Tourist Development Council - October 12, 2026

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting on October 12, 2026, considered tourism promotion, airport and infrastructure updates, and visitor and sports-tourism activity. The council unanimously approved a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners for $35,000 in one-year support for the Florida–Florida State Legacy Weekend watch party at Sutton Park, a fundraiser for RISE youth initiatives expected to draw 2,000–4,000 attendees. This was a funding recommendation, not a contract award. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport reported approximately $78 million in planned improvements, including a parking garage expected to enter design in January, along with electrical, emergency-operations, generator, and airfield work; no procurement approvals or contract awards were presented.

The council also discussed possible use of tourist development tax revenue for the City of Holmes Beach tide-valve replacement and other infrastructure projects. Such use was described as legally allowable subject to an independent study, with consideration suggested during the upcoming two-year budget process; no decision or funding action was taken. Sports-tourism staff reported 57-plus events and an estimated $311 million in economic impact for the prior fiscal year, and discussed future event incentives and facility opportunities. No vendor selections or bid approvals were identified.