like the Seaside Rep.
TooFarTampaTooFarTampaSoWal InsiderNative of Tampa now in Boston 'burbs. Left my hear5,422 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
TooFarTampaSoWal InsiderNative of Tampa now in Boston 'burbs. Left my hear5,422 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal InsiderAll of the money raised by the tax increase in Bay County is planned to be spent attracting an airline. Only part of the money raised in Walton County by the 1-cent increase would go toward attracting an airline. More would be spent as an investment in the area to attract additional tourists and ultimately, businesses.
Projects mentioned are a sports complex and a performing arts center. A sports complex (ball fields, swimming pool, etc.) would not only benefit local familes, but events such as a major youth soccer tournament (1st annual event currently being planned) drawing teams from across the southeast, would fill up a lot of rentals and benefit local businesses by creating additional revenue.
Such a complex would also offer the space to properly conduct even larger outdoor events throughout the year - think music festival, car show, etc.
A performing arts center has obvious benefits for culture and economic opportunities, while benefitting existing companies like the Seaside Rep.
Thanks for the rundown Kurt. All of these things sound great -- especially if you are a full-timer. In the long-term, maybe it's a good idea. I'm all for sports, culture, creating a real community, etc.
But in the short term -- and this may be the very short term, we just don't know -- I will have a very hard time explaining it to the renters that I deal with directly. I am certain it will hurt property owners during a time when deep discounts seem to be in order for many of those who rent out their places.
I will have a very hard time explaining it to the renters that I deal with directly. I am certain it will hurt property owners during a time when deep discounts seem to be in order for many of those who rent out their places.
Just WOW them with this: http://thebeachfla.com/where.php
They'll understand :roll:
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TooFarTampaTooFarTampaSoWal InsiderNative of Tampa now in Boston 'burbs. Left my hear5,422 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
TooFarTampaSoWal InsiderNative of Tampa now in Boston 'burbs. Left my hear5,422 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal InsiderJust WOW them with this: Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast, Your Vacation, Hospitable Communities, Wonderful Dining Experiences, Florida
They'll understand :roll:
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They'll get it, all right, and then many of them will move on to another Beach (tm)
Matt JMatt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGB
Matt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGBGet those Beach (tm) digs in now. My understanding is that it won't be around much longer.
wrobertwrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
wrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticTax and spend liberals huh? Perhaps you can list the democrats on the BCC? Here's a quick run down:
.
Interesting that you still believe after the last eight years that the tax and spend liberals are the democrats in office.
wrobertwrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
wrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticThanks for the rundown Kurt. All of these things sound great -- especially if you are a full-timer. In the long-term, maybe it's a good idea. I'm all for sports, culture, creating a real community, etc.
But in the short term -- and this may be the very short term, we just don't know -- I will have a very hard time explaining it to the renters that I deal with directly. I am certain it will hurt property owners during a time when deep discounts seem to be in order for many of those who rent out their places.
What is to explain. You will just have to reduce your prices and allow the collective to have their share. It is for the good of the collective.
wrobertwrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
wrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticNo mention of sports complex here:
Bay County Votes "Yes" on Bed Tax Increase
and nothing here
wmbb.com - Tourist Development Council Pushes to Collect
A TDC member has mentioned it to me as a possibility and it was discussed during the election season with one commissioner candidate that I am aware of. And if the dollars were committed for such a complex, I would have to seriously rethink my position. But it does appear that the TDC is contributing $25K toward the study of a low cost airline. At least that is what I am getting from the last news story.
Bay County Votes "Yes" on Bed Tax Increase
and nothing here
wmbb.com - Tourist Development Council Pushes to Collect
A TDC member has mentioned it to me as a possibility and it was discussed during the election season with one commissioner candidate that I am aware of. And if the dollars were committed for such a complex, I would have to seriously rethink my position. But it does appear that the TDC is contributing $25K toward the study of a low cost airline. At least that is what I am getting from the last news story.
30A Skunkape30A SkunkapeSkunkyBackatown Seagrove10,329 postsJoined View profileMessageSkunky
30A SkunkapeSkunkyBackatown Seagrove10,329 postsJoined View profileMessageSkunkyAll of the money raised by the tax increase in Bay County is planned to be spent attracting an airline. Only part of the money raised in Walton County by the 1-cent increase would go toward attracting an airline. More would be spent as an investment in the area to attract additional tourists and ultimately, businesses.
Projects mentioned are a sports complex and a performing arts center. A sports complex (ball fields, swimming pool, etc.) would not only benefit local familes, but events such as a major youth soccer tournament (1st annual event currently being planned) drawing teams from across the southeast, would fill up a lot of rentals and benefit local businesses by creating additional revenue.
Such a complex would also offer the space to properly conduct even larger outdoor events throughout the year - think music festival, car show, etc.
A performing arts center has obvious benefits for culture and economic opportunities, while benefitting existing companies like the Seaside Rep.
They might buy a bunch of sexy signage, too:blink:
Bob WellsBob WellsBeach Fanatic3,380 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Bob WellsBeach Fanatic3,380 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticA rumor is an unverified account. Not my problem if you are choosing not to verify it. I trust both individuals to be telling me how they feel. Like anything else, I am sure it could change. But I am not going to assist the tax and spend union supporting liberals by painting targets on their backs so that pressure can be unduly focused on them.
Although I can count the number of times I have voted for a Democrat on one hand, I do not consider myself a liberal, more like an independent, conservative leaning individual. I vote for the person not the party. It used to be when I was a lock step Republican, I voted that way. here I am almost 50 and I have decided I will vote the person. As you have admitted you know politicians can and do change their minds. All I was suggesting is it would maybe give them an incentive to stay the course and those who oppose or support the increase would have the opportunity to encourage them to their point of view. Prior to Bay County Commissioners approving the Bed Tax increase there wer 2 who said publicly they would oppose.
Now Robert on a more personal note, it is obvious we do not agree all a lot of things and I have attempted to remain civil and will continue to. So if at anytime I have offended you, I apologize.
KurtKurtAdminSoWal2,470 postsJoined View profileMessageAdmin
KurtAdminSoWal2,470 postsJoined View profileMessageAdminNo mention of sports complex here:
Bay County Votes "Yes" on Bed Tax Increase
and nothing here
wmbb.com - Tourist Development Council Pushes to Collect
A TDC member has mentioned it to me as a possibility and it was discussed during the election season with one commissioner candidate that I am aware of. And if the dollars were committed for such a complex, I would have to seriously rethink my position. But it does appear that the TDC is contributing $25K toward the study of a low cost airline. At least that is what I am getting from the last news story.
Please re-read my post about the sports complex. There are 2 different TDCs involved - one for Bay County and one for Walton County. Bay County already has a sports complex - Frank Brown Park. The reports you posted refer to Bay County.
traderxtraderxBeach Fanatic2,133 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
traderxBeach Fanatic2,133 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticMaybe they will use the extra tax receipts to wash comforters after each rental. 😀
Know what? I am hereby on strike. I will not rent another property in Walton county. I will take my biz elsewhere. I am not (yet) a property owner down there so this is a tax on me. I am getting a little tired of the "soak the tourists" mentality. Of course, then there is the reservation fee charged by (ahem) some property managers. Boycotting them too. :angry:
Know what? I am hereby on strike. I will not rent another property in Walton county. I will take my biz elsewhere. I am not (yet) a property owner down there so this is a tax on me. I am getting a little tired of the "soak the tourists" mentality. Of course, then there is the reservation fee charged by (ahem) some property managers. Boycotting them too. :angry:
wrobertwrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
wrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticMary Brown, TDC board member said that we need to remember that this tax is not on us, it is on the tourists so we should not oppose it.
I think she is also trying to organize a tea party against unfair taxation. So much for principles.
Sonny Mares said the dollars would be used to help get a low cost, SW, airline into either Okaloosa or Bay County. Okaloosa has not shown an interest according to Sonny. According to Okaloosa they have not been asked.
Median income of tourists in Bay County is 76K, Walton is 142K, and Okaloosa is 122K, I think. Was hard to hear. Do not know why we are chasing the cheap seats. I guess Walton needs some of those adult stores on 30 A like that have on Front Beach Rd.
Not going to matter. With opposition against the corridor authority building the chances of seeing a road through Peach Creek to the Bay County Airport are going to evaporate as the St. Joe influence wanes. So any marketing that the Walton County tourist fund is just going to help fill up the cheap seats in Bay County.
I think she is also trying to organize a tea party against unfair taxation. So much for principles.
Sonny Mares said the dollars would be used to help get a low cost, SW, airline into either Okaloosa or Bay County. Okaloosa has not shown an interest according to Sonny. According to Okaloosa they have not been asked.
Median income of tourists in Bay County is 76K, Walton is 142K, and Okaloosa is 122K, I think. Was hard to hear. Do not know why we are chasing the cheap seats. I guess Walton needs some of those adult stores on 30 A like that have on Front Beach Rd.
Not going to matter. With opposition against the corridor authority building the chances of seeing a road through Peach Creek to the Bay County Airport are going to evaporate as the St. Joe influence wanes. So any marketing that the Walton County tourist fund is just going to help fill up the cheap seats in Bay County.
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