“Commission Brannon doesn’t speak for the entire board of county commissioners and you would have to get further clarification from him as to what he meant on the specific quote,” said Chris Mitchell, Walton County’s public information officer. “I do represent what the board says, and what the board has said is in the resolution.”
The evolution of this "airport" stinks to high heaven. Starting with the developers lobbying congress to get VPS closed down to this County Commissioner playing lapdog to the same...and these are just the cocka-roaches we've seen.
Me thinks this airport isn't a reflection of the character and integrity that is at the heart of Southwest airline's corporate culture. They're fooling themselves if they think LUV isn't fully aware of what's going on out there.
__________________ But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop.(Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)
Dawn Moliterno, president of the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, also attended Wednesday’s airport authority meeting. She said Brannon did not tell the board the tax would be used only for Bay County.
“He was absolutely misquoted on this,” Moliterno wrote in an e-mail to the Daily News. “In fact, the authority was trying to get him to make that pledge and he wouldn't do it. Scott said the tax was to be used to bring a low-cost carrier (Southwest) to the region — regardless of which airport it may choose to serve.”
---------------------------------------------- Mr. Cramer: Are the funds designated for low-cost carrier in general, or low-cost carrier at our
new airport?
Mr. Brannon: The funds, I believe, are designated for low-cost for the, for a low-cost carrier in general. I’m not sure exactly if it’s, you know, my understanding is we’re in a partnership with you guys trying to get this, I don’t know how the wording of the Resolution is, but it was designated. There’s some questions to make sure that it went specifically for, not to undermine any of our other promotional or tourism, you know, endeavors on our driving market, but it was specifically for the airline and to the need to know and the need for the transportation of the future airport, so. I hope that answers your question.
Mr. Cramer: With all due respect, I don’t think it did. I’m not being disrespectful, I think it’s a great idea and I love
Mr. Brannon: Well I didn’t understand your question. What was your?
Mr. Cramer: Well, the TDC bed tax, which was approved and authorized by the County Commission,
Mr. Brannon: Yes sir.
Mr. Cramer: Was for a low-cost air carrier. But my question is was the, for a low-cost air carrier designated for a specific airport or was it for a low-cost carrier at, say several different airports, or is it going to go to more than, to one specific airport or how is the money to be
designated?
Mr. Brannon: Well, I think the Resolution was in the region, is the way the Resolution read. I think that, now to the particulars of how that, the intention was, <shoulda stopped here, fool> I believe, to partner with this effort. I know there are other efforts going on in the region, <that being VPS as per the resolution> but as evident I think of you guys coming over and meeting with the other commissioners, I think that the Board of County Commissioners support of the Bay County International Airport is evident in that. <ZINGO! Whoops, there it is!>
Mr. Cramer: Thank you.
Mr. McKenzie: From your standpoint, that issue is put to rest, as to
Mr. Brannon: Yes sir.
Mr. Tannehill: Okay, good.
Mr. Brannon: Thank you.
-----------------------------------------------
From the exchange above, it's clear Brannon was the class Valedictorian from the Sarah Palin School of Political-Speak
.
.
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Airport Authority Chairman Joe Tannehill said Monday that Bay County should know by December whether Southwest Airlines is coming to the new Northwest Florida-Panama City International Airport.
“I haven’t been told a specific date and I haven’t asked them for a specific date,” said Tannehill, who has been intimately involved in negotiations with Southwest and other low-cost carriers in advance of the new airport’s May 2010 opening.
“But we know that if they are coming anywhere in the Panhandle, they have to have it resolved by December for their own business reasons,” he said. “They would want to begin selling tickets after the first of the year.”
Tannehill on Monday also left open whether Airport Authority members would revisit the issue of the airport’s new name, which was chosen last week.
“We are taking all of this under advisement,” he said. “We may or may not take it up again.”
Two members of the Panama City Beach City Council, as well as Panama City Beach Mayor Gayle Oberst and County Commissioner Mike Thomas, have sent e-mails expressing unhappiness with the airport’s new designation.
“It is with regret that I learned the name that was selected for the newest airport in Florida,” Oberst wrote. “I sincerely hope that you will reconsider and chose a name that is truly regional in nature and scope.”
Councilmen Rick Russell and Bobby Bolton sent similar e-mails, as did Thomas, who wrote the new name was “a slap in the face” to people throughout the region who have worked to make the airport a reality.
“It is bigger than Panama City, it is bigger than Bay County, and the airport’s name should not represent any one region,” Thomas wrote.
The current airport’s name is the Panama City-Bay County International Airport.
Tannehill was hesitant to reveal much about current negotiations with potential low-cost carriers such as Southwest, including deadlines or potential airport inducements.
“I know that they are working on it,” he said of Southwest’s efforts to make a decision, “and I am hopeful.
“The whole reason for this new airport has been to bring more flights in here, and cheaper flights in here,” he said. “If we can do that, then all of this will be worth it.”
Groups in Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach have been very vocal vying to snag Southwest, with some private businesses and individuals banding together to offer money and in-kind services, including more than 400 pledges in Okaloosa County.
Tannehill said Monday he thought the more low-key approach by Bay County officials would be more effective.
Dan Rowe, the executive director of the Bay County Tourist Development Council, indicated in August that an announcement by a low-cost carrier, including Southwest, might come in October. “We are in the 11th hour,” board member Andy Phillips agreed at that time. “We are very, very close.”
Tannehill admitted there had been some “consternation” both locally and regionally over the airport’s new name, including those in Okaloosa County who thought the “Northwest” part of the name was too similar to that county’s Northwest Florida Regional Airport.
If it's been touted as an international/regional airport from it's infancy, why cling to the Panama City part of the name? If the airport wants to distinguish itself from the same old same old slogans of the past, why not call it The Emerald Coast International Airport. This seems like a no-brainer: a unique, interesting, inviting, progressive change from the blandness that has been the norm. Come on, guys!
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Albuquerque calls its airport Sunport. We could call it Sunport South. I'm not sure there's anyone all that famous around here, nor historical. Do people really have a problem with "Emerald Coast"?
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Airport Authority members, like parents of the new $318 million airport being birthed out near West Bay, are fielding criticism and suggestions about naming the new child from relatives both near and far.
The Bay County Tourist Development Council weighed in Tuesday on the growing controversy, approving a resolution asking the Airport Authority to revisit the issue, and suggesting the name Northwest Florida International Airport.
“I just think this is a lot simpler,” said TDC member Mike Nelson, referring to the name. Nelson, who also sits on the County Commission, said he thought Authority members were still open to a name change.
Authority members voted last week to name the new facility the Northwest Florida-Panama City International Airport, a designation that has so far drawn criticism from local and regional observers, including some Okaloosa County officials who say the moniker is too similar to the Northwest Florida Regional Airport in their county.
By Friday, Panama City Beach officials, including Mayor Gayle Oberst, councilmen Rick Russell and Bobby Bolton, and County Commissioner Mike Thomas, who represents the Panama City Beach area, had fired off e-mails also protesting the new name, apparently over the “Panama City” portion.
Oberst and Russell, also members of the TDC, did not attend Tuesday’s meeting. Thomas attended the meeting but declined to comment when asked by board members.
TDC Executive Director Dan Rowe told members the TDC funded an Internet survey showing that Northwest Florida International Airport was the top choice by out-of-state participants in the study, the results of which have been shared with Airport Authority members.
The next choice had been Emerald Coast International Airport, Rowe said.
TDC member Yonnie Patronis said it was important to show the airport belonged to all communities in the region, while member Gary Walsingham said he hoped the new name would not cause any “hostility” among the various communities who will use the facility.
I almost spewed coffee, DCFinSCB!!! That there is funny, and true!
Commissioner Jones (the girl) led the Board of County Commissioners' opening prayer last night and specifically mentioned Southwest Airlines, something like, "and let's pray that SouthWest Airlines lands where it will." I was rather shocked and surprised.
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I agree it will be interesting to see what names they come up with.
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I almost spewed coffee, DCFinSCB!!! That there is funny, and true!
Commissioner Jones (the girl) led the Board of County Commissioners' opening prayer last night and specifically mentioned Southwest Airlines, something like, "and let's pray that SouthWest Airlines lands where it will." I was rather shocked and surprised.
I think she said, "Let it land where You (God) wants it."
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I bet if you put a poll for the five names being kicked around it would be 85% plus for Emerald Coast International Airport. Hey Kurt what do ya think about putting one on this thread ?? Im sure you don't have anythink better to do.
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"We have had no good comic operas of late, because the real world has been more comic than any possible opera." - The Quotable Chesterton
That's all good, but filling up the airport and leaving less room for Southwest doesn't strike me as a good move.
Pensacola is in the midst of an expansion of their airport and Southwest only buzzes in and buzzes out--no need to keep a bunch of jets sitting on the tarmac overnight.
...granted there will be PLENTY of room at NorthwestFloridaPanamaCityInternationalAirport--but I think Southwest will be more interested in filling up their seats on the planes and less interested in whether passengers have room to stretch out across 4 empty seats in the lounges.
__________________ But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop.(Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)
It gets confusing. Do I read correctly that Walton County Commissioner Scott Brannon says that the additional money being taxed to bring in a low cost carrier wasn't specifically for the NWFLPCIA? I was at the BCC meeting when the BCC approved the tax, and there seemed to be no question that it was specifically for the new airport. They had pitched it that Bay County had also contributed. If this Brannon is correct, then Walton County would be helping reduce those fairs even in P'cola.
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It gets confusing. Do I read correctly that Walton County Commissioner Scott Brannon says that the additional money being taxed to bring in a low cost carrier wasn't specifically for the NWFLPCIA? I was at the BCC meeting when the BCC approved the tax, and there seemed to be no question that it was specifically for the new airport. They had pitched it that Bay County had also contributed. If this Brannon is correct, then Walton County would be helping reduce those fairs even in P'cola.
The resolution that was passed specifically states "supporting low cost air service into the region at either Okaloosa County Airport or Bay County Airport."
If Southwest flies into Pensacola, I'm sure there will be many area visitors that will be making the journey to and from PNS to save the extra bucks.
After hearing the dismal Southwest Conference Call about their $16 million net loss for the last quarter; the fact that they cut 10 percent of their most unprofitable and least popular flights in the past year; and their plans to cut fourth-quarter capacity 8 percent; I don't think they'd take a chance setting up new operations flying into Airport O' the Pines.
Personally, I think Walton County should throw its weight behind VPS as I believe it is a strong second candidate--but considering how the county is joined at the hip (or regions there abouts) with JOE, it appears they have no choice than to do what JOE says they will do.
__________________ But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop.(Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)
Southwest also failed to purchase those jets they were trying to buy, so maybe they don't have enough to fly at all. I'm trying to recall the number of acres which JOE owns in Okaloosa County. I think it is something like zero. Is that right?
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That could work, but someone would have to check if it is available. It is a good BET that the drama behind this Airport Wars will continue. Some lawyers, lobbyists and handlers are stretched thin right now.
(FYI for new to SoWal or the area, Ebro is the well known dog racing track in the area. Ebro, along with the new airport, were once within the original borders of Walton County. They could have just called it the Walton County International Airport. That would name it after a historical famous place and person. Or, it could be named the SoWal International Airport to get that southern beachy feel into the marketing mix. )
It gets confusing. Do I read correctly that Walton County Commissioner Scott Brannon says that the additional money being taxed to bring in a low cost carrier wasn't specifically for the NWFLPCIA? I was at the BCC meeting when the BCC approved the tax, and there seemed to be no question that it was specifically for the new airport. They had pitched it that Bay County had also contributed. If this Brannon is correct, then Walton County would be helping reduce those fairs even in P'cola.
I attended the meeting when the resolution was approved by the Walton County BCC, and while it may be worded that the additional bed-tax would be used to attract and support low cost air-fares such as $99 flights, there was specific mention that Bay County had already chipped in (and we all know that Bay County wouldn't be contributing to any other airport), and there was no question from any one in attendance at that meeting, that these funds would be going to any other airport, only to the new NWFLPCIA.
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I attended the meeting when the resolution was approved by the Walton County BCC, and while it may be worded that the additional bed-tax would be used to attract and support low cost air-fares such as $99 flights, there was specific mention that Bay County had already chipped in (and we all know that Bay County wouldn't be contributing to any other airport), and there was no question from any one in attendance at that meeting, that these funds would be going to any other airport, only to the new NWFLPCIA.
...so that then implys that they wrote a bogus resolution meaning, the BCC was intentionally trying to trick the public/businesses into believing they were in support of bringing a low cost carrier to the area when, in reality, they were colluding with the developers of the new airport to send a bunch of money their way.
__________________ But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop.(Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)
Not necessarily intentional deception by the BCC -- the resolution may simply have been vaguely written, which I doubt is uncommon. Lawyers and politicians like vagueness in the rules.
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Not necessarily intentional deception by the BCC -- the resolution may simply have been vaguely written, which I doubt is uncommon. Lawyers and politicians like vagueness in the rules.
"supporting low cost air service into the region at either Okaloosa County Airport or Bay County Airport."
this seems pretty specific to me, at least as to the where...they conveniently left out what criteria they might use to decide which one to choose...however. I tend to believe the members knew what they were going to do--as spoken by Brannon at the airport meeting--but rather than take a stand on it, they were just trying to pretend they were open to other possibilities...this kind of behavior happens all too often IMO.
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Yes, that is specific. However, that is not the language I recall being given in the BCC meeting. Perhaps that is what they signed, but that is not what I recall being presented at the meeting.
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Not necessarily intentional deception by the BCC -- the resolution may simply have been vaguely written, which I doubt is uncommon. Lawyers and politicians like vagueness in the rules.
I understood the resolution to be written by the TDC. I am pretty confident in my personal belief that they want SWA to go Bay County.
Nevermind. I found the item on the agenda of the BCC meeting which took place on Aug 11, 2009, but the minutes from that particular meeting are conveniently not available on the County's website, though they have every other meeting minutes posted.
Here is a link to the agenda item in detail, which addresses that it is to be used for our "region," not specifically Bay County airport, but if you didn't read this, it sure seemed to be pushed at the meeting as it would go toward the new airport.
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"Mommy, what is God's last name?" -- my 3-year old, inquisitive nephew
So first we raise taxes to bribe an airline to come to the airport - then do we raise taxes again to continue to subsidize that airline and keep fares low?
Given the levels of fraud and back room deals these politicians are regularly involved in, it's quite a red flag to me that they can't even commit to where millions of dollars are going to go.
Once again there is a lot of public money going to private companies ........... and the elected officials they have bought!
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So first we raise taxes to bribe an airline to come to the airport - then do we raise taxes again to continue to subsidize that airline and keep fares low?
...that's a scary propositon. Any airline that comes to NorthwestFloridaPanamaCityInternationalAirport will require mucho dinaro for years to make it break even on the deal.
__________________ But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop.(Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)
Official Minutes of the Aug 11 2009 BCC meeting from Clerk of Courts. It cuts through the chase and doesn't include the chatter about Bay County approving their 2 cent bed tax which will go directly to the new airport, and was approved in the week leading up to this meeting (if I correctly recall).
The official minutes:
Chairman Comander called to order the public hearing to consider an Ordinance (2009-11) imposing and levying an additional half percent Tourist Development Tax (1/2 Cent Tax) in the existing South Walton Sub-County Special Tax District.
Mr. Sonny Mares, TDC Director, requested that the Board adopt the Ordinance as presented. Commissioner L. Jones clarified that this Ordinance is the same as the Resolution (2009-54) that was approved in May. Mr. Mares confirmed.
Chairman Comander asked for public comment.
Mr. Bob Hudson, Walton County Tax Payer’s Association, expressed concerns regarding the Ordinance. He questioned why an airline has not been announced. Ms. Dawn Moliterno, Walton Area Chamber President and CEO, commented that the negotiations with the airlines are confidential, but several airlines are interested. She stated that their arrival to the area will be based on their timeliness, not Walton County’s. Mr. Hudson questioned if the available funds in the TDC operating budget could pay for this instead of increasing the tax at this time. Brief discussion continued regarding the fact that the funds in reserve are for emergency situations.
Mr. Bill Bard questioned how this is attracting a low cost airline and how the money will be spent. Ms. Moliterno clarified that money will not be given directly to the airline, but the funds will be used on marketing plans and advertising in new markets that we currently do not have.
Ms. Suzanne Harris, Edgewater Beach Condominiums, questioned how much money the TDC spent after Hurricane Ivan and Dennis. Mr. Mares did not have that information. She expressed concerns with collecting more money from tourists in order to have more in savings/reserves.
Chairman Comander closed public comment.
Motion by Commissioner Brannon, second by Commissioner L. Jones, to approve Ordinance (2009-11) as presented. Ayes 5, Nays 0. Comander Aye, Brannon Aye, L. Jones Aye, Pridgen Aye, C. Jones Aye.
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"Mommy, what is God's last name?" -- my 3-year old, inquisitive nephew
...that's a scary propositon. Any airline that comes to NorthwestFloridaPanamaCityInternationalAirport will require mucho dinaro for years to make it break even on the deal.
Official Minutes from the May 11, 2009 BCC Meeting May 11, 2009 - Regular Meeting
Prepared by: Tina Earley:
Quote:
Mr. Mares requested adoption of Resolution (2009-54) requesting a ½ cent increase to the Tourist Development Tax. Mr. Maurice Gilbert, TDC Chairman, read aloud the resolution for approval. He stated that the TDC is a marketing and tourism development organization that has been affected enormously. We must seek more
markets to give the Bed Tax Collectors an opportunity to raise their occupancy level. TDC recommended an effective date of October 1, 2009, a sunset of the resolution after five consecutive years, and guarantee the collected funds will be placed in a separate
account to be used only for marketing and connection with opening new low cost airlines. Their discussion with the Tax Payers Association resulted in collaborate effort and productive input.
Chairman Comander asked Mr. Mares if the results of the resolution could be reviewed every twelve months. Mr. Mares stated that it would be difficult to show more than a moderate increase within the first year due to advertising and other costs. He briefly explained information regarding the calculations and estimations for Walton County in the future. Chairman Comander suggested coming back within the first year
with a marketing plan to show what has been done and how the money is spent. Mr.Mares agreed.
Chairman Comander asked for public comment.
Mr. Larry Gibson, Ms. Suzanne Harris, Ms. Mary Nielson, and Ms. Charlotte Flint spoke in opposition of the resolution as presented.
Mr. Mike Chouri, Mr. Leno Maldonado, Ms. Bonnie McQuiston, and Ms. Dawn Moliterno spoke in favor of the resolution as presented.
Discussion continued regarding the possible effects of the ½ cent increase in Tourist Development Tax.
Motion by Commissioner L. Jones, second by Commissioner Brannon, to adopt Resolution (2009-54) as presented. Ayes 5, Nays 0. Comander Aye, Brannon Aye, L. Jones Aye, Pridgen Aye, C. Jones Aye.
By the way, Dawn Moliterno was recently appointed (at the Oct 13, 2009 BCC meeting) to the new airport (in PCB) Board. I believe she is the Walton Area Chamber President. Two seats were given to Walton County.
Note the sunset in five years for this tax, and annual reviews of the data.
Also interesting is that the additional discussion was not recorded in the official minutes.
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"Mommy, what is God's last name?" -- my 3-year old, inquisitive nephew
Also interesting is that the additional discussion was not recorded in the official minutes.
....interesting, but not surprising.
Here's an article about the meeting from the Defuniak Herald. Maybe the BCC should just cut and paste it in their official minutes.
-------------------------------------
BED TAX TO INCREASE BY HALF-CENT IN OCTOBER
May 15th, 2009 | 0
By DOTTY NIST
In an effort to establish “The Beaches of South Walton” as a fly-to destination, in six months Walton County will begin collecting an additional “half- cent” in bed taxes on rental receipts from short-term accommodations in south Walton County.
The Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved the tourism tax increase at its May 11 regular meeting, in response to a request from South Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC) officials.
Sonny Mares, TDC executive director, and Maurice Gilbert, TDC chairman, presented the request. Gilbert commented on the “tremendous opportunity” for Walton County represented by the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport, which is now more than half-complete and scheduled to open in May 2010. The location of the 4,000-acre airport is the West Bay area, just a few miles from the Bay-Walton County line. Tourism officials and other community leaders are hopeful that the entry of at least one low-cost air carrier into the area will result from the airport opening. Gilbert said tourism officials have given pursuit of this opportunity high priority due to its potential to attract business to the local area.
The bed-tax increase was proposed as a funding means to promote Walton County’s beaches to areas outside the current market, composed predominantly of visitors who access the area by automobile, and to cooperatively market any new low-cost air service. The tourism officials reported research identifying a potential of 3.2 million households that could be targeted in such efforts by directing marketing just to four new areas. Bay County recently approved a one-cent (one percent) bed-tax increase for the same purpose.
Mares told the commissioners that Walton County needs the additional one percent in bed taxes because shifting existing funding from current marketing efforts would damage those efforts.
The resolution from the TDC that was presented to the commissioners stated the purpose of the increase as “supporting low cost air service into the region at either Okaloosa County Airport or Bay County Airport through promotion and advertising of Beaches of South Walton Tourism and such air service in new, developing markets.” However, there was no mention, either by the tourism officials or anyone else speaking at the May 11 meeting, of the Okaloosa County Airport or any specific air carrier other than Southwest Airlines.
More than two dozen people, including many tourism leaders and bed-tax collectors, stood when Mares asked for a show of support. Mares also presented the commissioners with letters supporting the half-cent increase, written by representatives of Hampton Inn & Suites, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Rosemary Beach, the Hilton Sandestin, Beach Rentals of South Walton, One Seagrove Place, Alys Beach, WaterColor, Seaside, and Resort Quest. Included was a resolution of support from the Walton County Chamber of Commerce, and Dawn Moliterno, chamber executive director/CEO commented that not one of her organization’s more than 1,300 members had indicated opposition to the increase.
Moliterno was of the opinion that the increase would result in more job opportunities in the local area. “We need to say yes to business and we need to say yes to Southwest,” she urged.
The Walton County Taxpayers Association (WCTA) had also gone on record in support of ” the initiative to partner with a low-cost airline which will open new markets and generate economic development for our entire coastal region,” as stated in a letter signed by association president Bob Hudson.
“The TDC exists to develop tourism, and a low-cost airline is a major step in tapping new markets,” Hudson’s letter added.
The WCTA’s support was the result of the recent addition of conditions to the imposition of the bed-tax increase, including the October 1 effective date, a sunset on the increase after a five-year period, and arrangements to escrow the new revenue for the specific purpose.
Hudson’s letter encouraged the TDC to “work toward eliminating this temporary tax earlier than five years, if possible.”
The letter added, “Should the low-cost airline deal not materialize, we would hope the sunset would expire immediately.”
Mares noted that more than a 54-percent occupancy rate had never been achieved for short-term accommodations in south Walton County. He saw the efforts toward a fly-to market as a means to boost occupancy.
A number of critics of the increase voiced their opinions.
“I feared this,” said Larry Gibson of Tops’l Resort, who was concerned that any tax increase on tourists would “ruin us.”
“How many people is this really going to put in hotels?” Gibson asked.
Suzanne Harris of Edgewater Beach Resort was of the opinion that the increase would not be needed if everyone who was supposed to be paying bed taxes were made to do so. (Martha Ingle, Walton County Clerk of Courts, later commented that a person on her staff is dedicated to collecting bed taxes from property owners who have not been paying them.) Harris warned that tourists were aware of plans for the increase and strongly opposed to it.
“It’s an insult to their intelligence,” Harris asserted.
She was very much in favor of Southwest Airlines and bringing them to the area but thought there were better ways to go about it.
“We need to look for an alternative,” agreed south Walton County resident and property owner Mary Nielson,
South Walton County resident Charlotte Flynt shuddered to think what tourist occupancy of more than 54 percent would be like. “We don’t have the infrastructure to handle it,” she told the commissioners.
“We all want Southwest Airlines,” countered Michael Chouri of the Sandestin Beach Hilton. Chouri told the BCC that the airline would not come to the area “unless you entice them,” adding that it will not be possible to do that without the bed-tax increase.
Citizen Bonnie McQuiston reasoned that, if one takes the position that more tourists are not needed, then there is no reason for a TDC. She added that if these efforts double or triple the occupancy rate, it may be necessary to sunset the increase sooner than the five-year period. She was upbeat about the possibility of Southwest Airline coming to the area, saying she was tired of paying more to fly on other airlines with service that was not up to Southwest’s standards.
District 3 Commissioner Larry Jones moved for approval on the half-cent increase with attached conditions, based on the 70-percent support of the measure among bed-tax collectors that Mares had indicated.
His motion was approved by unanimous vote.
------------------------------------------------------
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Official Minutes from the May 11, 2009 BCC Meeting May 11, 2009 - Regular Meeting
Prepared by: Tina Earley:
By the way, Dawn Moliterno was recently appointed (at the Oct 13, 2009 BCC meeting) to the new airport (in PCB) Board. I believe she is the Walton Area Chamber President. Two seats were given to Walton County.
Note the sunset in five years for this tax, and annual reviews of the data.
Also interesting is that the additional discussion was not recorded in the official minutes.
No I did not read all of this information, but the WCTA was told that if a low cost carrier was not secured for either of the airports, immediate steps would be taken to rescind the tax. We are watching and awaiting a decision so that we can take immediate steps to hold our officials accountable to their promises.
Personally, I figure between them, an upcoming election, and the four thousand email addresses I have, significant pressure can be exerted to have them follow through for a change.
And I had better not hear anything second hand from the TDC about my statements, you guys have my email address.
No I did not read all of this information, but the WCTA was told that if a low cost carrier was not secured for either of the airports, immediate steps would be taken to rescind the tax. We are watching and awaiting a decision so that we can take immediate steps to hold our officials accountable to their promises.
Personally, I figure between them, an upcoming election, and the four thousand email addresses I have, significant pressure can be exerted to have them follow through for a change.
And I had better not hear anything second hand from the TDC about my statements, you guys have my email address.
...I looked into my crystal ball and here's what I saw:
Headline: Southwest Gives Nod to Pensacola Regional Airport
TDC Speaking at BCC Meeting: Now that Pensacola has the edge of tourists flying into their area on Southwest, I think it's more important than ever to use this bed tax money to advertise Walton County....in addition to starting our marketing campaign in Pickensville, Alabama, Poduck Airline's hub city, we also need to buy full-page color spreads in the Wall Street Journal, Chicago Sun-Times and the Houston Chronicle. What's that....? Oh, yeah...sure, we know what was written in the resolution, but then those things don't mean anything, anyway...am I right Commissioner?...Am I right? <nudge-nudge wink-wink>
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__________________ But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop.(Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)
...I looked into my crystal ball and here's what I saw:
Headline: Southwest Gives Nod to Pensacola Regional Airport
TDC Speaking at BCC Meeting: Now that Pensacola has the edge of tourists flying into their area on Southwest, I think it's more important than ever to use this bed tax money to advertise Walton County....in addition to starting our marketing campaign in Pickensville, Alabama, Poduck Airline's hub city, we also need to buy full-page color spreads in the Wall Street Journal, Chicago Sun-Times and the Houston Chronicle. What's that....? Oh, yeah...sure, we know what was written in the resolution, but then those things don't mean anything, anyway...am I right Commissioner?...Am I right? <nudge-nudge wink-wink>
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I agree. Have always thought it would be Pensacola or VPS. PC has never had the traffic out of that airport and I do not believe someone like SWA is going to come in as a traffic builder. They strike me as the type that swoop in after the traffic has been established and bleed off the gravy leaving the less profitable routes to others. Sort of like a Walmart of the airways only with better customer service.
Bottom line, not enough people around PC to support the thing yet. Pensacola can draw from Mobile and Ft. Walton just as easy, creating a client base that will eclipse anything PC can do for years.
I agree. Have always thought it would be Pensacola or VPS. PC has never had the traffic out of that airport and I do not believe someone like SWA is going to come in as a traffic builder. They strike me as the type that swoop in after the traffic has been established and bleed off the gravy leaving the less profitable routes to others. Sort of like a Walmart of the airways only with better customer service.
Bottom line, not enough people around PC to support the thing yet. Pensacola can draw from Mobile and Ft. Walton just as easy, creating a client base that will eclipse anything PC can do for years.
Exactly...that's why it would be smarter for Walton County to "partner" with VPS vs. that new airport in the woods. "If" LUV believes this is the year to make a move to the panhandle <I'm not overly confident that it would be prudent at this time> they're going to opt for a place that CURRENTLY services both tourist AND business traffic. From either PNS or VPS, they can easily make the move to Panamacitybaycountyinternationalairport if or when tourist AND business traffic picks up 10-15 years down the road.
__________________ But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop.(Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)
shelly, thanks for posting Dotty's article from back in May. I recalled it just as she recalled. I will also add that though the article and the agenda does state the specific wording of the resolution, I don't recall hearing the reading of the resolution verbatim at the meeting, and as Dotty wrote:
Quote:
The resolution from the TDC that was presented to the commissioners stated the purpose of the increase as “supporting low cost air service into the region at either Okaloosa County Airport or Bay County Airport through promotion and advertising of Beaches of South Walton Tourism and such air service in new, developing markets.” However, there was no mention, either by the tourism officials or anyone else speaking at the May 11 meeting, of the Okaloosa County Airport or any specific air carrier other than Southwest Airlines.
So, anyone who attended the meeting without reading the resolution in advance, would have only a limited understanding of the resolution being presented at the public hearing.
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I don’t know how the wording of the Resolution is, but it was designated. There’s some questions to make sure that it went specifically for, not to undermine any of our other promotional or tourism, you know, endeavors on our driving market, but it was specifically for the airline and to the need to know and the need for the transportation of the future airport, so. I hope that answers your question. 
I’m not being disrespectful, I think it’s a great idea and I love 
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