TDC staff report strategic-plan tasks, propose outsourcing digital media buying; note occupancy dip linked to Dorian

Amy (tourism staff member) updated the council on internal organizational changes related to the TDC strategic plan, upcoming policy items and the latest tourism performance numbers. She said staff met individually to revise job descriptions and that the office plans an internal reorganization; new positions will be posted through human resources. Amy said she is pursuing a vendor to outsource digital media buying and will seek BOCC approval on Dec. 2. She also said the capital project will appear on next month's agenda and the special-event grant application and policies will be presented in January. On performance, Amy reported overall year-end numbers were roughly flat and said September occupancy was down about 20% in Flagler County following Hurricane Dorian; she compared that to declines of 26% in Volusia County, 21% in Nassau County and 12% in St. Johns County. Amy also read a thank-you letter praising Craig's hosting of Paddle Florida and noted site visits with the Florida Sports Foundation were scheduled at Hammock Beach Resort and Marineland. She said staff are managing several special projects including a public-art turtle project with a February museum event and that more hires are planned to relieve a stretched staff. The council did not take formal action; members complimented staff for the workload and asked that hiring proceed quickly.