Latest news with #MattAlgarin
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Walton County TDC pulls support for local PGA golf event
WALTON COUNTY, Fla (WMBB) – The idea of a PGA tournament in Walton County is on shaky ground. The county's Tourist Development Council backed it in April. But now, TDC board members say the price tag is too steep. PGA Officials originally proposed a five-year title sponsorship agreement starting at $6 million, with a 5% escalator each year. The total cost would be roughly $35 million. Walton County considers $35 million investment for 2026 PGA tournament 'You know, $30 plus million is, you know, very much a large amount of money to to dedicate to anything, you know, whether it's a PGA Tour, whether it's, you know, concerts, whatever that may be, you know, that's just a lot of money,' Walton County Tourism Director Matt Algarin said. PGA representative Charles Hamrick told commissioners the county would receive promotional ads and extensive media coverage that could mean millions for Walton County's tourism industry. Commissioners asked the TDC to look for sponsors to help underwrite the county's costs. They also asked Hamrick to explore a shorter contract to lower costs. The PGA agreed to shorten the contract, but won't negotiate the price. TDC board members unanimously voted to withdraw their support. Walton County's TDC looks to reinstate executive director 'This year, we've seen almost a 10% decrease in tourist development taxes. I'm concerned and the council is concerned about having to be required to spend $6 million plus over the next couple of years without really understanding what we have in the reserves, should a catastrophic storm occur, and being able to rebuild our community,' TDC Treasurer Tiffany Edwards said. TDC board members will meet with commissioners to explain their recommendation against the tournament. The final decision will be in the hands of county commissioners It will take four of the five commissioners to add the golf tournament to the Tourist Development Plan. The tournament is on the June 23rd commission meeting agenda. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Style Blueprint
3 days ago
- General
- Style Blueprint
Free Day-Use Returns to 30A State Parks
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit If you've been dreaming of a summer filled with sun-soaked trails, pristine beaches, and peaceful coastal dune lakes, you're in luck. Walton County Tourism has announced the return of its popular Free Day-Use Admission Program for two of its most cherished 30A state parks: Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Through Labor Day (September 1, 2025), visitors and residents can enjoy complimentary access to these two outdoor destinations. This initiative, designed to promote eco-tourism and encourage deeper exploration of the region's natural assets, marks the 11th year for Topsail Hill and the ninth for Grayton Beach. And it's the perfect excuse to slow down and savor the untouched beauty that sets this stretch of the Gulf Coast apart. Pin Nestled along the iconic 30A corridor, both parks offer a retreat into Florida's wild, serene landscapes. Grayton Beach State Park, consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the U.S., boasts sugar-white sand, rare coastal dune lakes, and a network of hiking and biking trails that wind through pine flatwoods and scrub oaks. A sunrise paddle on Western Lake or a quiet walk through the dunes reveals a side of 30A that's refreshingly peaceful and wild. Just a few miles west, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park offers over 1,600 acres of natural splendor, including three miles of unspoiled beachfront, towering sand dunes, and lush forests. It's a haven for hikers, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking a quiet escape from the bustle of beach crowds. Don't miss the tram ride from the parking lot to the beach — a family favorite and fun way to start your park day! These parks are more than scenic backdrops; they're a vital part of Walton County's identity. 'Our state parks are hidden gems in Walton County, and being able to showcase their majesty through this program is tremendous,' says Matt Algarin, tourism director for Walton County. 'We encourage our visitors and residents to explore our state parks and experience our community in a new way.' Pin The free entry program aligns with Walton County's broader efforts to spotlight eco-tourism and sustainable travel. Whether it's a morning hike through a longleaf pine forest, an afternoon shelling stroll along the shore, or a family picnic under a shady pavilion, these parks offer meaningful ways to connect with the land and make summer memories. So, grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and make the most of this opportunity to explore two of Florida's most treasured outdoor spaces — all summer long, and free of charge. ********** To stay in the know on the best of the South, subscribe to our daily emails! About the Author Dallas Jackson A resident of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Dallas is passionate about brand-building, sports, and life on 30A.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
House Bills threaten tourism development councils funding
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Florida House Bills 7033 and 1221 could be a huge problem for tourism development councils. If approved, they would force 75% of tourist development tax revenue to be used as a property tax credit, eliminating funding for tourism promotion, marketing, and tourism facilities. 'That's really kind of what some of this legislation is looking to do would just be to change the allowable usage of the TDT to fund other things within the county,' Walton County Tourism Director Matt Algarin said. It could even dissolve local tourism development councils, like Walton County's. TDC members argue that they do more than promote local tourism. They also fund community services like beach maintenance, restoration, and public services. 'Tourism in Walton County supports more than 30,000 jobs and has an economic impact of almost $5 billion. You know, this is huge for our community. It puts our residents to work. It saves our residents taxpayer dollars just because of the amount of spending that's generated from our visitors,' Algarin said. Politicians who support the bills say they want to cut property taxes, and diverting tourism money could accomplish that goal. But Algarin says residents would likely face new local taxes to make up for the lost tourist development tax revenue. 'If the county had to generate an additional $60 million in revenue to pay for everything that was, you know, funded through TDT dollars, could it, and you know, that's really not a realistic possibility,' Algarin said. Algarin says they would have to raise the property tax millage rate by 1.5 mills to make up for the lot bed taxes, which are paid by tourists, not locals. 'An important reminder is, you know, the things that are funded by the TDT tax that are not funded out of general revenue are not necessarily funded by our taxpayers,' Algarin said. House members have already passed House Bills 7033 and 1221, which would require voters to renew bed taxes every eight years. The Senate is still debating its two companion Bills 7034 and 1664. Legislation session was scheduled to end this Friday, but neither the House or Senate can agree on a final budget to send to the governor. It's unclear how long that might take. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
