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TDC pledges $30,000 host fee to bring Bassmaster College Series to Okeechobee in January 2026
Summary
The Tourist Development Council unanimously approved a $30,000 host fee to bring the Bassmaster College Series to Okeechobee in January 2026 and reviewed outcomes from this year's Bassmaster Elite event.
The Okeechobee County Tourist Development Council voted unanimously to provide a $30,000 host fee to secure the Bassmaster College Series for January 2026.
Tourism staff said the college event typically generates family attendance and additional lodging nights compared with other tournaments, and that Bassmaster listed deliverables including social-media mentions and complimentary meeting space; Bassmaster waived a request for 48 nights of complimentary lodging in recognition of the county’s constraints. Staff noted site logistics the county will provide, including restroom facilities, waste management and ice deliveries.
The council also reviewed the March 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series visit, which staff said brought more than 10,000 attendees over final weigh-in days, large broadcast and digital impressions and positive commentary about improving lake conditions. Staff estimated the Elite host fee was $50,000 plus additional Bass Bash costs (approximately $20,000 budgeted for Bass Bash, not all necessarily spent) and said a full financial report would be provided at a future meeting.
Action: The council approved the $30,000 host fee for Bassmaster College Series (January 2026) and authorized staff to proceed under existing spending authority for ancillary expenses.
