What about a beverage tax to fund a community venue?

wrobert · 05-06-2009, 03:23 PM

Well? Maybe a 1% drink tax that way not only would the tourists but the locals in the area would help to fund a community venue for outdoor activities.

scooterbug44 · 05-06-2009, 03:29 PM

What do you mean by "community venue for outdoor activities"?

Gazebo, sports arena, etc.

incredible1 · 05-06-2009, 03:42 PM

Or maybe the TDC would allocate some of their bed tax that they would get back from filling the beds

goodwitch58 · 05-06-2009, 03:46 PM

what are you talking about? What is the need? Details/clarification, please.

wrobert · 05-07-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goodwitch58

what are you talking about? What is the need? Details/clarification, please.

I am talking about a beverage tax. The government, using the force of law, to take your money when you buy a beverage.

scooterbug44 · 05-07-2009, 10:04 AM

No, we want to know what community project you think we should build, we know your thoughts on any taxes.

wrobert · 05-07-2009, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

No, we want to know what community project you think we should build, we know your thoughts on any taxes.

I don't know. Some place where we things like the Jazz Festival could be done, weddings, outdoor bands and recreation. Maybe over at Helen McCall park? Next to the McDonald's that no one seems to want.

And I doubt you know my thoughts on taxes as most are very surprised when they actually ask me. I do believe government spending is out of control, but I realize that it takes money to do things, but what we need is a fair tax structure. The one we currently have in Florida is absurd, and then the legislature does not have the gumption to even start to fix the thing.

scooterbug44 · 05-07-2009, 03:40 PM

I would like to see anything new go by the OWC/331 Annex.

I think we're good on wedding venues etc. but a community center or designated festival ground could be a nice addition.

OR we could just use the existing venues and hand out prunes to the whiners.

FF 2 · 05-07-2009, 03:51 PM

Like the idea of the type of venues I am hearing here. I would hate to see something like the Convention Center in Okaloosa County, plus that venue should be private for reason of jobs and allowing private business to prosper, and employees. Sandestin and Seascape and the like have large venues for convetions. I like the idea for something over by the town center/ government center area. Outdoors would be nice.

passin' thru · 05-07-2009, 04:14 PM

an outdoor, designated festival area might be a very good idea, and the OWC/331 govt. center area seems like a good choice.

especially for music events, there's so much whining NIMBYism that it's hard to even consider producing/promoting such events here -- and we're all hungry for them, I believe, for cultural and business enrichment.

when the 4-laning is complete along 331 there, the traffic & parking issues should be manageable ... the current parking at the county facilities is a good start, and isn't in use nights & weekends.

scooterbug44 · 05-07-2009, 04:25 PM

It's all part of my master plan - if we have the Annex, the Library, the OWC, the school, and a Community Center or festival grounds in one area it can all be easily served by a public transportation system that goes around Sowal and from Defuniak.

And I figure between the spaces at the library, the school, the annex, additional parking lots, and a shuttle we could easily accommodate thousands of people.

Plus the Sheriff's Dept is right there for crowd control etc.

wrobert · 05-07-2009, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

It's all part of my master plan - if we have the Annex, the Library, the OWC, the school, and a Community Center or festival grounds in one area it can all be easily served by a public transportation system that goes around Sowal and from Defuniak.

And I figure between the spaces at the library, the school, the annex, additional parking lots, and a shuttle we could easily accommodate thousands of people.

Plus the Sheriff's Dept is right there for crowd control etc.

Great idea. I think the TDC is doing a feasibility study on this issue. We need to make sure that this is all considered.

goodwitch58 · 05-07-2009, 08:37 PM

good ideas. Robert, do you know who the TDC is asking about this?

Is there a community survey or something like that? a focus group?
opportunity for regular folks to have a say?

wrobert · 05-07-2009, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goodwitch58

good ideas. Robert, do you know who the TDC is asking about this?

Is there a community survey or something like that? a focus group?
opportunity for regular folks to have a say?

No idea. They do watch this message board though. I posted something on here earlier in the week and within 90 minutes they knew about it, corrected the miscommunication, and had someone call me to let me know. So, based on experience, I figure they know already.

Andy A. · 05-08-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

It's all part of my master plan - if we have the Annex, the Library, the OWC, the school, and a Community Center or festival grounds in one area it can all be easily served by a public transportation system that goes around Sowal and from Defuniak.

And I figure between the spaces at the library, the school, the annex, additional parking lots, and a shuttle we could easily accommodate thousands of people.

Plus the Sheriff's Dept is right there for crowd control etc.

It will never fly. Makes too much sense.

SWGB · 05-08-2009, 12:45 PM

Hmm, I've gotta ask what you're up to wrobert. If one of us proposed this you would point out almost immediately that we have a fair grounds already.

Is that garlic?

singinchicken · 05-08-2009, 01:40 PM

hey...HEY, HEY! Oh...that was too loud.

I personally object to taking my hard spent money and redirecting towards the non-drinking demographic for their benefit. I mean look at me! I have invested untold amounts of potential tax money. I think it should go into a fund for Sowal parties like the one where this shot was taken.

Oh...how we could laugh and laugh!

This was at BB's last "Pretty in Pink" party. The girls were SO nice to me. They dressed me up in beautiful clothes and put lots of makeup on me just like the girls wear.

Now, that's money well spent!

Can somebody drive me home? I can't find the floor...

BWA HA HA HA HA!!!

wrobert · 05-08-2009, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWGB

Hmm, I've gotta ask what you're up to wrobert. If one of us proposed this you would point out almost immediately that we have a fair grounds already.

Is that garlic?

The fairgrounds is in DeFuniak. And while legislatively considered a public purpose which allows the BCC to spend tax dollars on them, fair associations are private entities.

I am just trying to get a feel for people's thoughts on things. When that new noise ordinance passes next week, there is going to be a great need for a public venue in the area.

SWGB · 05-09-2009, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrobert

The fairgrounds is in DeFuniak. And while legislatively considered a public purpose which allows the BCC to spend tax dollars on them, fair associations are private entities.

I am just trying to get a feel for people's thoughts on things. When that new noise ordinance passes next week, there is going to be a great need for a public venue in the area.

Wow, the conservative split has really "trickled down".

Winnie · 05-09-2009, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrobert

The fairgrounds is in DeFuniak. And while legislatively considered a public purpose which allows the BCC to spend tax dollars on them, fair associations are private entities.

I am just trying to get a feel for people's thoughts on things. When that new noise ordinance passes next week, there is going to be a great need for a public venue in the area.

Why? Will it be easier/less expensive to host an event that is loud at a new venue than to seek a permit for the event at an existing establishment?

I've been out of town much of this year, maybe I am misunderstanding the new noise ordinance. If there is already a thread devoted to the topic, please direct me. Thanks!

Regarding your original question, I am against a drink tax for this purpose.

idlewind · 05-10-2009, 01:41 PM

A multi-purpose facility that could host sporting events/concerts/festivals would be a great economic boost to the area. A quasi-governmental body could be organized to build/operate it.

Interested Girl · 05-10-2009, 04:07 PM

I think a 40% tax would be appropriate. $5.00 beer plus $2.00 local beverage tax sounds agreeable to me. Why not ?