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Sarasota News Leader May 31, 2013 Page 37 • The percentage of first-time visitors was 36.9 percent for January through March of this year, compared to 33.9 percent in the same period of 2012. In her remarks to the County Commission on May 21, Haley noted the "huge changes in the media" used to promote the area over recent years. Instead of the past reliance on television and radio, she pointed out, the trend is toward great diversity among social media outlets. Haley said research undertaken by Visit Sarasota County showed one-third of visitors used social media "as part of the decision-making process." Tourist Development Council Vice Chairman John Ryan addresses the County Commission on May 21. Photo by Norman Schimmel A pie chart shows the sources for Tourist Development Tax collections in the 2012 fiscal year. Image courtesy Sarasota County Tax Collector's Office