STORY by STEVE TRAIMAN
“The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce is known as the Tourism Chamber in Pinellas County,” Robin Miller, President & CEO, TBBC, told Paradise News. “We have grown to be the “go to” organization as it relates to the industry. In many ways we are sought after for our deep knowledge, not only regarding legislative policy within Tourism but also our deep roots with leaders in the community and businesses.”
“We attend many tourism conferences each year to keep up with business trends and stay informed as the industry struggles to educate constituents on the advantages tourism gives to every citizen of Florida.
“Members of our organization are always asked to get involved and speak up to spread the word of how vital this industry is to us. We do not have a state income tax because of the economic impact of tourism.
“Our annual Chamber National Tourism Week Luncheon is Friday, May 10th, preceded by a Business Expo from 11 am to noon at the TradeWinds Island Grand, 550 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Our speaker is Todd Skelton with Trip Advisor, who will discuss reputation management and its impact locally. We will also have Leroy Bridges with Visit St. Pete / Clearwater demonstrating the new reporting tool that has launched to give better insights to our industry.”
For details and registration, go online to: https://web.tampabaybeaches.com/events/2019-Tourism-Luncheon-5565/details
Preserve ‘VISIT FLORIDA”
“For residents, the value of marketing the Sunshine State is critical,” emphasized Doug Izzo, TBBC Government Affairs Director. “VISIT FLORIDA is essential in bringing visitors to our state who generate 23% of our sales tax revenue, create 1.4 million jobs, support small business and boost our local economy with $108.8 billion in economic impact. VISIT FLORIDA’s existence is necessary to maintain Florida’s number one industry, create jobs, keep taxes low for residents.
According to The Economic Impact of Out-of-State Visitors in Florida, out-of-state tourism generated $11.6 billion in state and local taxes. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates there were more than 7.5 million Florida households from 2013 to 2017. This equates to that annual tax savings of $1,549 per household. Furthermore, residents alone are not enough to support our quality of life. We need our visitors to support all of the wonderful shops, restaurants and attractions we locals love so much.
“For the past couple of years, VISIT FLORIDA has been under attack. Every year, state lawmakers convene at the capitol for the 60-day legislative session from March to May, except during election years. During those 60 days, lawmakers pass laws and set the state’s budget. Advocating for VISIT FLORIDA has been and continues to be a priority for our Chamber. In prior years, we advocated for VISIT FLORIDA to receive full funding and also advocated against legislation that would restrict the organization to a point that would render it ineffective. This year, our advocacy efforts are similar and we support Governor Ron DeSantis’ request to reauthorize VISIT FLORIDA and fund at $76 million.
“VISIT FLORIDA was set to sunset October 1, 2019. Governor DeSantis prioritized reauthorizing VISIT FLORIDA and funding at $76 million; the same funding level as prior years. The Florida Senate supported reauthorizing VISIT FLORIDA for eight years with $50 million in funding; $26 million short of the governor’s request. The Florida House did not support reauthorizing VISIT FLORIDA and proposed $19 million in funding; keeping it funded until the October 1, 2019, sunset date.
The House and Senate finally agreed to fund VISIT FLORIDA until June 2020 at $50 million; $26 million less than requested by Governor DeSantis. The budget will be sent to the Governor for final approval.
“Florida is not only competing with other states and countries, but more specifically, world class destinations. Funding VISIT FLORIDA is an investment in our state with an ROI to prove it. For every $1 invested in VISIT FLORIDA, $2.15 is brought back to our state. The elimination of VISIT FLORIDA or even a reduction in funding puts Florida at a competitive disadvantage in the global marketplace.
“For example, VISIT FLORIDA is critical for crisis management., responding promptly to disasters such as oil spills, hurricanes, red tide blooms, Zika outbreaks, etc. Their response to the 2010 oil spill emphasized Florida beaches are clean, our local seafood is safe and that ‘Florida is open for business.’ VISIT FLORIDA also plays a role during hurricane season, providing information on lodging availability to displaced families, first responders and utility crews. Then, after communities were up and running, the agency worked diligently with local destination marketing organizations to spread the message, ‘Florida is open for business.’ Additionally, VISIT FLORIDA recently restructured its leadership and accentuated its civic responsibilities as a public-private agency to be efficient and transparent.
“Dana Young, former State Senator and current VISIT FLORIDA CEO, stated “The Florida Legislature shouldn’t cut VISIT FLORIDA’s budget and risk a significant drop in tourism dollars. VISIT FLORIDA fully funded at $76 million is a smart investment. A cut in funding could place a heavier tax burden on Florida citizens and strain state budget revenue. The Legislature should reauthorize and fully fund VISIT FLORIDA at $76 million.”
Izzo urged, “Your voice counts so please contact your local Representative and Senator and urge each of them to fully fund VISIT FLORIDA in 2020!”
Local Officials’ Comments
St. Pete Beach Mayor Al Johnson told Paradise News, “Our City’s only industry is tourism, the foundation of which is our resort hotels. We are fortunate to have the largest resort operation on Florida’s West coast along with several other internationally recognized resort destinations located in the heart of our city with its low-key beach town character.” It’s a unique balance between a residential beach town and international resort destination.
The scope of our tourist industry is evident in the fact that St. Pete Beach is second only to Clearwater Beach generating the most “bed tax” in the County!
“Many of our large and small hotels are in need of redevelopment, but are stalled because of a moratorium on building multi-unit developments until our sewer system is modified to increase capacity. Several resorts have remodeled and have plans for redevelopment when the moratorium is lifted. Detailed design on the sewer improvements is in process and construction should start late this year with completion in early 2021.
“In conjunction with that construction, the most significant project, the TradeWinds Sugar Sands originally approved in April 2017 and cancelled because of a lawsuit, may be viable again. Several of our smaller, early ‘50’s vintage hotels are looking to rebuild and increase in capacity as well. Several multi-use projects are also in the planning stages – the East and West ends of Corey Ave. being the most talked about. Any of these projects can be approved and begin construction after sewer construction begins, and start operation once the sewer work is complete. “Without our tourist industry St. Pete Beach would not be the city that it is, with its numerous shops, restaurants and other facilities – they are supported by the residents, but would not exist without our visitors! We are working hard to get our infrastructure upgraded to handle it all.”
For Treasure Island, City Manager Gary Brumback told Paradise News, “Tourism is a substantial part of our economy and allows us to provide a high level of service while keeping taxes low. Our beach is the cornerstone of the tourist industry as well as the reason many of our residents live here. “We continue to be proud of our big beach and small town feel. While the beach has many resort hotels, tourists keep our restaurants and shops flourishing.” Treasure Island is also known as the “Sand Sculpture Capital of Florida” for its annual hosting of the Sanding Ovations Master Cup Sand Sculpting Competition & Music Festival, with the 11th annual event Nov. 20-24, 2019. At least 10 master sculptors from North America, Europe and Asia, will create astonishing works of art using nothing but sand, water and lots of their own imagination.
With record attendance last year, it is one of the biggest free annual tourist events on the Gulf Beaches. “Our city of Madeira Beach continues to be one of the top destinations in Pinellas County because of our beaches, our small-town atmosphere, and a multitude of attractions,” City Manager Jonathan Evans told Paradise News.
“Ready, set, relax is not just a marketing phrase here; it really is how people spend their time in Madeira Beach. From the 38th annual Seafood Festival at John’s Pass Village to free movies on the beach at sunset, we offer so many ways to just relax and enjoy yourself.
“On the government side our focus for the next few years is on infrastructure, specifically road and stormwater improvements. This year we’re starting with a $15 million investment on Crystal Island. Working together with county and state officials, we will push forward with other improvement projects including undergrounding our utilities and making sure our primary evacuation routes are maintained to the highest possible standards. “Lastly, one of our biggest revenue generators is parking, but we cannot continue to keep all of our eggs in that basket. We need to diversify by seeking out other opportunities in the tourism, economic development, and retail sectors. Our mission is clear provide exceptional services to our residents, businesses, and visitors while respecting the values that make Madeira Beach one of the most popular beach destination communities on the Gulf Coast.” PN
[Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Robin Miller, CEO/President, and Doug Izzo, Government Affairs Director, Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce; SPB Mayor Al Johnson, Treasure Island City Manager Garry Brumback; and Madeira Beach City Manager Jonathan Evans, for their excellent comments.]
[Feature Writer Steve Traiman is President of Creative Copy by Steve Traiman in St. Pete Beach, offering freelance business writing services. He can be reached via email at traimancreativecopy@gmail.com ]