Submitted By: Amy Casaletto
presenter
Presentation By: Tammi Haslam
end
Department: Recreation and Parks
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
title
Adopt Budget Resolution 2024-128 amending the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget to accept and appropriate a Tourism Enhancement grant from the Marion County Tourist Development Council for the Fourth of July drone show event in the amount of $20,000
end
OCALA'S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
body
BACKGROUND:
The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will host an inaugural Fourth of July drone show event Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Tuscawilla Park.
On March 12, 2024, the City applied for a Tourism Enhancement grant from the Marion County Tourist Development Council (TDC) to pay for advertising, event signage, production and entertainment expenses, and potential broadcast/live stream of the event. On March 28, 2024, the TDC approved a $20,000 grant award to the City of Ocala for the Fourth of July drone show event which was awarded on April 16, 2024, by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners.
The event will feature live entertainment, including a performance by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, as well as a variety of activities for kids and demonstrations honoring veterans. In lieu of traditional fireworks, the drone show is expected to draw an estimated 10,000 visitors due to the unique nature of the event in the region. The event will be marketed locally through the Ocala Recreation and Parks social media and website, local print publications, radio stations, and billboards. The grant from the TDC will provide the City with additional funds to support costs for entertainment and production as well as provide funds to promote the event at a regional level.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
The grant will allow the City to enhance the quality of the event and promote the event on a regional level, maximizing overall exposure and visitation in keeping with the TDC...
Click here for full text