Submitted By: Matthew Grow
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Presentation By: Matthew Grow
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Department: Aviation
FORMAL TITLE:
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Agreement for Professional Services with JLC AirShow Management, LLC for the production and management of the Wings Over Ocala, Florida Airshow at Ocala International Airport
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
Staff has negotiated a proposed Agreement for Professional Services with JLC AirShow Management, LLC (JLC) for the organization, production, execution, and management of the “Wings Over Ocala, Florida Airshow” at Ocala International Airport (KOCF).
The proposed agreement contemplates an inaugural event scheduled for April 30 through May 2, 2027, with additional spring events anticipated in 2028 and 2029. The agreement also provides flexibility for the event to begin earlier, depending on the availability of the military jet team.
Under the agreement, JLC would serve as the exclusive professional airshow management entity responsible for coordinating and conducting the event, including performer procurement, event operations, sponsorships, ticketing, marketing, concessions, sanitation, fencing, insurance, and related activities. JLC is specifically responsible for all event parking, off site parking, shuttles, and traffic management at its own expense.
The City would provide the venue, coordinate emergency management and public safety support services, assist with permitting and operational coordination, and support event promotion through existing tourism and marketing channels.
The agreement anticipates support from the Marion County Tourist Development Council as a title sponsor in the amount of $100,000 annually for each contract year.
Airshows have historically generated substantial economic impact for host communities through hotel stays, restaurant activity, fuel sales, tourism exposure, and increased community engagement. Staff believes the proposed event would further position Ocala International Airport and the Ocala/Marion County region as a premier aviation and tourism destination.
The Marion County Tourism Board developed an Event Impact Summary (EIS) that assumes with 19,688 visitors, the event would generate an estimated $4.5M in direct business sales, support 1,824 jobs, and direct tax receipts of $116,992. The complete report is attached.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Staff has reviewed the proposed agreement and believes the partnership with JLC AirShow Management, LLC provides the City with an opportunity to host a professionally managed regional airshow while promoting tourism, aviation, and economic development throughout the community.
The proposed agreement term begins upon execution by all parties and continues through December 2029. Additionally, the agreement provides JLC AirShow Management, LLC with a first right of refusal for a successive three-year renewal term, subject to mutual written agreement by both parties.
The agreement provides for communication with/to JLC related to projected airport construction/improvement projects and that those projects “may permit JLC and OCALA to declare a Contract Year void and of no further effect.” Additionally, the agreement permits either party with 60 days’ written notice to terminate a contract year (subject to provisions). It also gives the City termination rights if JLC defaults, management or personnel changes significantly, or if the City determines in its sole discretion that the event should not take place.
Staff recommends approval of the Agreement for Professional Services with JLC AirShow Management, LLC for the Wings Over Ocala, Florida Airshow at Ocala International Airport.
The Airport Advisory Board supports the event.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The proposed agreement includes anticipated support from the City of Ocala associated with airport facility use, aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) services, emergency medical services (EMS), law enforcement support, traffic (not parking) control, and event coordination. Additional City costs may include staffing, facility preparation, and public works support associated with the event. Current estimates from Ocala Police and Ocala Fire are approximately $23,175 and $15,000, respectively, for a combined estimated cost of $38,175. These costs will be covered by the Airport Fund. Additional City costs may include staffing, facility preparation, and public works support associated with the event.”
The agreement also anticipates annual sponsorship support from the Marion County Tourist Development Council in the amount of $100,000 per contract year, subject to Tourist Development Council approval and funding availability. This sponsorship funding is provided to support JLC’s event production and operations.
While the exact City cost impacts will vary depending on the scope of each annual event, staff anticipates that a substantial portion of public safety and operational expenses may be offset through the revenue sharing formula provided for within the agreement. JLC collects all event revenues and after deducting reasonable, necessary and documented event-production expenses the net event revenue is distributed:
• $0-$300,000: 100% to JLC
• Above $300,000: 70% to JLC / 30% to the City.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These services were procured in compliance with the City’s procurement policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement has been/ reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny