The Breberd County Commission is open to the Westin Hotel Marketing Grant
A controversial proposal to give a major hotel company up to $ 30 million to market a new resort and conference center planned for Cocoa Beach It was almost shot down by the Brevard County Tourism Advisory BoardReceived a much chillier reception from the Commissioner of Brevard County.
Christine Zonka, Vice-Chairman Curt Smith, and Rita Prichette are all When they discussed it at a recent County Commission meeting on the issue of zoning, they were overly positive about the idea.
But he didn’t say he would definitely vote for the proposal when the possibility of voting reappeared at the July 19 meeting.
A fourth member, John Tobia, said he was “very skeptical” of the proposal of developer Driftwood Capital and would like to hear the recommendations of the Brevard County Tourism Development Council. Before he decides. Tobia wasn’t attending the committee where Driftwood gave the presentation, but he later watched the video of the meeting.
Most TDC members disagreed with Driftwood’s proposal and were able to formally vote at a special meeting on July 6 convened by TDC President Tom Hermannsen.
Advisory Board Opposition:The Tourism Council opposes giving $ 30 million in grants to market the Westin project at Cocoa Beach.
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The Tourism Development Council is an advisory board to the County Commission, and regardless of its decision, Driftwood can get what it wants with the support of three members of the County Commission. increase.
Prichett is the representative of the Tourism Development Council of the Brevard County Commission and seems to be the most supportive of this idea.
“I thought this was pretty creative,” Prichett said when the County Commission discussed driftwood proposals. “I thought it was a great idea.”
What is the hotel developer’s suggestion?
Driftwood Capital, which develops a $ 388 million Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa off state road A1A, has up to 3,000 in 30 years, starting with the hotel’s 5% tourism development tax on hotels in Brevard County. I want to spend $ 10,000. Room and other short-term rentals for your own marketing.
This marketing includes advertising the hotel and adjoining conference centers, as well as advertising Cocoa Beach and the Space Coast as a good place to host conventions and other business conferences.
The 502-room resort hotel and conference center features 11 dining options, a spa, 3 swimming pools, a fitness center, multiple retail stores, and high-rise parking that can accommodate approximately 800 vehicles. The complex also includes approximately 50,000 square feet of indoor conference space and approximately 70,000 square feet of outdoor conference space.
Most members of the Nine Tourism Development Council on May 25 opposed Driftwood’s proposal for both a $ 30 million grant and a proposed 30-year period. .. However, they did not vote formal at the meeting after Prichet and Driftwood officials encouraged them to spend more time answering their questions.
Driftwood is asking the county to spend up to $ 1 million annually for 30 years from the hotel’s tourism development tax collection for its marketing efforts. They say this includes marketing the Space Coast as a destination.
To receive the full $ 1 million a year, the hotel must generate at least $ 2 million from hotel tax. This is achievable, according to Driftwood officials. If a hotel does not reach that threshold in a particular year, Driftwood’s proposal requires that you receive 50% of what is generated for marketing.
Westin will replace Driftwood’s International Palms Resort, which will be demolished to give way to Westin.
Driftwood is replaced by a strong local lobbying team, including former Brevard County Commissioner Robin Fisher, former Brevard County lawyer Scott Knox, and lawyer / lobby activist Kendal Moore.
Driftwood Chief Financial Officer Glenn Wasserman presented a proposal to three county commissioners who attended the May 26 meeting, with “4½ star luxury” Westin “conventing the area.” I explained in detail how to “turn to the best destination”.
“We believe the project needs financial support from the county,” Wasserman said, adding that the county’s financial support for the project is important for Driftwood to attract investors. room.
What developers are looking for:Developers anger some by asking for $ 30 million in taxes to market the new Cocoa Beach Conference Center
Brevard County Commission seems positive about the proposal
Three county commissioners came across that they were very supportive of Driftwood’s proposal.
Prichett said the $ 30 million marketing grant to Driftwood “doesn’t hurt the county,” even though up to $ 30 million was spent marketing Driftwood after Driftwood replaced International Palms. Insisted. $ 1 million a year.
Prichett said he was “always looking for those opportunities” to attract more tourists to the Space Coast, but just before calling for a postponement of the vote, the Tourism Development Council “voted and shot down.” I was ready. “
“That is, this is all new dollars,” Prichett said. “This will be really good for the economy, and what I really like about it is that it’s not really a risk for the county. I like it now.”
Smith said he believes the Westin Project can bring to Cocoa Beach what the Fontembro Hotel has done to revitalize Miami Beach after the hotel opened in 1954.
“At this point, I think we’re taking the right step,” Smith said by advancing the proposal to the July agenda. “When I first heard it, I said:’Wow’. I just said:” It’s a game changer. “The ebb and flow of the tide pulls up all the ships, and that’s what it is. You can do it. “
“If someone can create a project that invests $ 300 million for me, we’ll hear what we can do as a committee or as a board to support them,” Zonka said. I don’t think this is about choosing a winner. A loser. “
“I’m not 100% on board right now, but so far I like what I’ve seen, and I like the idea of bringing something like this to Brevard County,” Zonka emphasized. did.
After the meeting, Wasserman said: We have repeatedly heard many comments from them that this project is a true game changer for the region and thereby justifies the county’s support. In short, thanks to the Commissioner’s open-minded attitude and willingness to explore this further, I look forward to seeing them again in July. “
Two speakers, hotel owner Bob Borger and former Cocoa Beach Mayor Janice Scott, opposed the proposal during a committee meeting.
Scott said the County Commission should not “choose winners and losers, or pick one entity out of another. We encourage you to seek TDC’s advice. They agree to do this. I haven’t. “
Boger said marketing for Space Coast tourism should stay within the county’s Tourism Board, without sucking money into a single hotel developer. Baugher is the owner or partner of four hotels in the Cocoa Beach / Cape Canaveral area and is under construction or under construction.
Dave Birman Is a business editor of Florida Today.. Contact Berman dberman@floridatoday.com.. twitter: @bydaveberman..
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The Breberd County Commission is open to the Westin Hotel Marketing Grant
Source link The Breberd County Commission is open to the Westin Hotel Marketing Grant
