Florida bed tax rules tighten county oversight and uses
State law requires a nine member Tourist Development Council chaired by the county commission leader, with two city officials and three hotel sector reps plus three tourism industry members not taxed. The council drafts a spending plan for a bed tax funded projects or tourism promotion. Up to half may now go to beach maintenance and renourishment. The levy exists in 17 of Florida counties.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
County Commission
TDC
Ed Gillen
Holiday Surf and Raquet
Fort Walton Beach
Melvin
Gary Alden
Emerald Coast Tourist Development Council
Alden
Funk
Destin bed tax debate splits officials and chambers
Officials differ on a bed tax referendum amid debate over public education and impact on tourism. Destin chamber plans to mail 654 member questionnaires to gauge stance, while local leaders predict mixed votes and emphasize using revenues for roads, bridges, and beach projects.
Firestone to Speak at Okaloosa Library Reception
Florida Secretary of State George Firestone will speak at a reception on Tuesday September 24 at 7 p.m. in the Robert L F Sikes Public Library. The event is sponsored by the Okaloosa Democratic Club and Crestview Downtown Development Board. Firestone has pushed for arts funding and teacher raises. Q&A to follow. The event is free and open to the public.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Florida
George Firestone
Robert L.F. Sikes Public Library
Okaloosa
Impasse in Okaloosa County Teacher Contract Talks
Okaloosa County teachers union declares negotiations at an impasse and a federal mediator is appointed to meet with teachers and School Board representatives on Monday September 30. The board offers a 2.61 percent wage increase while teachers seek 9.5 percent. Wages are the main obstacle.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Okaloosa County
Teachers’ Union
School Board of
Erwin Land
Land
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Destin Chamber of Commerce
Chamber
Bob Lloyd
Destin
Lloyd
Destin Chamber
The
Log
Firestone
Uniglobe
Cace
Norred Plaza
Uniglobe Travel (International) Inc
Uniglobe Travel International Inc
U.S.A
Aianeat Y
Software Dynamics Inc
Heidi Maclin
G Beal
HSA Gulf Coast Hospital
Gulf Coast Hospital
Mar Wali Drive
Pensacola
Walton
Warren Eke
Hans
Seagram
Seagram’s Gin
Seagram’s
SKOL
Taylor
California Cellars
Chablis
Burgandy
Rhine
Rose
LOS Hermanos
Andre
Harvey’s Bristol Cream
Georges Duboeuf
Saint Veran
Beaujolais
Beaujolais Blanc
Lejon Champagne
Keri
Molson’s
Golden and Light
Old Milwaukee
Pensacola FT. Walton Beach
N. Eglin Pkwy
Mariner Plaza
Cinco Bayou
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