1.

Welcome

  Ford called meeting to order at 4:45 p.m. 

   2.

Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance/ Roll Call

  Simpkins led into invocation and Pledge of allegiance. Clerk did Roll Call.

   3.

Regular Meeting

 Chair stated adding the following items to item 3.c.: Wild Game Cook-Out, ABC 27 Neighborhood Tour Sponsorship, Marketing Funds Request Requirement Update

Patel/ Dubree 6-0

  3.a.

Approval of Minutes – May 5, 2025 Regular Meeting

  Robinson/ Williams 6-0

 3.b.

Discussion of FY 25/26 Budget

  Lewis stated they have for review the budget for FY 25/26.

  Simpkins stated had concerns about the tourist piece and asked about the 30k for the marketing firm. Fillyau appeared through Zoom and stated the 30k was not an increase, it was already there.  

Simpkins stated based on what she read, that was an increase.

Hall stated Go Daddy website fee is not included with them. That was separate from Medium4

  Robinson asked if medium4 could provide itemized breakdown for their 150k

  Chair stated they could ask the Clerk for summary of how money was spent.

  Robinson stated has no issue with 150k 

  Simpkins went down list of items under 150k; Hall stated the $500 and the$300 was not included in their budget.

  Robinson asked about tourism tax and amount they started with; Lewis stated will get back with her on that answer.

  Baptiste mentioned Clerk issue with mega reunions  

  Simpkins stated she focuses on return on investment; she questions if some of these events are really bringing in tourism to this county.   

  Baptiste stated there was several expenditures that raised concerns with Clerk’s office. He did not want them to approve things that gets rejected by the Clerk. He has not issued opinion yet on treasure hunt that was funded by TDC.

  Robinson asked if they approve budget, are items in red set in stone. Chair stated they could always move line items.

  Baptiste stated there is no deadline to adopt budget.  

  Dubree motion to table budget and schedule workshop/ Simpkins 6-0

  3.c.

Discussion and Action Marketing Funds and Event Grant Requests

2025 UF/IFAS Garden & Farm Fall Festival

 Lewis presented above item.

  Dubree motion to approve event at silver level/ Patel 6-0

  Robinson asked Lewis to create survey from this event

  Baptiste asked if this was line itemed.

Chair asked to make sure all these events are line itemed.    

  Lewis stated to bring this back in workshop

National Crappie Trail

  Lewis stated this event was asking for sponsorship of 5k.

   Simpkins motion to sponsor at gold level $650/ Robinson 6-0

Visit Fl- Destination Marketing Organization Partnership

  Lewis stated this was renewal for this FY. 

 Simpkins/ Dubree 6-0

Havana History & Heritage Society, Inc.

  Lewis stated wanted to make sure this was an authorized expenditure and it looks like it is. 

Simpkins/ Robinson 6-0

Wild Game Cook-Out

  Simpkins stated received this request from 31^st Annual Across the Track Cookout.

  Robinson asked how do they verify it would be beneficial to county; Simpkins stated they could do a survey, QR code.

  Dubree motion to provide $650 used for marketing and ads/ Williams 6-0 

ABC 27 Neighborhood Tour Sponsorship

  Lewis stated this was for marketing.

  Dubree motion to not sponsor event/ Patel 6-0   

Marketing Funds Request Requirement Update

  3.d.

Annual Performance Review and Impact Report – First Year Achievements

  Chair went on to item 3.d.

  Dubree motion to approve first phase/ Patel 6-0

  3.e.

Review and Approval of Contract Renewal – Research & Development Investment for Strategic Tourism Marketing Expansion

   4.

Next Scheduled Meetings

   Chair stated to meet at least every Monday

Hall advised to meet before thanksgiving.

Next meeting on Nov. 12 4:30 p.m.

  5.

Adjournment

Chair adjourned meeting at 7:26 p.m.