Politics

Okaloosa County adopts the TDD countywide expansion ordinance

On September 21, 2021, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved to adopt an ordinance and amend the Tourism Development Plan to the proposed expanded footprint. With ballots already hitting mailboxes, if voters outside of the current bed-taxing district elect to expand the tourism district from its current footprint south of the bay, the […]

Jared Williams

On September 21, 2021, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved to adopt an ordinance and amend the Tourism Development Plan to the proposed expanded footprint.

With ballots already hitting mailboxes, if voters outside of the current bed-taxing district elect to expand the tourism district from its current footprint south of the bay, the adopted ordinance will include a monetary set-aside of 12.5% of TDC revenues for all cities as an annual allotment for their tourism-related projects.

This could include parks, trails, boat launches, soccer fields and other recreational improvements that would support tourists and residents alike.
The allocation is directly tied to an interlocal agreement mentioned in the ordinance.

“I could not be more pleased with County leadership and the collaborative efforts of the municipalities within the county,” said Board Chairman Carolyn Ketchel. “Coming together for a consensus on these decisions now will positively impact the county as a whole.”

Additional changes to the ordinance include a change to in-house collection beginning January 1, 2022, which is currently collected by the Department of Revenue.

Tourist Development Tax (TDT) dollars are currently reported and remitted to the Florida Department of Revenue, which then distributes the funds to the County.
With the Local Collection Method, counties gain valuable insight and knowledge relating to where the TDT dollars are collected, which cannot be done through the current collection method.

It also updates the Tourism Development Plan to incorporate additional types of tourism such as:

Ecotourism
Sports tourism
Agritourism
And other types of tourism expected in the expansion area

The approved Ordinance and related interlocal agreements are the result of many meetings and extensive coordination between all of the local governments.

“The nine municipalities and the County came together in workshops, most recently on September 8, 2021, to achieve a consensus,” said April Sarver, Public Information Officer for Okaloosa. “Today, the municipalities have reached a general consensus of approval.”

More details on the current special election can be found at TourismWorksForOkaloosa.com.

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Public Safety

Okaloosa Corrections Chief Nolan Weeks resigns, accepts private sector position

Military

1st SOW Commander adds mental health to Hurlburt Field’s top priorities in county update

Politics

New terms start as Okaloosa officials take oaths of office across the county

Giving Back

Okaloosa County ensures proper burial for 31 individuals without family or means at memorial service

Steve Reicher commented on Okaloosa County to acquire SS United States for world’s largest artificial reef off Destin-Fort Walton Beach

“The Big U! The NMU supplied the unlicensed crew and when we lost this ship and its jobs and when U.S. Lines went bankrupt, we were on our way to...”

Respond

Lynn commented on FWB Cub Scouts fundraising to display an American flag at homes in NWFL

“Is program still available?”

William Stanley commented on Okaloosa School District unveils plans for new two-story K-8 school in Crestview

“Highschool is finna be more crowed now. We need another highschool not a middle or elementary school.”

Ken Frame commented on 80ft and 75ft former scuba dive boats to become artificial reefs off Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast

“This is bittersweet. I spent a wonderful week in Cay Sal Banks on the Pilot in 2006. I will have to go pay her a visit soon....”

Carol re commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting

“I agree with Jerome. What will this accomplish since both ends are only 4 lanes?”

Fred commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting

“The parking lot at McGuires would disappear along with the parcel that Destin purchased at the bridge.. Flooding on Okaloosa Island would close an expensive update to 98 , at...”

Bruce Johnson commented on FDOT renderings show proposed changes to Highway 98 across Okaloosa Island

“This will not make a difference for traffic passing through the center of Destin along Rt. 98. The smart option is to complete the Brooks Bridge and intersection in Ft...”

Ray Sullivan commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting

“Doesn’t it still end up with 4 lanes on either end after bridges? Seems more aesthetic than a traffic plan. Which is nice too but does it increase the function?”

LC commented on SS United States to begin final journey from Philadelphia to become the world’s largest artificial reef

“It would be a money pit let’s sink it for the tourists who we don’t have enough of so more will come”

Jerome Karnowski commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting

“Traffic moves pretty well on that stretch of 98, I don't see the need to waste the money. Maybe do something to deal with the traffic in Destin, and Mary...”