Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/170820
Sarasota News Leader September 13, 2013 Page 45 ganization. Those are state stipulations that This new program would not provide money to "a multitude of projects" in each cywould apply, Haley explained. cle, as the arts grants program does, Haley The first funding cycle would be in the 2016 responded. Therefore, Visit Sarasota County fiscal year, she noted. staff would have greater flexibility in assisting potential applicants, she added. "You're not 'HEARTBURN' working with 30 groups like you are with the "This process is remarkably similar to the arts arts." grants funds," Robinson told Haley, "and I'm Then Robinson asked how an entity applying concerned about putting a similar process in for one of the grants would show it could creplace when we don't quite have it right with ate more tourist room nights. [those] yet." Haley explained that the concept for the capAlthough she has argued that arts organiza- ital projects funding came from a model she tions in South County have had difficulty win- and Commissioners Joe Barbetta and Nora ning the arts grants awarded each year, Rob- Patterson had learned about several years inson continued, entities in the more northern ago in Asheville, NC. The example tourism part of the county also have encountered leaders in that city provided, Haley continproblems with the application process. ued, involved expanding the city's children's A chart explains facets of a new capital project program for tourist development in Sarasota County. Image courtesy of Visit Sarasota County