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TDC approves $13,764 to relocate Crystal River weather camera; member recuses
Summary
The Citrus County Tourist Development Council voted 5-0 on March 12 to cover a $13,764 balance to relocate a WFLA weather camera to Paddletail Lodge. Dr. Paresh Desai disclosed ownership interest in the host property and did not participate in the vote.
The Citrus County Tourist Development Council on March 12 approved spending $13,764 from its special projects fund to relocate the Discover Crystal River weather camera to Paddletail Lodge and restore a live feed on WFLA.
A staff member told the council the initial commitment for a weather-camera sponsorship was $24,480, of which the county has already paid its portion. Paddletail Lodge committed just under $13,000, leaving a $13,764 shortfall that the TDC voted to cover so the camera could be reinstalled and the accompanying media package activated.
The camera sponsorship includes a 30-second commercial produced at no additional cost, rotating banner placements on the station's weather and news apps, and other marketing exposure. The staff member said WFLA limits the program to 14 cameras and that moving the camera to Paddletail would likely increase sunset views and overall impressions.
Board members discussed the percentage split of exposure tied to contributions. Staff said the previous host, Plantation, paid roughly 70 percent of the sponsorship and that under the new arrangement the county would take on the larger share and negotiate exposure percentages with Paddletail and Miles Media as part of the formal contract.
Chair Commissioner Holly Davis opened the motion to proceed with the plan. The motion was made by Max Schulman and seconded by Chris Ensing. Dr. Paresh Desai disclosed that he owns Paddletail Lodge and did not participate in the vote. The motion carried 5-0.
Terry, a staff member, said the $13,000 would be added to the county's media plan and that Miles Media would handle the contract and negotiation of advertising percentages. The council asked staff to consult the county attorney about whether Dr. Desai needs to complete a formal recusal or conflict-of-interest form.
The TDC's special projects account was referenced repeatedly as the funding source; a board member noted the account holds roughly $2.5 million and suggested the county could fund a larger share in future years to make the camera purely a county asset. Staff said next fiscal-year budgeting would be the appropriate time to revisit a full county-owned arrangement.
Motion details and next steps were limited to staff contract negotiations and attorney review; the council did not approve any change in policy about camera sponsorship splits or future ownership at this meeting.
