6-17-2026 TDC Agenda Packet

Tourist Development Council · 2026-06-17 · agenda_packet

[Zephyrhills Municipal Airport; case DMO26-0116] The Tourist Development Council recommended approving a Sports Event Funding Agreement with Skydive City, Inc. for the 2026 USPA National Skydiving Championships. The funding is up to $1,968.00, with $12.00 per actual room night produced in Pasco County. The event is scheduled for September 22-28, 2026, at Skydive City Zephyrhills, located at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. The event is projected to generate approximately 164 room nights. [Saddlebrook Resort; case DMO26-0117] The Tourist Development Council recommended funding from the Group Meeting Incentive Program for Alcoholic Anonymous – General Service Committee Area 15 to host their meeting at Saddlebrook Resort. The funding is up to $5,300.00, based on an anticipated 440 room nights. The meeting is scheduled for July 9-11, 2026, with over 200 attendees. [Saddlebrook Resort; case DMO26-0118] The Tourist Development Council recommended funding from the Group Meeting Incentive Program for the Blueberry Convention 2027, to be held at Saddlebrook Resort. The funding is up to $7,000.00, based on an anticipated 712 room nights (250 on peak). The convention is scheduled for October 9-16, 2027, with over 240 attendees. [case DMO26-0119] The Tourist Development Council approved an update to the Group Meeting Incentive Program (GMIP). Key changes include reducing the minimum required room nights for new meetings from 200 to 150, while maintaining 200 for returning groups. For FY2027, an annual agreement of up to $60,000.00 is recommended for Saddlebrook Resort, with a contingency fund of up to $60,000.00. Beginning in FY2027, a $10,000 annual contingency fund will be available for other lodging partners. [case DMO26-0120] Paradise Advertising & Marketing Inc. presented an update on creative and marketing initiatives, including digital campaigns, mobile units, native ads, Pinterest refreshes, blogs, and partnered sections. They also provided updates on media planning, buying, and management, including ongoing vendors like Google, Adara, Expedia, Meta, Pinterest, and DigDev. Performance metrics for 'Always On' and 'Spring/Summer' campaigns were reviewed, along with Year-to-Date digital summaries and social media performance. [case DMO26-0121] Raul Nardi, Tourism Marketing and Communications Manager, provided an update on communications, marketing, social media, website, and PR activities. [case DMO26-0122] Kayla Glazebrook, Sports & Special Events Program Coordinator, presented an update on sports tourism and special events activities. [Main Street - City of New Port Richey; case DMO26-0123] Gaby LaJeunesse, Tourism Sales Manager, provided an update on Industry Relations, Group Sales, and Film Commission affairs. The Film Commission processed one film permit for a location on Main Street in the City of New Port Richey. [case DMO26-0124] Adam Thomas, Executive Director, presented updates on the STR (Smith Travel Report) and Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenue. For April 2026, Pasco's occupancy rate was 71.0% (up from 67.1% in 2025), ADR was $139.94 (down from $140.51 in 2025), and REVPAR was $99.35 (up from $94.34 in 2025). April TDT revenues increased by 7.14% ($44,600.87) compared to April 2025, totaling $669,367.36. [case DMO26-0125] Adam Thomas, Executive Director, provided an update on the Budget Special Session Summary. Funding for VISIT FLORIDA was set at $80 million. A proposed bill regarding vacation rental advertising platforms was not included in the final budget and will be considered next session.