Tourist Council Recommendation Critical To Future Of Program

The Highlands County Tourist Development Council will hold a workshop - perhaps the most important session in two years - today in Sebring.

The issue is the direction of the tourism program and more specifically how will the council replace former Tourism Director Jim Brantley. Brantley left the full-time position in September, but is continuing to work as a consultant for the county.

No decision will be made today. The council will make a recommendation to the Highlands County Commission.

The commissioners will ultimately decide what happens, but it is likely that they will follow the council's recommendation. That is why the workshop is so critical.

The council will discuss three options.

One option is having Louise England, the executive director of the Highlands County Economic Development Commission, expand her role and become responsible for the tourism program.
The dual role for England was suggested by Highlands County Administrator Carl Cool. However, it is not known if she even is interested in it. England hasn't said much about it, wanting to learn more specifics and then discussing it with the EDC board of directors.

If she is interested, will she want more money? Wouldn't you expect your salary to increase if you were given more responsibility?

What about the building that houses the tourism office and the two staff members working there?
The second option is to continue operating the tourism program the way it has been for the past two years and either hire a replacement for Brantley as a county employee or as a contractor.

The third option is a request from the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce. The chamber sent a letter to the council to consider "outsourcing the management and operation of the TDC through a RFP (request for proposal)."

There are questions relating to the other options as well. The council needs to be inquisitive and thorough in examining the options and possibly others.

For those who have any thoughts about the hospitality industry in the county, this will be the time to express them.

The workshop will begin at 8:15 a.m. in Room 3 at the Highlands County Agri-Civic Center, located at the corner of U.S. 27 and George Boulevard.