Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/140592
Sarasota News Leader June 28, 2013 Page 48 event. One firm rule would be "you … wouldn't THE CAPITAL SIDE be hurting an existing event." Returning to the concept for capital projects, "What if they're at a totally different time," Haley pointed out that state regulations govasked Commissioner Nora Patterson, who erning use of TDT revenue necessitate that chairs the TDC. only publicly owned and operated or not-forprofit owned and operated facilities could be "Good point," Haley responded. considered for financial support. Perhaps consideration should be given to an event similar to one already held during the The idea, she said, is to offer a grant applicayear as long as the new event was scheduled tion cycle every other year, with funds provided to projects costing a minimum of $50,000; at a different time, Haley said. the money would have to be used over a periTDC member Cheryl Cook, a North Port city od no longer than five years. commissioner, noted that events held in south county that might be similar to those held in north One basic tenet of that aspect of the program, Haley pointed out, also would be the restriccounty still could generate more tourist visits. A graphic shows proposed guidelines for applicants seeking funding through a new county tourism grant program. Image courtesy Visit Sarasota County