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Citrus County Tourist Development Council approves 2026 calendar, travel and PR spending and introduces new marketing hire
Summary
The Citrus County Tourist Development Council unanimously approved 2026 meeting dates, several staff travel authorizations and a Hayworth PR marketing proposal, and announced the hiring of marketing content manager Nick Popham. The moves aim to expand targeted outreach and shoulder‑season visitation.
The Citrus County Tourist Development Council voted unanimously on Nov. 12 to approve its 2026 meeting schedule, several travel authorizations and a new public‑relations engagement intended to expand marketing in nearby drive markets.
The council approved the 2026 meeting dates as presented, then authorized staff travel for three upcoming events: a social‑media conference in Orlando (March 2026), the ESTO marketing conference (August 2026) and an STS board meeting in Atlanta (replacement for a canceled HR summit). Michael Mankey moved the travel approvals; Max Schulman seconded and the motions carried with no recorded opposition.
The board also approved a proposal from Hayworth PR to expand the TDC’s content and consumer media work. Staff described the Hayworth plan as a two‑part effort: roughly $20,000 for content development and creator fees and about $20,500 for consumer media, events and promotions aimed at pulling nearby drive markets such as Ocala and Tampa into Citrus County’s shoulder seasons. Michael Mankey moved to accept the Hayworth proposal and Lou Anne Jacobs seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
At the meeting the TDC announced it has hired Nick Popham as marketing content manager. Popham, formerly with Bay News 9, said he is “excited to explore more of Citrus County” and will focus on photography, social content and promotions timed with the upcoming manatee season. “I’m really excited to get out there and start putting together content not only for our pages, but to highlight the businesses around too,” Popham said.
Why this matters: The combined approvals expand staff capacity for promotion and add a PR contract aimed at converting exposure into overnight stays and spending. Board members and staff said the Hayworth scope and travel plans are intended to increase bookings during slower months and to refine outreach to higher‑spending visitor segments.
Next steps: Several of the budget transfers and any contract authorizations tied to county funds will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval; staff indicated items that require BOCC action will be prepared for its December meeting timeline. The council noted a Partners in Tourism (PIT) meeting scheduled for Nov. 19 and said staff will use that meeting to continue planning activations and implementation.
