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TDC recommends $57,000 match for Palma Sola Botanical Park hurricane repairs
Summary
The Manatee County Tourist Development Council unanimously recommended a $57,000 match to a Bishop Parker Foundation grant to repair hurricane damage at Palma Sola Botanical Park and to fund a reimbursement agreement with the county and the city of Anna Maria.
The Manatee County Tourist Development Council on Aug. 18 recommended that the Board of County Commissioners approve a $57,000 grant from TDC reserves to match a Bishop Parker Foundation award for exterior repairs at Palma Sola Botanical Park.
The vote matters because the TDC recommended that the county enter a reimbursement agreement that will specify the county’s $57,000 contribution and the foundation’s grant as matching funds for repairs. The council’s endorsement now goes to the Board of County Commissioners for final action.
Elliot Falcone, tourism director for Manatee County, said staff has prepared a reimbursement agreement and that the TDC’s recommendation will allow the item to move to the county commission consent agenda. Beverly (last name not specified), identified in the meeting as the park’s executive director, was present for the request.
Discussion on the ask emphasized partnership and leveraging philanthropic funding. Mayor Jean Brown urged the TDC to approve the match, saying outside funds “double the impact.” A motion to recommend the $57,000 passed unanimously.
Discussion vs. decision: the motion was a formal recommendation from the TDC to the Board of County Commissioners; no county-level disbursement was executed at the meeting and the final approval remains with the Board of County Commissioners.
Background: Falcone said the park’s building exterior sustained hurricane damage and that the Bishop Parker Foundation offered a grant contingent on matching local dollars. Staff described the $57,000 as available in the TDC budget and as intended to be part of a county reimbursement agreement with the city of Anna Maria and the park.
Next steps: staff will finalize a reimbursement agreement and, per Falcone, present it on the Board of County Commissioners’ consent agenda. The TDC’s vote was a recommendation only.
— Ending note: The TDC’s action was unanimous; the county commission vote and the finalized reimbursement agreement will determine the timing and payment schedule.
