Submitted By: Amy Casaletto
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Presentation By: Preston Pooser
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Department: Recreation and Parks
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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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
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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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 May 7, 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’s mission to, "Promote Tourism for Marion County."
FISCAL IMPACT:
The $20,000 grant will be used by the Recreation and Parks Department pay for advertising, event signage, production, and entertainment expenses for the Fourth of July drone show event. Funds will be budgeted in account #001-051-114-574-57-52010.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement has been reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Adopt with Changes
• Table
• Deny
SUPPORT MATERIALS:
REC 240597 Fourth of July drone show funding agreement (PDF)
BUDGET RESOLUTION 2024-128
A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 BUDGET TO ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE A TOURISM ENHANCEMENT GRANT FROM MARION COUNTY FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY DRONE SHOW EVENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000
WHEREAS, in keeping with the City’s goal of quality of place, the City of Ocala will host a Fourth of July drone show event as an inaugural community patriotic event in Tuscawilla Park; and
WHEREAS, on March 12, 2024, the City applied for a Tourism Enhancement Grant from the Marion County Tourist Development Council for the Fourth of July drone show event; and
WHEREAS, on March 28, 2024, the Tourist Development Council approved a $20,000 grant award to the City of Ocala for the Fourth of July drone show event; and
WHEREAS, on May 7, 2024, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved a grant award to the City of Ocala; and
WHEREAS, the funding will be used to support costs for entertainment and production as well as provide funds for marketing to promote the event at a regional level to enhance participation and visitation to Ocala/Marion County.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, duly assembled in regular session, that the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget be amended to appropriate funding as follows:
SOURCE:
001-337-000-000-07-33275 Designated Gifts -Tourist Development Council $20,000
USE:
001-051-114-574-57-52010 Special Services - July Fourth Event - Operating $20,000
This resolution adopted this ______ day of ______________________, 2024.
ATTEST: CITY OF OCALA
By: By:
Angel B. Jacobs Barry Mansfield
City Clerk President, Ocala City Council
Approved as to form and legality:
By: _________________________________
William E. Sexton
City Attorney
Reviewed for accounting accuracy & completeness:
By: _________________________________
Peter A. Lee
City Manager