Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/301152
revenue go toward new facilities to attract additional tourists and benefit local residents. One such example is the planned expansion of the Knight Trail Park Pistol and Rifle Range, Hines said. Last month, the commissioners voted to give the Sarasota Trap, Skeet and Shooting Clays club $500,000 in TDT revenue to help pay for that project. Barbetta said the $769,500 could be better spent on facilities such as a conference cen- ter, an equestrian facility, sports venues or upgrades to the Sarasota County Fairgrounds. "Those opportunities increase additional demand for hotels and rental cars," Barbetta pointed out. He attributed record-breaking tourism this fiscal year to one of the "worst winters" up North along with Visit Sarasota County adver- tising through an existing county agreement with the Baltimore Orioles. He cited those as reasons indicating a reduced need for addi- tional tourism marketing efforts. Barbetta added that he would support a "smaller amount" but not the $769,500. Vice Chairwoman Robinson also asked that Haley and her staff members be sensitive when planning their advertising campaigns. She would like to see more promotion of South County communities such as Venice. "They've had a spike in the southern portion A graphic explains a promotional plan involving Bryant Park in New York City. Image courtesy Sarasota County Sarasota News Leader April 25, 2014 Page 15