Tourism council approves funding for several events, denies two reconsiderations

The Flagler County Tourist Development Council on Thursday approved discretionary funding for a range of local events intended to bring overnight stays, and denied two reheard grant applications that had been returned to the council by the Board of County Commissioners.

At a rehearing for a $1,250 regional drive-market application, Sarah Eulis, chair of the Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade, described the parade as "a fixture of Palm Coast" with 47 registered boats last year and a broad out-of-area audience that she said generates overnight stays and restaurant and retail spending. Amy (Tourism Development Office staff) confirmed the event appears on the office event calendar and is promoted through multiple channels. After discussion about reach and promotional value, a motion "to not approve" the grant was made and seconded; the board voted to deny the reconsideration.

Steve Canfield, president of the Flagler Sports and Conservation Association, requested $2,000 from the overnight-stay fund for the 2020 Cowboy Fast Draw Association Florida State Championship and said the club expected about 60 competitors and an estimated 165 room nights. The chair said there was no motion to approve, and recorded "hearing no motion, the request is denied." Pam Walker defended her prior 'no' vote and said the council currently has no formal appeal process: "There's no way to appeal a decision at this present time," she said.

Votes at a glance: • Paddle Florida / Bridal Florida (Bridal Florida & Flagler Coastal Experience): $4,000 — Approved unanimously (discretionary marketing/event support). • Sheriff's Posse Adventure Racing (Expedition Florida): $1,000 — Approved unanimously (discretionary support). • Great Pumpkin Shootout Lacrosse (Bridal Crown Sports): bid items C & D — Approved (passed with 3 votes and 3 abstentions due to hotelier recusals). • Sisters Across America Invitational Tournament and Conference: $2,200 — Approved (one abstention). • American Golf Championships (national junior event): $15,000 — Approved unanimously. • Jacksonville Area Golf Association First Coast Amateur: $4,000 — Approved unanimously. • Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade (regional drive grant) $1,250 — Reconsideration denied. • Cowboy Fast Draw Florida State Championship — Overnight-stay $2,000 request denied on no-motion.

Board members discussed recusal rules where hotel managers were listed as conflicted on host-hotel items and proceeded to approve items where a quorum remained. Several approvals were standard reimbursable-contract awards, where event organizers spend eligible expenses and submit for reimbursement under contract guidelines.

The council also noted staff will refine the grant program and consider an appeal or scoring process during an upcoming strategic-planning session.