Commission Removes Tourism Funding Limits

St. Johns County tourism development efforts are getting a tax break, but not the usual kind.

County commissioners unanimously approved a recommendation from the Tourist Development Council to remove funding limits in the county’s official Tourist Development Plan.

Tera Meeks, director of tourism and cultural development, said the limits were written into the original plan adopted in 2011.

“The ordinance has since been modified several times,” Meeks said at a Commission meeting earlier this month.

Saying the limits – on debt service for the St. Augustine Amphitheater, Nights of Lights programs, firework displays on New Year’s Eve and July 4, for the Players golf tournament and money to operate three visitor information centers – the issue was discussed by the TDC in June with a recommendation for removal.

Meeks said removing the limits will increase spending by $255,000 in Category 4 – one of five categories in the Tourist Development Plan that receive funding. The other categories include marketing, arts, culture and heritage, leisure and recreation and beach assets.

Commissioner Christian Whitehurst asked Meeks to clarify “the source of the money” used for tourism development “to eliminate any confusion.”

Meeks said the county levies a 5% tourist development tax on short-term accommodations at local hotels, motels, campgrounds and other short-term rental properties. She said the county collects “roughly $25 million a year” and all of the funds must be used for a tourism-related purpose.

During public comment St. Augustine Beach City Manager Max Royle spoke in favor of removing the spending limits.

“TDC money particularly has benefited my city in terms of Nights of Lights and the fireworks show,” he said. “It is extremely important for us to have continued funding for those purposes.”