The Citrus County Tourist Development Council convened on November 13, 2024, to discuss various initiatives aimed at promoting local tourism and enhancing community engagement through innovative media strategies.

The meeting began with a presentation from a representative of 44 Tackle, who shared insights from their recent pilot project involving a web series focused on fishing and local businesses. The series, which consists of nine episodes currently airing on YouTube, has received positive feedback, showcasing the team's travels and experiences at Bassmaster Elite Series events. The representative highlighted the potential for future growth, particularly with plans to present at the upcoming Bassmaster Classic in Fort Worth, Texas, where they aim to attract a larger audience compared to traditional industry events like ICAST.

In addition to the web series, the representative announced plans to launch a new podcast-style series that will spotlight local businesses in Citrus County. This initiative aims to educate viewers about the businesses and their contributions to the community, with a goal of producing 12 episodes in the first year. The representative emphasized the importance of networking within the fishing industry and maintaining a strong online presence, despite recent challenges with social media accounts.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the importance of leveraging digital platforms to enhance tourism efforts in Citrus County. The council expressed interest in exploring new opportunities to promote local attractions and businesses, ensuring that the community continues to thrive as a destination for visitors. Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to innovative marketing strategies and community collaboration to boost tourism in the region.