The Columbia County Tourist Development Council on a voice vote approved a funding request recorded in the transcript as "35100" to support a visiting 7‑on‑7 football tournament series, and members discussed an expanding sports events calendar and documentation requirements for reimbursement.

The funding request, presented to the council as a promotion and advertising reimbursement for an out‑of‑town promoter expected to bring multiple traveling teams, was approved after staff described anticipated hotel room nights, local spending and a submission requirement for documentation before funds are released.

Chris Coleman, a TDC staff member, explained the tournament format and scale and said the promoters already had about 20 teams signed and expected 40–60 teams for the March event. "They're definitely motivated, definitely pushing," Coleman said, adding promoters had begun securing hotel room blocks and would promote the county on marketing materials. Michelle Moore, the council's marketing coordinator, confirmed that event promoters must submit documentation after the event to receive reimbursement.

Board discussion emphasized the TDC's longstanding reimbursement practice. One board member said the TDC does not simply cut a check and that promoters must turn in paperwork to receive funds. A member of the public who identified themself during public comment questioned why promoters did not appear before the board to request funds in person, saying, "Why weren't the people here requesting on the board to make a presentation and asking for the money?" That comment prompted brief discussion about the process and the staff role in outreach.

Council members and staff also reviewed a slate of upcoming sports and nontraditional events that staff said are under development or discussion, including additional 7‑on‑7 tournaments, adult softball tournaments, a golf event potentially bringing approximately 80 golfers, lacrosse, Spartan races and regional road rallies. Board members and staff discussed opportunities to spread events across county venues (including Fort White and South Columbia) and the need to ensure facilities and parking can support boat trailers, RVs and tournament logistics for some event types.

The board approved the funding request as a reimbursement grant; staff and board members reiterated that payment is conditional on submission of required documentation and that some promoters in the past did not receive funds when they failed to provide paperwork.

Votes at a glance
- Motion: Approve sports funding request listed in the packet as "35100" for an out‑of‑town 7‑on‑7 tournament (advertising/reimbursement). Outcome: approved (voice vote). Vote details: not specified in transcript.
- Motion: Election/nomination of Ricky Jernigan as vice chair. Outcome: approved (voice vote). Vote details: not specified in transcript.

Ending
Board members asked staff to continue outreach to schools, Gateway College and potential local partners, and to route future promoter documentation and event sponsorship materials through the TDC office for review before payment. No additional conditions beyond the reimbursement documentation requirement were recorded in the transcript.